10 places to find cultural surprises in New York State 

The cultural highlights of New York City are iconic for a reason. The mesmerising lights of Times Square, the metropolis-flanked oasis of Central Park and the triumphant, torch-bearing Statue of Liberty are staples of the city. Yet even within the city, hidden gems can be found – the Louis Armstrong House Museum, the Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts, the National Museum of the American Indian – and the story is the same for the entire state. The further beyond the Big Apple you go, the more surprising its cultural sites and historic tales become. Here’s where to discover them for yourself… 

Mountains, lakes, steep cliffs and fertile valleys – all of this and more can be found in the Adirondacks region. This beautiful expanse is vibrant green during summer and blanketed by snow in winter, but it thrives with activities year-round. If you are visiting in the colder months, there are an array of museums and historical sites such as Fort Ticonderoga, Fort William Henry, Lake Placid’s Olympic Museum and Tupper Lake’s Wild Centre. The Adirondacks region also has a flourishing craft beer scene with a varied selection of local breweries. After a day of exploring, there’s no better way to unwind than with a pint of beer, live music, a bite to eat and a jovial atmosphere. 

During the summer months, this region boasts an impressive network of trails and seasoned hikers can tackle one of the 46 High Peaks. For impressive mountainous views, you could take on one of the cliff-top trails at High Falls George or Ausable Chasm. If hiking isn’t your thing, reconnect with nature on the shore of Lake George or Lake Placid and discover charming villages dotted throughout the wilderness.  

Amid undulating hills and quaint farmland, there are a whole host of activities to be enjoyed in Central New York. For example, what could be more American than the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum in Cooperstown? While you’re there, you can visit The Fenimore Art Museum, featuring a whimsical selection of folk art, or The Glimmerglass Festival, presenting opera with a lakeside backdrop. The Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome (New York’s Rome that is, not the Italian one) is an immersive historical experience where costumed guides recreate American history before your eyes.  

Nature-lovers should flock to Utica for geological wonders, winding trails, underground waterfalls and bizarre rock formations – not to mention a 167-foot waterfall in Chittenango Falls State Park. The Munsen-Williams-Procter Art Institute offers visitors over 13,500 works of art, unique exhibitions and live performances while the All Things Oz Museum celebrates the life and works of L. Frank Baum – you’re off to see the wizard. If there’s time after all that, you can savour a drink at one of the many wineries and breweries in Central New York. 

Art galleries, museums, waterfalls and – most importantly – buffalo wings. These are just some of the reasons to visit New York’s verdant Greater Niagara. While the dramatic cascade of Niagara Falls is the centrepiece of this region, there is a diverse range of hidden gems to explore as well. Opportunities to enjoy the gastronomic experiences include the Top of the Falls Restaurant, the Niagara Wine Trail and their legendary buffalo wings – crisp, spicy and dipped in a blue cheese dressing. Discover the AKG Art Museum, a vibrant contemporary art gallery at the heart of Buffalo’s cultural district or witness the place where an emotional ceremony brought Theodore Roosevelt into office in 1901. The Greater Niagara area also has a rich musical history, having been a hub for jazz and chamber music. This legacy is reflected in The Colored Musicians Club and Jazz Museum, both fascinating places to visit. 

Capital-Saratoga is home to a wealth of attractions and architectural styles, nestled amid woodlands and scenic lakes. The National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame celebrates the heroes of this sport, which is particularly popular in the Capital-Saratoga region. Saratoga Performing Arts Center is also a must-see for anyone seeking cultural opportunities, presenting the NYC Ballet, Philadelphia Orchestra, music concerts and more. 

In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army in Saratoga, which resulted in two intense battles, a three-day siege and the first ever surrender of a British Army. The Saratoga National Historic Park commemorates this pivotal moment in an immersive way. For even more history, head over to one of the oldest museums in the United States: the Albany Institute of History and Art, or visit the New York State Museum for artefacts that reflect New York’s cultural, natural and geological development.  

This is the ideal destination for outdoor activities and dining, with everything from fishing, hiking and sculpture parks to wine trails and comedy. Picturesque state parks like Allegany are abound with autumnal foliage and secluded cabins, overlooking vast stretches of water and mirrored skies. But don’t be fooled by the tranquil setting – there are many adventures to be had here. Bike, ski, and ride mountain coasters through the natural landscape; take part in dogsled races or snowmobiling in the winter. You’ll discover Farmers Markets and wine trails throughout the region and don’t miss out on the cultural offerings, too.

