Warwick listed among 10 best weekend getaways in America

WARWICK — According to StyleCaster, a national online social network where people connect with each other to share content and get recommendations from peers and experts around the world, weekend getaways can be a convenient and much less stressful ordeal than a planned vacation.

And if you visit its Web site at www.stylecaster.com and go to the affiliated Website, The Vivant/Travel, you will find a list of the 10 best weekend getaway options in the United States.

The list, complete with photos and travel tips, includes popular destinations such as Laguna Beach, California; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Palm Beach, Florida; and Warwick, New York.

All were selected for their scenic beauty and attractions as well as being within a reasonable driving distance from a major city.

"We are thrilled that Warwick is on this nationwide list," said Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce. "This New York City based company is very well known and respected. It just put us on the map."

Johndrow was not aware of the criteria that were used in the selection but he pointed out that the Web site specifically suggests Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery and the Warwick Drive-In Movie Theater in its suggested itinerary. Both are well-known weekend destinations in the metropolitan area and both have frequently visited Web sites.

The chamber's Tourism Initiative and its Web site (www.discoverwarwickvalley.com), along with the popularity of Applefest, may have also played a role in the selection.

Nevertheless, with more than seven million monthly visitors to the StyleCaster media group, the inclusion should be a plus for the local economy.

- Roger Gavan