Driving distance from NJ

[Imzadi]

I looked into some of the other options suggested here, rocking hourse ranch will be 399 a night

I wouldn't stay AT the ranch. There are plenty of hotels/motels in the area to stay at within a 15-20 minute driving distance. If you need help, PM, I know that whole area like the back of my hand. If you drive across the bridge to Poughkeepsie/Wappinger Falls, 15 minutes away, the prices on that side of the Hudson go down dramatically, and you will get less of the "leaves changing" tourists. And if you have points at any hotel/motel, there is probably a chain in Poughkeepsie or up in Kingston, also 15 min north via the Thruway.

As for staying in NYC, northern NJ is only a half hour away. Why not just do two DAY trips, instead of staying over in a high priced hotel? Maybe be more palatable for hubby to have you home at night. And DD can sleep in the car on the drive back and sleep and wake up in her own bed. No offense, but at 4 yrs old, she's not going to remember the hotel part of the trips. Stay in cheaper places or at home.

 

[Imzadi]

Believe it or not I just finished cleaning one of my mother's tchotchkes she acquired from there. Back then it was more for adults than families. She also has souvenir glasses from the Playboy Hotel in Jersey. Brings back memories of places I've never been to but know made my mom happy to be at.

 

[la79al]

I would just keep it low key, closer to home. At 4 she would still get a kick out of a hotel with an indoor pool and getting her nails done. Find a hotel near a Disney store and take her on a mini shopping spree for herself and the baby.

 

[mjkacmom]

I wouldn't stay AT the ranch. There are plenty of hotels/motels in the area to stay at within a 15-20 minute driving distance. If you need help, PM, I know that whole area like the back of my hand. If you drive across the bridge to Poughkeepsie/Wappinger Falls, 15 minutes away, the prices on that side of the Hudson go down dramatically, and you will get less of the "leaves changing" tourists. And if you have points at any hotel/motel, there is probably a chain in Poughkeepsie or up in Kingston, also 15 min north via the Thruway.

As for staying in NYC, northern NJ is only a half hour away. Why not just do two DAY trips, instead of staying over in a high priced hotel? Maybe be more palatable for hubby to have you home at night. And DD can sleep in the car on the drive back and sleep and wake up in her own bed. No offense, but at 4 yrs old, she's not going to remember the hotel part of the trips. Stay in cheaper places or at home.

Or take public transportation, DH commuted to the city for more than 10 years, so when the kids were little he didn’t understand why I would suggest the bus, train or ferry instead of driving in and parking on a weekend, getting there was part of the fun!

 

[Imzadi]

Rocking Horse Ranch, Lancaster?

I'm talking about the one in NY. I wasn't aware there is another one. This is like mentioning the beach in Ocean City, only to find there is one in NJ and another one in Delaware and people always need clarification as to which one is being discussed. (Not suggesting either of those places for Oct.)

 

[NJlauren]

I wouldn't stay AT the ranch. There are plenty of hotels/motels in the area to stay at within a 15-20 minute driving distance. If you need help, PM, I know that whole area like the back of my hand. If you drive across the bridge to Poughkeepsie/Wappinger Falls, 15 minutes away, the prices on that side of the Hudson go down dramatically, and you will get less of the "leaves changing" tourists. And if you have points at any hotel/motel, there is probably a chain in Poughkeepsie or up in Kingston, also 15 min north via the Thruway.

As for staying in NYC, northern NJ is only a half hour away. Why not just do two DAY trips, instead of staying over in a high priced hotel? Maybe be more palatable for hubby to have you home at night. And DD can sleep in the car on the drive back and sleep and wake up in her own bed. No offense, but at 4 yrs old, she's not going to remember the hotel part of the trips. Stay in cheaper places or at home.

Ah! Just go to the area by rocking horse.... way better!

DD loves hotels and frankly if I’m alone with DD all day a close place to crash, and not driving home will be amazing! I want to make it a mini get away just to have some time with her one on one while not worrying about home stuff, laundry, cleaning, sibling, etc.

We do a ton of one on one stuff now and did an amazing day last year for my moms birthday, but I just worry going from an only child to having a sibling is going to be an adjustment so was hoping to get some special one on one time with her on this day again this year and thought a night or two away might be a great touch.

 

[NJlauren]

Or take public transportation, DH commuted to the city for more than 10 years, so when the kids were little he didn’t understand why I would suggest the bus, train or ferry instead of driving in and parking on a weekend, getting there was part of the fun!

I commute to the city every day! If we do the city I would still want to stay over.

 

[NJlauren]

I would just keep it low key, closer to home. At 4 she would still get a kick out of a hotel with an indoor pool and getting her nails done. Find a hotel near a Disney store and take her on a mini shopping spree for herself and the baby.

Hotel pools are a huge selling point with her!

 

[Imzadi]

Ah! Just go to the area by rocking horse.... way better!

Yes, that's why I said to book the hotel (around there) early.

Hotel pools are a huge selling point with her!

Call the hotel before booking to make sure the pool is working. And check out TripAdviser.com for reviews on the hotels AND the pool.

 

[AppleDumpling]

I am not going to lie it may be a hard sell to DH, he is going to be pretty upset at the thought of us going with out him. However I would love to do it, but am considering other ideas incase it’s a no go.

While it’s great to spend one-on-one time with your DD, to be honest, from DH’s perspective, I wouldn’t like the WDW scenario either. You and DD would be off having fun together, while he’s at home with a newborn/infant. Not that he shouldn’t be able to handle a night (or a few) alone with his child, but if it were me, I’d feel more comfortable staying closer to home.

 

[AnnaS]

Def looking into rocking horse ranch, but it’s pricey for 2 days with half the family.

Yes, it is. It's a cruise on land. All is included.

 

[NJlauren]

Yes, it is. It's a cruise on land. All is included.

It’s on my list of vacations, but thinkingn maybe not for this trip....

 

[AnnaS]

I'm talking about the one in NY. I wasn't aware there is another one. This is like mentioning the beach in Ocean City, only to find there is one in NJ and another one in Delaware and people always need clarification as to which one is being discussed. (Not suggesting either of those places for Oct.)

I was/meant to give two different locations of getting away - Rocking Horse Ranch in NY and Lancaster, PA (Dutch Wonderland, Strasburg Railroad)

 

[TheIncredibles!]

I commute to the city every day! If we do the city I would still want to stay over.

What about doing a Weehawken hotel with a view? You can take the ferry across for some fun. Have you done Liberty Science Center yet with her? The Statue etc?

 

[NJlauren]

What about doing a Weehawken hotel with a view? You can take the ferry across for some fun. Have you done Liberty Science Center yet with her? The Statue etc?

We are members at liberty science center and go a bit, but have not done the statue yet!