If your New York-bound clients want to see more of the area than just the city, Gothamist has a great list of local attractions that are all within an easy two-hour commute of Manhattan—perfect for day trips.
Art
Head up the Hudson River Valley to Dia:Beacon, home to the Dia Art Foundation's collection of art from the 1960s to present. An hour ride from Grand Central Terminal, the institution has a permanent collection from some of the most prolific artists from the last century, as well as temporary exhibitions, installations, public education programs, and plenty of room to display it all in. 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508
Mountainville, NY is home to the Storm King Art Center, a massive sculpture park (with works by Richard Serra and Alexander Calder) that is ideal for a picnic. Old Pleasant Hill Road, Mountainville, NY 10953
Outdoor
Head out to Smithtown, Long Island, and rent a kayak or canoe from Nissequogue River Canoe & Kayak Rentals to cruise the 5.5 miles of the Nissequogue River, surrounded by marsh and wildlife at its best. Paul T. Given County Park, Rtes 25 & 25A, Smithtown, NY 11787
Food & Wine
Head north to Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery in the foothills of the Hudson Valley, where guests can try different wines and one dessert wine in the tasting room and then head over to the rustic winery's Pané Bakery Café to sample from the seasonal menu of fresh made artisan pizzas and fancy sandwiches. Guests can also pair wine, cider, or spirits with cheeses and cured meats, and then head out to the patio to listen to the free live music hosted Saturday and Sundays from 2-5 p.m. Bonus: Apple and pear picking starts up again in the fall. 114 Little York Road, Warwick, New York 10990
And families will want to explore the Valley Shepherd Creamery in Long Valley, NJ, where they can watch the cheese-making process from beginning to end, starting with the milking of the sheep and ending with a sampling of the cheese. Bonus: Guests can also try a lunch of fresh bread and cheese from the farm store. 50 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley, NJ 07853