Growing up in upstate New York, not too far from the city, has made for some interesting conversations while on vacation. They often consist of: "Oh wow, you're from New York City!? That's so cool!!" and then me responding: "No, no, I meant from outside the city, you know, the rest of New York State?".
Don't get me wrong, New York City is wonderful—it's my favorite place in the world! But multiple occasions such as this have made me realize that people out of New York State don't have an accurate representation of all the Instagram-worthy activities outside of the five boroughs.
Putnam County, where I live, is home to a multitude of hiking trails, including one dubbed the "most difficult in the Hudson Valley," Breakneck Ridge. I climbed this (approximately) three and a half hour trail last summer. Even for a petite person as myself, it was fairly manageable with willpower and plenty of water. However, I'll give you a fair warning: it is more rock scramble than a leisurely hike, so you'll be going in a vertical direction more than anything else.
After scaling up the side of the mountain, you're bound to build up an appetite! Nearby to the trail is the quaint town of Cold Spring, full of antique shops and scenic views. The Cold Spring Depot Restaurant is the place to go if you are looking for a side of history with your meal. Originally the restaurant was a train depot until 1954, but then became a car dealership for another 18 years. In 1972, it was transformed into the eatery and has stayed that way ever since, serving up delicious fare for locals and visitors to the area coming off the train. Post chowing down on your main course, a stroll along the riverfront is a lovely way to end the day.
Panoramic views of the Hudson River can be seen from the planked observatory deck at any time of the year. If you want to hit the water, canoe and kayak rentals and tours are almost always available at Hudson River Expeditions. During the warmer months, one of my favorite things to do is to walk down the street near the viewing area to Moo Moo's Creamery, some of the best ice cream in the area in my opinion, and there are a multitude of positive reviews from people who agree with me. Moo Moo's always has several new flavors every day, along with the classics, ready to be scooped out in heaping portions for your enjoyment.
Another adventure close to Cold Spring is the Stonecrop Gardens. Originally the home of Anne and Frank Cabot, this 12-acre local botanical garden opened its doors to the public in 1992. A $5 entrance fee per person allows you to explore the land at your will. The sights range from pleasing greenhouse aesthetics flourishing with potted plants, to wide expanses showcasing grazing horses from the neighboring therapeutic equestrian center. It's definitely a great place to get lost in.
One of my personal favorite escapes in New York is Long Beach. Our state is not typically renowned for its beaches, and while Long Beach might not be the most stunning beach in the world, it definitely has its perks. For surfers such as myself, it is a decent place to catch waves (usually ranging from three to five feet) without the crowds of Rockaway and the long drive up to Montauk. Surf lessons and board rentals can be provided by the experienced and friendly staff at Skudin Surf. Even if you're not feeling up to a surf session, the beach itself is still a relaxing place. Once the fun in the sun is finished, I like to head over to Ay! Caramba for an authentic Mexican snack. There's not much room for seating, but sometimes the best food is found at hole-in-the-wall eats such as this. Afterward, a visit to Gentle Brew Coffee Roasters is always in order. With friendly staff, handcrafted drinks, organic pastries, and a steady stream of Jack Johnson's music through the speakers, it is my idea of a perfect hangout spot.
These places are all fairly close to the city, but lets say you're an adventurer, and you really want to go M.I.A. for a while, but you have class Monday morning. Not a problem in New York! Way upstate in the Adirondack Mountains lies Lake Placid. This serene region was the location of the 1980 winter Olympics, and many of the Olympic facilities are available for touring. This is the ultimate destination for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, and it's also a great woodsy retreat since spas and wellness centers are in abundance, complete with fresh mountain air.
With a little research, there's plenty to do in addition to admiring the urban skyline in New York. Hopefully this will inspire locals and visitors alike to explore all that the Empire State has to offer!
