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Surprising things to do in New York

Beyond the tourist trail – discover surprising things to do in New York.
New York City is synonymous with bright lights, shopping ‘til you drop and some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. But the city that never sleeps is just one small slice of New York itself, and there’s a completely different landscape just beyond its limits waiting to be explored. From crashing waterfalls to snow-dusted mountain ranges, and modest towns dotted across the horizon, Upstate New York is everything its metropolitan little brother isn’t, in all the right ways. Combine this with a French-Canadian border, a world-class wine region and plenty of history and you’ve got a recipe for success.

ISLAND HOP

Just a trot across from Manhattan, the far-eastern point of Long Island is home to the celebrity-studded Hamptons. This beachside resort is a great place to enjoy warm summer days. There are kayaks and paddleboards for hire, and a seal colony to spot, too. Further afield, the Thousand Islands seaway is an unmissable view. It’s right on the Canadian border, and there’s a mix of historic landmarks, lighthouses, waterfront restaurants, scenic cruises and adventure sports to get involved in.

VISIT THE CAPITAL (NO, NOT THAT ONE...)

Often overlooked in favour of NYC’s bright lights, the state capital of Albany is the oldest settlement in New York. History buffs will love the varied architecture, as well as a visit to the impressive capitol building, a National Historic Landmark. Albany’s also a cultural hub – it houses the Institute of History and Art, and hosts the annual Tulip Festival which celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage.

HIKE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL

This 3,500-kilometre long route passes through 14 states, making it the longest hiking-only trail in the world, so completing it might be a stretch. But with 144 kilometres winding straight through the middle of New York, and a range of difficulty levels on offer, there are plenty of options if you only have a day – or a few hours – to spare. Spot bears, bobcats and bullfrogs as you ramble through the wilderness, while taking in some of the top views in the state.

EAT PHILLY CHEESESTEAK

It may not technically be in New York, but when you can hop on a train and be in Philadelphia in just over an hour, it’s almost too easy to resist. Once you’re across the state line you can drop the ‘Philly’, and chow down on a traditional cheesesteak, just like the locals. Pioneered by an Italian and German immigrant duo, the dish consists of sliced rib-eye steak topped with melted cheese, wrapped in a fresh bread roll, and finished with any combination of toppings that you fancy. If you want to sample the best of the best, head to the aptly-named ‘Cheesesteak Corner’. Here, two restaurants have been facing off 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for over 50 years. So, will it be Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks? There’s only one way to find out – you’ll just have to try them both.

GET YOUR PULSE RACING IN THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS

The Adirondack Mountains cover around 260 kilometres’ worth of Upstate New York. Here, you’ll find the source of the imposing Hudson River, which flows for 507 kilometres all the way to Lower Manhattan, and is one of the top 10 white-water rafting spots in the USA. There’s rock climbing and snowmobiling on offer nearby, as well. While the adrenaline wears off, you can visit one of the many local microbreweries to sample a tipple or three. We like the Common Roots Brewing Company, a father-son venture in South Glens Falls. If you’re in search of the ultimate panorama, a visit to one of the several fire towers will provide a skyscraping viewpoint across the wilderness.

GO ON A DAY TRIP TO NIAGARA FALLS

Around a six-hour drive or one-hour flight away from the city is Niagara Falls, which sits right on the border of the USA and Canada. It’s just right for a daytrip, or ideal for an overnighter if you want more time to soak up the view. Take a boat tour on the famous ‘Maid of the Mist’ and get up close and personal with the falls, or venture down to Niagara Gorge and the ‘Cave of the Winds’, and stand just a few heart-hammering feet away from the falls themselves.

VISIT A DUDE RANCH

Embrace your inner cowboy at an authentic American dude ranch. It’s the new glamping trend taking the world by storm – think spa therapies, chef-prepared meals and luxury log cabins with mountain views. There are around eight within easy reach, and they offer the perfect opportunity to saddle up and try something new, or hone an old skill. A taster of the bona fide ‘Real West’ in the east - there’s horseriding, fishing and sailing to try your hand at, and lots of VIP treatment for after you dismount.

TRY SNOWSPORTS IN THE CATSKILLS

If winter sports are your thing, the Catskills is your place. Just two hours’ drive north of Manhattan, it’s home to some of the best ski resorts in the state, and Belleayre Ski Center even has the Olympic seal of approval. As well as skiing, there’s snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snow tubing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing on the menu. If you want to take a break from the slopes, there’s an eight kilometre zip-line to whizz down at Hunter Mountain.

GO WINE-TASTING IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

Less than an hour and a half drive from the Big Apple, the theme gets even fruitier. In America’s oldest wine-tasting region, you’ll find over 40 wineries and vineyards with plenty of award-winning and locally-produced vino to taste. There are also four wine trails to follow, which snake along the Hudson River.
Ready to see the rest of New York?

Browse our holidays to New York and find out the eight reasons why you should spend Christmas in NYC. Need a car? Check out our car hire options.

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Author: Charlotte Harris

Last updated: 15.02.2017

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