New York State - One of a Kind Travel Guide

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Taking a luxury holiday organised and curated by an experienced travel advisor is key in the postCOVID era. Travel Associates has an extensive team of trusted advisors with decades of knowledge, and we know that every client is different, with individual travel styles and tastes.

We love nothing more than creating perfectly personalised travel experiences to suit every single client. Our New York State specialists can uncover the many rare gems that exist outside the five

boroughs of New York City, from historic marvels to areas of majestic beauty, from small towns with big attractions to cultural and culinary experiences to delight the most seasoned of travellers. Whatever your travel dreams are, your personal Travel Associates advisor will make it a seamless reality.

Once your dream holiday is set, and excitement mounts, you can travel with confidence, knowing that our travel advisor is there to support you along the way and that every little detail has been considered.

Let Travel Associates curate your one of a kind holiday, uncovering the hidden treasures of New York State.

ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCES

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UNCOVER NEW YORK STATE’S HIDDEN GEMS

Start spreading the news –there is way more to New York State

Greater Niagara Finger

While New York City shines with its neon lights, Broadway shows, and vertigo inducing rooftop views, expand your horizons by venturing beyond the five boroughs to uncover the hidden gems that are located all around New York State. This spectacular state is a premier holiday destination with 11 diverse regions offering astonishing natural beauty, historic and cultural sites, that remarkable fall foliage, more ski areas than any other state, and some of the world’s top-ranked beaches.

Long Island, with its famous beaches, and Hudson Valley, with its cultural treasures, are closest to New York City. The Adirondacks and the Catskills are known for their scenic beauty. The Capital-Saratoga and Chautauqua-Allegheny regions offer history galore, while the Thousands Islands-Seaway is an aquatic wonderland. The Finger Lakes is a must-visit for wine connoisseurs. Central New York is a rural heartland, and Greater Niagara makes quite the splash with the world-famous Niagara Falls.

than New York City.

Chautauqua-Allegheny

Finger Lakes

Thousand Islands -Seaway The Catskills

The Adirondacks

CapitalSaratoga Central New York

Hudson Valley New York City Long Island

NEW YORK CITY

The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the greatest city in the world. Whatever you call it, New York City really is one of a kind.

From the glittering lights of Times Square to the quiet of The Ramble in Central Park and the pizzazz of one of its many Broadway shows, there is something for everyone in this city.

There are many ways to take in the views over Manhattan, from the traditional observatories atop the iconic Empire State Building or the Rockefeller Center, to the new deck at The Edge at Hudson Yards and the slightly mind-bending SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Then there is the CityClimb at The Edge, which takes it to a whole new level – the 102nd level in fact. This is the highest outdoor building ascent in the world and is quite the adrenalin rush.

Calmer pursuits await on a cruise around Manhattan, or in the city’s world-class museums and galleries. Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim, or enjoy the views from the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum as well as its history.

Stroll the famed, green High Line, do a walking or cycling tour in Central Park or just take your time and stroll around to uncover the many hidden gems of this spectacular park, as well as its better known areas like Strawberry Fields, Bow Bridge and The Loeb Boathouse.

Tickets to a Broadway show are a must, from blockbusters like Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera to MJ The Musical, Funny Girl and Hadestown.

For a different view of Manhattan, head to Brooklyn and be mesmerised by the views across the East River from the Brooklyn River Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Or go for a walk over the famous Brooklyn Bridge, which turns 140 in 2023.

THE PIERRE, A TAJ HOTEL

The US flagship of the prestigious Taj Hotels group, The Pierre is a New York icon, thanks to its history and grandeur. Overlooking Central Park, the 189 guestrooms are warm and inviting with luscious fabrics. The Pierre’s Perrine Restaurant and Two E Bar/Lounge add to the New York flair.

THE TOWERS AT LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE

For a luxury stay in Midtown Manhattan, the Towers at Lotte New York Palace is in demand. A five-star hotel-within-ahotel, the Towers offers 176 opulent guest rooms and suites with high-end service, lavish furnishings and amenities, as well as spectacular views from its glamorous Madison Avenue address.

Not surprisingly, this region of New York State is named for its 11 finger-shaped lakes that offer up a treasure trove of activities and scenic views across all four seasons.

