Once known as the Gateway to the West, Central New York is New York State's lowest and central-most geographic region. With the mighty Adirondack Mountains at her crown and the lush and lowly Catskill Mountains at her feet, Central New York is often seen as a springboard for more majestic exploits. However, the rich history, glorious scenery and friendly town events provide visitors with delightful and relaxing recreation.
Experience Living History
Central New York is steeped in history. Long before Europeans settled the area, Central New York was home to the indigenous Iroquois Six Nations. During the American Revolution, battles raged as brother fought brother. Museums, such as the New York State Museum in Albany, and state parks, such as Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome, host educational activities, re-enactments, and real-life encampments to provide visitors with a taste of life as it was. The Erie Canal flowed through Central New York, and is memorialized with many museums, such as the Erie Canal Village in Rome and the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse.
Relish the Arts
From off-Broadway shows to roaming exhibits of masterpieces and ancient farmer's tools, Central New York offers a bountiful blend of museums and music. The glorious Glimmerglass Opera House in Cooperstown sets the rural landscape ablaze with world-class performances. The Everson Museum of Art maintains an eclectic collection of art and curiosities. The Stanley Center for the Arts in Utica and the Syracuse Stage of Syracuse University in Syracuse provide exceptional entertainment throughout the year.
Enjoy Local Festivals
Attend the New York State Fair, New York's largest festival, in Syracuse every September. Hunt antiques at the vast Madison-Bouckville Antique Show, held annually every August on 90 acres of farmland along Route 20. Join the thousands of runners and spectators from all over the world at the Utica Boilermaker Road Race, the world's largest 15k race in the United States. If smaller events are your cup of tea, join the Irish Festival in Downtown Syracuse, the Antique and Classic Car Show in Utica or the Wizard of Oz Festival in Chittenango, celebrating the masterpiece of local son L. Frank Baum.
Revel in New York's Natural Scenery
Central New York's geography is stunning and diverse. The Adirondack Railway offers train rides through some of the most breathtakingly scenic areas of the state, from the ebbing fingers of the Mohawk River to the rugged foothills of the Adirondacks. Boaters and beach goers love Oneida Lake, New York's largest inland lake. Hikers enjoy the mysterious, aquamarine waters of the glacier-formed lakes at Green Lakes State Park in Chittenango.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Central New York boasts a form of tourism called "agritourism," where tourists may visit working farms, orchards, vineyards and other working rural businesses that incorporare the heart of Central New York's economy. For animal lovers, the Rosamond-Gifford Zoo in Syracuse and the Utica Zoo in Utica welcome visitors around the year. Central New York is home to a multitude of state and privately-operated parks, campgrounds, fishing and swimming areas for outdoor enthusiasts.
Have a Ball
Central New York is home to a number of sports museums: The Rome Sports Hall of Fame Museum in Rome houses memorabilia of local and national sports; highlighted at the museum are local celebrity NASCAR champions Richie Evans and Jerry Cook. The Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota features the best and worst of the sport of boxing. Explore the illustrious National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown during the off-season, or visit during the annual award ceremonies in July.
Member Comments