Take to the road to explore the gems of New York State
What better way to see the amazing sites of New York State than by taking to the open roads and exploring its historic towns, delightful parks, wineries and much more at your own pace.
What better way to see the amazing sites of New York State than by taking to the open roads and exploring its historic towns, delightful parks, wineries and much more at your own pace.
Upstate New York is a must-see destination all year round and, given its expanse and network of well-maintained highways and byways, a fly-drive holiday is one of the best ways to get around.
Fly into New York City at the state’s southern tip before jumping on a train to head east to coastal Long Island or north to Albany.
From there travellers can hire a car, for a solo trip or with family or friends, to explore the delights of Upstate New York, that stretches north to the Canadian border.
Easily accessible small-town charm sits alongside world class attractions, such as the iconic waterfalls at Niagara Falls, rich heritage in Albany and Saratoga, stunning waterways and lakeside towns in the Finger Lakes and iconic castles in Thousand Islands Seaway. Culinary delights await in Central New York with farm to table and main street dining, and Hudson Valley where the impressive Culinary Institute of America has its home.
Spectacular outdoor activities for all ages await in the Adirondacks and Chautauqua-Allegheny regions.
Visitors will be blown away by the ease of driving through the state and the variety of the experiences that await.
Here are just a few destinations to add to the New York State bucket list on a scenic fly-drive break:
Hudson Valley
Savour the mountain views on a drive through Hudson Valley - https://www.iloveny.com/blog/post/best-summer-family-road-trips-in-new-york-state-5/ - that’s ideal for families of all ages. Set off on a two-hour drive that winds through the area, enjoying vistas of mountains, farmland and lakes along the way. Take the lovely Route 9D from Beacon and continue to Poughkeepsie. From there, cross the Hudson River and continue on to reach New Paltz.
Before driving across the Hudson River park the car and stretch your legs on Walkway Over the Hudson, which is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge offering stunning views of New York’s beauty.
In New Paltz, don’t miss Mohonk Mountain House, an award-winning National Historic Landmark resort from the mid-1800s. It offers 85 miles of hiking trails, a glacial lake and treatments at its world-class spa.
Pop into Kelder’s Farm for fresh berries that make a great snack on road trips, then drive to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome to see some of the world’s oldest planes.
Albany
Discover Albany - https://www.albany.org/ - where you can explore downtown and Albany's booming craft beverage industry, must-see attractions and vibrant culture. Revel in the region's rich history with museums, historic homes and fascinating architecture. Venture beyond the city limits for scenic views and thrilling outdoor adventures in the Helderberg Hilltowns. A short drive to the north will bring you to Saratoga Springs, a Victorian city known for its natural mineral springs and award-winning downtown, and then on to Lake Geroge, a summer lake resort town and your gateway to the Adirondacks.
From the Albany region, a three-day road trip will take you across New York State to the destination of the world-famous Niagara Falls, with wonderful family stop-offs along the way, from zoos to amusement arcades.
Visit Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the US, cruise on the Maid of the Mist and descend on foot into the Niagara Gorge for an unforgettable experience.
Lake Placid
Exceptional in every season, Lake Placid is especially appealing during the summer months. It blends outdoor adventure with luxurious relaxation to provide activities that suit everyone, from lake life to hiking scenic peaks and taking on Winter Olympic pursuits.
Lake Placid is located in the Adirondack Park, which is the largest nature preserve in the lower 48 states, so enjoy the dense forests on a leisurely nature walk, or for those more adventurous, opt for a spectacular 16-mile kayak trip or a high-peak hike.
Thousand Islands
This stunning region - https://visit1000islands.com/ - is located in northern New York State along the St. Lawrence River near Lake Ontario. It’s a scenic destination named after its 1,864 islands. Intrepid travellers will have a plethora of attractions that are worth stopping off for, including boating, fishing and a visit to Boldt Castle. It has state parks for camping and unique, small towns along the border with Canada.
Syracuse
Another must-visit destination on your drive across New York State is stunning Syracuse - https://www.visitsyracuse.com/things-to-do/outdoors-seasons/summer. A pleasure to see throughout the year, it truly comes alive in summer when it offers festivals, outdoor music and fun.
Tantalise the taste buds at the Taste of Syracuse food festival. Enjoy boat tours on Skaneateles Lake or join the crowd for a concert at St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview. Check out the largest car show in the Northeast with the Syracuse Nationals. Catch sunsets at Onondaga Lake Park or end your day with al fresco drinks in Downtown Syracuse. Make sure to tour the Great New York State Fair, one of the best and oldest in the US.
Chautauqua-Allegheny
In this region - https://visitwesternny.com/summer-chautauqua-allegheny-region - of New York State, choose from a wide range of outdoor and water-based activities, world-class events and fine-dining establishments.
Spend some time at Chautauqua Institution, an idyllic lakeside community; explore the geological spectacle that is Rock City Park, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, with an altitude reaching 2,300 feet above sea level; and sail or kayak at Cuba Lake, Allegany County's 455-acre man-made lake.
All ages will find some humour at the National Comedy Center, an interactive experience dedicated to the history and art of comedy.
Ithaca
Inspiring Ithaca is another stop-off not to be missed on a road-trip across New York State. And summer in Ithaca is the season of waterfalls, festivals, and lake breezes. Warm days and long evenings make it the perfect time to explore the Finger Lakes’ natural beauty, savour local food outdoors and experience the arts scene.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, many within a short drive of downtown.
At Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park, natural swimming areas offer the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Taughannock Falls State Park is another must-see, where a 215-foot waterfall drops higher than Niagara, and a sandy beach at the lake welcomes swimmers all summer.
Cayuga Lake is at the heart of summer in Ithaca. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, book a boat cruise, or enjoy a swim at Stewart Park’s lakeshore beach. Families can also spend the afternoon biking the Cayuga Waterfront Trail which connects parks, gardens and picnic areas.
Cooperstown
No baseball fan will want to miss out on experiencing Cooperstown at least once in their lifetime. Walk the hallowed halls of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, watch a baseball game at Doubleday Field, and pop into shops in Cooperstown along the charming Main Street.
There is more to Cooperstown than baseball, making it perfect for the whole family. Take an afternoon to wander around the world-renowned Fenimore Art Museum, stop off at The Farmers' Museum and discover its rich arts community.
Lovers of the outdoors will enjoy the landscape, including Glimmerglass State Park for swimming and camping along the wooded shores.
For more information visit:
I LOVE NY www.iloveny.com
North America Travel Service www.northamericatravelservice.com 0333323 9099
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