New York State has so much more to offer than just the bright lights and skyscrapers of New York City. Beyond the iconic landmarks and neighborhoods of Manhattan, a wealth of under-the-radar destinations await across the Empire State. From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions to culinary delights, this article will show you that there is more to New York than just NYC.
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Venture Off the Beaten Path in the Adirondacks
If it’s outdoor adventure you seek, then point yourself towards the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Its endless wilderness provides opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, paddling or even just appreciating Mother Nature in her finest form. Don’t miss visiting Lake Placid, home of the famous 1980 Winter Olympics and filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and Olympic history. Or escape from civilization by backpacking deep into the woods and spending the night next to a remote Adirondack lake. You’ll find waterfalls, high peak summits, and glorious vistas around every corner. Just be sure to tread lightly and practice “leave no trace” ethics to keep this special place wild for future generations.
Discover the Artistic Side of Western New York
Western New York is home to a vibrant arts scene thanks to its inspiring natural landscapes and history as an epicenter of social movements like women’s suffrage and abolitionism. The tiny village of Brockport outside Rochester transforms into a hub of creative energy each August when it hosts the Western New York Book Arts Collaborative. Artists flock here to learn traditional bookbinding, paper arts, printing and more from skilled masters. Visit galleries showcasing handmade paper, letterpress studios and experimental art spaces. Of course, no discussion of art in this region is complete without mentioning the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora. Elbert Hubbard founded an arts and crafts community here at the turn of the 20th century. Today, the restored campus offers shops, museums, restaurants and an annual craft festival.
Sip Your Way Through the Finger Lakes Wine Trail
While Napa may get more fame, New York’s Finger Lakes wine region holds its own. With glacially carved hillsides and mineral-rich soil, the area mimics premier wine regions in Europe. That means delicious cool-climate varieties like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Follow the Cayuga, Seneca, and Keuka wine trails to visit the over 100 wineries now operating in the region. Standouts like Dr. Konstantin Frank, Hermann J. Wiemer, and Ravines Wine Cellars prove world-class wines can come from our backyard. Chat with winemakers, enjoy unparalleled views of the lake from vineyards, and taste those crisp refreshing whites the Finger Lakes does best. Don’t leave without indulging in the region’s burgeoning craft beer, cider, and distillery scene too.
Take a Food Tour of Long Island
Given its proximity to New York Harbor, Long Island enjoys access to some of the East Coast’s freshest seafood. From Montauk’s dockside restaurants to elegant establishments in the Hamptons, sublime ceviche, oysters and lobster rolls await. But don’t ignore Long Island’s inland offerings too. The island’s farms and orchards overflow with delicious produce like apples, pumpkin, berries, and standout Long Island potatoes. Greenport on the North Fork celebrates these culinary riches with its annual Harvest Festival each September. Another emerging food scene comes from Long Island’s growing Latino population. Take a tour of Salvadoran bakeries, taco trucks, empanada shops and more to discover how these new residents are expanding the island’s culinary horizons.
With so much natural splendor, hidden history, and small-town charm, it’s easy to see why there’s more to the state than just NYC.
