When you think of New York, you no doubt think of yellow cabs, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, but did you know that New York City is just one of 11 diverse regions in the northeastern state of the same name?
There's plenty to draw visitors in here, from the picturesque vineyards of the Hudson Valley and the tranquil shores of the Thousand Islands Seaway to the Finger Lakes' lively food and drink scene.
Read on to find out the best things to see and do in New York State...
Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, Orange County, was opened by John Jaques, a cobbler of Scottish origin, in 1839, making it America’s oldest winery. Its mysterious cellar network is home to more than 200 oak barrels, and it’s here that you can learn about Brotherhood’s rich history of winemaking in the Hudson Valley, from navigating Prohibition to surviving a devastating fire in 1999.
Above ground, the fun really begins with a guided tasting. There’s a choice of five wines from an extensive selection. From Brotherhood’s best-selling Riesling and exclusive I Love NY red blend to its strawberry-sweet May Wine and homestyle sangria, there’s something for every palate.
On a sunny autumn day, the Storm King Art Center in the Hudson Valley is the place to be. The outdoor museum covers an impressive 500 acres and showcases large-scale sculptures from prolific 20th-century American and international artists.
With many of the 100+ collection reaching 100 feet (30.5m) tall, fall is the perfect time to visit as the contemporary structures juxtapose striking fields of gold and fluttering red and orange maples. For those who are less mobile or who have reduced time to explore, a tram service runs around the site via key exhibits.
The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton has been dedicated to the nautical heritage of the Thousand Islands Seaway since its opening in 1960. The St Lawrence River runs along the border of the United States and Canada, and is actually home to 1,864 islands, meaning sailing has been a way of life here for centuries.
The museum celebrates this rich heritage with 29,000 square feet (2,694sqm) of exhibition space, demonstrating everything from rudimentary skiffs (indigenous watercraft) to the luxury fishing lodge of Golden Age hotelier George Boldt. Those visiting in the warmer months can take part in on-the-water experiences, including a ride out on Pardon Me (pictured), the world’s largest runabout (small, open motorboat).
The Antique Boat Museum is open from May to October.
The story of Boldt Castle is as romantic as its architecture. In 1900, billionaire hotel magnate George Boldt began building a Reinland-inspired castle in Alexandria Bay for his beloved wife, Louise. No expense was spared to create the six-storey, 127-room summer home, but before its completion, Louise died suddenly, and George commanded workers to stop all construction on Heart Island.
Left vacant for more than 70 years, the castle has been carefully restored to echo Boldt’s vision, with an oak and marble entrance hall, an elegant ballroom, and multiple bedroom suites with views across the Thousand Islands. In autumn, the Italian gardens, Playhouse tower and 60-foot (18.3m) Dove-Cote are set among colourful fall foliage. Boldt Castle can only be accessed via boat or water taxi.
The best way to explore the Thousand Islands is by boat, and since Uncle Sam Boat Tours has been navigating the waters of Alexandria Bay since 1926, you’re in safe hands. Hop on a sightseeing cruise to take a peek at the historic homes of America’s elite, scattered like mini oases on the St Lawrence River, with the option to stop at Boldt Castle in peak season (May-October).
Even better, views can be savoured alongside lunch or dinner, with various menus available offering everything from Italian dishes to barbecue. In autumn, the homestyle buffet offers seasonal favourites such as carved turkey and baked ham. Dinner cruises last two-and-a-half hours and include live entertainment and access to a full bar.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Finger Lakes that exudes style and sophistication, then check into The Lake House. The luxury sustainable retreat is the first in New York State to be awarded the Beyond Green Initiative. It was designed by local Syracuse architects SWBR, with 70% of its 124 guestrooms and suites facing the tranquil waters of Lake Canandaigua, the region’s fourth-largest lake.
Stunning gardens provide a tapestry of colour, and guests visiting in the colder months can relax in the lakefront heated pool, hot tub, or beside several cosy firepits dotted around the site. Sunsets can be savoured from the Sand Bar terrace; meanwhile, the Rose Tavern serves delicious seasonal dishes and is even mentioned in the Michelin Guide.
New York Kitchen is a non-profit centre dedicated to promoting the bounties of this under-explored state through hands-on cooking classes and tasting experiences. If craft beers and regional wines are your thing, signing up for the New York Kitchen Beverage University is a must. Set in the auditorium-like Tasting Room, it’s a far cry from the conventional lectures of college.
“Wine should not be stressful,” is Beverage Education Manager Maiah Johnson Dunn’s mantra as she talks you through how wine should really be tasted. You’ll then be introduced to a curated selection of locally distilled spirits, seasonal beers and ciders, all of which can be bought from the onsite shop. Grandpa Joe’s Manhattan apple-wood smoked bourbon from Iron Smoke Distillery is sure to keep you warm on a chilly evening.
