Are you fascinated by visiting upstate New York this 12 months? Here are a few of the most scenic, historic, distinctive, and all-around greatest locations to go to in upstate New York. These one-of-a-kind points of interest in upstate NY are positive to make for an unforgettable trip expertise.
Upstate New York is nothing like New York City. It’s secure to say that touring from town to the higher state New York space feels nearly like getting into one other dimension. The dense site visitors, city structure, and continuous noise are changed with a nice, welcoming ambiance as you might be greeted by the placid woodland nation. The huge pure great thing about New York state unfolds itself by means of its beautiful little cities and scenic forests. The towering lodges are changed by rustic New York State cabin and treehouse leases.
Even at the moment, a number of upstate NY stays largely unexplored by vacationers, who aren’t even conscious of the hidden gems ready in their very own yard. The reality is that there are a number of stunningly stunning locations tucked all throughout upstate New York. Below are a number of locations that spotlight the enjoyable and great thing about the higher state New York area.
Top 10 Places to Go in Upstate New York: Hidden Gems + Attractions
Are you a lone traveler trying to take pleasure in some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of day by day life? Are you a part of a bunch of household or buddies searching for enjoyable and journey? Either means, upstate New York has a lot to supply. In the listing under, you’ll discover every thing from sleepy cities and placid pure landscapes to thrilling outside actions. There are so many distinctive leisure choices, together with a spooky setting straight out of a traditional American ghost story.
Upstate New York could lack the city stylish of NYC, however it greater than makes up for it with homey appeal, pleasant locals, and beautiful surroundings. All this and extra make the world one of many greatest hidden trip spots in America. I hope this listing of a few of my favourite issues to do in upstate NY conjures up you to go to.
1. Cold Spring
Situated in Putnam County, Cold Spring is just not that removed from NYC. In reality, it’s solely an hour away, which makes it a handy stop-over vacation spot when you’re touring to or from town.
The very first thing you’ll most likely discover about Cold Spring is how serene and picturesque this small city is. It’s been that means for an extended, as evidenced by the family-owned markets and 19th-century structure that has earned Cold Spring a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are numerous fantastic little retailers and eating places right here in addition to picnic and sightseeing spots in Cold Spring. Opportunities for mountaineering, {golfing}, biking, boating, and kayaking abound. Visit the Hudson Highlands for a surprising river view. Or you’ll be able to discover well-known landmarks like Bull Hill, Pollepel Island, Breakneck Ridge Trail, West Point Foundry, and Boscobel House and Gardens.
Feel like working up a sweat? The Storm King State Park climb goes all the best way to Beacon Mountain, which is the very best peak within the Hudson Highlands. If you like to train your thoughts, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum and the Putnam History Museum are additionally price your time. The sheer number of choices is greater than sufficient to make Cold Spring probably the greatest locations to go to in upstate NY.
2. Woodstock
This eccentric city in upstate New York was placed on the map in 1969 when it served because the host and namesake for probably the most well-known music pageant in leisure historical past. Since then, Woodstock has turn out to be one thing of a mecca for rock ‘n’ roll aficionados. Many of the locals are additionally pleased with their house’s creative heritage, adorning their properties with memorabilia and tributes to the bygone age.
Hippie nostalgia isn’t the one factor Woodstock has to supply, although. It’s additionally house to a few of the most attention-grabbing and distinctive of New York’s upstate points of interest. For instance, the place else would you ever anticipate finding a real Tibetan Buddhist monastery like Karma Triyana Dharmachakra? Here you’ll be able to meditate, study extra about Buddhism, or simply marvel on the ornate paintings and structure.
After you’re completed changing into one with the universe, take pleasure in a mile-long hike alongside the attractive Kaaterskill Falls. Alternatively, soak up a dwell present on the beloved Bearsville Theater. Don’t neglect to cease by the Mower’s Saturday Market on the weekend to hunt for handmade crafts and classic goodies. After all that, relaxation up on the luxurious Glo Spa, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a calming therapeutic massage, or cease at Sunfrost Farms for some tasty refreshments.
3. Watkins Glen State Park
Situated at 1009 N. Franklin St. in Watkin Glens, Watkins Glen State Park is well among the many hottest locations to go to in New York’s upstate space. The park will get fairly jam-packed with vacationers, notably throughout the summer time, and it’s not arduous to see why.
