Explore the national heritage area of the Hudson River Valley (www.hudsonrivervalley.com), originally inhabited by Native Americans, then settled by the Dutch. A retreat for the wealthy in the mid- to late-19th century, it is now popular year-round for outdoor activities.
New York State things to see and do
Tourist offices
Address: Unit D, 2839 The Quadrant, Queens Park, London, NW6 6RJ, United Kingdom
Tel: 0207 644 6115
nylovesu.co.uk
Address: One Commerce Plaza, Albany, NY, 12245, United States
Tel: (518) 474 4116 or 1 800 225 5697, in the USA only.
iloveny.com
Address: 810 Seventh Ave., 3 floor, Manhattan, New York, NEW YORK , United States
Tel: (212) 484 1200
www.nycgo.com/
Most visitors to the state will be heading here, to New York City. The fast-paced pulse of the city and its ever-changing landscape mean you'll need a lifetime to explore it all, but that's part of its beauty. Major tourist attractions are mainly located in Manhattan - the Empire State building, Central Park and Times Square are must-sees. Other essential visits include the Staten Island Ferry and the Statue of Liberty (the interior is closed for renovations until Dec 2012 but Ellis Island remains open). There are also plenty of quirky gems to be found in the artsy quarters of Greenwich Village, Chinatown on the Lower East side, and hipster hangout Brooklyn.
Experience America's largest wilderness reserve outside Alaska: the Adirondack Park (www.visitadirondacks.com). Explore miles of sandy beaches and secluded swimming holes, and take to the lakes with a spot of windsurfing, boating and fishing. There are also nine ski areas and hundreds of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Relive the days of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival, the most famous rock concert in history, at the Bethel Woodstock Museum (www.bethelwoodscenter.org/Museum) at Kauneonga Lake. Woodstock today is a haven of art and craft galleries and shops.
Discover the beautiful Catskill Mountains (www.visitthecatskills.com). From the lush greenery of the southern Catskills to the dramatic, unspoiled peaks of the north, there is plenty to enjoy, whether seeking excitement or the perfect spot for a tranquil stay.
Have lunch at the Culinary Institute of America (www.ciachef.edu), one of the world's great cookery schools. Visitors can sample the cuisine at one of the restaurants on its campus, the American Bounty Restaurant, Ristorante Caterina de Medici or Escoffier Restaurant, as well as two cafes.
Tour the five enormous locks of the Erie Canal on the Lockport Cave Tour (www.elockport.com), which travels through a tunnel blasted out of rock in the 19th century, and ends in an underground boat ride.
Roll back the clock from the world of satellite images and digital photography to the day when George Eastman invented the Kodak camera and roll film in 1892. Visit his house in Rochester, and tour the International Museum of Photography (www.eastmanhouse.org).
Enjoy the snow at Hunter Mountain (www.huntermtn.com) ski resort in the Catskills, known as 'the snowmaking capital of the world'. Over 50 trails on three mountains cater for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers.
Ski Lake Placid (www.lakeplacid.com). Explore the winter playground by ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, dogsled or horse-drawn sleigh.
Visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown (www.baseballhall.org). Also home of the Doubleday Field and numerous trading card and memorabilia shops, this vibrant village is situated on the shore of Otesgo Lake.
Tour Albany's New York State Museum (www.nysm.nysed.gov), the country's oldest and largest state museum, which portrays the urbanisation of New York City and has lifelike dioramas on Native Americans, gems and birds.
Sail into the spray of the mighty Niagara Falls (www.niagara-usa.com) on the Maid of the Mist Boat Tour (www.maidofthemist.com), and gaze in awe at one of the most outstanding spectacles on the North American continent.
Relax in style at Saratoga Spa State Park (www.saratogaspastatepark.org), with its 890 hectares (2,200 acres) of woodland, manicured lawns, Georgian architecture and mineral bathhouses. Float above the countryside on a sunrise or sunset hot-air balloon flight.
Bet on the horses at Saratoga Springs (www.saratoga.com), a leading spa and horseracing centre since the late 19th century. Take a walking tour down streets lined with regal Victorian mansions. See harness racing, summer polo matches or the country's most prestigious thoroughbred racing in late July and August.
Head to the Hamptons (www.hamptons.com) for a mix of culture, restaurants, historic sites, nightlife, shops and recreational activities. Visit the seaside resort of Montauk, with its lighthouse, wildlife and ocean beaches.
Enjoy boating, sailing and watersports in Westchester County (www.thewestchesterway.com), bordered by the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. Play golf on any of the 40 private and public golf courses, and shop in exclusive boutiques or discount malls.
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