There’s so much more to New York than just NYC. In fact, there’s a whole state to explore. One of the best ways to do that is with your own set of wheels.
While it’s true that you’d need a lifetime to see, do and experience everything the Big Apple has to offer, you only need nine days to get a taste of New York State. And believe us: it’s a taste you’ll never, ever forget.
So grab those car keys and embark on a self-drive adventure through vibrant, magical and diverse upstate New York. The great outdoors, fantastic food and good times await!
Here’s our rough itinerary to get you started…Our top tip is to jump on a quick, 1.5 hours, train from Grand Central Station to Poughkeepsie and grab a car to start your road trip.
Days 1 to 3: Hudson Valley
Walkway over the Hudson
Spend a few days exploring through the gorgeous Hudson Valley in upstate New York and enjoy some of the state’s outdoor and foodie highlights. Make sure to check out Soukup Farms for your Maple fix
There are miles of hiking/walking trails with amazing mountain views throughout the valley including part of The Appalachian Trail. Then savor a farm-fresh meal at any of the area’s farm to table spots and enjoy fine dining at the student-staffed restaurants at The Culinary Institute of America, known in chef world as the CIA.
Get back in the car and then work off those delicious calories by going for a walk over the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world, aka “Walkway Over the Hudson.” It was built back in 1888 and towers 64.6 metres above the magestic Hudson River, so awesome views are guaranteed.
And don’t you dare drive past the gorgeous Innisfree Garden, which has been officially recognised as one of the top ten gardens of the world for the harmonious interplay between Japanese and Chinese garden design principles and the natural elements of rock, wood, water and sky. It’s so very Zen.
Innisfree Garden
There are a few top spots to stay in the Hudson Valley but we recommend staying at the artsy option of the Hotel Tivoli for something truly unique.
While we’re talking about Hudson highlights, make sure to read up on The Dia:Beacon art museum is home to stunning large scale works by world-renowned contemporary artists dating back to the 1960s.
Days 4 to 6: Syracuse/Skaneateles
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
No one should leave the USA with an empty suitcase, instead drive only three hours to Syracuse and get your retail therapy on at Destiny USA. This retail and entertainment complex is the largest mall in New York State (and the sixth-largest in the USA), featuring over 250 places to shop, dine and play.
Foodies will want to park it at the nationally acclaimed original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Voted the best barbeque in America on ABC’s Good Morning America poll. Serving finger-licking good BBQ daily for lunch and dinner, with Free Live Blues Music Monday through Saturday evenings. Walk your BBQ feast off in downtown Syracuse and explore its architecture and history, and be sure to check out the year-round festivals.
Before heading to Buffalo, enjoy the local charm of Skaneateles, recognized as the “Jewel of the Finger Lakes.” Walk this picturesque village and keep your cameras ready, as Skaneateles is popular for celebrity getaways, boutique shopping, farm-to-table restaurants, Skaneateles Lake cruises with Mid-Lakes Navigation, and wine tasting at Anyela’s Vineyards.
Days 7 to 9: Buffalo/Niagara
Oh no! It’s coming to the end of your road trip.
Basing yourself in one of the boutique rooms at the historic The Lafayette hotel in central Buffalo, visit nearby Canalside on Lake Erie in summer and make a beeline for the district’s Central Wharf, where outdoor yoga, children’s games and concerts await.
In winter, go ice-skating, try your hand at curling, or enjoy a delicious hot chocolate along this 300 million dollar waterfront development.
Just a short walk from here is the equally impressive Riverworks waterfront entertainment complex. Bars, restaurants, skating, ice hockey, curling and concerts can also be found here – of course you need to make sure you get some of the famous Buffalo wings and jump on the Buffalo wings trail!
Riverworks
And of course, no visit to New York State would be complete without ticking Niagara Falls off your bucket list. Take a ride on the newly eco-friendly, electric Maid of the Mist, sign up for the Cave of the Winds Walk and then finish it all off with a scenic trolley ride through the Niagara Falls State Park. Heaven!
So what are you waiting for?
To find out more head to www.iloveny.com or head to the I Love New York training platform to increase that New York Knowledge!
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