Beyond
Spring 2010
Explore the Finger Lakes p. 10
NY Eats p. 8
The Don’t Miss List p. 14
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Note from the Editor Dear Reader, My entire life I have lived in New York State, specifically in Rochester. It is my home. My family and friends all live there; it is where my heart lies. Growing up, my parents loved to take small road trips so I got to see quite a bit of New York as a kid. Even at a young age, I developed an appreciation for the beauty of my home state. From Buffalo, to Albany, and down to Long Island, New York is such a diverse place. There is always something new to do and experience. My goal in creating this magazine is to show everyone, not just New York residents, what can be found BEYOND the Big Apple. Millions of people every year visit New York City, but never go beyond the city limits. They are missing out on so much. I want to show people that there is so much beauty throughout the state that can be enjoyed by everyone. I hope that you enjoy taking a look at New York through the eyes of someone who adores this state and keep an open-mind about what New York has to offer.
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Your Editor, Jennifer Cicotta
Table of Contents 4 6
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A Photo Journey: Rochester Who’s Your Team?
NY Eats
The foods that NY is famous for and some local treasures that everyone must try.
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Explore the Finger Lakes
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The Don’t Miss List
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This series of 5 lakes in Western New York are one of New York’s greatest hidden treasures.
If you are visiting NY these are the places you must make time to see.
Travel with Peace of Mind From My Experience: Reader’s Suggestions
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R o t e m co
! r e t s e och
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Our editor’s hometown isn’t known for its tourist attractions, but after a visit we think you will find plenty of fun things to do.
Frontier Field Home of the Rochester Redwings The Redwings are a Triple-A team for the Minnesota Twins. A game at this beautiful park is a great place to take the kids on a summer evening.
Strong Museum of Play Rochester Public Market
A great place to learn and explore. Exhibits are hands on and are fun for both kids and adults.
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A beautiful open air market in the middle of downtown. This is a great place to find flowers, produce and original crafts.
The beautiful home of the founder of Kodak Film.
A local amusement and water park that has been a Rochester staple since 1876.
Seabreeze
an House m st a E e g r o e G
Ontario Beach Park A park on Lake Ontario that includes a beautiful beach, pier, playground, and carousel.
If history interests you in the slightest be sure to check out this unique museum. Walking through the villages and old homes makes you feel like you have stepped back in time.
Don’t let this zoo’s size fool you! There are some great animal attractions hiding at this local zoo.
Seneca Park Zoo
Genesee Country Museum & Village
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Who’s Yo One of New York’s greatest traditions revolves around their sports teams. Even people who don’t normally watch sports take pride in their New York teams and there are several to choose from. From baseball to hockey, New York is full of teams with a long histories. The history of the teams and the stadiums that they play in make for some great adventures.
Baseball Rivaleries Two of baseball’s most historic teams are based in New York City. The New York Yankees and the New York Mets have both been around for decades. The Yankees moved to New York in 1903 and the Mets came into existence after the Dodgers moved to California. Since then, the Yankees and Mets have had a heated rivalry; residents of the NYC continually battle over which team is the best. This rivalry comes to head when the two teams meet in the playoffs, in what is known as the “Subway Series”. Both teams have had some of the games greatest players as part of their franchises, including, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, and Tom Seaver. In the past, Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium were two of the most visited baseball stadiums in the country and although fans come to see the teams in flocks still, the stadiums are brand news. In 2008, the Mets moved across the street to the new Citi Stadium and in 2009 the Yankees moved to a new stadium also known as Yankee Stadium.
Madison Square Garden Madison Square Garden, or simply The Garden, is a New York City landmark. The Garden has been hosting huge New York City events since its opening in 1968. In 1972, the Garden’s chairman, Irving Mitchell Felt, suggested the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers be moved to the facility. So that is exactly what they did.
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ur Team? Presently, the Garden hosts about 320 events each year. From sporting events to concerts, Madison Square Garden is often at the center of New York City happenings.
Football Fanatics Currently, New York is home to three separate National Football League (NFL) teams; the New York Giants, New York Jets, and the Buffalo Bills. Although the Giants and the Jets both actually play east of the City in New Jersey, they are still considered part of the New York sports tradition. The Giants have been in existence since 1925, the Jets since 1960 (originally the New York Titans), and the Bills also began in 1960. The Bills home is in Buffalo, New York where they play at Ralph Wilson Stadium. They also have played one game per year in Toronto at Rogers Center since 2008. The Jets and the Giants have a rivalry that is much like the one the Mets and Yankees entertain, but at the beginning of the 2010 NFL season, the two teams will be sharing the same stadium. In this unique arrangement, both teams will play home games at Meadowlands Stadium, which is sure to only increase the already heated rivalry.
