Fly to Burlington, Vermont

Escape route: Hop on a morning flight out of JFK, La Guardia, or Newark, and you'll be in Burlington, Vermont, a chill university town on the shores of Lake Champlain, in just over an hour.

Make a day of it: Go for a walk or bike ride on the lakefront (bike rental from North Star Sports). As you take in the fabulous views of the Adirondacks, remind yourself that you were fighting for a taxi in midtown just a few hours ago. Once you've worked up an appetite, head to eco-chic Magnolia Bistro, a restaurant with a passion for local produce that's loved by Burlington's veggies and carnivores alike. Sample Vermont cheeses (in an omelet served with apple) or local pork (barbecued and served with coleslaw), and wash your meal down with a beer from the area. Pedestrian-only Church Street Marketplace is perfect for an afternoon browse of local shops, such as the new and used books at the Crow Bookshop and handmade gifts at Danforth Pewter. But be warned: After watching the sweet things being made at Lake Champlain Chocolates, resisting the truffles is futile.

Perfect ending: Bed down at Willard Street Inn (pictured), a quaint Victorian B&B with lake views and a central location minutes from Church Street. If chintz and antique furniture aren't your thing, we bet the reasonable room rates will be.—Nicola McCormack

North Star Sports
100 Main Street
Tel: 802 863 3832
Bike rental, $18 an hour

Magnolia Bistro
1 Lawson Lane
Tel: 802 846 7446

Crow Bookshop
14 Church Street
Tel: 802 862 0848

Danforth Pewter
111 Church Street
Tel: 802 860 7135

Lake Champlain Chocolates
65 Church Street
Tel: 802 864 1808

Willard Street Inn
349 South Willard Street
Tel: 800 577 8712

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