The National Comedy Center is the first non-profit cultural institution dedicated to comedy – its form, artists and history. Get involved with Comedy Karaoke, Make a Meme, Hologram Theater or the Stand-Up Lounge. Another attraction for your itinerary is the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, honouring the memory of a local legend. Lucille Ball was an actress, comedian and producer and one of the most influential women of the 20th century. End your trip with a history of Chautauqua at the Chautauqua Museum.  

From 241km north of the tip of Manhattan to the state capital of Albany, Hudson Valley offers an abundance of natural beauty, historic mansions, farmers markets and local dining, all gathered around the Hudson River. The tree-covered mountains and rugged charm of this region has inspired artists and writers for centuries, and you can soak it in from halfway up a rock face or from the back of a kayak, paddle board or bike. 

At the Culinary Institute of America, the premier culinary school in the USA, student and instructor chefs source ingredients from local farms to create gastronomic masterpieces. The flavours of the region can be found at a multitude of restaurants, wineries, beer and sake breweries. History and architecture buffs will want to visit the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum.

At the Dia Beacon, located on the banks of the Hudson River, you can see a vast collection of modern arts from the 1960s to the present day. Also, don’t miss the regions 6.5 acre environmental sculpture, Opus 40 – it has thousands of tonnes of finely fitted bluestone, sprawling meadows and forest trails, all the work of American sculptor, Harvey Fite.”

Thousand Islands-Seaway is where Canada and the United States meet, their rich histories combining in the St. Lawrence River and Great Lake Ontario. The Indigenous people refer to this region as the ‘Garden of the Great Spirit’ to reflect its wealth of lush woodlands and sparkling waters – perfect for hiking, camping and boating. 

However, this region is as rich in culture as it is natural beauty with many historic sites, festivals and castles to visit. Take a stroll through time at Fort Ontario, built between 1839 and 1844 and used as a Holocaust refugee centre for two years. Or, you can visit Sackets Harbor Battlefield where two battles were fought during the War of 1812. Boldt Castle, a 120-room Rhineland-style structure, is an imposing figure rearing up from the lake with beautiful interiors and gardens to explore while the Frederic Remington Art Museum is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the American painter’s work. 

Known for its peaks and forests, Catskills also has many cultural surprises waiting to be discovered. If you have a comfortable pair of walking shoes and an interest in art, the Hudson River School Art Trail is an inspiring walk through the painting sites of artists Thomas Cole, Frederic Church, Asher B. Durand, Sanford Gifford and Jasper Cropsey who were all inspired by the striking scenery of Catskills. Afterwards, you can see the Thomas Cole National Historic Site which preserves the original home of the artist and early environmentalist. In Woodstock, a vibrant town of culture and historical importance, you will find a Tibetan Buddhist monastery – Karma Triyana Dharmachakra – which shimmers with opulent artworks in red and gold. Or, you can visit the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located at the site of the monumental 1069 Woodstock festival. 

The Finger Lakes are a group of narrow, winding lakes located south of Lake Ontario, and it’s a region where the arts thrive. In Rochester, the renowned Geva Theatre stands proud, with its ruby red awning reaching into the street. Founded in 1972, the Geva Theater Center is the most attended regional theatre in Northeastern US, with a constantly evolving roster of performances. In this town, you can also discover the wonders of the sky and vast scientific collections at the Museum and Science Center or explore the world’s largest toy collection at The Strong National Museum of Play. 

Seneca Falls is a fascinating hamlet with the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the Ludovico Sculpture Trail, situated beside the scenic Cayuga-Seneca Canal. Wine trails showcase the region’s vineyards, with uniform rows of vegetation stretching towards the horizon. 

This area isn’t lacking in museums either, with Corning’s world-famous Museum of Glass, featuring 3,500 years of glass art and glassblowing shows. The George Eastman Museum is a tribute to the art of photography and motion picture film, while the Erie Canal Museum charts the transformative power of the Erie Canal.

Long Island: that narrow slip of land projecting out from the east coast of New York. Named one of the world’s top 10 wine regions, Long Island rivals the Mediterranean for white-sand beaches, seafood and North Fork’s wine, but that’s not all it has to offer. 

Built during the roaring 20s – think Gatsby and the industrial revolution – the Gold Coast Mansions are some of America’s most lavish estates, with neatly-mowed lawns and illuminated, white facades. One particularly opulent structure is the Old Westbury Gardens, a former country house turned museum. Another is Oheka Castle, which used to be the home of philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn and now operates as a hotel. At the far end of the island, admire the Atlantic Ocean from the top of Montauk Lighthouse – the oldest lighthouse in New York State – which offers panoramic views of the land and sea.