Best Things to do in New York State

There are plenty of spots to order the treat from, but New York City’s classic Ess-a-Bagel is a great place to start. Like Buffalo wings in Buffalo, eat bagels in New York early and often.

Yes, this may seem overly traditional, but there is a reason this is a quintessential tourist attraction. Up close the falls are a force of nature — a rare combo of height and, more uniquely, volume. At peak, a staggering 600,000 gallons per second pours over the main Horseshoe Falls, one of the three that make up the Niagara Falls. And the area isn’t all about being wowed by cascades and torrents. See penguins and sea lions at the Aquarium of Niagara, learn about the history of the Underground Railroad at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and explore the Cave of the Winds, a natural cave behind the Bridal Veil Falls.

The very famous and very tall two-stage waterfall in the Catskill Mountains, has reached an almost mythological status. The attraction — one of the oldest in the state — has been the subject of countless artworks, literary efforts and even film pursuits. The beautiful landscape is primarily dominated by the 260-feet-tall cascades, but visitors should take note of the scene in its entirety. You can observe the waterfalls from up close when walking the trail or from a distance at the top of Kaaterskill High Peak.

Picture this: in a mere two miles, a stream drops 400 feet and gives birth to 19 different waterfalls. If that’s not worth a visit to the Finger Lakes, we’re not sure what is. We suggest you camp out here, possibly fishing some rainbow trout for dinner? There are three different trails — the Southern Rim, Gorge and Indian — for you to hike from May to November, all alongside the famous gorge.

Yes, you’ll want to hike but, we promise, there is much more to do here. Sample the sweet treats produced inside the Adirondack maple syrup cabins (yes, you can bring some home as well), pursue kayaking and canoeing feats, run around fields of green overlooking lakes and, of course, pedal your way through the region on a bike. Warning: the Adirondacks are pretty vast, encompassing a variety of lakes, including popular destinations Lake Placid and Lake George. We’re partial to the latter — its nickname is “Queen of American lakes,” after all — but we suggest exploring all water- and land-based offerings in the area.

Home to the largest collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the country, its works are spread across 500 acres of land, rendering this a nature-heavy destination as well. It’s a seasonal park open from April through November, so keep that in mind while planning your visit.

Not too far from Storm King Center is another art destination that has become an overall cultural must-see for New Yorkers and out-of-state tourists alike. Dia:Beacon presents art collected by the Dia Art Foundation from the 1960s through today. It’s a relatively new destination — it opened back in 2003 — and its proximity to the Hudson River renders it a popular venue among nature lovers as well.

While in town, indulge in — here comes the obligatory tip — Buffalo wings, allegedly invented right here at the Anchor Bar by Teressa Bellissimo. You should start at Anchor Bar, but wedge wings into as many meals at as many places as possible. Have them the traditional way, meaning with blue cheese as a dressing. You’re also here to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural gem, the Darwin Martin House Complex. Built between 1903 and 1905, it’s considered a hallmark of his Prairie School design and is a National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site.

The Darwin Martin House Complex is a Frank Lloyd Wright architectural gem. Built between 1903 and 1905, it’s considered a hallmark of his Prairie School design and is a National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site.

A must-visit is the Saratoga Spa State Park and its hydrotherapy treatments at the Roosevelt Spa and Baths.

Of course, you’ll want to visit the Saratoga Race Course while there — a thoroughbred horse racing track considered by many to be the oldest major sporting venue in the United States. If looking to attend the yearly meet, make sure to be in town from mid-July through Labor Day. The meet lasts 40 days, and races take place five days a week. If horses just aren’t your thing, don’t fret: the springs, parks, lakes and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center are worth the trip.