From the incredible "Big Apple," New York City, in the southeastern corner, to Niagara Falls in the northwestern corner, this state is filled with must-see attractions. Here are my favorites.

 

     1. New York City – On everyone’s Top 5 Cities of the World list, New York City is one of the most exciting places to visit in the history of the world. There is so much to see and do that a week may not be enough time. Normally return again and again to discover new things about the city.

 

     2. Niagara Falls – Certainly one of the planet’s greatest treasures, this incredibly accessible destination has been fascinating travelers for hundreds of years. Because it straddles two countries, it is truly international.

 

     3. National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown – This testament to the uniquely American sport of baseball is hallowed ground for all true aficionados. Memorabilia from the early days of the sport through the current season are displayed, as well as tributes to its greatest players.

 

     4. Saratoga Springs in August – Nowhere else is the "Sport of Kings" more revered and put on display than in this lovely, quaint town during the summer racing season. It is the ultimate place to see and be seen. All eyes are on the classiest thoroughbreds in the world over the six-week period here.

 

     5. Corning – Made famous by the Corning Company, known all over the world for its glass products, this adorable town is pleasant to walk and recalls an older time when life was different in the United States. Be sure to stop in at the Corning Museum of Glass and be fascinated and mesmerized by what you see.

 

     6. Hyde Park – The estate of Franklin Delano Roosevelt sits serenely on the Hudson River, less than two hours from New York City, but it is a world away in terms of atmosphere and style.

 

     7. Lake George – One of the timeless and classic vacation areas in New York, Lake George is transformed during the summertime from a sleepy village to a booming beehive of activity. The area is particularly suitable for children with numerous water sports and many other peripheral activities. 

 

     8. Watkins Glen State Park – Although this area is famous for its auto racing venue, Watkins Glen’s state park is a gem. Visitors delight in the well-designed and constructed walkway through the gorge, marveling at the numerous waterfalls and other formations. At night, during the summer, the walls become movie screens for the eerie and evocative production, "Timespell," which entertainingly tells the geological and anthropological history of the area.

 

     9. West Point – The United States Military Academy sits prominently on a promontory above the Hudson River. Its campus is a delight to stroll, remembering the great Americans who began their military careers here.

 

     10. Chautauqua – Famous for the symposia and fora which have taken place here over the years, Chautauqua has parlayed its association with intellect and communication into a thriving business. Summer workshops draw people from throughout the world. Other simply come here for solitude and thought.

 

       Other sights considered:

            Lake Placid

            Howe Caverns