Numerous opportunities for a memorable vacation exist throughout New York State. It runs the gamut from exotic or entertaining vacations in New York City, taking advantage of the hustle and bustle of urban sophistication, to quiet and relaxing “getting away from it all” vacations and countless possibilities in between.
One popular vacation spot is in and around Niagara Falls, in the northwestern corner of the state. Boat tours on the Niagara River that go behind the falls for an exciting new perspective are always popular. Many people like to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful views. Open all year, it is just as spectacular in the winter with its partially frozen pillars and tremendous ice jams, as it is in late spring when the water runs at its greatest volume. Other attractions in the area include the Aquarium and the many restaurants. Some people think of Niagara Falls as the “honeymoon capital of the world,” while others simply think of it as a “stunning display of God’s handiwork in Creation.” A visit there for a day or a week or more would certainly make for a satisfying New York vacation. Accommodations would range from a KOA (Kampgrounds of America) campground, where you can pitch your family tent, to 5-star resorts with elaborate honeymoon suites to suit everyone’s tastes.
Traveling east along the southern shore of Lake Ontario provides more opportunities for a fulfilling vacation, and many people try to time their year to coincide with the New York State Fair in Syracuse. Families whose children belong to various 4-H clubs across the state will come for a week of vacation to show off all their accomplishments for the year and triumphantly return home with as many blue ribbons as possible.
Other families and groups have been known to take extensive fishing vacations in various parts of the state where lakes and rivers have excellent reputations for various types of fish.
Upstate New York, around Lake George and the surrounding areas, is a highly commercialized vacation area where thousands of people flock each summer to participate in the many water play facilities that are available. Anyone who enjoys vacations where there are large crowds and loud entertainment will enjoy this vacation area. Here again there are many accommodation options, from the simple to the sublime.
The last type of New York vacation I’ll mention in this article would be spending a few days or more in New York City, the great symbol of our national “melting pot” heritage. Reserve a room or suite at a motel or hotel. This can easily be done online many months in advance if you wish. Your only problem would be the huge selection to choose from! You can narrow it down by price, location, or amenities. Some of the main attractions in New York are: Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and almost 200 museums. (The most popular are the Museums of History and Art especially).
Many people like to visit Times Square, Ground Zero (former site of the World Trade Center which was destroyed on September 11, 2001 by terrorists) and Ellis Island as well. In order not to feel totally overwhelmed, probably the best idea for someone planning to vacation in New York would be to consult a few travel guides in advance for activities, entertainment, and restaurants. That way a general itinerary could be established before the actual vacation began. After that, have fun!