When the urge for retail therapy calls, head to the historic Main Street of Downtown Canandaigua.
The vibrant stretch is home to a lively mix of speciality shops, from indie boutiques and handmade gift shops to art galleries. Sweet Expressions is a must-stop to load up on artisan chocolates and seasonal candies for friends (or yourself!). When you’re spent out, head to Dalai Java for a coffee or chai latte, or Nick’s Chophouse for oysters on the SkyDeck.
If you thought pancakes were just for breakfast, think again! Head to Simply Crêpes at any time of day to indulge in the extensive crepe menu at this family-run café. Started by husband and wife Pierre and Karen Heroux in 2003, the couple wanted to create a "homespun craft kitchen," and now they have three locations across New York State.
If you're visiting during autumn, the caramel apple cinnamon crepe or the fall turkey melt crepe, accompanied by a cider mimosa, is a must-try. Still can’t decide? Why not sign up for a cooking class where you can get hands-on experience making your own?
At the heart of the Finger Lakes in Geneva, you’ll find the award-winning Brewery Ardennes Taproom and Kitchen. Named after a scenic area in eastern Belgium, owners Derek and Stacey Edinger were inspired by the country’s traditional beer-making techniques and decided to share their passion with the community.
The 800-acre estate started life as a ‘hobby farm’ in 1909, but today the beautiful stonework barn is the taproom, which offers ‘Between the Tanks’ tasting experiences of Belgian-style beers brewed on site.
Belgian-inspired fare made from local ingredients is also served in a cosy bar setting. Think pretzel braids with gruyere fondue and bratwurst sausages with homemade sauerkraut, all washed down with an ale (with seasonal options including pumpkin ales available in autumn). You’d be forgiven for forgetting you weren’t in a Western European tavern.
Similar to Boldt Castle, the Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion in Canandaigua holds an enchanting tale of tragedy and romance. In 1902, Mary Clarke Thompson began building a series of memorial gardens dedicated to her late husband. The project spanned almost 20 years, and Mary passed away just four years after the gardens were completed.
Today, the Queen Anne-style mansion and its nine formal gardens are open for tours, thanks to 170 volunteers who maintain the grounds. From the classic Japanese and grand Italian Renaissance gardens to the glass palm house and fashionable rock gardens, it’s easy to see why Mrs Thomas’s estate would have been a favourite among her society friends.
The Ganondagan State Historical Site honours the people who called this area home before European settlers arrived. Located in Victor, Ontario County, the Native American landmark spans almost 600 acres and offers an insight into the lives of the Seneca people who occupied the site until 1687.
Outside, a Seneca Bark Longhouse has been reconstructed using traditional materials and techniques. The wooden structure allows visitors to experience what family life might have been like for 17th-century Seneca people.
The New York Beer Project in Ontario County opened the doors to its Beer Hall in Victor in 2018 and has become a thriving restaurant and brewery loved by locals and tourists alike. It’s not difficult to see why, either, with its indoor beer garden aesthetic and lively gastropub atmosphere.
Good food and even better beer can be enjoyed with friends surrounded by glittering chandeliers, giant chestnut trees and soaring 45-foot (13.7m) ceilings.
Not much in life comes for free, but here’s one attraction that will thrill the whole family and doesn’t cost a thing. If you have a spare evening, wrap up warm and head to Niagara Falls State Park after dark. Experience the natural wonder illuminated in rainbow hues from the American side, plus Canadian landmarks such as Skylon Tower. Although best visibility is during the day, 10pm is when the magic begins.
The free nightly fireworks display is truly awe-inspiring as cascading colours reflect off the falling water, which flows at 700,000 gallons per second. Prospect Point is the best place to view the display, but get there early, as inevitably, it gets very busy. The fireworks run from mid-May to mid-October, but the park is open all year round.
The TWA Hotel is a far cry from a soulless stopover and rather a destination in itself. Located in the landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport in New York City, the first-class hotel transports you to the Jet Age with its mid-century modern decor, retro message board and trendy sunken lounge. There are also 512 guest rooms, which are not only comfortable but incredibly quiet considering the hotel’s proximity to the runway.
However long you’re staying for, the rooftop infinity pool with runway views is worth the extra $25 charge (plus tax). Sipping a cold beer as the sun sets behind twinkling tail lights is truly unforgettable. If you don’t fancy getting wet, step aboard “Connie”, once an L-1649A aircraft, now an ultra-cool cocktail lounge, or head to the terminal’s reimagined original Paris Café.
New York State is served by John F Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, all of which provide services to eight regional airports. Alternatively, from the city, take the train or hire a car to travel through New York's scenic regions.
Stephanie Durrant visited in October 2025 and was a guest of I Love NY.