Although New York City dwellers might disagree, there is a lot more to the state than the city that never sleeps. If you aren't a fan of large cities or you've seen plenty of the Big Apple but not much of the surrounding area, you might want to consider a trip upstate, where there is still plenty to do and see.
Travel by Bus
While Amtrak does pass through the state, its reach is limited compared to going by bus. You could also opt for a road trip, but bus travel frees you up to look at the scenery and is cheaper than renting a car. You can look up the cost of bus tickets from Ithaca to Syracuse to help you start planning. Both cities are part of the Finger Lakes region and have many activities for visitors. Ithaca sits on Cayuga Lake. It's a college town and is known for its waterfalls and gorges as well as an interesting collection of boutiques and restaurants, including the famous vegetarian Moosewood Restaurant. You can walk several different trails to see the various falls in the area. In Syracuse, enjoy Green Lakes State Park and a variety of museums, restaurants and craft beer breweries.
Niagara Falls
Probably the only place in the state that is as famous as the big city, Niagara Falls is one of the great wonders of the world and absolutely worth a visit. You can take a boat tour that gets near the falls or opt for one that actually takes you behind the falls. There's more to the area than just the incredible waterfall as well, including some great restaurants. Eat within sight of the waterfall itself or sample the city's renowned pizza or Buffalo chicken wings just up the road from where the recipe was invented. If you are going for a special occasion such as a honeymoon or milestone birthday plan ahead and expect crowds. There are several honeymoon travel tips you can apply to your time in Niagara so you can create a memorable experience.
Outdoor Adventures
Known as the North Country, the northern part of the state is largely rural, and if you love the outdoors, this destination is for you. The Adirondack Mountains offer hiking, water sports and more. Head back south toward the city and stop off at the Catskill Mountains where you can find a variety of charming inns and enjoy fishing, rafting and other sports as well as the beautiful landscape made famous by the Hudson Valley painters. Second only to Niagara Falls in popular natural wonders are the Howe Caverns, an underground limestone cavern that offers a walking tour and boat ride. Lake Placid has hosted two Winter Olympics, and you can still visit the Lake Placid Olympic Center. Nearby, you can climb Cascade Mountain or go kayaking on Mirror Lake. You can also hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Georgia to Maine. About 90 miles of it crosses New York.
Other Suggestions
Pack a picnic and head to the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, where you can bet on the horses six days a week. It may come as a surprise to some visitors that the state capital is Albany, not New York City, but the city offers a number of interesting activities, including the chance to take a sightseeing cruise up the Hudson River.
