By Claire Taylor
Things to Do in New York State
There is much to do in the state of
New York. Contrary to popular belief, life does not begin and end in New York City. For the visitor who is willing, exploration is sure to reap benefits. Historically, the state has much to say in regards to the formation of the country. Geographically, it is home to some of the most rugged scenery in the northeast. Financially, it is a powerhouse. Whether upstate or down--east or west--New York has much to offer.
Revolutionary New York
Almost 35 percent of all battles fought during the Revolutionary War took place in New York State. Many of these former battle sites are set in naturally beautiful areas. Several key battles between the French and the British--and then the rebels and the British--took place throughout the state. Some sites, such as Fort Ticonderoga, have undergone painstaking renovations to bring the sites back to their former states of beauty. The beautiful town of Saratoga is near the site of the first significant defeat of the British, and it is considered by most to be where the tide of the war turned. Saratoga National Historic Park commemorates the event. Some skirmishes even took place in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Fort Ticonderoga
PO Box 390
Ticonderoga
NY 12883
(518) 585-2821
Saratoga National Historic Park
648 Route 32. Stillwater
NY 12170
(518) 664-9821 ext. 224
Outdoors
New York State has much to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Adirondack Park, at the northeast corner of the state, is bigger than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone parks combined. Superb hiking can be found here as well as some scenic driving, canoeing, fishing, and camping. Allegany State Park, in western New York, boasts one of the state's largest old-growth forests. Also, Niagara Falls has been luring lovers for a century, while Bowman Lake State Park is noted for its excellent camping.
Adirondack Regional Tourism Council
P.O. Box 2149
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(518) 846-8016
Allegany State Park
2373 ASP, Route 1, Suite 3
Salamanca, NY 14779
(716) 354-9121
Niagara Falls
(716) 278-1796
Bowman Lake State Park
Oxford, NY
(607) 334-2718
Cities of New York
New York State has several cities worth visiting. Albany, the state capital, sits directly on the northern portion of the Hudson River; it is worth visiting for its historical significance. Originally called Fort Orange, the Dutch for years traded in this area with Native Americans. The city of Buffalo has several masterpieces of architecture, as well as the historic enclave Allentown. Syracuse is the home of college basketball powerhouse Syracuse University and the Orangemen. Rochester is home to the engineering marvel Erie Canal, as well as the scenic Durand-Eastman Park. Also, Rochester is the closest city to the Fingerlakes Region, famed for its wineries. And finally, there is the city of all cities, New York City, which needs no introduction at all.
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
Fiona Schweers
