You know New York City (how could you not?), but how well do you know the rest of New York State? Do you know where the best architectural landmarks are? How about the coolest wineries, beach towns, and shopping outlets? And what about the plethora of impressive natural wonders scattered across the state?
In answer to our pop quiz questions above, we’ve come up with our top New York State destinations. Oh, and agents, we also share how you can WIN a coffee machine for your office!
An Apple a Day: New York City
The Big Apple is not only New York State’s most well-known destination, but the United States’, the North American continent, and possibly the world’s! Having earned its reputation as the city that never sleeps, you can – rightly – expect to do a lot while visiting New York City. Even at three AM when you’re dealing with jet lag (remember jet lag?).
Thanks to the thousands of attractions on offer, there is a buzz in NYC. It’s akin to the dopamine released when you eat your favourite cake (New York cheesecake?), sip your fave tipple (Manhattan cocktail?), and watch your all-time favourite band play in concert (at Madison Square Garden?).
Alongside the top-tier attractions, like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Met, there are epic tours to suit every kind of interest. Think foodie, TV/movie, ghosts, gangsters, street art, history, shopping, cultural, photography, and more. There’s practically no time to sleep!
We’ve selected three of the ‘best’ New York City hotels: check them out.
Call of the Wild: Buffalo
New York State’s second-largest city, Buffalo, attracts visitors for its proximity to Niagara Falls, which are only 30 minutes by car. However, it has plenty more to hold your interest if you’ll commit the time to explore.
Buffalo’s biggest attraction isn’t one but many: it’s a city filled with modern American architecture. The highlight is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House; The Guaranty Building, with its terracotta moulding, is another Buffalo standout.
The famed Niagara Falls are only 37 kilometres from downtown Buffalo, making day trips effortless. Visit the Cave of the Winds, ride the iconic Maid of the Mist, or hike Niagara Falls State Park’s trails. Other Buffalo natural attractions include the 142-hectare Delaware Park: bike, row a boat, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Buffalo’s waterfront has had a makeover, with Canalside at the heart of it all. Canalside hosts every kind of event you can imagine – sporting, gigs, yoga – and there’s an equal number of Canalside activities, dining, and bars to frequent, too.
Curious about our picks for the best hotels in Buffalo? Click here.
Life’s a Beach: The Hamptons
You may know of the Hamptons from TV shows and movies, where everyone seems to be wearing polo shirts and is filthy rich. However, when you experience the Hamptons for yourself, you’ll learn it’s rich in all manner of ways that extend far beyond money.
Located on eastern Long Island’s South Fork, the Hamptons comprises a string of seaside communities that come alive in summer. Gorgeous beaches, delectable seafood restaurants, charming 18th-century buildings, and a sophisticated art scene await.
In winter, the reduced tourist numbers, wind-swept beaches, and snow-topped vineyards offer a more nature-focused vacation that’s good for the soul. Rent some skis to cross-country ski across the Hither Hills State Park.
Want to know our top Hampton’s boho-luxe hotel pick? Check it out!
Test the Waters: Finger Lakes & Rochester
New York State’s most exciting up-and-coming destination, Finger Lakes, comprises 11 narrow lakes created by glacial movements around 21,000 years ago. In summer, water sports activities, waterfall trail hikes, and rock pool swims are worth the trip out west alone. In autumn, the fall colours elevate your Finger Lakes visit. In winter, take advantage of the snow sports opportunities. Year-round? Wine!
Yes, Finger Lakes is New York State’s largest wine-producing region, with more than 120 wineries lining the lake shores. We love Seneca Lakes’ Boundary Breaks for the sunset vibes and Cayuga Lake’s Americana Vineyards because they have wine and homemade fudge!
Only an hour away, Rochester makes a great base to explore Finger Lakes. It offers a range of attractions, from the natural to the cultural to the quirky. Don’t miss Letchworth State Park, the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’.
We’ve found the best glamping spot in Finger Lakes. Discover more here.
Up Your Alley: Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is like that cool kid at school that has it all. Only instead of great hair and trendy clothes, it has gorgeous scenery, historic buildings, a refined culture, and quirky attractions. Hudson Valley is made up of towns that surround the Hudson River. Historic Rhinebeck wows with architecturally impressive buildings, against the Catskills Mountains backdrop.
For an artsy visit, head to Beacon. Discover contemporary art at Dia:Beacon, visit the established glassblowing studio or pop into the Clutter Gallery, where emerging art is the focus.
Btw, if there’s one place to ensure you wear your stretchy pants, it’s Hudson Valley, as the culinary scene here is next-level. Indulge in yummy farm-to-table cuisine, sample craft brewery fares, and don’t miss the award-winning wineries.
Hudson also supports the shopaholics among us: antique-trawl in Hudson or Nyack or nab a bargain at the Woodbury Common designer outlets.
Want to sleep in a former candle factory? Discover more here.
Agents: Sell the Best of New York State & WIN
If you want to increase your New York State know-how, head to www.ilovenewyork.com.au, do the training. and get certified. The more you know, the more you can sell, the more you can sell, the more chances you have to win!
Yes, win! I Love New York are giving away a fancy coffee machine for your agency. Every New York State booking you make on Expedia’s TAAP site gets you in it to win it.
Good luck!
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