Minor League and College Teams As great as the major league teams are in New York, the fact remains that if you are not in New York City than you are not going to be able to see a game and even then ticket prices can be extravagant. However, do not let that sway you from the experiencing the New York sports experience. Throughout the state there are great college and minor league teams to visit. In Upstate and Western New York, there are several Triple A baseball teams, minor league hockey teams, and American Basketball League teams. There are also some great college teams including the Syracuse University Orangemen. Regardless of where you are in the state, you should be able to find some sort of sporting event near you.
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NY Eats Originally started at Rochester landmark, Nick Tahou’s, the Garbage Plate is a staple to the locals. The “plate” consists of one meat (most popular is chesseburger), and then sides of macaroini or potato salad, home fries, or baked beans are added. Then the entire thing is smothered in onions, musterd, and a special hot sauce that has chunks of ground beef in it.
A tradition in Western NY, this sandwich is made with roast beef on a kummelweck (similiar to a kiaser roll) roll. The roast beef is shaved super thin and the top bun gets a dip of au jus. The meal usually comes with horseradish sauce, a dill pickle and fries.
Garbage Plate
Beef on Weck
Originated in Buffalo, Buffalo Wings are unbattered and fried so that the outside is nice a crisp but the meat is still tender. Then the wings are coated in a sauce that is usually based with vinegar, butter, and cayenne pepper from their on sauce receipes vary. Traditionally the wings are served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
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Buffalo Wings
Apples
Apples are New York’s greatest contribution to the produce world. Some of the greatest apples on the east coast come from the New York apple orchards in the western part of the state. You can find everything from apple sauce to apple pie. Apple picking is also a fun way to spend the day with the kids.
Thousand Island Dressing Thousand Islands dressing got its name because the receipe originally gained popularity because it was passed around by the residents of the Thousand Islands. The dressing is commonly made with mayo, ketchup, Tabasco sauce and finely chopped vegetables.
To many New Yorkers, Wegmans is the only grocery store worth shopping at. Founded in Rochester, Wegmans is a community staple especially in Western New York. The grocery store chain has also started to branch further south and has more than 75 stores currently opened to the public.
Fish Fry
Fish fries in Thousand Islands and throughout Upstate New York are traditionally made with haddock or cod that is caught in the surrounding lakes. The traditional batter to form the crispy outside is a beer batter. In this area fish fries are usually on Fridays and are served with tarter sauce and cole slaw. This style of pizza began in New York City in the early 1900’s. The thin, foldable, and wide crust is what characterizes the pizza. The sauce is very thin but is heavy on the mozzarella cheese. The slices are often known as “street snacks” because you have to fold it in half to eat it.
Wegmans New York-Style Pizza
Manhattan Clam Chowder
Manhattan Clam Chowder is made with a clear broth rather than the traditional New England style of cream or milk. This chowder gets its red color from the tomatoes that are added for both taste and color.
Explore the Finger Lakes by Victoria J. Bullard
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estled in the heart of Western New York lie 11 bodies of water, surrounded by lush farmland, villages, wineries, and adventure as far as the eye can see. While each of the bodies of water has its own name and attractions, they are most commonly referred to as the unit they make up: the Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes have a rich Native American history. Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, which are the deepest of the Finger Lakes, are named after Iroquois tribes that are believed to have been early inhabitants of the region. According to Native American legend, the Finger Lakes were formed when God reached down to bless the chosen land and left the mark of his hand. These all-natural lakes have long been a popular tourist attraction, and they offer a plethora of opportunities, sights, and fun. Though the lakes vary in size and depth, they all have in common breathtaking vistas and activities that demonstrate why they are as sought after as they are.
