While New York City is what people first think of when they hear "New York," the state of New York itself has many relaxing vacation spots for the individual, couple or family who wants to get away from it all. Where might you like to visit in New York? Obviously one page can't cover it all, but below find some areas and activities which are "can't-miss" during your New York getaway.
Scenic Drive - Route 5 and 20
For starters, you might want to get in your car, or rent a car if you've flown to New York, and drive Routes 5 & 20 in the northern part of the state (the Finger Lakes region and the Greater Niagara region) to a New York you'll never forget.
Routes 5 & 20 is a 135-mile long corridor that traverses New York State from east to west. On it you'll travel through wine country, visit antique shops, historic sites, a castle, theme parks and outstanding recreational areas for hiking, biking, skiing, or whatever your sport may be. A drive along this road takes you past:
The Seward House- the former home of William H. Seward, known for his work to purchase Alaska.
- Willard Memorial Chapel - featuring the work of Louis C. Tiffany and Tiffany Glass and Decoration Co. Only complete and unaltered Tiffany chapel known to exist.
- Rolling Hills Ghost Hunts - here you can spend a night in haunted Rolling Hills, the sight of the former poor house, insane asylum, orphanage and nursing home in Genesee County.
- Ganondagan State Historic Site - site of 17th century Seneca Village.
- Finger Lakes Wine Center
- Seneca Lake State Park
- Cayuga Lake State Park
- Harriet Tubman Home
New York Vacations for Outdoor Fun
The Catskills - where, according to legend, Rip van Winkle fell asleep and slept for 20 years. The Catskill Game Farm will offer family fun, featuring about 2000 wild and tame animals to watch. Or, take a hiking tour of Ice Caves Mountain. In winter go skiing at Thunder Ridge Ski Area or Ski Plattekill.
Adirondack Region - Ski at places like Titus Mountain, Gore Mountain and Dry Hill Ski area. In summer visitors can enjoy water sports on area lakes. Kids of all ages visiting the Adirondack region will enjoy the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom amusement park in Lake George.
Museums, Historical and Cultural Sites
Broadway - New York City. Who hasn't heard of Broadway? When in NYC you must take in a show or at least visit Broadway. Along Broadway in Manhattan there are more things to do and see on one street than in many large cities. Broadway is home to business, theater, dining, shops and a host of famous buildings. Broadway has presented everything from Cole Porter in the 1940s to 'The Phantom of the Opera' today, from Olivier's Shakespeare in the the 1950s to 'Penn and Teller' recently. Inexpensive, last-minute tickets to a show can sometimes be had for those wishing to wait in line at TKTS in the heart of the area. 25-50% discounts are common, but availability is hit-or-miss.
Carnegie Hall - for over 100 years, Carnegie Hall has been the mutual destination of musicians seeking the highest level of their profession and those who want to experience their efforts. Whether your taste runs to classical or jazz, folk or pop, Carnegie Hall has hosted them all. Tchaikovsky guest conducted the first performance in 1891, but the decades after saw performances by Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Judy Collins and many others.
Guggenheim Museum - Built between 1956 and 1959, the museum still serves its original purpose - the display of works from the 20th century, primarily painting and sculpture. Along the walls can be found examples of most of the famous names of the 20th century: Picasso and Pissaro, Giacometti and Kandinsky. The building itself is best viewed from across the street on the west side of 5th Avenue. From this vantage point, the visitor can get a variety of views of the architectural crowning point of Frank Lloyd Wright's career.
Singer Castle - Dark Island. A castle in New York? Of course. The Singer Castle is a 28-room Scottish-inspired castle built between 1900 and 1905. It was occupied by the Frederic Bourne family; Frederic being the 5th CEO of Singer Sewing Machine Company. A tour of the castle won't disappoint with its 5-story clock tower, 4-story boat house, rose garden and hidden passageways. Located on a 7-acre island in the St. Lawrence River, the Singer Castle is just 1 1/4 hours drive from Syracuse; 2 1/2 hours from Rochester, and 1 1/2 hours from Montreal, Canada. You can actually rent a one-bedroom suite at the castle and have the island to yourself for the evening.
Saratoga Springs - Revolutionary War buffs will want to visit Saratoga, site of the Battle of Saratoga, which is thought of as the "turning point of the American Revolution." FYI, the battle has been named one of the 15 most pivotal battles in world history. Located in the southern foothills of the Adirondack mountains, Saratoga also offers many outdoor activities for visitors, as well as the famous mineral springs with its curative waters and the ever-popular Saratoga Racetrack.
For Romance
While there are many places for romance in New York state, none is as famous for romance as Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls has long been the place for honeymooners and those seeking a romantic getaway.
Other romantic spots in New York include the beaches of Long Island, or perhaps a hot air balloon ride over the Hamptons. Or, why not take your romance directly to the city, New York City that is. A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, window-shopping in Greenwich Village, and a ride on the Staten Island Ferry would all be nice ways to start your romantic vacation in New York.
Theme Parks
Coney Island - If you've never been to New York City, you can't claim to have gone unless you trek on out to the infamous boardwalks of Coney Island. It is important to understand first of all that Coney Island is only open seasonally so you have to plan your journey accordingly. The second thing that is important to understand about Coney Island is that it isn't one centrally owned operation.
The vast majority of attractions at Coney Island close either immediately or very soon after Labor Day. The beach and the actual boardwalk are open to the public year round, but some times are simply lonelier than others. Nathan's Hot Dogs and the New York Aquarium remain open after the summer season has ended and operate most days throughout the year. The Coney Island Museum is Open on the weekend from 12:00 PM until 5:00 PM year-round. During the summer season when tourism is high along the boardwalk the two major theme parks, Astroland and Deno's Wonder Wheel Park. sponsor firework shows on Fridays at 9:30.
Astroland Amusement Park is the largest amusement park in New York City. The Cyclone is the most famous ride in this particular park and this is a ride that is well known by roller coaster enthusiasts around the world. It is a wooden roller coaster that offers quite a thrilling ride. Other great rides at this park include the Astroflume, The Break Dancer, the Astroland Carousel, The Swings, Top Spin, Dante's Inferno, Power Surge, and Astro Tower.
Enchanted Forest/Water Safari - Located in Old Forge, NY, Enchanted Forest/Water Safari is New York's largest water theme park, and includes over 50 rides and attractions. They are open mid-June through the end of August, so if you're planning a summer vacation to New York, stop in and have fun.
Darien Lake Theme Park Resorts - Located east of Buffalo, Darien Lake Theme Park Resorts has over 100 rides and attractions, including "The Predator," the tallest wooden coaster in New York State, and "the Giant Wheel," the second-tallest Ferris-wheel in North America. There is also a waterpark for your enjoyment. At Lake Darien, you can enjoy the petting zoo, a large performing arts center, and lovely beaches. Camp or stay at one of the area resorts. Open during the summer.
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