Hidden Gems in New York

Without a doubt, New York City gets the most publicity and fame from visitors. Attractions like Time Square, Broadway, The Statue of Liberty, and the 911 Memorial bring tourists from around the globe.

While these experiences are high on a traveler’s bucket list, New York has some pretty amazing hidden gems that are definitely worth a visit. These places are overshadowed by the big apple, but equally, deserve some of the limelight.

Whether you fly into New York City and tag on a few extra days for a road trip upstate, you fly into Albany International Airport and hire a taxi and airport transportation company to shuttle you to Otesaga Resort or Cooperstown, or you live in New York City and are looking for something different for the weekend, the state of New York has a lot more to offer than the city’s high rises and ferry tours.

New York for Tourists

If you want to skip New York City altogether and maximize your time seeing all the sights in surrounding areas, you have a couple options for flying directly into Upstate New York. The Albany International Airport or the Syracuse Airport are viable options that you can then take a taxi, bus, or train to the destination of your choosing.

Or consider staying in Albany to enjoy the glorious Washington Park, which is adorned with a million colorful tulips around May. In Albany, you can also enjoy a Hudson River cruise from State Street to view the unique skyline.  From Albany or Syracuse, consider visiting Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Farmer’s Museum, which are both worth dedicating a whole day too.

Once you’re in Cooperstown, hop on and off the Tolley to see the town from a whole new perspective. Attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, like Niagara Falls and Whiteface Mountain, are not too far away, so pack your hiking boots and poncho – you might get sprayed!

Weekend Getaway for NYC locals

If you live in the city, chances are you don’t drive your car very much because you ride the subway, walk, or Uber everywhere you need to get during your day-to-day. However, if you’ve held on to your car for weekend getaways, you may need maintenance before your trip.

So fuel up with gas, check the tire pressure, take it to a local shop (we use Honda service and repair) for a check-up and hit the road! If your goal is to slow down for months and months of being submerged in the grind of city life, then the Adirondacks are calling your name.

Some key places to visit in the Adirondacks are Saranac Lake, an idyllic little mountain village, The Wild Center at Tupper Lake where you can walk on a net above the trees, and the John Brown Farm Historic Site near Lake Placid.  For something a little different, visit the Finger Lakes and go to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. It is free and not only is it a gem in New York, but it is one of the greatest treasures right in your backyard.