Attractions “Agriculture is king” in the Finger Lakes region and the year-round attractions give everyone a taste of its royalty. Many open farms invite visitors to sign on as a hand for a day, giving them the unique experience of picking their own fruit. From their famous apples and apricots to the peaches and cherries, the agriculture of the Finger Lakes has a treat for every palate. Farm markets across the area showcase and sell the famous Finger Lakes produce in many different venues. The Windmill Farm and Craft Market offers fruit, vegetables, honey, flowers, and fruit pies from many of its
250 vendors, making it the largest farm market in the area. Native to the Finger Lakes is Red Jackets Orchard, which boasts some of the best cider around, as well as specially adapted varieties of apricots, engineered to withstand the cold spring temperatures. Of the four locations within the United States that produce fresh, high quality apricots, three are located in California. Red Jackets Orchard is the fourth. After their trip through the harvest of western New York, visitors can experience the excitement of off-water recreation that the area has to offer. They can spend the day riding roller coasters at the Seabreeze Amusement Park, hop in a vintage plane for a spin at the National Soaring Museum, or go for a swim in the indoor water park at Hope Lake Lodge Resort. With 134,000 acres of water, 250,000 acres of hunting ground, and 46 hiking and biking maps of the region, the Finger Lakes offer extraordinary fishing, hunting, and hiking. On the lakes, trophy-sized fish of all sorts are only a cast away. The world-class fishing attracts thousands of visitors each year alone. Frozen lakes aren’t a problem, either, as ice fishing is just as popular as pond fishing. Those looking to pursue game of all kinds can find what they are looking for in the forested areas of the Finger Lakes region. Finally, those who prefer to explore the lay of
Whether on the lakes or off them, finding something to do at the Finger Lakes is never a difficult task. the lands on foot or two wheels will have access to trails that run through the beautiful landscape of the Lakes. Whether on the lakes or off them, finding something to do at the Finger Lakes is never a difficult task. In addition to the outdoor recreation and nature’s appeal, some of the best museums, art galleries, and beautiful golf courses are spread throughout the region, including the George Eastman House of Photography and Film, Rockwell Museum of Western Art, and Corning Museum of Glass. Because the history of the Northeast United States is so rich, the Finger Lakes would be incomplete without museums that tell the stories of iconic figures and important eras in American history. The Harriet Tubman House, the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Susan B. Anthony House are among the intriguing museums available to the public.
Wineries Perhaps the most popular attraction of the Finger Lakes is the wine. With over 100 to choose from, the Finger Lakes’ wineries offer tours, tastings, and awe-inspiring landscapes to enjoy. The most popular wines of the region include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but with many more varieties, there is a flavor for everyone. Wine trails are great for those wishing to get a taste for more than the wine itself; they give tourists an extended look into the brewing and distillation process and explain wine’s great history in the northeast. The wineries are not only a delicious day trip, but are also a large financial part of New York. By attracting more and more visitors each year to their grounds, they create job openings, and stimulate the economy for growth. Most wineries are family-owned and operated.
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Lodging After the excitement and adventure of the day at the Lakes, visitors can stay at one of the hundreds of hotels, campgrounds, cabins, or resorts in the Finger Lakes area. Those in the mood for a true rustic experience m ay may choose to camp in tents at one of the many campgrounds,, while others others who who prefer prefer lluxury uxury have have their their choice choice of of h otels and and motels motels expansive expansive enough enough to to fit every everry sstyle. tyle. A b ed aand nd breakfast breakfast provides provides a ggenuine enuine ffeel eel aand nd atmoatmohotels bed ssphere phere o the charming charming Finger Finger Lakes. Lakes. off the IIn n fact, fact, tthe he FFinger inger Lakes’ Lakkes’’ b beauty eauty and d excitement exciitement h has as oft often en caused caused vacati vacatio oners ners and and tourists tourists to to purchase purchase real real estate estate iin n the the area to enjoy its beauty whenever they like, any time off year, aand nd with with h views views aass b beauti eautifful ul as as the the Finger Finger LLakes’ akes’ aare, re, iit’s t ’s iimpossible mpossib ble to to get get sick sick of the view. view w. more FFrom rom the th he world-famous world-famous fishing shing to to the the unbeatable unbeatable wines, wines, the the Finger Finger Lakes Lakes off offer er m ore aacti ctivviti itieess aand nd adventures adventures what tthan han most most people people can can fathom. fathom. However, However, aallll iitt ttakes akes iiss a vvisit isit to to the the gorgeous gorgeous area area ssee ee w hat tthe he ffuss uss is is about. about. The The have FFinger inger Lakes Lakes h ave a llitt ittllee something something for for everybody. everybody. ***Please ***Please vvisit isit fingerlakes.org ngerlakes.org to to plan plan or or book book your your trip. trip.