At Watkins Glen, guests can take pleasure in a scenic stroll alongside the crystal-clear waters of Glen Creek. Here, you’ll view phenomenal cliffs reaching as much as 200 toes in peak in addition to nearly 20 completely different waterfalls. Of these, be sure to preserve a watch out for the spectacular Cavern Cascade. Trust me after I say it’s an unforgettable sight.
During sure occasions of the 12 months, guests can take a shuttle from one facet of Watkins Glen Gorge canyon to the opposite. Explore the park’s pure magnificence from the protection and luxury of a modern trendy transport.
Still, for skilled hikers, there’s nothing fairly like roughing up the steep mountaineering path that spiderwebs throughout the panorama. Make positive to carry your strolling boots, since you’ll undoubtedly be getting a exercise.
4. Skaneateles
Widely generally known as the “Gem of the Finger Lakes,” Skaneateles is a postcard-perfect city. It’s situated within the coronary heart of upstate New York, simply 4 hours from New York City. However, it would as effectively be an entire different planet, as evidenced by its tranquil ambiance and its proximity to the placid blue waters of Skaneateles Lake.
Skaneateles Lake is itself a well-known vacationer hotspot, due to its quiet splendor and ample tenting, boating, and fishing alternatives. Those who love the good open air may also need to take a look at close by Carpenter Falls, Emerson Park, Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Erie Canal Park, and the Bahar Preserve.
Treat your senses to a aromatic tour of the Lockwood Lavender Farm. Savor a tasting at Anyela’s Vineyards (well-known for its beautiful Finger Lakes wine). Or, pend a day observing the unbelievable assortment of portray on the John D. Barrow Art Gallery. However you’re trying to spend your trip, Skaneateles is one NY upstate attraction that’s positive to please.
5. Letchworth State Park
Over the years, Letchworth State Park has earned itself the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.” And identical to the “other” Grand Canyon, it’s one thing that must be seen to be believed. Letchworth Park is one in every of my private favourite locations to go to in upstate New York. Ultimately, I predict it will likely be one in every of yours, too.
The park is over 14,000 acres in measurement and 17 miles in size. It follows the course of the Genesee River by means of a deep gorge and three equally breathtaking waterfalls. What’s extra, these waterfalls are completely positioned to catch the sunshine, making colourful rainbows a typical sight. Don’t neglect to carry your digicam with a view to snag some memento snapshots.
Adventure fans can expertise the Genesee River up shut and private by taking a kayak experience alongside its dashing waters. Or you may get an aerial view of your entire park whereas using in a sizzling air balloon. Letchworth State Park is awe-inspiring from any angle!
6. Ithaca
Famous for having greater than 100 waterfalls inside ten miles of its downtown space, town of Ithaca is among the most placing locations to go to in upstate New York. But pure magnificence isn’t all this top-notch trip vacation spot has to supply. It’s additionally famend for its vibrant native tradition and historic significance.
A variety of essential figures from US historical past left their mark on Ithaca, as evidenced by such enriching vacationer points of interest because the Harriet Tubman Home, the John Johnston House, and the Phelps Mansion Museum, amongst others. If you don’t really feel like taking a step into the previous, although, why not take one in direction of the long run at The Sciencenter, which incorporates a walkable scale mannequin of the photo voltaic system?
Feeling famished? Sample some selfmade sweet apples, donuts, and different goodies at one of many native orchards and cideries, resembling South Hill Cider and The New York Cider Company. Or strive one of many many, many bars and eating places catering to college students at close by Cornell University and Ithaca College.
One attraction you completely can’t skip is Cayuga Lake. Ithaca sits on the southern shore of this 435-feet-deep glacial lake, the longest in all of the Finger Lakes area. Folklore means that the picturesque lake is “Old Greeny,” a Loch Ness-esque sea monster. Will you be the one to uncover Cayuga’s mysteries?
7. Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
If baseball actually is the quintessential American pastime, then there’s little question that the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum makes town of Cooperstown probably the most essential locations to go to in upstate New York, particularly when you’re a sports activities fan.
Founded in 1939, the Hall of Fame commemorates the achievements of over 300 of the best baseball gamers on the planet. Countless priceless objects of memorabilia are on show within the three-floor museum, which incorporates interactive reveals and a veritable mountain of baseball historical past and trivia.
