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Prime 10 NY Trip Spots


Are you fascinated by visiting upstate New York this 12 months? Listed below are among 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 certain to make for an unforgettable trip expertise.

Upstate New York is nothing like New York Metropolis. It’s secure to say that touring from the town to the higher state New York space feels nearly like coming into one other dimension. The dense site visitors, city structure, and continuous noise are changed with a nice, welcoming ambiance as you’re greeted by the placid woodland nation. The huge pure great thing about New York state unfolds itself via its pretty little cities and scenic forests. The towering resorts are changed by rustic New York State cabin and treehouse leases.

Even in the present day, a whole lot 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 lovely locations tucked all throughout upstate New York. Under are just a few locations that spotlight the enjoyable and great thing about the higher state New York area.

One of several scenic waterfalls located in upstate NY
Higher state New York is dwelling to numerous lovely waterfalls and different beautiful pure panorama options.

Prime 10 Locations to Go in Upstate New York: Hidden Gems + Points of interest

Are you a lone traveler trying to take pleasure in some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of every day life? Are you a part of a bunch of household or buddies in search of enjoyable and journey? Both manner, upstate New York has loads to supply. Within the checklist under, you’ll discover the whole lot from sleepy cities and placid pure landscapes to thrilling out of doors actions. There are such a lot of distinctive leisure choices, together with a spooky setting straight out of a basic American ghost story.

Upstate New York might lack the city stylish of NYC, nevertheless it greater than makes up for it with homey allure, pleasant locals, and beautiful surroundings. All this and extra make the realm one of many greatest hidden trip spots in America. I hope this checklist of a few of my favourite issues to do in upstate NY evokes you to go to.

1. Chilly Spring

Located in Putnam County, Chilly Spring will not be that removed from NYC. In truth, it’s solely an hour away, which makes it a handy stop-over vacation spot should you’re touring to or from the town.

Main street of Cold Spring, one of the most popular places to visit in upstate New York
The city of Chilly Spring is as welcoming as it’s visually hanging. | Credit score: Daniel Case

The very first thing you’ll most likely discover about Chilly Spring is how serene and picturesque this small city is. It’s been that manner for a protracted, as evidenced by the family-owned markets and 19th-century structure that has earned Chilly Spring a spot on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.

There are a selection of fantastic little retailers and eating places right here in addition to picnic and sightseeing spots in Chilly Spring. Alternatives for mountain climbing, {golfing}, biking, boating, and kayaking abound. Go to the Hudson Highlands for a shocking river view. Or you possibly can discover well-known landmarks like Bull Hill, Pollepel Island, Breakneck Ridge Path, West Level Foundry, and Boscobel Home and Gardens.

A view of Storm King Mountain in Cold Spring, as seen from Breakneck Ridge
The mountain views in Storm King State Park make it a standout upstate New York attraction. | Credit score: Ahodges7

Really feel like working up a sweat? The Storm King State Park climb goes all the way in which to Beacon Mountain, which is the best peak within the Hudson Highlands. In case you choose to train your thoughts, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum and the Putnam Historical past Museum are additionally value your time. The sheer number of choices is greater than sufficient to make Chilly 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 competition in leisure historical past. Since then, Woodstock has turn into one thing of a mecca for rock ‘n’ roll aficionados. Lots of the locals are additionally happy with their dwelling’s creative heritage, adorning their properties with memorabilia and tributes to the bygone age.

A pair of Blue Brothers statues sitting on the front porch of a Woodstock home decorated with rock concert memorabilia
Woodstock’s hippie heritage makes it probably the greatest locations to go to in upstate NY for music followers. | Credit score: Bosc d’Anjou

Hippie nostalgia isn’t the one factor Woodstock has to supply, although. It’s additionally dwelling to among the most fascinating 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? Right here you possibly can meditate, be taught extra about Buddhism, or simply marvel on the ornate art work and structure.

