Discover New York State: Explore the Parks, Stories & Spirit of the Empire State

Nature Meets History

From towering waterfalls and scenic gorges to Revolutionary landmarks and civil rights sites, New York State’s parks and historic treasures offer adventure, discovery, and unforgettable experiences for every visitor.

History, adventure, and scenic escapes to explore:

• Climb Rock Island Lighthouse – Ascend this historic Thousand Islands beacon for panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding islands
• Explore Watkins Glen State Park – Wander trails past 19 dramatic waterfalls carved through the Finger Lakes’ stunning gorges
• Float over Letchworth State Park – Take a hot air balloon ride above the “Grand Canyon of the East” for breathtaking vistas of waterfalls and cliffs
• Step into Revolutionary history – Walk the grounds of Saratoga National Historical Park and Washington’s Headquarters to relive pivotal moments of the American Revolution
• Celebrate social progress – Discover the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls and follow the path of Harriet Tubman at her Auburn home

Literary Trails

New York State is a storybook waiting to be explored. From iconic libraries and author homes to whimsical museums and historic villages, book lovers can immerse themselves in the landscapes and legacies that inspired some of America’s greatest writers. Every visit turns the pages of history, imagination, and culture.

Bookish journeys and authorial adventures to discover:

• Wander the New York Public Library – Explore the iconic stacks, grand reading rooms, and architectural marvels that have inspired generations of readers and writers
• Chittenango & Oz – Discover the hometown of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
• Step into Mark Twain Country – Explore Elmira College and Woodlawn Cemetery, where Twain penned his classics and paid his final tribute to home
• Roam Fitzgerald’s Gold Coast – Tour Long Island’s grand estates, including Sands Point Preserve, where the opulent mansions that inspired The Great Gatsby still embody the timeless glamour and extravagance of the Jazz Age
• Discover Sleepy Hollow and Adirondack author homes – Walk the village that inspired Washington Irving, visit Sunnyside, and step inside the Adirondacks cottages of Robert Louis Stevenson and other writers

Creative Spirit Unleashed

From world-class museums and architectural icons to legendary performance halls and quirky cultural finds, New York State brims with creativity. Whether you’re admiring masterpieces, laughing at comedy greats, or stepping into interactive art, every corner of the state tells its own vibrant cultural story.

Art, music, and creativity to explore:

• Experience Broadway & beyond – See a dazzling Broadway show in New York City or catch top performances at renowned venues and regional theatres across the state
• Marvel at world-class museums – Wander the spiralling Guggenheim, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, or Rochester’s Contemporary Art Center, where global visionaries share their work
• Laugh out loud – Celebrate comedy heritage in Jamestown, the hometown of Lucy and Desi, and discover vibrant comedy venues and museums, featuring exhibits, performances, and annual festivals
• Play, create, and discover – Explore immersive exhibits at The Strong Museum of Play, try hands-on art at the Fenimore Art Museum, and enjoy creative workshops at cultural centers across the state
• Admire architectural masterpieces – Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Martin House in Buffalo and other striking designs across the state, blending artistry and architecture

A Taste Of New York State: From Farm to Fork And Vineyard To Glass

Savour the flavours of New York State on a journey through farms, wineries, and kitchens where fresh ingredients and regional traditions shine in every dish and sip.

• Finger Lakes wine country – World-renowned for crisp Rieslings and cool-climate varietals, the Finger Lakes invites you to sip along vineyard-draped hillsides with lake views that stretch for miles. Between tastings, dine at farm-to-table restaurants that highlight the region’s rich produce, or follow a wine and craft beverage trail connecting charming villages, cideries, and breweries
• Hudson Valley harvest – With orchards bursting with apples, fields of heirloom vegetables, and creameries producing award-winning cheeses, the Hudson Valley is the epicentre of farm-to-plate dining in New York. Explore bustling farmers markets, visit historic estates with working farms, and savour seasonal menus at acclaimed restaurants where world-class chefs turn the valley’s bounty into unforgettable dining experiences
• Long Island vineyards – Just beyond New York City, the North Fork of Long Island reveals rows of sun-drenched vines producing elegant Merlots, Chardonnays, and rosés. Spend leisurely afternoons tasting wine in boutique family-owned vineyards, then feast on freshly harvested oysters from nearby bays. Quaint seaside villages and farm stands add to the region’s idyllic coastal escape
• Adirondack craft traditions – In the shadow of mountain peaks and beside pristine lakes, the Adirondacks offer a delicious balance of rugged adventure and artisanal flavour. Taste small-batch spirits distilled from local grains, sip maple-infused cocktails, or visit a working sugarhouse to see the syrup-making tradition firsthand. Farm-to-fork dining thrives here, with hearty, comforting dishes served fireside
• Buffalo’s flavour legacy – While it proudly claims the invention of the famous Buffalo wing, this city’s food scene tells a much broader story. From ethnic neighbourhoods serving authentic global cuisine to breweries crafting inventive new pours, Buffalo is a city to savour. Pair food with history by dining in restored warehouses or trendy waterfront districts
• New York City bites – Nowhere else blends local farms and global flavours quite like NYC. Shop seasonal produce at Union Square Greenmarket, taste artisanal cheeses and breads in buzzing food halls, or sample cutting-edge cuisine in Michelin-starred dining rooms. Rooftop gardens, international street food, and neighbourhood favourites combine to make every meal in the city unforgettable

Visiting New York State Throughout the Year…

New York State reveals a different kind of magic with every season. From fiery autumn foliage to summer festivals, wintry wonderlands to spring awakenings, each visit offers fresh adventures and reasons to return.

• Spring brings fresh beginnings. Wildflowers bloom in the Hudson Valley, waterfalls rush through the Finger Lakes, and hiking trails come alive across the Adirondacks. It’s also a season for history — 2025 marks 200 years of the Erie Canal, with celebratory events retracing the iconic waterway’s transformative legacy. Pair it with a canal-side cycle or a tranquil boat ride for a quintessential spring day
• Summer radiates energy. Lakes and beaches invite swimming, sailing, and kayaking, while mountain trails buzz with hikers and bikers. From concerts in Saratoga to firework-lit nights at Niagara Falls, long summer days stretch into unforgettable evenings
• Autumn is a symphony of colour. Trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, best seen on a road trip through the Catskills or Adirondacks. Farms welcome apple pickers, pumpkin seekers, and cider lovers, while Sleepy Hollow embraces the season with haunted hayrides and lantern-lit tours. Looking ahead, America 250 commemorations are set to add even more depth to autumn’s reflective spirit
• Winter casts a sparkling spell. From skiing in the Adirondacks and Catskills to snow-dusted strolls in New York City’s Central Park, the season is brimming with charm. Holiday markets glow with festive cheer, while mountain lodges invite you to cosy up beside roaring fires. It’s a quieter time to savour the state’s cultural treasures — from world-class museums to Broadway lights