When you think of New York, you naturally think of the Big Apple with its many sights, the many millions of people and this unique melting pot of cultures. But the state of the same name, from which the name “New York City” is actually derived, also has its very own form of highlights and sights to offer. The Empire State, as it is called, with its capital Albany is one of the oldest areas of today’s USA with an eventful history and an extremely capricious nature. And even though a trip to NYC is of course a must when visiting, you should definitely embark on an adventure in “Upstate” New York.
Life in the shadow of the Big Apple
The state of New York was one of the thirteen colonies that today play an important role in the founding myth of the USA . It was not so much the British as the Dutch who built their first base in the New World here. After some back and forth and various wars, it finally became part of the British colonies in America and quite quickly New York City developed into one of the most important ports on the east coast of the new country. Gradually, however, the state developed its own identity independently of the big city and above all the city dwellers themselves enjoyed the excursions to the countryside to escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
A visit to upstate New York is likely to offer a variety of surprises for most visitors. Because even away from the big city, the state has a lot of sights to offer. From historical testimonies of the early days of the USA to breathtaking spectacles of nature, everything can be found here. In addition, of course, there is the advantage that a trip to New York City or New England only takes a few hours and therefore you have a perfect base for traveling around the northeastern part of the USA.
The most beautiful natural spectacles in New York State
One of the most famous sights in New York State is certainly Niagara Falls State Park. The famous waterfalls, which can be found next to the city of the same name, are probably one of the most impressive natural spectacles you can find in the USA and the journey from New York City is done quickly. In general, it is surprising what a diverse nature the state has to offer its visitors. Hikers and adventurers on bicycles in particular get a varied landscape to offer, which is interrupted from time to time by historical monuments.
The Long Island area also plays a special role in the state. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular retreats for city dwellers and today offers not only a wide selection of hotels and holiday homes, but above all some impressive beaches that invite you to linger. From here, you can start a deep-sea fishing tour or take advantage of one of the many offers to explore the coast by boat and discover even more of New York. But if you are just looking for a little relaxation after the strenuous sightseeing, you will get your money’s worth here and spend a great day.
The Indian Summer, the time at the beginning of autumn when the leaves change color and the entire state presents itself in rich shades of brown, is the time of hikers and hikers in New York. Especially in the Adirondacks State Park, the mountain range in the east of the state, there are many opportunities to experience this spectacle of nature first-hand. In addition, the area offers many great climbing opportunities or invites you to take an extensive mountain bike tour through the mountains.
Albany and other cities outside New York City
NYC is by no means the capital of the state, even if one would assume that, of course. Albany is the historic hub of New York and offers some interesting testimonies to history. Especially the State Capitol, which can now look back on several hundred years of history, is a real eye-catcher on a walk through Albany. Anyone who takes this opportunity to walk through one of the many shopping streets or sit down in one of the restaurants will also notice that the melting pot of cultures did not stop in NYC. From typical Italian-American cuisine to the classics of New England, everything is represented on the city’s menus and therefore offers a good selection.
Finally, of course, you should also have visited New York City itself. There is not enough space to describe all the must-see sights in the city. In general, it can be worthwhile to plan several days just for visiting upstate New York and then go to New York City. The contrasts that are lived and can be experienced here in the state are one reason why a visit to this region of the USA is always recommended.
