Westchester Mom & News 12 Anchor Lisa Salvadorini Talks Family Life and Her Hit Show Road Trip: Close to Home
If you’re a parent in the New York metro area looking for fun, affordable ways to keep your kids entertained, chances are you’ve come across Road Trip: Close to Home on News 12, which premiered earlier this year. The show’s host, Emmy Award-winning anchor Lisa Salvadorini, is not just guiding viewers to local gems across the tri-state; she’s living the journey as a busy working mom herself.
Each week, Lisa brings her energy, curiosity, and love for local adventures to the screen, highlighting everything from peaceful farms and lakeside escapes to petting zoos and burger joints with history. Off camera, she’s up at 2 am for her anchor shifts and then dives into mom life with sports practices, homework, and dinner duty.
We spoke with Lisa and learned about some of her favorite family-friendly finds, how parenting has shaped the way she approaches her work, and why Westchester feels like the home she never had growing up.
Congratulations on Road Trip: Close to Home. Can you tell us a little about the show and what viewers can expect each week?
Hosting Road Trip is one of the best parts of my job! Every week (or Thursday night and Saturday morning), we take you to exciting places in the tri-state as you rest and relax on your couch. The show is about fun and sometimes free, family-friendly day trips or weekend getaways that don’t require a plane ticket. We are constantly discovering new places and connecting with people in local communities to find hidden gems to enjoy.
Whether it’s a fantastic farm on Long Island, a sailing school on the Hudson River, a super spot for kids in Bronx/Brooklyn, a way to connect with critters in Westchester, or a cool historical landmark or town in Connecticut and New Jersey … our goal is to inspire local families to explore new places. We also highlight some of the newest happenings in New York City!!
There’s a unique kind of magic in discovering what our area has to offer. I’m so lucky I get to share that with our viewers on News 12, YouTube and social media!
What’s one of the coolest hidden gems or local spots you’ve discovered while filming Road Trip?
Just one?? How about a mini-tour of the tri-state instead?
In Westchester, the Greenburgh Nature Center is a must-visit for families. I spent hours here enjoying the outdoors with my kiddos!! It won’t cost you a dime to check out the playground in the woods, the hiking trails or the native plant meadow. It is also free to visit many of the outdoor animal habitats, including a barnyard, a beehive and a bird of prey exhibit.
For a few bucks, you can head inside the Manor House. You can get up close and hands-on, if you are brave enough, to snakes, turtles and other creatures from all over the world. It’s so relaxing and perfect for letting kids burn off energy while parents can actually enjoy the calm surroundings.
In Dutchess County, the Elk Ravine Farm in Amenia feels like a scene out of a postcard—rolling hills, friendly animals, and that cozy, peaceful farm vibe. It’s a working farm, but it’s also so welcoming to visitors. We met the farmers, saw the animals up close, and even got a taste of life in the Hudson Valley’s beautiful countryside. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and appreciate the simple things.
If you love food with a side of history, Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, is a must. It’s the birthplace of the hamburger, and they’re proud of it! There’s something so cool about eating in a spot that’s been around since 1895, still grilling burgers the old-fashioned way!! It’s charming, quirky, and a total rite of passage for any foodie in the tri-state area.
What’s a family-friendly place you’ve featured on the show that you think everyone in the tri-state area should check out?
Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey is a great spot if your family loves water fun. It is an awesome day trip! You can rent boats, paddleboards, or just hang out at a lakeside restaurant. It’s like a little vacation packed into a single afternoon. The atmosphere is lively but laid-back—perfect for all ages.
I was also so impressed with the Bethpage Equestrian Center on Long Island. This is such a sweet spot, especially if you’ve got little ones. There’s a free petting zoo complete with goats, chickens, and the cutest mini-cow that you have ever seen!! It’s one of those places where kids get to bond with animals and maybe even discover a new hobby.
Teens and older kids can be hard to impress but if you take them to the Croton Sailing School in Westchester, they won’t be disappointed!! It gives them something active and empowering to do—learning to sail! They run programs where you not only learn the basics of sailing but also teamwork and independence. And let’s be honest—being out on the water on a sunny day … it doesn’t get better than that.
Are you originally from Westchester? What made you decide to raise your family here?
I actually don’t have one “hometown” in the traditional sense. I come from a military family, so I moved a lot growing up. GO ARMY!!! We lived everywhere from Alaska and Hawaii to Florida, Alabama, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
That kind of upbringing teaches you how to adapt quickly, but it also makes you crave a real sense of home. And for me, that place turned out to be Westchester County. There’s a warmth here, a real sense of community and connection. That’s why raising my family here felt like the most natural decision.
And it’s also what makes being a part of Road Trip: Close to Home so incredibly special. I get to explore and share all these amazing places that make the tri-state area feel like home—not just to me, but to so many other families, too. It’s personal. Every time we highlight a charming village, a hidden trail, or a mom-and-pop shop, I think about how lucky I am to call this region mine. After so much moving around, helping others discover the beauty in their own backyard—it feels full circle.
Being a parent in the New York metro area comes with its challenges. What’s one struggle you’ve faced balancing work and family, and how do you manage it?
Like so many working parents, the biggest challenge is time—there never seems to be enough of it. On weekdays, I’m up at 2 am for work. Once I’m home, it’s right into packed sports schedules, homework help and making dinner.
I’ve learned to be really present in whatever moment I’m in—whether I’m on the anchor desk or spending time with my husband and kids. I also remind myself it’s okay not to be perfect. Sometimes my car is a mess, the laundry piles up, and dinner is eggs and pancakes. And that’s okay.
How has being a parent influenced the way you approach your work, especially on a show that highlights family-friendly spots?
It’s made a huge difference. As a mom, I’m always thinking, ‘Would my kids like this? Is this affordable? Is it easy to get to with strollers or little legs?’ I’ve become so much more attuned to the practical side of travel and fun.
On Road Trip, I try to spotlight places that are truly accessible to families—places where you don’t need a huge budget or a ton of planning. I’m constantly on the lookout for those little gems that make family life more joyful and connected.
What’s the most rewarding part of being both a mom and a journalist, and how do those two roles complement each other in your life?
There’s a lot of overlap!! Both roles require compassion and a whole lot of multitasking. As a journalist, I get to tell stories that matter to our community—and as a mom, I’m deeply invested in that community. I love when I can bring my personal experience to Road Trip: Close to Home, whether it’s highlighting a kid-friendly destination or sharing a story that resonates with local families. It makes the work feel even more meaningful. And at the end of the day, knowing my kids are watching and learning from what I do—that’s the greatest reward of all.
Road Trip Close to Home airs on News 12 Thursday at 7 pm & 9:30 pm, and Saturdays at 11:30 am. Additional airings on News 12 NY on Thursdays at 7:30 pm & 10:30 pm, Fridays at 5:30 a.m., Saturdays at 11 am, and Sundays at 2 pm.
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