More than New York City
Posted on:
Posted by:
Dr Franks Winery NYS
I have just returned from a trip to New York State, exploring a number of areas of this diverse region. Whilst a visit to New York City is on the bucket list for many of us, few realize that there is far more to the state than the city alone. Yes, the city is home to iconic buildings, world-renowned attractions and of course fantastic shopping.
But head away from the city and discover a very different combination of attractions and experiences – which can be considered as either an ‘add-on’ to a stay in the city, or a whole self-drive itinerary for two or three weeks.
LONG ISLAND is easily accessible from the city by train or by car, and is home to sandy beaches, an eclectic collection of mansions from the gilded age of the early 1900’s and a wealth of villages and towns worth a visit.
North of the city, head into the HUDSON VALLEY – with rich, fertile farmland, plenty of history (many of the wealthy residents of the city had mansions in the area – many of which can be explored today), as well as unique accommodation opportunities in lighthouses close to the Hudson River.
From the Hudson Valley, head west through Oneida County, exploring the ‘off the beaten track’ towns and villages that dot the shore of LAKE ONEIDA – SYLVAN BEACH offers a step back in time with its traditional amusement park, laid-back way of life and some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet. Not forgetting that the beach is fantastic, and the swimming safe in the freshwater lake.
On to the FINGER LAKES region – perhaps best known for its wineries, but also great for plenty of outdoor activities, numerous State Parks (such as Letchworth State Park, considered the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’), and picturesque villages and towns. A highlight in the area is the Corning Museum of Glass – the largest of its kind in the world, it would be easy to spend almost an entire day there. Nearby ROCHESTER offers easy access to the Erie Canal, as well as a number of cultural and historical attractions.
Further west comes the US side of NIAGARA FALLS – perhaps best viewed from the renowned ‘Maid of the Mist’, but also from a series of vantage points throughout the State Park. Not far from Niagara Falls lies the city of BUFFALO – a safe and inviting city with plenty on offer – with boutique shops and cafes, fantastic art galleries and important presidential history just a few of the attractions here.
The above regions are parts of the state that I visited, but are by no means the only options. Consider adding time in the CATSKILL MOUNTAINS – a popular weekend haunt for city-dwellers, and home to Lookout Mountain, or discover the ADIRONDACKS – a vast wilderness with a plethora of outdoor activities on offer. The THOUSAND ISLANDS offer plenty of water based options in an incredibly scenic setting and are well worth considering.
For more information on these and further ideas, please call our office on 01323 446550 or email us at info@experienceholidays.co.uk and we can work with you to put together an itinerary to suit your preferences and requirements.
Niagara Falls
Experience Holidays is fully bonded under the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL scheme and is a member of the
Worldchoice Consortium.