Day Trips in New York State (Including Upstate)

1. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

• What are the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens known for?
  • The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are one of New York's most beautiful botanical garden facilities, designed as a collaboration between renowned architects Lord and Burnham, botanist John F. Cowell, and legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
• What is the history of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens?
  • The gardens, which were originally created between 1894 and 1900, are recognized as a National Historic Site today, attracting more than 100,000 annual visitors from around the world.
• What kinds of plants can visitors see at the botanical gardens?
  • Stunning indoor gardens showcase native and exotic plants from around the world, including a majestic Palm Dome house, an Asian-style Rainforest House, and an Ivy, Carnivorous Plants, and Medicinal Garden House, which is home to the world's largest public ivy collection.
• What other displays are featured at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens?
  • Displays of cacti, succulents, begonias, and orchids are also showcased, along with an art gallery featuring rotating exhibits by professional and amateur artists.

2655 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14218, Phone: 716-827-1584, Map

2. Cazenovia

• Where is Cazenovia located?
  • Cazenovia is located within Madison County along the southeastern banks of Cazenovia Lake.
• What is the history of Cazenovia?
  • The charming village was originally established in 1794 by John Lincklaen of the Holland Land Company and is named in honor of company agent Theophilus Cazenove.
• What makes Cazenovia a popular getaway?
  • Today, it is known as one of upstate New York's most picturesque getaways, showcasing a splendid rural landscape filled with forested areas and scenic waterways.
• What can visitors explore in Cazenovia?
  • Visitors can explore the city's charming 19th-century historic business center, which is home to many architecturally significant buildings.
• What dining options are available in Cazenovia?
  • Delicious dining options in Cazenovia include the acclaimed Lincklaen House, which serves up casual fine dining in a stunning historic building stocked with period furniture.

3. Corning

• Where is Corning located?
  • Corning is a lovely Finger Lakes area town in Steuben County, located along the banks of the Chemung River and named in honor of Albany financier Erastus Corning, the head of the Fortune 500 company Corning Incorporated.
• What are the major attractions in Corning?
  • The beautiful Corning Museum of Glass is home to one of the world's most comprehensive artistic and functional glass collections, showcasing pieces dating back to antiquity.
  • Western American painting and sculpture is also on display at the Rockwell Museum, making Corning a must-do for arts and crafts enthusiasts.
• What historic areas can visitors explore in Corning?
  • The city's historic Gaffer District is home to gorgeous restored 19th-century buildings and a plethora of shopping and dining options.
  • Visitors can also view the historic Bloody Run site, which commemorates the site of a significant battle between indigenous American villagers and European generals.

4. Ellicottville

• Where is Ellicottville located?
  • Ellicottville is a scenic ski village in western New York state, originally incorporated in 1837 after development by the Holland Land Company.
• What is the historical significance of Ellicottville?
  • Today, many of the city's gorgeous historic sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places within the Ellicottville Historic District.
• What skiing options are available in Ellicottville?
  • Two area ski resorts operate throughout the winter months, including the renowned HoliMont Ski Club, North America's largest private ski club, and the popular public Holiday Valley ski resort.
• What natural attractions can visitors explore in Ellicottville?
  • Beautiful Nannen Arboretum is home to a Japanese-style stone garden and strolling pathways.
  • Ellicottville Village Park offers day-use picnic sites.
• What annual events are held in Ellicottville?
  • Each year, the city's annual Fall Festival is held in conjunction with Canadian Thanksgiving weekend and the peak of fall foliage.
  • Other special events include a Mardi Gras celebration, a Jazz and Blues Festival, and a Rock'n'Oldies Weekend.

5. The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County

• Where are the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County located?
  • The Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County are one of western New York's most scenic upland areas, located within the state's lovely Chautauqua-Allegany Region.
• What is the natural scenery like in the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County?
  • The region is known for its stunning natural scenery, including lush forests, rolling hills, impressive glacial valleys, and pristine, sparkling lakes and waterways.
• What cities and villages can visitors explore in the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County?
  • Visitors can explore the region's two major cities, 13 villages, and 32 townships, which are home to delightful attractions such as the Holiday Valley ski resort, commonly known as the "Aspen of the East."
• What outdoor recreational opportunities are available in the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County?
  • Outdoor recreational opportunities abound at sites such as Zoar Valley, Case Lake, and Harwood Lake.
• What unique geological attractions can be found in the Enchanted Mountains?
  • Unique geological attractions are also on display at Rock City Park and Little Rock City, including prehistoric formations.