Items within the museum assortment embrace greater than 40,000 artifacts and greater than 140,000 baseball playing cards. It’s no marvel that the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum attracts an estimated 260,000 yearly. Take observe that it’s open daily of the 12 months aside from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
8. Lake Placid
Tucked away within the Adirondack Mountains, the peaceable village of Lake Placid actually lives to its title. If you’re trying to unwind and neglect your stresses for a number of days, you’d be hard-pressed to seek out any higher locations to go to in upstate New York.
Sharing its title with the two,170-acre physique of water that it borders, Lake Placid nonetheless has Nineteenth-century structure from its days as an iron-mining city. These generations-old buildings aren’t solely visually beautiful, but in addition talk a way of custom and easygoing friendliness that many vacationers discover soothing.
Peace and quiet not fairly your scene? That’s okay; journey seekers will discover a lot to like right here, too. After all, Lake Placid is among the premier winter sports activities locations in your entire United States. In addition to internet hosting the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, it has additionally been the location of the 2000 Goodwill Games and the 1972 Winter Universiade.
Nearby Whiteface Mountain is the fifth tallest mountain within the state of New York, making it a veritable catnip for skiers and snowboarders. The space can be house to one in every of solely 16 bobsled runs within the nation. No matter what sort of winter sports activities you’re into, Lake Placid is the proper place for you.
9. Sleepy Hollow
Depending on what time of 12 months you end up exploring the East Coast, you could be notably well-served by taking a detour within the path of Sleepy Hollow. Yes, the identical city that impressed the well-known ghost story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving.
During the autumn season, as Halloween approaches, Sleepy Hollow takes on a vaguely mystical ambiance. This is bolstered by the area’s naturally lush and colourful foliage. Take a break from trick-or-treating to go to the historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Or go to the Headless Horseman Monument, which pays tribute to the city’s ghostly homegrown superstar.
You don’t should be in a spooky temper to have a very good time in Sleepy Hollow, thoughts you. There are loads of different upstate New York points of interest price trying out. Take Kykuit, the opulent property of American enterprise icon John D. Rockefeller, as an illustration. This property boasts meticulously maintained terrace gardens, an intensive sculpture gallery, a number of stone fountains, and even a large on-site golf course.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to experience in a carriage or on horseback on the 1,700-acre Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Satisfy your candy tooth at close by Rockland Bakery, marvel on the structure of the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, or sit back and get a tan at Nyack Beach. The prospects are countless.
10. Lake George
With a inhabitants of simply over 3,000 folks, the city of Lake George, New York is among the quietest, most laidback areas in your entire Northeast. Nevertheless, when you’re on the lookout for cool issues to do in upstate New York, you’ll discover extra enjoyable right here than you’d anticipate.
Nestled within the coronary heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is simply half-hour north of Saratoga Springs. The complete space is surrounded by dense old-growth forests and majestic peaks.
Almost as previous because the area’s pure options is the Fort William Henry Museum and Restoration website. Built by British colonists in 1775, the fort was famously seen within the Oscar-winning movie “The Last of the Mohicans.” That makes this an alluring vacationer spot for each historical past and film buffs.
Other Lake George highlights embrace the Adirondack Winery, the Magic Forest amusement park, the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum, and Million Dollar Beach. From tasty grownup drinks to scary monsters to enjoyable within the solar, Lake George has all of it.
Experience the Sights and Sounds of the Northeastern US
Upstate NY is overshadowed by the city playground that’s New York City. The above-listed locations to go to in upstate NY are secretly among the many most attention-grabbing, enjoyable, and thrilling locations within the Northeastern US. Better but, are loads of cozy cottages, lake homes, and log cabins for lease within the space. That makes it straightforward to trip in consolation and magnificence.
Upstate New York is simply one of many many hidden gems within the Eastern US. These trip spots is probably not probably the most well-known, however they provide simply as a lot enjoyable and journey as any vacationer staple, with the additional benefit of small crowds and decrease prices. Don’t take my phrase for it; see for your self!
Check out extra of my favourite journey locations within the weblog posts under!
– 19 Unique Airbnbs in New York State: Cabins, Treehouses + More
– 25 Best Places to Visit on the East Coast: Top Vacation Spots in 2022
– Best Cabin Rentals within the Adirondacks: Cottages + Log Cabins for Rent in New York
– 13 New York Lake House Rentals: Top Lakefront Cabins in Upstate New York
– 23 Best Hidden Vacations within the US You Should Visit in 2022
– 13 Lake George Cabins for Rent: Lakefront Log Cabins + Cottages in NY
– 52 Unique Places to Visit within the US: Most Beautiful USA Destinations