If you’re a fan of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy Upstate New York just as much. Both regions offer a slew of different landscapes, including mountains and forests. Both regions have been influenced by their proximity to the Great Lakes. Also, both regions know a thing or two about cold and snowy winters. There is also no shortage of fun activities. If you want a similar experience to the Upper Peninsula but also want to get out of town, Upstate New York is a great destination. Here is a sample of the fun things you can do once you get there.
Hike
Similar to Michigan and Wisconsin, hiking is a favorite pastime throughout much of Upstate New York. In the northern part of the state, the Adirondack Mountains offer a wide variety of trails for hikers of all ability levels. The scenic overlooks are unreal, while various learning centers and educational opportunities are scattered throughout the region. Meanwhile, you’ll also find endless hiking opportunities in the Hudson Valley, which is toward the eastern part of New York State. This part of the state also has mountainous hikes scattered in between quaint towns, so even if you don’t want to camp, you can hike all day and then find a place to relax in the evening.
New York State Fair
If you’re lucky enough to schedule your visit to Upstate New York for late August or early September – right before Labor Day – you have to visit the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse. It only runs for 13 days, but it blows the roof off virtually any county fair in any state, and is probably among the best state fairs in the country. There are the typical carnival rides, games, and delicious food, but there is also plenty of New York flair. Countless exhibits and activities showcase all that New York State has to offer. The fair also features musical acts, including major artists who play at a nearby venue, as well as smaller acts or aging musicians who play within the fairgrounds for free. If you spend just two days at the Great New York State Fair, you’ll have so much fun you’ll want to start coming back every year.
Wine Tour
The Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York is often overlooked as one of the great wine regions in the country. It’s not as big or as popular as Napa Valley, but the wine is just as tasty. There are 11 long, skinny lakes in Upstate New York known as the Finger Lakes, situated in a unique climate that makes them perfect for producing wine. If you drive around the coastline of any of those lakes, you’ll come across one winery after another. Each of them is bound to offer a unique wine, not to mention good food and an amazing view. Wine tours that last all day, or perhaps a full weekend, are popular among both residents and visitors of Upstate New York. It’s a great activity to include on any visit to Upstate New York, even if you’re not a wine connoisseur.
Enjoy the Scenery
If you’re hoping to relax and do nothing in a beautiful setting, Upstate New York is also perfect when you want to get away. Throughout the region, there are plenty of places where you can find a secluded cabin in the woods or a spa resort with a view of a gorgeous lake. You’ll also find places with waterfalls, including the famous Niagara Falls, as well as quaint small towns that look like they should be featured on a postcard. How you spend your time surrounded by this scenery is up to you. There is bird watching or fishing during the day, as well as campfires and stargazing at night. You could also fill the time by reading a book or relaxing with some games. If you have your phone or another mobile device with you, there are several NY online gambling sites worth checking out if you’re on a trip and want to indulge in a little fun while enjoying the nice scenery and quiet setting around you.
Visit Museums
Finally, if you feel that no trip is complete without learning something, Upstate New York has you covered. The region is littered with world-class museums that fit a wide array of interests. For instance, sports fans will love the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown. Kids will get a kick out of the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester. History buffs will want to visit the Women’s Rights National Historic Park in Seneca Falls and the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse. Whether you like art, history, science, or just want to explore something new and different, Upstate New York has no shortage of museums worth visiting.
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