The interior of Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, one of the most unique attractions in upstate NY
In case you’ve ever needed to go to a real Tibetan Buddhist temple, now’s your likelihood. | Credit score: Ed Fladung

After you’re completed turning into one with the universe, take pleasure in a mile-long hike alongside the beautiful Kaaterskill Falls. Alternatively, soak up a reside 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. In any case that, relaxation up on the luxurious Glo Spa, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a calming therapeutic massage, or cease at Sunfrost Farms for some tasty refreshments.

3. Watkins Glen State Park

Located 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 through the summer time, and it’s not onerous to see why.

A rushing waterfall in Watkins Glen State Park, a common place to visit in New York's upstate region
Watkins Glen State Park contains nearly 20 waterfalls, making it one of the crucial scenic locations to go to in upstate NY.

At Watkins Glen, guests can take pleasure in a scenic stroll alongside the crystal-clear waters of Glen Creek. Right here, you’ll view phenomenal cliffs reaching as much as 200 ft in peak in addition to nearly 20 totally different waterfalls. Of those, be sure you hold a watch out for the spectacular Cavern Cascade. Belief me once I say it’s an unforgettable sight.

Throughout sure instances of the 12 months, guests can take a shuttle from one aspect of Watkins Glen Gorge canyon to the opposite. Discover the park’s pure magnificence from the protection and luxury of a glossy fashionable transport.

Bridges and pathways in Watkins Glen State Park, covered with thick icicles during the wintertime
In the course of the colder months, Watkins Glen State Parks transforms right into a veritable winter wonderland.

Nonetheless, for knowledgeable hikers, there’s nothing fairly like roughing up the steep mountain climbing path that spiderwebs throughout the panorama. Be certain to convey your strolling boots, since you’ll undoubtedly be getting a exercise.

4. Skaneateles

Broadly 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 Metropolis. Nonetheless, it would as properly be a complete different planet, as evidenced by its tranquil ambiance and its proximity to the placid blue waters of Skaneateles Lake.

A gazebo in the small town of Skaneateles, a hidden gem attraction in upstate in New York
The small city of Skaneateles, NY is welcoming and quiet, making it the proper place to unwind.

Skaneateles Lake is itself a well-known vacationer hotspot, because of its quiet splendor and ample tenting, boating, and fishing alternatives. Those that love the good open air may even wish to take a look at close by Carpenter Falls, Emerson Park, Baltimore Woods Nature Middle, Erie Canal Park, and the Bahar Protect.

A view of the Skaneateles Lake from a gazebo on the shoreline
Bordering its namesake lake, Skaneateles has plenty of enjoyable issues to do in upstate New York should you take pleasure in water sports activities.

Deal with 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 Artwork Gallery. Nonetheless you’re trying to spend your trip, Skaneateles is one NY upstate attraction that’s certain to please.

5. Letchworth State Park

Over time, Letchworth State Park has earned itself the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.” And identical to the “different” Grand Canyon, it’s one thing that must be seen to be believed. Letchworth Park is one in all my private favourite locations to go to in upstate New York. Finally, I predict will probably be one in all yours, too.

The Genesee River running through Letchworth State Park Gorge
The majesty of Letchworth State Park Gorge has earned it the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East.” | Credit score: Stilfehler

The park is over 14,000 acres in dimension and 17 miles in size. It follows the course of the Genesee River via 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 convey your digital camera with the intention to snag some memento snapshots.

A rainbow over the Genesee River in upper state New York
The Genesee River is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go in upstate NY to take footage of rainbows. | Credit score: Andreas F. Borchert

Journey fanatics can expertise the Genesee River up shut and private by taking a kayak trip alongside its speeding waters. Or you will get an aerial view of the complete park whereas driving in a scorching air balloon. Letchworth State Park is awe-inspiring from any angle!

