New York State
Bigger than the Big Apple
There’s more to New York State than the city that shares its name...
OK, so there’s lots to see in NYC, it’s one of the world’s great cities and the living breathing, jostling embodiment of Americana with an east coast accent. But just a short journey beyond the city limits and you find a different expression of the American dream; a truly great taste of the great outdoors.
NewYork spreads way beyond the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, the State (known as the Empire State) covers an area the size of France. It boasts over 4,000 lakes, plus waterfalls, canyons, mountains, vineyards, rivers, canals, state parks, theme parks, golf courses, ski areas, castles, mansions (take a breath) and two of America’s top 10 beaches. Nature lovers will be in their element, foodies in gastronomic paradise and adrenaline junkies won’t know what's hit them, while the kids can get wet and go wild, too.
Head north of NewYork City along the Hudson River to the HudsonValley Region. Picturesque riverside towns with chocolate-box shops full of antiques, delicious things to eat and handmade crafts and jewellery combine with some of America’s most significant pieces of cultural history. Days can be spent touring the grounds of world famous homes, like the Roosevelt Mansion andVanderbilt Estate. Military enthusiasts can visitWestpoint Military academy, while a trip to the‘other’ CIA (Culinary Institute of America) is well worth the visit; watch famous chefs of tomorrow prepare gastronomic delights and sample their efforts at one of the three fine dining restaurants on campus.
NewYork is America’s 2nd biggest wine producing state, closely following California. Food and wine are apparent everywhere, with 240 wineries spanning the entire breadth of the state.The Hudson Valley is one of America’s most historic wine regions, with more than 20 wineries where visitors can enjoy tastings, trials and truly stunning scenery.
The Fingerlakes Region - known as the land of lakes, waterfalls and wines - is another prominent wine producing area and home to picturesque towns such as Ithaca and Corning. Its capital, Rochester, is a city steeped in cultural highlights. Home to the Kodak International Museum of Photography,The Strong Museum of Play and the Erie Canal, Rochester is a great base not only to visit some of the many museums and cultural sights, but also the spectacular scenery.The region boasts glacial lakes, deep gorges, sparkling streams and cascading waterfalls, while vineyards, rolling hills and lush forests stretch as far as the eye can see.
To the west of the Fingerlakes sits the Greater Niagara Region, follow the shores of Lake Ontario, leading to one of nature’s true wonders – Niagara Falls.Much has been written about the splendour of the falls and most associate them with Canada, but, the unspoilt, less crowded picturesque US side of the falls is just as exhilarating. For those with a taste for thrills and adventure, the famous Maid of the Mist or a jet boat ride in the summer months won’t disappoint, just be prepared to get wet! Letchworth State Park, the‘Grand Canyon of the East’, is also a must see, it offers magnificent views along the 17-mile Genesee River Gorge and excellent hiking ground.The region’s natural splendour is perfectly complemented by the renowned architecture and art centres of Buffalo, the area’s historic landmarks, and the 24-hour Seneca Niagara Casino, at Niagara Falls.
Further north of the HudsonValley region, following the Hudson River, is the Catskills Region, and further still, the Adirondacks Region. Outdoor activities and extreme sports abound, with white water rafting, canoeing, and horse back riding, along with rock climbing, fishing and hiking & biking through-out the summer months. In winter the Catskills is renown for its excellent skiing. Hunter and Windham mountains are the most popular ski areas and because of its relatively close proximity and easy access from NewYork City, it makes for a great ‘City and Ski’break.
The Adirondacks Region is home to Lake Placid, host of the 1980Winter Olympics and also provides excellent skiing. The Adirondacks Park covers 6 million acres and contains 85% of all wilderness acreage in the Eastern United States. As well as extreme adventure and soft adventure activities,The Adirondacks is an ideal place for bird watching, fishing and golf.
To the East of NewYork City is Long Island, famous for the Hamptons, the summer playground for NewYork’s mega rich. But Long Island isn’t just about opulent mansions, expensive boutiques and charity polo matches, it’s another one of NewYork’s biggest wine producing regions with over 30 vineyards and also home to two of America’s top 10 voted beaches. Seaside restaurants serving freshly caught seafood line scenic wharfs and fishing, surfing, swimming and sunbathing are the order of the day.
Long Island oozes gracious luxury and unhurried simplicity, with a wide range of activities, from outlet shopping to fascinating museums. Enjoy a great day out at the famous Belmont race track, party until dawn on Fire Island, or tee off on one of the many championship golf courses. For fishing enthusiasts, the laid back Montauk Point at the very Eastern tip of the Island guarantees some of the best surf fishing in the world.
Best time to visit
Summer is very pleasant with daytime temperatures ranging from upper 70’s to mid 80’s, great for outdoor activities. It’s cold in winter, with plenty of snowfall, great for winter activities and picture perfect for a truly magical Christmas. But the best time by far to visit New York State is The Fall. Starting mid September, just like in neighbouring New England, leaves in New York change to bright crimsons, golds and oranges and the forests are transformed into a dazzling spectacle. Experience the unparalleled bounty and beauty of Fall in New York but without the crowds and traffic of New England.