Touring Up State New York

Having spent several years living in Albany, I've been able to enjoy some local tourism just a few hours away from Long Island and New York City. For starters, the New York State Museum is free and open to the public 6 days a week (not Sundays due to the state budget crunch). Albany is also a gateway to both the Adirondack and Catskill regions of New York, which many claim are two of the most beautiful and scenic areas along the entire east coast. The Catskill Mountain region is home to over 200 peaks where many avid hikers test their grit, some reaching all the peaks within a single summer. The Adirondack region offers several distinct picturesque settings, including touristy Blue Mountain Lake (home to the Adirondack Museum). Both open waters and vast forest lands will definitely quench your thirst for some fresh airs and the great outdoors. And in terms of summer tourism, Lake George stands as a strong competitor, as well as a more cultural alternative, to the Jersey Shore. Whether you love water sports, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, snow shoeing, or any outdoor recreation, you won't find a more beautiful setting than Up State New York. Cooperstown is nationally known as the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, but is also home to the New York State Farmers Museum which offers demonstrations of life in New York, you know, before the internet. The Fingerlake region is completely unique throughout the world, and offers the perfect setting for a fun and educational lessons on natural history. My personal recommendation is to take a spontaneous drive along Route 20 (a national scenic byway connecting the east and west coasts) and see where it takes you.