Just when you thought getting out of town without a car couldn’t get any easier, the New York tourism board goes and launches the I Love New York Bus. The first ride, on board a Hampton Jitney, rolls out on October 18 to some of the North Fork’s top vineyards, wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
For $169 for an outing like the “North Fork Brewery and Spirits Trail” tour, travelers are paying for all transportation (departing from 44th and 3rd ave), a barbecued lunch, and tastings at delicious drinking destinations across the NoFo.
Highlights of the day include a free pint glass and flight of beers at Long Ireland Brewery, Greenport Brewing Company’s Harbor Ale, Black Duck Porter, Otherside IPA, LeafPile Pumpkin Ale, Oyster Stout and a newly brewed mystery beer, Woodside Orchard Hard Cider and three tastings at Long Island Spirits Distillery.
Sure, you could take a bus or train out on your own, meet Dan of Dan’s Bike Rental at the station, then embark on a self-guided tour of the region. But to do the North Fork justice and experience the hidden gems you might otherwise miss, the I Love New York Bus is a great option. You can make the most of a day trip, spend time enjoying the sites and sips without worrying about getting lost, picking a designated driver, or pedaling into a ditch after all those generous pours.
This winter, the I Love New York Bus will also help skiers escape to the mountains for a day or weekend adventure at Hunter, Whiteface, Windham, and Greek Peak. For more information on upcoming trips, visit iloveny.com.
The co-founder and editor-at-large at offMetro, Lauren is a sustainable travel specialist and freelance journalist with frequent bylines in National Geographic, Bicycling Magazine and Shape. Follow Lauren’s adventures at @laurenmati.
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