An East Coast Road-Trip Guide for Eco-Conscious Drivers

Destination Electric designs weekenders for electric vehicles

The Inn on Boltwood
The Inn on Boltwood
Inn on Boltwood

“Range anxiety” has nothing to do with your golf swing.

Rather, it refers to the common misconception that there are not yet enough charging stations for electric-vehicle owners to adventure freely about the country.

Destination Electric is here to change that. Hot off their Northeastern launch, they’ve partnered with a host of leading carmakers (Jaguar, Mercedes, Fiat Chrysler, Volkswagen, BMW Group et al.) as well as local businesses throughout the region to map out weekend plans ideal for EV travel.

Each business in their network has a sign noting that there is a charging station nearby. If you’re heading up to Monkey Joe’s Coffee in the Hudson Valley, for instance, you’ll know you can amp up your vehicle’s battery while you throw back cortados. Think of ‘em like Zagat rating stickers, but for a cleaner future. 

Today, we’ll share three itineraries we built using the site, from a stay in a stately inn in Amherst to hitting up craft distilleries along the Hudson to chillin’ on Hammonasset Beach.

Don’t own an EV? Fret not — these trips can also work for public transportation.

(Inn on Boltwood)

Amherst, Massachusetts

Stay: Rest your head at the Inn on Boltwood, the epitome of historic New England.

Eat: Go high with fine dining at 30 Boltwood or keep it casual with the awesome non-profiteers at the Freedom Cafe.

Do: Take in the architectural splendor that is the Theodore Baird Residence and wind things down with a stop by the Amherst Farm Winery.

By rail: Take Amtrak to Amherst

(Buttermilk Farms Inn)

Hudson Valley, New York

Stay: Enjoy a stint at the Buttermilk Falls Inn, where farmhouse vibes meet top-of-the-line luxury digs.

Eat: Pull up a stool and hobnob with locals at craft-cocktail and pub-food haunt Huckleberry. Then stock up on the freshest carbs Hudson has to offer at Bread Alone, baking perfection since ‘83. 

Do: Hit the reset button with a day of indulgence at the Emerson Resort and Spa and keep the chill times rolling with a stop at Rough Draft Bar & Books and Tuthilltown Distillery.

By rail: Take the Metro-North (Grand Central) or Amtrak (Penn) to Poughkeepsie

(Instagram/@seahousemadison)

Madison, Connecticut

Stay: Treat yourself to a cottage with wood-burning fireplaces, four-poster beds and jacuzzis at The Tidewater Inn.

Eat: Start the day with the irresistible Cohen’s Bagels, put on a button-up and snag seashore fare at the Sea House Madison for dinner and close ‘er out with a lil’ Ashley’s Ice Cream.

Do: Daytime will be spent waterside at Hammonasset Beach State Park. And the evening will be a cultural affair with a flick at Madison Art Cinemas.

By rail: Take the Metro North to Madison, CT

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