The word "diverse" describes New York perfectly. Travelers can find just about anything they could possibly want here, including renowned museums, top-notch performing arts, towering mountains, quaint villages, lakes and rivers, wineries, sandy seashores, resorts, and fine dining.
New York state covers 47,214 square miles, with varied geography. Long Island and Staten Island consist of Atlantic coastal plains. Along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, in eastern and central New York, lie the Hudson-Mohawk lowlands. West of the Hudson River, the Appalachian highlands cover much of the southern part of the state, including the Catskill Mountains and the Finger Lakes region. The land flattens out again in a narrow strip along Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence River, known as the St. Lawrence–Champlain lowlands. The state's most rugged area is the Adirondacks, a high mountain range making up approximately one quarter of the state in the northeast.
The climate in New York also varies. Summers in the New York City area and parts of the Hudson Valley are hot and humid, with average high temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Less humidity and average high temperatures in the upper-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit provide pleasant conditions for outdoor activities around much of the state. The Adirondacks, Catskills, and higher elevations in the Appalachians are generally cooler. In the winter time, the coldest mountain areas average up to 45 days with below zero temperatures. New York City and Long Island have the warmest average temperatures, and rarely experience lows below zero.
For people who love the great outdoors, New York is an excellent place to visit. Beach-goers flock to Long Island in the summertime to swim and soak up the sun. Winter brings perfect conditions for winter sports like skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. With the state's abundant snowfall and mountains, travelers can enjoy these pursuits in every region of the state, except New York City and Long Island. Numerous state and national parks provide recreational opportunities year-round, including camping, hiking, and biking. New York's many lakes, rivers, and its unique canal system are perfect for activities like fishing, tubing, and boating. Horseback riding and golf are popular pastimes as well. Or, just take a leisurely stroll through one of New York's lovely botanical gardens. Want a truly spectacular view of the countryside? Try a hot-air balloon ride.
New York is home to some truly amazing natural attractions. The immense, breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls has been a tourist draw since the 1820s. Letchworth State Park's 17-mile long gorge bears the nickname "Grand Canyon of the East." Carved out by the Gennessee River, it includes waterfalls, and is surrounded by dense forests. In the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm and Natural Stone Bridges and Caves are notable areas for exploration. A particularly unique region is the Thousand Islands. These tiny islands (1,864 in all) dot the St. Lawrence River. Although many are privately owned, public parks and villages provide interesting places to visit.
Travelers with more cultural tastes will find plenty to do as well. Of course, New York City boasts a plethora of world-class fine arts, from the Guggenheim Museum to the New York City Ballet to Broadway theaters. But visitors will find museums, art centers, galleries, theaters, and other performing arts venues all over the state. Woodstock is especially well known as an arts destination, with an art colony, galleries, concerts, theater, one-of-a-kind shops, and excellent dining. To truly immerse yourself in the arts, come to the renowned Chautauqua Institution. This annual nine-week event includes performances, lectures, and classes. Visitors can also tour a number of homes formerly occupied by artistic and literary luminaries. Among them are the homes of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, Grandma Moses, Edward Hopper, Washington Irving, and Walt Whitman.
New York has also cultivated a respectable wine industry. Four areas make up the state's wine country: Long Island, Lake Erie/Niagara, the Hudson Valley, and the Finger Lakes. Vineyards host many special events, from food festivals to murder mysteries, to a wine camp where adults get hands-on experience making wine. Whether your trip centers around touring vineyards, or just includes one stop at a winery's sample room, New York's wine regions offer interesting diversions amidst stunning scenery.
As one of the United States' original 13 colonies, New York is steeped in history. Historical sites and museums abound throughout the state. From the iconic Statue of Liberty to Fort Ticonderoga, travelers can visit many places important in New York's development. For a more authentic experience, visit a living history museum such as the mid-19th century Old Bethpage Village Restoration, or watch a battle reenactment. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian Wars, many reenactments and other events focused on that period will take place around the state through 2010.
In search of lighter, family-friendly fun? You'll find plenty of that in New York. Take a walk on the wild side at the Bronx Zoo, or a wildlife park; in Barryville, go eagle watching. At the Apple Pond Farming Center in the Catskills, families can take a tour to learn about life on a working farm. Or give the little ones a thrill at one of the state's amusement parks, water parks, or mini-golf courses. Cruises and train rides can be fun for the whole family, too. No matter what time of year, you can drop by Santa's Workshop in North Pole.
If you're a fan of racing or sports, New York's got you covered. The state's best known horse racing tracks are the Belmont Park Race Track (home to the Belmont Stakes) and the tracks in Saratoga Springs. However, thoroughbred and harness races run at other tracks in New York, too. Auto races are held at many speedways throughout the state, including NASCAR, stock car, dirt track, and motor-cross races. Baseball fans may want to take in a game at Yankee or Shea Stadium. Or visit the mecca of baseball, Cooperstown, and check out the National Baseball Hall of Fame. A special treat for football fans is watching the pros prepare at the New York Giants Football Training Camp in Albany. Of course, these are just a fraction of spectator sporting events you'll find in New York.
With so much to do and see in this amazing state, you won't be able to fit it all into one trip. But whatever part of the state you choose to visit, you'll love New York.