From the largest of the lakes – Seneca – to the smallest – Canadice, each is beautiful in its own way, and all are worth visiting. You can hike along the shores, cycle around some of the smaller lakes, and even ride the Canandaigua Lady, a replica steam and paddleboat service on Canandaigua Lake, where President George Washington signed a treaty in 1794 with the region’s native Haudenosaunee people, and where Humphrey Bogart used to holiday.

The Finger Lakes region also has some spectacular state parks, including Buttermilk Falls, Letchworth and the most popular, Watkins Glen, which is a rare gem with 19 waterfalls dancing down the glen’s stream. Explore more spectacular vistas around the buzzing college town of Ithaca, which has more than 150 waterfalls.

The Finger Lakes is also known for its wines, in fact it is the largest wine producing region east of California, with more than 120 wineries mostly dotted around the serene Keuka, Seneca, Canandaigua and Cayuga lakes. Drive along one of the wine trails, feasting on the beauty of the area and its bounty. You should also try a slice of Grape Pie, a one of a kind dessert unique to this area, created here in 1950.

The Finger Lakes also delivers a generous serve of history and culture, with some of the top spots to add to your itinerary being the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park in Auburn, the Corning Museum of Glass (in the town of Corning) and the George Eastman International Museum of Photography in Rochester, where you’ll also find the world’s largest toy collection at The Strong National Museum of Play.

FINGER

THE INNS OF AURORA

Built in 1904, Zabriskie House is one of five historic houses that make up the Inns of Aurora. On the shores of Cayuga Lake, Zabriskie House features 11 guestrooms, a grand three-story staircase and a large lounge area. Elevate your experience with farm-to-table cuisine at 1833 Kitchen & Bar, located in the Aurora Inn.

LONG ISLAND

Known as New York City’s beachfront backyard, Long Island is home to the famous Montauk Beach and the Hamptons, where moneyed New Yorkers once built their beachside mansions and still spend summers by the sea to escape the heat of the city.

Long Island might not spring to mind when thinking about beach destinations, but with 200 kilometres of beach, it boasts plenty of sand, sea and surf. Add to that the delicious produce from plump red strawberries to succulent seafood and award-winning wines, as well as a storied history and a host of attractions, and you have a wonderful holiday buffet to tuck into – all just a stone’s throw from Manhattan.

Long Island has four regions, the North Shore with its grandiose properties that inspired The Great Gatsby, the South Shore, the North Fork with its farmland and vineyards and the South Fork, which is where you’ll find the Hamptons – a beacon for A-listers and celebrities who flock to the seaside villages – and Montauk.

Make the climb to the top of the Montauk Point Lighthouse for spectacular ocean views. It was the first lighthouse in New York State, finished in 1796 after President George Washington himself authorised its construction. For a real hidden secret, learn about the Culper Spy Ring, a group of Long Island men and women who spied on the occupying British and reported information back to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Important sites include the Brewster House, the Thompson House and Raynham Hall in Oyster Bay. Also in beautiful Oyster Bay, take a tour of Sagamore Hill, the summer home of President Theodore Roosevelt.

A ferry ride from the South Shore will take you to the car-free Fire Island. Climb up the Fire Island lighthouse, built in 1826, and visit the famous sunken forest that sits behind the large Atlantic Coast sand dunes.

Montauk is also where you will find the oldest working ranch in the USA. Deep Hollow Ranch was built in 1658, which makes it nearly a century older than the US itself. Apart from its history, the horse rides along the beaches nearby to the ranch are legendary.

THE ROUNDTREE

On all kinds of trending hot lists, The Roundtree, Amagansett is the perfect East Hamptons retreat. The historic barn and cottages have all been lovingly refurbished and modernised, and the ambience and friendly feel alongside traditions like nightly s’mores ensure a warm connection for guests.

TOPPING ROSE HOUSE

Tucked away on the edge of Bridgehampton town on the South Fork of Long Island, this hidden gem is the only full-service hotel in the Hamptons. The fully restored 19th-century mansion has 22 guestrooms, a day spa, and a farm-to-table restaurant delivering produce sourced from the area’s fisherman and farms.

THE ADIRONDACKS

Breathe the fresh air of the Adirondacks, a region of over 100 friendly communities surrounded by pretty lakes and majestic mountains.

A true outdoor wonder, you may be surprised to know that the Adirondack Park, which was established in 1892 to preserve water and timber resources, is the largest National Historic Landmark in the US and the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States – larger than Yosemite, Everglades, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon combined.