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The Don’t Miss List Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”. The Genesee River flows through the gorges, that includes three major waterfalls, to create one of the most majestic sights in the eastern U.S. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails to enjoy the beautiful park. Letchworth offers not only beauty, but also history and nature. This park is one of the most picturesque places that a traveler could find. For more information visit nysparks.com.
Thousand Islands - St. Lawrence River The Thousand Islands can be found on the beautiful St. Lawrence River that connects New York with Ontario, Canada. Throughout the area there are more than 1,800 islands. The Islands were discovered in the 1870s by wealthy vacationers that were looking for places to build their summer homes. They found the Thousand Islands to be the perfect spot with their sandy beaches, granite cliffs, and various forms of wildlife. Although many of the islands are still privately owned, there are several areas that are opened to the public. One of the areas more popular attractions is the year-rould fishing although these islands have a lot more to offer. There are various boat rides that weave through the Islands and show you the beautiful scenery. Boldt Castle, Thousand Island Winery, and Cape Vincent are also popular attractions. Whether going for the fishing or simply to enjoy some time with family, the Thousand Islands is a place everyone will enjoy. For more information go to visit1000islands.com
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Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains stretch across 8 different counties in northern New York. The region is a blend of beautiful scenery and quaint towns. The forests are filled with beautiful lakes and rivers. The Adirondacks are known for the scenic hiking trails, water and winter recreation. For more information visit visitadirondacks.com
Niagara Falls - American Side
Niagara Falls is actually made up of three different falls. The American Falls are only separated by the Bridal Veil Falls by a small piece of land. Every year over 12 million tourists from all over the world come to Niagara Falls to take in one of the most beautiful natural phenomenons in the world. The falls are the second largest in the world only second to Victoria Falls in Africa. Tourists can enjoy dinner with a view or the famous Maid of the Mist boat ride. A person could certainly spend the day enjoying the falls and all that surrounds it. For more information visit niagarafallslive.com
National Baseball Hall of Fame The National Baseball Hall of Fame is located in Cooperstown, NY. The newly-renovated museum exhibits bring the history of baseball to life. Adults and children alike will enjoy the interactive exhibits and the beautiful displays honoring the game’s greatest players. This is a stop for any baseball fan. For more information visit baseballhalloffame.org
New York City New York City, The Big Apple, is considered one of the greatest cities in the world. Millions of people every year whether for business or pleasure come through New York City. It is the mecca for all things fashion, entertainment, business, and food. The city offers various historical landmarks such as The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building. The Statue of Liberty alone has become a symbol of freedom for all Americans and Ellis Island is the place where many American’s heritage began. For those looking for all things entertainment, New York City is the right place to be. Broadway alone offers a show for anyone’s taste. Also several talk shows and television shows are shot right in the heart of the city. The food alone is enough reason to visit this amazing city. In this one city you can find foods from every part of the world. The choices are endless. From New York City style pizza to classic Greek food, the city offers a variety of flavors that will fit anyone’s taste buds. New York City is the absolute on the Don’t Miss List. There is so much to experience and do that you will be forced to visit more than once. Everyone should make a visit to the Big Apple a priority on their travel list.
For more information visit nyctourist.com
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Travel with Peace of Mind
Growing up, I always loved going on trips. The adventure and seeing new parts of the country excited me, but I had a problem. I am a nervous traveler. My father and I always spent the couple of days before we departed on our trip “twitching” about traveling. We worried about packing, being on time for flights, and spending money. My mom always told us to relax, but it never worked. As I got older and began having to travel more for my job, I started to relax a little bit but I am still a “twitchy” traveler. So for all you “twitchy” travelers, I have created a list of tips to make sure you are fully prepared for your trip and can travel with peace of mind or as much as possible.
Getting There
Whether sitting on a plane, in a car, on a train, or on a bus, the actual getting to your destination part can be the most trying. If you are flying, remember time is your friend. Too many people try and time their arrival to the airport perfectly and then they end up not having enough time. In my experience, aiming to be at the airport about a half an hour before you actually want to be there can save you from a disaster. That way if you hit traffic or there is a problem with your tickets, you have some extra time; and if you don’t hit any bumps in the road then you have time to get a coffee and a magazine.
