When you think of New York, your mind instinctively drifts to bustling NYC – the buzz of Times Square, the bright flashes of yellow taxis, the urban sprawl of America’s nucleus. Accounting for about 40% of New York’s population, while NYC is certainly the star attraction and a major lifeline of the U.S., don’t discount the rest of the state for being a Podunk little cow town.
Here are 5 other must-visit travel destinations in the Empire State:
1000 Islands (pronounced “Thousand Islands,” not “One Thousand Islands”)
Located along the border of northern New York State and southeastern
Ontario, you can literally cruise thousands of islands over a 50-mile stretch
of shore. A spot with something for everyone, explore lighthouses, historic
castles, maritime museums, world-class fishing and diving, quaint downtowns,
on-the-water dining, and amusement parks for a truly memorable vacation.
Lake Placid
Part of the Adirondacks and a quick mountain getaway, Lake Placid is home to
the largest trail system in the country with over 2,000 miles of marked hiking
routes. Most notable among these are the 46 High Peaks, each over 4,000 feet,
which includes Mount Marcy, the tallest mountain in New York State. It’s a
place to rebalance yourself, while enjoying in a plethora of outdoor adventure
activities.
Wild Center
8
years in the making, the Wild Walk launched summer of 2015 is a new attraction
for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Also part of Adirondack Park, the Wild
Walk is an interactive treetop live-history museum that allows you to explore
the forest with breathtaking views of the 6-million acre park (the biggest in
the country).
Catskills
A
family-friendly, four-season destination, the Catskill Mountains are just two
hours north of NYC. Boasting some of the best east coast alpine skiing in the
country, the area is also known for having the longest, highest, and fastest zipline tour in North America at
Hunter Mountain.
Hudson Valley
Running from the tip of Manhattan 150 miles to the state capitol, Hudson Valley
is a photographer’s paradise that’s actually been named one of National
Geographic Traveler's Top 20 Must-See Places in the World. A huge foodie
destination and the oldest wine producing region in the U.S., it’s an inspired
artist community and cultural center.