The Adirondacks High Peaks area of the Park has 46 peaks, including Whiteface Mountain, where the Olympic alpine events (slalom, giant slalom and downhill) races were held during the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games – Lake Placid also hosted the Games in 1932. Whiteface is just as exciting to explore year-round, however, with the Cloudsplitter Gondola delivering scenic views over surrounding peaks, Lake Placid and Lake Champlain.

Whiteface is also where you will find the Atmospheric Sciences Center with its jaw-dropping views and array of outdoor adventures. Even the drive up the Whiteface Veteran’s Memorial Highway is beautiful. More natural delights await at Ausable Chasm – known as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. It’s a stunning spot, where you can hike, climb, paddle and generally be in awe of its beauty. The 30-minute walk to High Falls Gorge is another spectacular outdoor experience, or test yourself on one or more of the 46 High Peaks, with the highest being Mt Marcy at 1628 metres.

The Adirondacks is not all about mountains. Plan a visit to the Olympic Center in Lake Placid for the thrill of riding The Cliffside Coaster. Visit the Adirondack Experience outdoor museum on Blue Mountain Lake and turn back the clock to take a ride on the historic Adirondack Scenic Railroad or a steamboat cruise on Lake George.

Adirondack Park is also home to the innovative Wild Center, a new type of museum that showcases the flora and fauna of the region with cleverly designed indoor and outdoor areas. Appreciate the outdoors even more by staying at one of the historic Adirondack Great Camps. Established in the early 19th century, these camp compounds are rustic yet luxurious in idyllic locations.

LAKE PLACID LODGE

Located on the serene shores of Lake Placid, there are 30 luxurious rooms to choose from either in the Main Lodge, in stunning one- or two-bedroom cabins, or in lakeside suites. The Lodge is your perfect refuge after a day out hiking, boating, kayaking or fishing in the rugged wilderness of the Adirondacks.

MIRROR LAKE INN RESORT & SPA

For an authentic Adirondack experience, overlooking Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks, Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa is a welcoming home-away-from-home. The range of activities is mind-boggling, from cooking classes to forest hikes, boat tours, fishing and mountain biking. In winter, snow fun beckons on Whiteface Mountain.

THE CATSKILLS

From spectacular mountains to pristine lakes, and rich rivers to lush forests, it is all about the great outdoors in the Catskills, with nature demanding your attention everywhere.

Postcard-pretty farms, quaint boutique inns, charming towns and scenic drives just add to the Catskills’ wow factor.

The Catskills Mountains feature 98 peaks – excellent for hikers and mountain bikers. The Catskill Park is an undiscovered treasure with 283,000 hectares of wilderness within the mountains. It is so special, it was designated as a ‘Forever Wild’ Forest Preserve under the New York Constitution. You can go hiking, skiing, wildlife watching, fly fishing and even hike to the top of one of five restored fire towers, with Overlook Fire Tower a favourite.

In the fall, the Catskills are ablaze with colour, as the changing leaves run the gamut of reds and oranges. Two of the popular places to go leaf peeping include Mount Utsayantha and Hunter Mountain, with the latter’s Scenic Skyride and Zipline Canopy Tour a different way to take it all in.

Scenic drives are a wonderful way to experience the Catskills, especially in the fall. The Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway and the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway are two of the best.

For a one of a kind experience, go fly fishing in the birthplace of modern fly fishing with the region boasting 2,414 kms of trout streams. The town of Roscoe is known as ‘Trout Town USA’.

From stream-to-table, the Catskills are a gourmand’s delight with fresh and organic produce spawning a culinary revolution in past years.

For something different in the Catskills, find a covered bridge, visit the Burn Brae Mansion in Glen Spey for a ghost tour and stay overnight if you dare, ride the Catskill Mountain Railroad or take to the river on a white-water rafting adventure. A visit to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which sits on the site of the famed 1969 Woodstock Festival, is another must.

UNCOVER HIDDEN GEMS

Find your Woodstock vibe by visiting the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Browse through the Museum dedicated to the famous festival that happened here, as well as the ‘60s in general. Stand where the stage was and imagine that crowd of half a million people hanging off your every note.

HUDSON VALLEY

There is a lot to love about the Hudson Valley, a place that features landscapes so beautiful that they became a focus for a group of New York artists.

This group, and their collective works, became known as the Hudson River School. Spend some time exploring the Hudson River School Art Trail, which starts at the Thomas Cole Historic Site. Thomas was the founder of the movement, which grew to encompass 100 artists in the 1800s.

