Destination Upstate New York

By:  Carol Tanjutco, J.D.

From the exhilarating adventure to the moving experiences of a lifetime, New York has great outdoors and landmark places that quench a tired, torn spirit. Hardworking migrants find solace just sitting at Times Square, while marveling at the kaleidoscope of lights after a late night shift, or heading upstate on weekends and holidays to enjoy beautiful scenery and fun-filled family activities. 

More than the famous outlets shopping, apple picking and winery tours that New York is known for, there are vast state parks accessible by a few hours drive or by metro train ride. The largest state park, Adirondrack Park, has six million acres larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite combined!  The Whiteface Mountain has Olympic facilities for professional and beginner cub camp skiers, it has the largest vertical drop east of the Rockies measuring 3,430 feet. 

The Hunter Mountain at Catskills has the longest and highest zipline in North America. While there, relive the great American classic story of Rip Van Winkle with real-life robbery staged by actors while passengers enjoy an elegant meal on a scenic train ride at the Delaware & Ulster Railroad, cruising 24 miles between Arkville NY and Roxbury NY. Luckily for passengers, lawmen will arrive in the nick of time to stop the desperadoes of the west from the “stick up.”

Balloons over Letchworth State Park, Livingston County swooping over the Grand Canyon of the East

Four seasons a year, travelers enjoy the grand outdoors that upstate New York has to offer. Not too far from the city, the Finger Lakes region boasts of the magnificent Grand Canyon of the East, a sight to behold in winter or fall. Graciously lined by the Genesee River in a symphony of curves, coil and loops, as it traverses two counties, the Letchworth State Park covers 14,350 acres of lush forests, dramatic waterfalls and canyons. 

The vast winter-white glaciers resting against lime stones are sharp contrasts to the red and gold autumn leaves that cover the canyons just one season ago. In spring , summer and fall, hot air balloons operated by licensed professionals will take you to a breathtaking ride as the colorful balloon swoops through gorges and cliffs through the woods passing some 20 fiercely cascading waterfalls. Whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking and snow tubing in winter time, are few of the activities to try. With permit, deer and spring turkey hunting are also allowed. 

Cabins of various types are available to rent, for as low as $700 a week, whether for campers roughing it out, or for honeymooners who opt for well-appointed houses atop the hills. For the more discerning, the Glen Iris Inn inside the park offers fine dining. Letchworth State Park is a must-go in an adventurer’s agenda. Nearby attractions include Niagara Falls. Free guided tours are available all year round. Children will be delighted to drive by alpaca farms and long-haired horses.

Cross-country skiing for beginners 

Not too far from Livingston County, the Genesee Country Village and Museum provides a perfect place to try cross-country skiing for the first time. Both parents and children can give it a try to walk through snow and icy paths while familiarizing themselves with the control of their ski. The bumps and slopes are manageable for starters whose dream to ski makes it a reality. The staff are more like family members watching out for you. On the other side of the village, the tour guide will take you back in time to step into an 18th century rebuilt homes and look at authentic collection pieces saved at their museum.

Yuletide at Genesee Country Village

Feel the magic of Yuletide in the country. This seasonal program at Genesee Country Village  is different than a usual daytime visit to the museum. The tastefully decorated historic village appears to be a live canvas where tour guides will lead guests through the snow-covered streets in the year 1849 when New York declared Christmas and New Year’s Day as state holidays. Enjoy music, dancing and tree lighting as you visit village homes and businesses to see how the joyful residents back then react to the news of Christmas as a holiday. 

Doing a road trip makes sense to tie up together places of interest in order to maximize the travel time instead of going into a single location. On the way back to the city, about an hour and a half drive, the famous Corning

Museum of Glass will give both adults and children an unforgettable experience inside the world of glass, even challenging the artist residing in each one of us. Scores of glass sculptures, amazingly detailed designs of dress, jewelry and wall centerpieces prove the infinite possibilities one can do with glass.

Glass Sculpture at Corning

At Corning, the mystery of glass production is unveiled through demonstration and workshops. The most thrilling part is when you actually don gloves, create a sculpture or fashion your own jewelry design with the help of an artist. Pick a design for a pendant, a quaint Valentine heart for that special someone, a voluptuous flower with a coiled stem, or a crystal ball to gaze at, all at minimal cost of materials and the session. After some pulling and molding of hot glass, Corning will freeze the finished product ready for your pick up or for shipping next day, a wonderful memoir to cap a dream family trip. 

Heading back to the city, you can’t resist planning the next trip upstate. There are so many places to visit in the Finger Lakes region alone.  Rochester and Syracuse, a perfect back to back road trip that can cover historic places of opulence,  American pride and surprise fun activities all day long. Until the next journey, visitors and residents of New York and the tri-state areas have so much to look forward to. On-line NYS Responsible Travel Guide is available at www.iloveny.com/ecotourism  Unearth the New York that you never knew!

Photo credits:

Featured image photo by ILOVENY.com

All other photos by Carol Tanjutco, J.D.