6. Ausable Chasm

• Where is Ausable Chasm located?
  • Ausable Chasm is a unique tourist attraction near the city of Keeseville, showcasing a stunning sandstone gorge that was carved by the melting of glaciers during the end of the last Ice Age.
• What makes Ausable Chasm a major attraction?
  • The gorge spans approximately two miles and is one of the biggest natural tourist attractions of the Adirondacks region, located along the course of the majestic Ausable River near its terminus at Lake Champlain.
• What natural attractions can visitors observe at Ausable Chasm?
  • Visitors can observe and photograph unique natural attractions and formations such as The Devil's Oven, Sentinel Rock, The Cathedral, and Elephant's Head, or view the stunning Rainbow Falls, which is located at the gorge's southern end.
• What cultural attractions can visitors explore in the region?
  • Cultural attractions in the region include the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, which commemorates the Civil War-era operations of the Underground Railroad.
• What recreational activities are available at Ausable Chasm?
  • More than 15 miles of mountain biking trails are also offered at the Ausable Chasm Recreation Center.

Ausable Chasm, 2144 U.S. 9, Ausable Chasm, NY 12911, Phone: 518-834-7454

7. Coney Island History Project - Preserving Coney Island's Past

• What is the Coney Island History Project?
  • The Coney Island History Project all began in 2005 with the opening of the Coney Island Hall of Fame, and this is still a big part of the project's work to this day. It's one of the most interesting spots in Coney Island, decorated with colorful banners and interesting information panels.
• Where is the Coney Island History Project's Exhibition Center located?
  • The many artifacts, photos, and other materials of the Coney Island History Project are on display at the project's Exhibition Center, located at West 12th St, right by the entrance to Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, just off the Boardwalk.
• What can visitors see at the Coney Island History Project?
  • You can see some of Coney Island's oldest surviving artifacts, including a Toll House sign from 1823, as well as taking a photo with Coney Island's only remaining original Steeplechase horse.

8. Hunter Mountain

• Where is Hunter Mountain located?
  • Hunter Mountain is the second-highest peak within New York's Catskill Mountains, reaching elevations of 4,040 feet above sea level.
• What is Hunter Mountain known for?
  • The mountain is most associated with the ski resort area of the same name, which is anchored around its Colonel's Chair ridge on its northwestern corner.
• What can visitors experience at the summit of Hunter Mountain?
  • Atop its beautiful summit, a fire lookout tower offers the state's highest observational views and can be reached via a hiking and horseback riding route.
• What activities are available at Hunter Mountain Resort?
  • Excellent snow tubing and skiing experiences are offered for visitors of all ages and skill levels at the Hunter Mountain resort in Greene County, which was New York state's first skiing facility to utilize 100 percent artificial snow operations.
  • Four terrain parks are offered, along with a plethora of dining experiences and resort amenities.
• Where can visitors find a map of Hunter Mountain?
  • Hunter Mountain Map

8827 NY-23A, Hunter, NY 12442, Phone: 518-263-4811

9. Ithaca

• What is Ithaca known for?
  • Ithaca is one of the most famous college towns in the United States, home to renowned Ivy League college Cornell University.
• What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Ithaca?
  • The beautiful city, located within New York's stunning Finger Lakes region, is a cultural paradise for day trippers, showcasing stunning museums and botanical gardens such as the renowned Cornell Botanic Gardens, which are home to the unparalleled Cascadilla Falls.
• What family-friendly attractions are available in Ithaca?
  • Families can enjoy attractions such as the Museum of the Earth natural history museum, the Cayuga Nature Center, or the hands-on Sciencenter.
• What art and performance venues are in Ithaca?
  • Arts lovers can take in performances at the city's Hangar Theater or view important collections at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art.
• What is Ithaca's live music scene like?
  • The city is also renowned for its extensive live music scene, which is home to more than 80 venues throughout the greater region and has produced major independent rock artists like the X Ambassadors and Kurt Riley.
• Where can visitors find a map of Ithaca?
  • Map

10. Lake Placid

• What is Lake Placid known for?
  • Lake Placid was the host village of the Winter Olympics twice throughout the 20th century, in both 1932 and 1980, one of only three sites in the world to host the Games more than once.
• What makes Lake Placid a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts?
  • One of the best weekend getaways from NYC, the village is a must-visit for winter sports and hockey enthusiasts, known as the site of the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game between the 1980 United States and Soviet Olympic hockey teams.
• What can visitors explore in Lake Placid?
  • Olympics memorabilia is on display at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, including team medals and uniforms.
  • Visitors can enjoy a plethora of hotels and activities throughout the city's beautiful Adirondack Mountains landscape, including opportunities for skiing at nearby Whiteface Mountain, which is home to Eastern North America's highest vertical elevation.
• Where can visitors find a map of Lake Placid?
  • If you are asking yourself: "Where should I go in Upstate NY?", Lake Placid is a great destination for couples and families.