Other highlights of the trail include Frederic Church’s Olana and Kaaterskill Clove a towering, tumbling waterfall painted by Cole himself.

For art on a bigger scale, visit the Storm King Art Center, which is a 202-hectare outdoor museum with large scale sculptures set in gorgeous natural surrounds.

Steeped in history, Hudson Valley is a designated National Heritage Area. Historic highlights include the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Home, Library and Museum, where President Roosevelt grew up, and where he hosted Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth and King George VI prior to WWI. A visit to Kykuit, home to four generations of the Rockefeller family, has the added bonus of antique auto and horse-drawn carriage collections in the old Coach Barn.

Historic motorcycles can also be admired at the Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh. It has more than 500 motorcycles dating back to 1897, including 100 Indians. The Hudson Valley appeals to outdoor

lovers, with Shawangunk Ridge a major rock-climbing site, Breakneck Ridge in Hudson Highlands State Park delivering gorgeous views, and the Hudson River perfect for kayakers to paddle on. Don’t miss the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest pedestrian bridge. For wine connoisseurs, the Hudson Valley has been producing wine longer than any other area in the USA, with its rapidly blossoming food scene, vibrant food markets and award-winning restaurants adding to the culinary appeal. It is no wonder there is a host of Michelin-starred restaurants here, with The Culinary Institute of America based in this region too.

TROUTBECK

A haven offering sublime accommodation, Troutbeck is a gem. Stay in the timeless elegance of The Manor House, built in 1919, or in one of the equally historic cottages and houses around the exquisite grounds. The Barns is a new addition, with health, pampering and relaxation on the menu.

GREATER NIAGARA

NIAGARA

UNCOVER HIDDEN GEMS

Seeing the Niagara Falls Illumination at night is a magical experience with the watery wonder transformed into a masterpiece of light and colour all year round. Be wowed by the changing rainbow hues and dancing lights from Queen Victoria Park, marvelling at the illuminations on varying areas including majestic Horseshoe Falls.

With its cascading curtains of water, Niagara Falls is world famous, and deservedly so. Located within Niagara Falls State Park – America’s first State Park, try and see Niagara Falls from as many different vantage points as possible.

The best known is to board the historic and now allelectric Maid of the Mist boat tour that noses up to the base of the American and Horseshoe Falls to hear – and feel – the thunderous cacophony of 600,000 gallons of water. The Niagara Scenic Trolley is a little more relaxing, as is the stroll through The World Changed Here Pavilion, while the Cave of the Winds tour is wet and wild as you descend to the Hurricane Deck of Niagara Gorge just metres from the powerful Bridal Veil Falls.

Away from the magnificent mist of Niagara Falls, there are many other natural gems in the region well worth exploring. Cruise along the Erie Canal on a narrated tour that ventures through the Flight of Five Lockport Locks, an engineering marvel that opened up the American Frontier.

Letchworth Gorge is another natural treasure, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’ with striking 182-metre-high cliffs. Go horseriding, hiking, hot air ballooning, kayaking, or sign up for guided walks, tours or whitewater rafting.

Not to be outdone, Buffalo boasts seven Frank Lloyd Wright structures, including Graycliff, which is hosting a sculpture exhibition by the acclaimed Sarah Braman in its grounds. Stroll through parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the man who created New York’s Central Park and Washington’s Capitol Building, and art lovers will want to visit the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly the Albright-Knox Art Gallery) when it opens in 2023.

While there are plenty of wonderful restaurants and a wine trail in Greater Niagara, a visit to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo is a must, as this is where Buffalo Wings were created.

CENTRAL NEW YORK

UNCOVER HIDDEN GEMS

Glimmerglass Festival is a internationally acclaimed summer opera and musical theatre festival that takes place right by idyllic Lake Otsego in July and Aug. The 2023 event is set to present Puccini’s La bohème, Bernstein’s Candide, Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, Handel’s Rinaldo and a world premiere youth opera.

from the Bundy Clock to hometown hero Rod Serling and his famed TV show The Twilight Zone.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum is located in Cooperstown, a startlingly pretty town by Lake Otsego. Baseball was invented here in 1839. The museum has an astonishing 40,000 artifacts – such as bats, balls, gloves and uniforms – donated by players and fans. Spend some time visiting the Fenimore Art Museum, The Farmers Museum and, in the nearby town of Binghamton, clock on to the Bundy Museum for local history

In Herkimer, cruise down the Erie Canal or hire a bike and ride alongside it. Uncover a prehistoric cave at the Howe Caverns High Adventure Park, or search for the Secret Caverns, which house a real hidden gem – a 30-metre-high underground waterfall.

