Beyond the Big Apple: 5 New York State Regions Rich in Culture, Nature and Charm

When I say “New York,” do you picture a city skyline, Broadway theaters and the Statue of Liberty? It’s not surprising that these iconic New York City images spring to mind. But New York State has nearly 55,000 square miles to explore. And most of it looks and feels very different than Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and “da” Bronx, my birthplace.

The Empire State has mountains and forests, Main Streets and farms. And there’s water everywhere: waterfalls, lakes, rivers, streams and the Atlantic Ocean. You can camp under the stars in well-maintained state parks. Prefer a roof over your head? New York’s got grand destination resorts, charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly chain hotels.

Tempted to learn more? Here’s a peek at five of New York’s most stunning regions and why a trip beyond the boroughs is worth booking.

New York’s Majestic Adirondack Mountains

Okay. They’re not the Rockies, but the Adirondacks are a beautiful upstate wilderness, encompassing a circular region stretching north of Albany, the state capital, to the Canadian border.

Dense conifer stands give way to pristine lakes. The most familiar, Lake Placid, hosted two Winter Olympics games, including the US hockey “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.

It’s a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts with epic hiking, skiing, fishing and camping. If you’re not much for active adventures, the scenery is worth the drive. The 30-mile High Peaks Scenic Byway passes through mountains, river valleys and forests.

Wineries and Waterfalls in the Finger Lakes

New York’s slender Finger Lakes occupy the middle of New York’s western arm, about a five-hour drive from the city. The deep lakes and mineral-rich soil provide an environment good for wine production. You’ll find over 100 wineries in the rolling lakefront hills.

The region was crucial to both the women’s suffrage movement and the Underground Railroad, operated by abolitionists. Visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls and the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn to learn more.

Watkins Glen, at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, is a wonderful home base for exploring the region. Visit The Glen, the village’s historic NASCAR track, and see epic gorge waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park.

New York’s Hudson River Valley

I’m biased. I’ve lived my whole life within sight of the Hudson, a 315-mile-long river flowing from the Adirondacks to the Atlantic Ocean. It inspires me every day and I’m not alone. Artists and authors have called the valley home for centuries and the region played a crucial role in the American Revolution.

There are dozens of villages to explore on both sides of the Hudson including:

• Nyack, popular for its seasonal street fairs.
• Poughkeepsie, home to the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge.
• Hyde Park, the site of the Franklin Roosevelt Presidential Library.
• Bear Mountain State Park with an outdoor skating rink, carousel, historic inn and day spa.

The mountains flanking the river are great for hiking and, in fall, provide jaw-dropping fall foliage displays.

The Catskills

Less wild than the Adirondacks, New York’s Catskill mountains are easily accessed from NYC.

Popular things to do include:

• Climbing the regional fire towers for panoramic views.
• Peddle with Rail Explorers on a decommissioned train track.
• Tour Opus 40, a massive outdoor sculpture park.

The spirit of the ‘60s is alive in the Catskills. The Woodstock music festival was held on Yasgur’s farm in Bethel. The site is an active summer concert venue and there’s a museum with a groovy vibe.

The most popular hike in the area is to the dramatic, two-tiered Kaaterskill Falls. Visiting in winter? Hunter Mountain is a popular Catskill ski resort. And don’t miss the world’s largest kaleidoscope. It’s located in the shopping complex adjacent to the Emerson Resort and Spa.

New York’s Sixth Borough? Long Island

Because it’s snug up against Queens, Long Island feels like a part of New York City. Until you drive 30 miles or so east and realize that this 118-mile-long, 23-mile-wide island is a world away from the Big Apple.

Drive the North Fork, a slender peninsula jutting into the Long Island Sound, and you’ll discover scenic vineyards and a lavender farm.

Long Island’s Gold Coast is home to lavish Gatsby-esque mansions. Old Westbury Gardens is an estate property open for touring.

The south shore is home to gorgeous Atlantic Ocean beaches. Jones Beach State Park is NYC’s summer playground with 6.5 miles of sandy waterfront, lifeguards, parking and an open-air concert venue. If you prefer an air of exclusivity, head to the Hamptons. Or commit to a trip to Montauk. It’s called The End because it’s the easternmost point on Long Island and New York State.

Your Next Trip to New York

The next time you plan a visit to New York City, consider adding a few days to explore The Empire State. Whether you head north to the rugged Adirondack forests or east to Long Island’s sun-soaked beaches, you’ll find natural beauty in stark contrast to the city’s engineered skyline.

Your understanding of the Revolutionary War will be enriched after visiting New York’s historic sites.

And the memory of farm-to-table meals featuring the rich bounty of regional farms and orchards will remain with you for a lifetime.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you explored New York State beyond the city? Where did you go? What was your favorite spot?