6. Ithaca

Well-known for having greater than 100 waterfalls inside ten miles of its downtown space, the town of Ithaca is without doubt one of the most hanging locations to go to in upstate New York. However 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.

An aerial view of Cornell University, a popular place to go in upstate New York both for students and tourists
Although Ithaca is most well-known as the placement of Cornell College, this small NY city boasts a number of hidden gems.

Various necessary figures from US historical past left their mark on Ithaca, as evidenced by such enriching vacationer points of interest because the Harriet Tubman Residence, the John Johnston Home, and the Phelps Mansion Museum, amongst others. In case you don’t really feel like taking a step into the previous, although, why not take one in direction of the longer term at The Sciencenter, which contains a walkable scale mannequin of the photo voltaic system?

Feeling famished? Pattern some do-it-yourself sweet apples, donuts, and different goodies at one of many native orchards and cideries, similar to South Hill Cider and The New York Cider Firm. Or strive one of many many, many bars and eating places catering to college students at close by Cornell College and Ithaca School.

A row of small business storefronts in downtown Ithaca with flower boxes in the foreground
Ithaca presents many boutique retailers, domestically owned eating places, and different enjoyable issues to do in upstate New York.

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 “Previous Greeny,” a Loch Ness-esque sea monster. Will you be the one to uncover Cayuga’s mysteries?

7. Baseball Corridor of Fame and Museum

If baseball actually is the quintessential American pastime, then there’s little question that the Baseball Corridor of Fame and Museum makes the town of Cooperstown one of the crucial necessary locations to go to in upstate New York, particularly should you’re a sports activities fan.

A wall of plaque commemorating famous athletes at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown
Greater than 300 gamers are memorialized within the Baseball Corridor of Fame and Museum. | Credit score: Ron Cogswell

Based in 1939, the Corridor of Fame commemorates the achievements of over 300 of the best baseball gamers on the planet. Numerous priceless objects of memorabilia are on show within the three-floor museum, which incorporates interactive displays and a veritable mountain of baseball historical past and trivia.

An exhibit of rare sports memorabilia on display in the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, a popular upstate New York attraction
The museum’s intensive assortment of uncommon memorabilia makes it one of many prime upstate NY vacationer points of interest for sports activities followers.

Objects within the museum assortment embody greater than 40,000 artifacts and greater than 140,000 baseball playing cards. It’s no marvel that the Baseball Corridor of Fame and Museum attracts an estimated 260,000 yearly. Take notice that it’s open every single day of the 12 months aside from Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New 12 months’s Day.

8. Lake Placid

Tucked away within the Adirondack Mountains, the peaceable village of Lake Placid really lives to its title. In case you’re trying to unwind and neglect your stresses for just a few days, you’d be hard-pressed to search out any higher locations to go to in upstate New York.

A view of the Finger Lakes, a popular place to visit in upstate NY, from behind a pair of a coin-operated binocular
Up shut or far-off, Lake Placid is undoubtedly one of the crucial lovely 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 are usually not 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 loads to like right here, too. In any case, Lake Placid is without doubt one of the premier winter sports activities locations in the complete United States. Along with internet hosting the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, it has additionally been the positioning of the 2000 Goodwill Video games and the 1972 Winter Universiade.

Trees in Lake Placid, New York, with leaves turning shades of brown, orange, yellow, and green during autumn
The luxurious foliage of Lake Placid turns into a kaleidoscope of colours through the autumn season.

Close by Whiteface Mountain is the fifth tallest mountain within the state of New York, making it a veritable catnip for skiers and snowboarders. The realm can be dwelling to one in all solely 16 bobsled runs within the nation. It doesn’t matter what form of winter sports activities you’re into, Lake Placid is the proper place for you.

9. Sleepy Hole

Relying on what time of 12 months you end up exploring the East Coast, it’s possible you’ll be notably well-served by taking a detour within the route of Sleepy Hole. Sure, the identical city that impressed the well-known ghost story “The Legend of Sleepy Hole” by Washington Irving. 

Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, an apropos place to visit in upstate New York during the Halloween season
It’s onerous to think about a greater strategy to spend Halloween than looking for ghosts in Sleepy Hole Cemetery.

In the course of the fall season, as Halloween approaches, Sleepy Hole takes on a vaguely mystical ambiance. That is bolstered by the area’s naturally lush and colourful foliage. Take a break from trick-or-treating to go to the historic Sleepy Hole Cemetery. Or go to the Headless Horseman Monument, which pays tribute to the city’s ghostly homegrown superstar.

You don’t must be in a spooky temper to have time in Sleepy Hole, thoughts you. There are many different upstate New York points of interest value testing. Take Kykuit, the opulent property of American enterprise icon John D. Rockefeller, for example. This property boasts meticulously maintained terrace gardens, an in depth sculpture gallery, a number of stone fountains, and even a large on-site golf course.

Close-up of architectural features of Kykuit, a grandiose estate once owned by the Rockefeller family
Among the many hottest points of interest in upstate NY, vacationers repeatedly flock to Kykuit to glimpse its ornate craftsmanship.

Alternatively, you possibly can trip in a carriage or on horseback on the 1,700-acre Rockefeller State Park Protect. Fulfill your candy tooth at close by Rockland Bakery, marvel on the structure of the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, or chill and get a tan at Nyack Seashore. The probabilities are infinite.

10. Lake George

With a inhabitants of simply over 3,000 individuals, the city of Lake George, New York is without doubt one of the quietest, most laidback areas in the complete Northeast. Nonetheless, should you’re in search of cool issues to do in upstate New York, you’ll discover extra enjoyable right here than you’d anticipate.

Aerial view of a house and covered dock on the banks of Lake George in upstate New York
Surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Georgia is a portrait of pastoral nature. | Credit score: Jonathan King

Nestled within the coronary heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George is simply half-hour north of Saratoga Springs. The entire space is surrounded by dense old-growth forests and majestic peaks.

Nearly as outdated because the area’s pure options is the Fort William Henry Museum and Restoration web site. Constructed by British colonists in 1775, the fort was famously seen within the Oscar-winning movie “The Final of the Mohicans.” That makes this an alluring vacationer spot for each historical past and film buffs.

The shores of Lake George, a tourist destination with lots of things to do in upstate NY
Among the many many locations to go to in New York’s upstate area, Lake George is without doubt one of the best. | Credit score: Jonathan King

Different Lake George highlights embody the Adirondack Vineyard, the Magic Forest amusement park, the Home of Frankenstein Wax Museum, and Million Greenback Seashore. From tasty grownup drinks to scary monsters to enjoyable within the solar, Lake George has all of it.

Expertise the Sights and Sounds of the Northeastern US

Upstate NY is overshadowed by the city playground that’s New York Metropolis. The above-listed locations to go to in upstate NY are secretly among the many most fascinating, stress-free, and thrilling locations within the Northeastern US. Higher but, are loads of cozy cottages, lake homes, and log cabins for hire within the space. That makes it simple to trip in consolation and elegance. 

Upstate New York is simply one of many many hidden gems within the Jap 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 advantage of small crowds and decrease prices. Don’t take my phrase for it; see for your self!

Take a look at extra of my favourite journey locations within the weblog posts under!

19 Distinctive Airbnbs in New York State: Cabins, Treehouses + Extra

25 Finest Locations to Go to on the East Coast: Prime Trip Spots in 2022

Finest Cabin Leases within the Adirondacks: Cottages + Log Cabins for Hire in New York

13 New York Lake Home Leases: Prime Lakefront Cabins in Upstate New York

23 Finest Hidden Holidays within the US You Ought to Go to in 2022

13 Lake George Cabins for Hire: Lakefront Log Cabins + Cottages in NY

52 Distinctive Locations to Go to within the US: Most Stunning USA Locations



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