Now train, bus or car trips are usually a little bit longer than a plane ride. In this case, you want to make sure you have supplies. Triple A is your friend. Before you leave you should hit up the closest location for maps and brochures (they are free if you are member). For the car ride try buying snacks so you don’t have to stop for food. Not only will you save money and time, but it is healthier. Eating healthier food while you travel keeps your energy up because your body doesn’t have to break down such heavy foods. If you are traveling with kids, make sure to always bring a lot to do. DVD players and hand-held video game systems are great but try going to the dollar store to find some car games that you can buy. If you have younger kids try buying Goodnites. Even if your child is potty trained, the Goodnites can prevent any accidents. The best item that you can have while traveling with your kids has to be wipes. This makes it easy to wipe their hands and faces without making a mess.
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Picking a Place to Stay Every person wants something different from the place they are staying in. When looking for a place to book for your trips, keep that in mind. Things like pets or a large group of people might suggest that a cabin or cottage is your best option. If you are not going to be spending a lot of time at the place you are staying, than a simple hotel without a lot of extra is a good choice for you. Are the kids with you? If so, than a hotel that offers extra amenities like pull out couches or pools is going to be something that you will look for. Once you have narrowed down the type of place that you want to stay in, websites like Triple A’s TripAdvisor can help you find the perfect place to stay.
Planning Your Days Although you definitely want to be flexible on your trip having a list of places you want to see and things you want to do on your trip is never a bad idea. Before leaving, figure out the main things that you want to do while on your trip. For the things that are a must-see, make a schedule for which days you are going to do those activities. Then also have a list of other activities to fill in the gaps and as a back up plans. It is also important to find out how much your activities are going to cost you so you can budget your trip accordingly. In most areas, there a lot of fun things to do that are free or waive the price of admission for children. The last thing I would suggest for planning your trip is to bring a laptop on your trip with you. Most hotels have free wireless Internet access and this way you can check things like weather and directions the night before an outing. These are just a few things I have learned over my years of traveling, but hopefully you will find them helpful. Traveling can be an amazing adventure especially if you are prepared. However, remember to be flexible and know that you are on vacation and everything does
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From My Experience Fellow Reader’s Reviews of Their Favorite New York Destinations
For the past 25 years, my husband and I have been taking our four girls to Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes Region in Western New York. It has now become a family summer tradition. Every year we rent out the same cabin right on the water. Our family has actually out grown the size of the cabin, but the weather is usually so beautiful that having a tent outside is just as comfortable. My husband loves going to Keuka because he can bring his boat and spend the day fishing. He loves to get up in the early morning and see the sunrise on the water. My daughters enjoy this vacation partly because it reminds them of their childhood, but I like to think that they also enjoy spending time with their parents. They bring friends with them and spend the day sunbathing, water-tubing, or shopping in the quaint stores in Penn Yan. Regardless if your kids are young or old, boys or girls, or if you have 2 kids or 5, there is always something for your family to do together and at a reasonable price.
Cheree Grossglass Pastor’s Wife Mother of 4 Girls
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Maggie Connelly High School Student 18 years old
Growing up, one of my favorite places to visit with my parents were the Adirondack Mountains. In the winter, we would head up there to go cross-country skiing. Then in the summer time, I could take my horse Albert up into the mountains. The mountains have some of the most beautiful trails. Those are some of my favorite memories with my horse. The fun activities combined with the beautiful scenery make a memorable trip. I would definately recommend the Adirondacks for anyone who likes to explore nature. However, if nature isn’t really your thing don’t worry because there are pleanty of other things to do. You can go shop or visit some of the historic forts.
When my kids, Elizabeth and Jonathan, were younger, my wife, Renae, and I use to always take them camping on Wellesley Island in the St. Lawerence River. Our family along with a couple other families from church would set up a bunch of tents and camp out for about a week. It was the perfect vacation for both us and our kids. The kids had pleanty of places to explore. They would bring their bikes and soccer balls and when they tired of that they would just go jump in the river. If we happened to hit a rainy day, than we just crossed the bridge over into Alexandria Bay. Alexandria Bay is a cute little town that is packed with pleanty of things for the family to do. Every year Jonathan would beg to go to a go-kart track in Alexandria. It was the highlight of his trip. While, my son and I were racing go-karts the women went shopping in the shops surrounding the Bay then we would all meet up for dinner at one of the great seafood restaurants. Wellesley Island and Alexandria are the perfect combination of nature and fun tourist spots.
Mike Sanger
Married 28 Years Father of 2 Children
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Meet Stay Play Come Visit the Empire State Capital! The city of Albany overlooks the Hudson River. The city’s architecture is a mixture of buildings from four centuries ago and modern design. The city is overflowing with culture and entertainment for everyone.
albany ALBANY