New York State is forever associated with the city of New York, the largest city in the country, but this large northeastern state, offers many interesting things to do all the way from from the shores of Lake Erie to the tip of Long Island. New York is also home to one of the largest natural areas in the country, the Adirondack Park Preserve.
Amtrak's Empire Service
To get a great feel for the place, newcomers to the Empire State might decide to travel on Amtrak's Empire Service. This scenic train journey runs between Penn Station in New York City and Niagara Falls, which is located in the northwest corner of the state. The route follows the Hudson River Valley north from New York and then the Mohawk River and Erie Canal, as it proceeds west. Many stops can be made along the way. Daily trips are made in each direction with Amtrak connections available to Vermont, Montreal, Toronto and Chicago.
New York State Fair
This hugely popular event occurs once a year in the 10 days that precede Labor Day. During this time a large assortment of farmers, vendors, performers, racing fans and fair-goers descend on the fairground site, which is located just west of Syracuse. At the fair, agricultural produce is displayed, many amusement rides are run and some gaming contests are set up. Also at this time, outdoor music concerts and horse racing attracts large crowds for these highly-popular, annual events.
Visit a Finger Lakes Winery
Besides bordering two of the Great Lakes, Ontario and Erie, New York State contains a long series of internal bodies of water, called the Finger Lakes. The biggest problem facing those who wish to undertake a fall winery tour is where to begin, but perhaps the centrally located quartet of Canandaigua, Cayuga, Seneca and Keuka Lakes might be a good place. One option for beginning a visit is the New York Wine and Culinary Center in the town of Canandaigua. Or, you could just head to the towns of Penn Yan or Hammondsport for some firsthand wine sampling.
Baseball Hall of Fame
Located between Syracuse and Albany at the south end of Ostego Lake on Blackbird Bay, is the fascinating American town of Cooperstown. For here, in the rolling hills of upstate New York, visitors will find the National Hall of Fame, a museum devoted to major league baseball. There is also a small ballpark called Doubleday Field, where an annual competition for youth is held. Of course, the one really important annual event is the annual induction ceremony, where outstanding players are admitted to the prestigious hall of fame. This gathering occurs at the end of July.
Ride The Staten Island Ferry
This short ride across the Upper Bay at the mouth of the Hudson is a great way to become visually acquainted with the New York City skyline. The view of Manhattan is stunning and the ride is free. The popular voyage runs from the Lower Manhattan to St. George on the island. The ferry company transport 60,000 people a day between the two places, using as many as five boats during the course of a day. The trip takes 25 minutes and covers five miles.
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