16 Ways New York Has Quietly Become The Coolest State In America
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Lea Monroe
Author
Over the past couple of months here at Only In Your State, we’ve made mention of two destinations in New York that have become quite popular, some might even say they’re downright cool. We’ve talked about our personal explanations as to why we think spots like the city of Buffalo and small town of Phoenicia have picked up quite a following and sense of popularity, but now it’s time to explore why our state as a whole is one of the coolest places to be visiting right now in America. Ready to remind yourself of all the reasons why you love calling this place home? Then keep reading below!
Over the last handful of years, state parks like Letchworth have been named as one of America's best! Not to mention the fact that Letchworth State Park is considered by many to be the Grand Canyon of the East. New York's parks are nothing short of magical.
Even those of our New York residents who aren't exactly fans of the Big Apple can't deny that this city of ours is one of the best in the world.
As fantastic as New York City is, the Empire State's other cities have equally as much to offer. From Buffalo to Rochester and Albany to Plattsburgh, all around New York you can find smaller cities that are becoming more popular places to live and travel to.
Not too long ago, Finger Lakes gem Hammondsport was named one of America's Coolest Small Towns, while other destinations like Rhinebeck, Tannersville, Lake Placid, Woodstock and many many more have become a popular topic of conversation over the years. Offering small town charm, unique attractions and friendly faces, it's not hard to see why New York's small towns have become favorite places to visit.
It's always exciting when you recognize a filming location on your screen, especially when it's from your home state. Iconic restaurants like The Lobster Roll in Amagansett have continued to make appearances in the popular Showtime hit The Affair, while more obviously popular spots like the Big Apple often show up in film.
Some people grow up in states where they have to dread taking class field trips and visiting their state's historic sites, but in New York we can't help but run to these amazing attractions of ours. Giving you the chance to learn about our state's incredible history, our historic sites will actually wow you and keep you right on the edge of your seat, wanting to explore more.
Some states are small or maintain a consistent sense of scenery and terrain, but in New York it can often feel like we've traveled to a different world when we step outside of the region we grow up in. Visiting places like the Catskills doesn't quite feel the same as being out in Western New York, and visiting New York City certainly feels nothing like being up in the Adirondacks.
New York is decorated in natural wonders that are absolutely breathtaking, but it's our waterfalls specifically that have been attracting more and more visitors from all over the place.
From small town eateries to the fine cuisine you can find our bigger cities, New York's restaurants in every corner of our state are full of flavor and unforgettable menus.
New York is obviously known for our classics like wings and pizza, but if you've already tried these dishes in their traditional form it's time to explore the fact that many restaurants are putting a new twist on these things. Down in Dobbs Ferry you can find places like The Parlor that now feature a pizza ice cream sandwich that will bring your taste buds to life.
No two small towns are quite the same in New York, you can find street art covering destinations like Beacon or go and visit New York's Painted Village In The Sky for a vibrant burst of color in your life. Between these visibly attractive destinations to quirky roadside attractions that you can't find anywhere else, it's easy to love the funky side of the Empire State.
From abandoned buildings to haunted locations that are still up and running, both Urban Explorers and Ghost Hunters alike will feel right at home in New York.
There's a festival that will appeal to every in New York all throughout the year, during the winter you can head up north to explore an entire ice castle at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival or during the summer you can head down to Pine Bush for our more whimsical UFO Fair and Parade!
Between the Adirondacks and the Catskills, explorers are more than spoiled when it comes to living in New York. Endless adventures are waiting for you in our mountainous regions and you'll love discovering all that there is to see here.
Not only does the size of New York help when it comes to taking staycations that will take you far away from your hometown and out to someplace new, the difference in all of our regions also plays a helping hand. Instead of planning an out of state adventure, try taking a getaway to an area of New York that you've yet to explore.
Some people may be familiar with all of New York's attractions, but what some people may not realize is that some of the attractions are the oldest in our state. In the Empire State you can find the country's oldest pizzeria, state park, brewery, winery and natural attraction. Neat, huh?
What do you think is the coolest thing about New York State and living here? To appreciate the Empire State even further, check out The One-Of-A-Kind Roadside Attraction In New York That You’ll Never Grow Tired Of Visiting!
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