Us New Yorkers have all seen the most relatable photo in the history of the internet. We've probably retweeted it at least 20 times.
While absolutely the City is iconic all on its own, there's a whole lot of things to do beyond Times Square. With so much beauty in this great state, here is a few places you must add to your bucket list.
1. West Point, NY (1 hour from NYC)
West Point is the first military base in the United States dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Currently, it's the most prestigious military college in the country housing about 4,000 cadets plus military personnel and their families. While it is not as littered with historical sites as Boston, you can see monuments representing various points of American History along the grounds with stunning views of the Hudson River.
2. Cold Spring, NY (1 hr 20 mins from NYC)
A small town located right along the banks of the Hudson River, it is on the cusp of upstate and downstate New York lines. Cold Spring is home to nearby scenic hiking views and breathtaking riverside scenery, but the real show stopper is the Stonecrop Gardens. What started out as a family's private garden of rare plants blossomed into a 15 acre estate that will make you forget you are still in the United States. (P.S. Moo Moo's Ice Cream by the river is the best I've ever had.)
3. New Paltz, NY (1 hr 30 min from NYC)
The biggest small town you'll ever see. Thanks to New Paltz State University, it's home to a lively night life with a home town feel. You can get lost in downtown, and then get lost hiking with stunning views of the Mohawk Preserve. One of its most popular trails, the Lemon Squeeze, may be pricey and challenging to the novice hiker, but the view from the top is priceless.
4. Saratoga Springs, NY (3 hours from NYC)
Hidden North of the state's capital, Albany, lays Saratoga Springs, home of the famous race track. There is literary everything you can imagine to do available to you at your disposal. Shopping, dining, wine tastings, historical sites, gambling and museums are all condensed into this one location. (Tip: Go during Christmas time)
5. Lake George, NY ( 3 hours 30 min from NYC)
If you grew up in New York, you know at least one family who owned a house or boat along the banks of Lake George. Right next to the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George has every possible thing you can do related to lake culture. With Six Flags Great Adventure right next door, it's a highly popular vacation spot everyone must see once.
6. Adirondack National Park (4 hours from NYC)
The biggest National Park in the United States, this is not bad for a place thats relatively driving distance from the Big Apple. Its highest peak, Mt. Marcy, is 5,000 feat and with millions of acres of land, the Adirondacks hosts 3,000 lakes and ponds, 2,000 hiking trails, 1,500 mies of rivers and 1 unforgettable experience.
7. Niagara, NY (6 1/2 hours from NYC)
Believe it or not, New York boarders Canada and you can indeed see the iconic falls without ever leaving the country. Besides the site, there's easy access to downtown Buffalo with shopping and dining options, Devil's Hole State park and many more.
8. New York City, NY
Arguably the most iconic location in the whole country, no one can deny this city is something someone should experience at least once in their life. From Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge, while they cannot solely define New York as a whole, they are definitely symbols of it. Locals may say otherwise, but the city holds a special place in our hearts that no other place can hold a candle to. Come visit and know what it truly means to be in an Empire State of mind.
