New York State has endless treasures, from the thrill of parasailing above Lake George to riding by horse along Long Island’s beautiful beaches. Only in New York State can you behold the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park, from a hot-air balloon. Experience the exhilaration of whitewater rafting in the Adirondacks, or sample a delightful vintage at one of the numerous Finger Lakes wineries. From the quiet beauty of the majestic Adirondack Mountains to the awesome grandeur of Niagara Falls, holidaymakers of all ages enjoy the splendour of the Empire State.
New York Highlights
Where locals go to relax
Ocean beaches abound on Long Island. Popular destinations include the Hamptons, Jones Beach and Montauk. New York also has great beaches around its lakes, including Grafton Lakes State Park in Grafton, Southwick Beach State Park in Henderson and Cumberland Bay on Lake Champlain. There are also beaches along rivers, including Wellesley Island State Park in Fineview and Cedar Point on the St. Lawrence River.
Top photo opportunities
- The view of the Adirondack Mountains from Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington
- Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls
- Letchworth State Park, ‘The Grand Canyon of the East’, Castile
- Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, New York City
- The Adirondack Balloon Festival, Queensbury.
Classic road trip
Route 9 in the Hudson Valley offers scenic driving and access to a number of historic mansions, such as the Vanderbilt Mansion and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s home at Hyde Park. Along the way, the villages of Rhinebeck, Hudson, and Tivoli welcome you with antiques shops and restaurants. It’s a perfect drive for enjoying the autumn foliage.
Feeling romantic
Dine by candlelight at a B&B in the Finger Lakes, a romantic weekend at an Adirondack ski lodge, a horse-drawn hansom cab ride around Central Park in New York City or simply cuddle by the fire at a Catskill mountain hideaway.
Your child will always remember
New York State is home to the only major museum in the entire world devoted to the study and interpretation of play! Rochester’s Strong National Museum of Play is home of to the National Toy Hall of Fame and the world’s most comprehensive collection of toys and play-related artefacts, which delight children and adults of all ages. The museum’s Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden and Reading Adventureland, a gigantic pop-up book, are favourites.
Best bargains
New York State’s factory outlets offer shoppers a great way to find fantastic bargains on name-brand items. In the Hudson Valley, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets offers 220 outlet stores, including Burberry, Coach, J. Crew and Prada. In the Finger Lakes, Waterloo Premium Outlets offers 100 stores. And Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls features 150 designer and top name-brand outlets.
Outdoor excitement
When the snow starts to melt and the Hudson River Gorge, Black River, and the formidable Moose River begin to churn with class III, IV and V white water, it’s time to plan a rafting adventure. Later in the season, try white-water rafting on Western New York’s Cattaraugus Creek or the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park.
Made in the state
- NBC Studio Tour, New York City
- Corning Museum of Glass, Corning
- Stickley Furniture, Manlius
- FX Matt Brewing Company, Utica.
Just want to indulge?
Originating and still available at Nick Tahou Hots, a Rochester landmark, the Garbage Plate is a combination of one selection of cheeseburger, hamburger, red hots and white hots (hot dogs), Italian sausage, chicken tenders, fish (haddock), fried ham, grilled cheese or eggs; and two sides of either home fries, French fries, baked beans, or macaroni salad. Additions include mustard, onions, and Nick's proprietary hot sauce, which is made with simmered ground beef and spices. And it’s all served with rolls or Italian toast, fresh from the bakery next door.
Trip Ideas in New York
