Abandoning New York City for the upstate area led to discovery of various vineyards, NASCAR adventures, and renowned waterfalls.
Discovering the Hidden Gems of Upstate New York
Upstate New York offers a captivating escape from the bustling city life, promising a unique blend of scenic beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm.
Your journey begins in Syracuse, nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, a lush green area renowned for its more than 1,600 vineyards and picturesque landscapes. A short drive south lies Watkins Glen, home to the renowned Watkins Glen International track, where Formula 1 raced for 20 consecutive years before Nascar took over.
The tour continues towards Niagara Falls, a spectacle in itself. The Maid Of The Mist boat tour provides a close view of the falls, while the Cave Of The Winds offers an exhilarating experience, allowing visitors to get close to the base of Niagara's Bridal Veil Falls. The Hurricane Deck, part of the Cave Of The Winds, features water spray slamming sideways, adding to the thrill.
Buffalo, located where the Buffalo River meets Lake Erie, serves as the final stop. RiverWorks, a creative reinvention of old grain silos, offers ziplines, climbing walls, a big wheel, kayaking, and lively bars, making it a must-visit destination. Buffalo is the favorite of many, including the author.
For those seeking a more tranquil experience, Upstate New York has plenty to offer. Skaneateles, a location in the Finger Lakes region, is known for its clean lake and shorefront full of sprawling manors, guest houses, and boat garages. Former President Bill Clinton and his family are known to holiday here.
Herkimer Diamond Mines is another unique destination. Visitors can mine their own quartz crystals, called Herkimer diamonds, and learn jewelry crafting, offering a hands-on experience with a local geological treasure.
The Catskills area, including New Paltz and Mohonk Preserve, is ideal for nature lovers. Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve offer hiking opportunities, while Saratoga Springs provides a blend of culture and nature, with gardens, local wineries, farmers markets, and river cruises.
The Mohonk Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in New York, with extensive hiking and nature watching on more than 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge. Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York’s highest waterfalls, offers scenic views and a celebrated natural landmark in the Catskills.
Panama Rocks Scenic Park, located in the Catskills, offers a half-mile-long path through towering rock formations, caves, and forest, perfect for adventurous hiking and nature exploration.
Carmel Hamlet and Lake Gleneida, about 90 minutes north of NYC, provides a quiet lakeside town experience with scenic parks, diverse international food, and outdoor activities including access to the picturesque Hudson-Athens Lighthouse.
These destinations showcase a rich combination of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, historical sites, and small-town charm, providing less crowded and authentic experiences in Upstate New York beyond the metropolitan area.
For those seeking to explore Upstate New York, an 11-night fly-drive tour is available, including car hire, Top Of The Rock Observation Deck in NYC, Niagara Falls Tour, and return flights from Heathrow, starting from £2,770pp based on two sharing.
For more information about New York State, visit iloveny.com.
- In Upstate New York, thefood-and-drink scene is noteworthy, with vineyards and picturesque landscapes in the Finger Lakes region offering a unique culinary experience.
- For those who enjoy sports, the region boasts attractions like the Watkins Glen International track, known for hosting Formula 1 and NASCAR races.
- To appreciate the home-and-garden aesthetic, visitors can explore Skaneateles, a location known for its clean lake and manors, offering a tranquil respite in Upstate New York.