For special events, head to Cooperstown for the Glimmerglass Festival, with world-class opera by the lake, or shop for antiques at the Madison Bouckville Antique Show, with over 2,000 dealers.

Batter up and smash out a wonderful visit to Central New York, a perfect mix of natural beauty, famed spots, hidden gems and adventures.

CAPITAL-SARATOGA

Four hundred years of history await in Albany, the capital of New York State, with the State Capitol building a real treat.

Built in the style of a French chateau, this architectural marvel is home to the Million Dollar Staircase that has the portraits of 300 well-known New Yorkers carved into it.

Saratoga is home to America’s oldest sporting venue, with its famous racecourse operating since 1864. Just opposite the track is the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Also visit the Gideon Putnam Resort, which houses the historic Roosevelt Baths & Spa and take in a show at the opulent Proctors Theater which often hosts travelling Broadway productions.

Saratoga State Park is an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures, with mineral springs, the National Museum of Dance and the Saratoga Automobile Museum just some of the gems within its spacious grounds.

Lovers of the musical Hamilton will love the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, home of Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler and his family.

Visit the Saratoga National Historic Park that featured a historic battle in the American War of Independence, explore the beauty of Great Sacandaga Lake, and enjoy the scenery on a boat tour on the Hudson River.

THE ADELPHI HOTEL, SARATOGA SPRINGS

Situated in the heart of Saratoga, The Adelphi Hotel is a stunning base from which to explore the area’s many delights. Explore on one of the hotel’s signature gold-coloured bikes, or go for a stroll to some of the attractions within walking distance, such as the famous Roosevelt Baths

CHAUTAUQUA-ALLEGHENY

Perhaps the most famous person to hail from this region is Lucille Ball, who was born in Jamestown. Visit the Lucy-Desi Museum, which celebrates her legacy with costumes, memorabilia and more.

Also in Jamestown is the National Comedy Center, which is an interactive, state-of-the-art destination sure to give you a laugh.

The Allegany State Park is a spectacular area with a host of trails for outdoor fun, while Panama Rocks is surprising with its towering rocks, small caves and deep crevices hidden in an ancient, moss-covered forest.

Great Lake Erie is front and centre for water sports and trophy fishing. Or, you can take a scenic journey through the lake’s wine country and maple farms or explore the Amish Trail to

learn about this pure way of life and purchase hand-made goods.

Festivals abound with various events celebrating garlic, the grape harvest and alpacas. During summer, another huge drawcard is the Chautauqua Institution, with 150,000 people enjoying a huge program of arts and recreational activities.

UNCOVER HIDDEN GEMS

Feast on wine and stunning visuals as you drive through 64 kilometres of vineyards at more than 20 wineries along the south shore of Lake Erie. Stop to sip and savour the taste of the region, with the scenic drive taking you through charming Victorian towns, where other treasures await to add to your bounty.

THOUSAND ISLANDS-SEAWAY

This truly magnificent slice of America is a real undiscovered treasure.

It takes its name from the well over 1,000 idyllic islands (1,864 to be exact) that dot the historic St Lawrence River, stretching over 80 kilometres, all covered with beautiful trees with their green foliage a striking contrast to the blue of the river.

Take a scenic cruise and visit castles and historic spots such as Boldt Castle on Heart Island, Singer Castle on Dark Island, Rock Island Lighthouse and Millionaires’ Row. Take to the skies on a hot air balloon, or go for the most scenic of drives on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, visiting lighthouses, wineries and pristine beaches.

While nature is the hero here, history and culture also abound with the Frederic

Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg, Fort Ontario, the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum, the Marine Museum in Oswego, and Sackets Harbor Battlefield.

Make sure you pick up some bottles of Thousand Island Dressing. It originated here in the town of Clayton and local, George Boldt, loved the dressing so much he introduced it to his hotels, including the Waldorf-Astoria.

UNCOVER HIDDEN GEMS

Visit Boldt Castle, a 120-room castle that is one of the most popular sites in the region. The Rhineland-style castle and yacht house was commissioned by George Boldt in 1900 for his wife Louise. Tragedy struck and George did not complete it, however it was finished in the 70s and is a delicious slice of European grandeur.