Upstate New York: Beyond the Big Apple and into the Land of Waterfalls, Wine, and Surprisingly Good Pizza
Ah, New York. You think of the hustle and bustle of the city, the towering skyscrapers, and the never-ending stream of yellow cabs. But there's a whole other side to this amazing state, a land of rolling hills, charming small towns, and enough natural beauty to make you forget you're still in New York. That's right, we're talking about upstate New York, baby!
But First, Dude, Where's Upstate?
Here's the thing about upstate New York - there's no universally agreed-upon definition of where it starts. Is it north of the city that never sleeps? Maybe it begins where the bagels get a little less fancy? The truth is, it depends on who you ask. Some folks say it all begins after you cross the Tappan Zee Bridge, while others will argue you're not even close until you're past Poughkeepsie. For our purposes, let's just say that if you can see the Empire State Building from your window, you ain't upstate.
So You Want to Explore Upstate New York? Cities to Check Out:
Now that we've cleared the air (or should we say, the exhaust fumes?), let's delve into some of the fantastic cities you'll find in upstate New York.
Buffalo: Home to legendary chicken wings, stunning architecture, and the mighty Niagara Falls (seriously, that water is powerful - don't wear your best raincoat near the viewing platform).
Rochester: Birthplace of both Susan B. Anthony and Kodak film, Rochester offers a vibrant arts scene, a plethora of museums, and enough hipster cafes to fuel your inner Thoreau.
Syracuse: Love your college basketball? Then Syracuse is your jam! Nicknamed "Salt City" for its historical (and ongoing) salt production, Syracuse is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the beautiful Finger Lakes region.
Albany: New York's capital city boasts a rich history, impressive Georgian architecture, and a surprisingly fun nightlife scene (especially if you're into craft beer).
Utica: Ever heard of Utica? Well, now you have! This historic city is known for its beautiful architecture, its annual Boilermaker Road Race (one of the world's largest 15km races), and its surprisingly good pizza scene (seriously, upstate has a pizza game you wouldn't expect).
This is just a taste, of course. Upstate New York is brimming with charming towns, historic villages, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Upstate New York FAQs:
How to get to upstate New York? Planes, trains, and automobiles, my friend! Many major airlines fly into airports across upstate New York, Amtrak has routes that wind through the region, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can always road trip it.
How to decide where to go in upstate New York? Think about what you're interested in! Do you crave nightlife and museums? Head for a bigger city. Yearning for outdoor adventures? The Adirondack Mountains await. Love wine tasting and stunning scenery? The Finger Lakes region is your happy place.
How to pack for a trip to upstate New York? Layers are your friend! The weather can change quickly, so pack for both sunshine and potential rain showers. And don't forget comfortable shoes - there's a lot of exploring to do!
How to speak upstate New Yorker? The most important phrase? "The best pizza is outside of New York City." Just kidding (mostly). Upstate folks are friendly and welcoming, so don't be afraid to chat and ask questions.
How to avoid getting lost in the beauty of upstate New York? Let's be honest, it might happen. But that's okay! Just relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy the adventure. After all, sometimes getting lost is the best way to find yourself (and maybe a hidden waterfall or a charming antique store).
