This summer I'll be working in the Hudson Valley. If you've never made your way up to the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, I highly recommend it. People often picnic on the grounds before the shows, because the view from there is incredible:
It's only an hour north of New York City by car or by train. You can take Metro North's Hudson line up to Cold Spring and have a beautiful view of the river the entire time. People often make the trip for the great hiking as well, like Breakneck Ridge for example:
But best of all you can see some really great theater in a really great location. This year I'll be in PRIDE & PREJUDICE as well as THE GENERAL FROM AMERICA. Come check it out!