7 Major Destinations Outside Manhattan: Long Island and More

In addition to the bustling Manhattan, there are many wonderful places in New York State, such as the amusement paradise Long Island, the holiday resort Catskill Mountains, the Capital Region, which has many historical and cultural sites, the Wilderness Area Adirondack, the scenic Finger Lakes, the magnificent Niagara Falls. Drive a few hours from downtown New York to experience various natural and cultural landscapes. For more information, please follow the WeChat official account of the New York State Tourism Board “New York State Impression” and Weibo “I Love New York State”.

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Getaway Choice Near Manhattan: Long Island

Long Island is adjacent to Manhattan, just an hour away from there. It is famous for its white sand beach and good wines. There are old fishing villages, magnificent ancient buildings and unique museums. At the same time, Long Island is a shopping paradise, from large malls and designer outlets to small coast boutiques and roadside farm stations. Along the North Fork Scenic Road, there are a variety of wineries, markets, and antique shops and restaurants selling fresh local specialties and seafood. Hamptons, located in South Fork, is called a summer paradise by tourist magazines.

Highlights:

Seals in winter, forests in water, Oheka Castle

Specialties:

Wine, Long Island Duck, Seafood

Magnificent Views in Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley has magnificent scenery, outstanding people, and has given birth to generations of artists, writers and politicians. To the north of Manhattan, next to the spectacular Hudson River, you’ll see palatial old mansions, beautiful riversides, and famous farmhouse cuisines. From the country antiques store to Woodbury Common (one of the largest contiguous outlet centers in the world), you can indulge in the joys of shopping. The prestigious museums and theaters showcase the treasures of culture and fabulous performances. You can overlook the famous West Point. The Shakespeare Festival is also one of the features of the Hudson Valley. More than 30,000 fans and visitors come here each summer.

Highlights:

Hudson luxury castle hotel, Appalachian Hill Road

Specialties:

Handmade cheese, wine

County of Saratoga: Historical Culture

Highlights:

Albany’s water, Troy’s Tiffany windows, Saratoga racecourse

Specialties:

Local products in the market, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que restaurant, candle banquets, cruise banquets, etc.

Adirondack Park: Boundary Between Wildness and Modern

Explore the perfect blend of wilderness and civilization in the breathtaking scenery of towering mountains, lush forests and flowing streams. From New York City, you only need to drive for 3.5 to 6 hours to arrive at the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, the largest wilderness area in the eastern United States. The park has 46 mountains, more than 3,000 lakes and ponds, and thousands of miles of hiking trails and canoe cruise routes. It is really a paradise for hiking, fishing, rafting and swimming in mountain lakes. Its exclusive attractions also include the Olympic stadiums, world-class natural museum, historic grand camp and luxurious Four Seasons Mountain Resort.

Highlights:

Cycling or self-driving on the Adirondack scenic trails, diving in the St. Lawrence River, island camping

Specialties:

Salmon, venison, bison raised by local farms, handmade cheese, beer

Finger Lakes: Wonderful Place for Outdoor

The Finger Lakes are 5-6 hours from New York City. 11 lakes are distributed across the land like fingers, which led to them being called the Finger Lakes. This area has many natural attractions and fascinating sights. Numerous creeks and streams connect the lakes to Lake Ontario, making this place a paradise for swimming, fishing and boating. The magnificent state park is ideal for hiking, cycling and camping. Around the lake is the scenic Wine Boulevard, lined with the oldest vineyards in the United States. There are also charming towns and vibrant cities in the area. Fans come from all over the world to watch the excellent racers of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), who compete on the Watkins Glen International Speedway.

Highlights:

“The coolest town in the United States” Hammondsport and Beaufort, the only “Y” shaped lake in the United States Keuka Lake

Specialties:

Wine, fresh cheese made by local farms

Thousand Islands: Breathtaking Scenery

The Thousand Islands are about 7 hours from New York City. The Thousand Islands include nearly two thousand islands. The glittering blue harbor of Lake Ontario, the sparkling St. Lawrence River, and hundreds of miles of picturesque coastline make up the breathtaking scenery. Cultural tourism projects such as Fairy Tale Castle and Fish Hunting and their unlimited adventures attract tourists from all over the world. There are 28 state parks across the Thousand Islands. The whole area is a large playground all year round. In warm seasons, tourists can go boating, swimming, hiking and bird watching. In winter, they can try cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and other activities. The beautiful Nature Center is open all year round.

Highlights:

Island rental, the origin of Thousand Island Dressing, the ancient Boldt Castle and Singer Castle

Specialties:

Wine, Thousand Island Dressing

Niagara Falls

The Niagara Region is about 8 hours from New York City. Natural landscapes and man-made wonders make this area an extraordinary tourist attraction! The program “Today” once listed Niagara Falls State Park as one of the ten most beautiful scenic spots in the US. And that’s just the beginning. World-class fishing experiences, Seneca Niagara Casino, a wonderful shopping city, Niagara wine tasting tour, Erie Canal boat cruises, Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort featuring world-class roller coasters, thrill rides, large water parks and on-site hotels, ancient Niagara Castle, the great art and architecture of Buffalo and the magnificent canyons of Letchworth State Park, which are widely renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, are all in store for every tourist.

Highlights:

Niagara Falls, Buffalo National Garden Festival, Jell-O Gallery Museum

Specialties:

Top of the Falls Restaurant, Buffalo Wings, Niagara wine tasting tour.

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