Five minutes in a bustling café in downtown Manhattan is enough to make any writer put down their pen in frustration, but for those who know where to look the city and its neighboring islands can become a soothing sanctuary. Here are three spots recommended by New York City-based writers to help any scribe or general seeker of peace on their quest for concentration.
1. Montauk, Long Island
Who: Farryn Weiner, former Jetsetter editor and current global director of digital & social communications at Michael Kors
Where: Montauk, Long Island, montaukchamber.com
Why: For a weekend-long escape, Farryn loves “the quiet charm of Montauk. It’s got a chill, surf culture, balmy beaches, the best lobster rolls south of Maine and two hot-spots in case I feel like taking a break from blogging. Surf Lodge is an ideal spot for writing by day, and mingling by night.”
Wifi: Yes
How to get there: Take the Long Island Rail Road to Montauk. Consult oM’s public transit guide to Long Island.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
2. Wave Hill, Bronx
Who: Sara Bliss, freelance writer and editor
Where: Wave Hill, Bronx, wavehill.org
Why: For Sara, Wave Hill is the perfect outdoor space to get in some writing. “Just 20 minutes from Manhattan, Wave Hill is heaven,” Bliss said. “With sweeping views of the Hudson, short hiking trails that transform with the seasons, and some of the prettiest gardens ever, it is an incredibly magical place. When I need to get away from the craziness of the city, (or try and cure a case of writers block) Wave Hill is hands down my favorite local spot to escape to.”
Wifi: No
How to get there: Take the Hudson Line local train from Grand Central Station to Riverdale. A free shuttle runs every hour to Wave Hill.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
3. Wolfe’s Pond Park, Staten Island
Who: Huffington Post editor and writer Annemarie Dooling
Where: Wolfe’s Pond Park, Staten Island, nycgovparks.org
Why: Anna also suggested Wolfe’s Pond Park on the south shore of Staten Island. The sprawling green space has a dog run, beach and lots of fields with benches. “It’s completely relaxing to sit on the grass with the ocean in view and just pump out the articles I’m working on,” she said.
Wifi: No
How to get there: Take the X17 bus to Marsh Avenue and Ring Road. Transfer to the S55 bus and get off at Hylan Boulevard and Cornelia Avenue.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
To Conclude…
New York City may seem like a noisy and chaotic place for writers, but it also offers many hidden gems for those who seek inspiration and tranquility. Whether it is the serene beauty of Montauk, the enchanting gardens of Wave Hill, or the relaxing shores of Wolfe’s Pond Park, there is a spot for every taste and mood. These three locations are just some of the many places that New York City-based writers recommend for finding peace and concentration. So the next time you feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city, why not take a break and explore these amazing destinations? You might just discover a new favorite spot to unleash your creativity.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram