New York State Things to Do Tips by kazander

apples

One of the things Warwick, NY is known for is it's apples! They have a few orchards, but I always go to Och's. They have acres of apple trees, all different kinds. As well as raspberry bushes, a pumpkin patch and a great little country store. The store sells all kinds of tasty treats, including freshly made cider, jams and doughnuts.
It comes as no surprise that Warwick is also home to the Apple Fest. I have only been once but it is a townwide celebration of the wonderful fruit that grows in such abundance here. The town is very attractive and old fashioned, with lot of Antique Shops and quaint little resturants.
In addition to orchards, Warwick is also home to a few winerys. Be sure to stop in and sample some of the local vintages.

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Phone: (914) 986-1591
Address: Route 94 South Warwick, NY
Website: www.warwickapplefest.com

Things To Do: Lake George

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Updated by kazander

on Sep 21, 2004

Lake George

Lake George is known as one of the cleanest lakes in the world, at least it was known as such when I was little. Hope it still is!
My family used to go up to Lake George for a week or so ever summer until I was twelve. I have wonderful memories of canoeing with my Dad, watching movies in the park and walking downtown for a slush puppy with my sister. Haven't been in so long I'm sure a lot has changed, but hopefully not too much!

We sayed at a great resort called the Trout House Village. There are Log cabins, suites and little cottages to choose from. The lake is right across the street, and there are tubes and boats you can use

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Website: www.trouthouse.com

Things To Do: New York City!

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Updated by kazander

on Sep 21, 2004

Empire State Building

If you are in the fabulous state of New York, there is no way you will want to miss it's most famous city! Located alllllll the way to the south of the state, it really requires a trip of it's own if you want to get a real feel for the city. There is so much to see and do, you really should make more than a day trip (unless of course you live in the area and can make MANY day trips!) So go see some of America's landmark's, the statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square... it's all an experience you'll never forget!

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Website: www.nycvisit.com

Things To Do: The Bronx Zoo

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Written by kazander

on Aug 24, 2004

Tiger

The Bronx Zoo is located in the Bronx, a borough of New York City. It is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, so you will also be helping to save the beautiful creatures you are visiting. They have some amazing animal exhibits. Outdoors as well as in. There are buildings such as the World of Darkness which houses noctural creatures, and the Reptile House and the World of Birds. There is also a monorail express which takes you through the part of the park known as "Wild Asia" The outdoor eclosures house babboons, buffalo, bears, zebras and more! You must visit Tiger Mountain if you go, Tigers are just incredible. You can also take a camel ride.

The rates and hours change due to the season. In the winter season the zoo is open every day from 10:30am -4:30pm. In the summer 10am-5pm. The rates for winter are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and children. The rates for summer are $11 for adults, $8 for children.

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Phone: 718-220-5100
Address: 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY 10460
Directions: Look on the official website for directions, there are a lot of ways to get to the zoo and the directions depend on where you are coming from. there are subways that will take you here if you don't have a car.
Website: http://www.bronxzoo.com/
Other Contact: (718) 220-5111

Things To Do: The New York Aquarium

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Written by kazander

on Aug 24, 2004

Walrus

I hadn't been to the New York Aqaurium since I was little, so Lou and I took a little trip out to Brooklyn, a borough of NYC, to see all the fishies.
Although not a very large aqaurium, the NYA has a nice variety of exhibits. Don't miss the Alien Stingers, a building full of tanks of glowing jellyfish. My favorite was the underwater views of the Walrus. They swim right up to you and smoosh their massive bodies against the glass, it's impressive! Other underwater viewing rooms include the sharks and rays, a seahorse exhibit and tons of tropical fish. Above ground there are penguins, seals, walrus and sea lions. The Sea Lions also put on a show in the "theater". Get in early for a middle front row seat, the sea lion might just give you a kiss if you're lucky!

Rates:
$11 for Adults, $7 for children

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Phone: 718-265-FISH
Address: Surf Avenue & West 8th Street in Brooklyn, NY 1122
Website: http://www.nyaquarium.com/

Things To Do: Howe Caverns

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Updated by kazander

on Oct 13, 2004

Howe Caverns

In upstate New York near Cobleskill, are the Howe Caverns, a series of caves you can explore with a tour guide. The Tour is about an hour long. You go most of the way on foot, but there is a small boat trip on Lake Venus as well. My favorite part is at the very end. The tour takes you through "the Winding Way" tight squeezes through a maze of crevices.
Be sure to bring a sweater or sweatshirt. The cave is a contant 52 degrees year round.
Howe Caverns was discovered by Lester Howe in 1842. He noticed the cows on his neighbors farm hung our near some bushes on very hot days instead of seeking shade like other cows. he went to investigate and found a cool breeze coming from behind the bushes, when he pushed them away, he found the natural entrance to Howe Caverns. Lester bought the caves from his neighbor for a whopping $100 and would give all day tours to customers for 50 cents. The tours were nothing like they are today, no lights or walkways just torches and a lot of scrambling and wading. In the 1900's the caves were purchased by another man who installed of of the electricity and walkways to easier facilitate tours.

Open 9am-6pm seven days a week and 8am-8pm from July 1 through Labor Day.

Right down the road from Howe is another set of caves called "Secret Caverns". We were pressed for time and their advertisements were very cheesy (all tie dye and gimmicky) so we did not stop by. They do however boast a 100 foot underground waterfall, it might be worth checking out.

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Phone: 518-296-8900
Address: 255 Discovery Drive Howes Cave, NY 12092
Directions: Take the NYS Thruway north and west to Exit 25A, then I-88 west to exit 22.

(for directions from your area, check the website)
Website: http://www.howecaverns.com

Things To Do: New York Wineries

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Written by kazander

on Oct 19, 2004

Behind the Warwick Valley Winery

New York State has a lot to offer in the Wine tasting department. There are many wineries in the finger lakes region as well as in the hudson valley.
One interesting grouping of wineries is the Shawagunk Wine Trail, 9 wineries that offer special self guiding tours for visiting all of them. The most popular of these events is the " Wreath Fineries In 9 Wineries" tour. In the beginning of the tour you recieve a grapevine wreath and at each winery you recieve a special ornament to decorate it. You will also enjoy holiday foods and wines.
Part of this tour is located in Warwick, NY. Warwick is home to 3 wineries. The Applewood Winery, the Demarest Hill Winery, and The Warwick Valley Winery which is the one we visited. When we arrived the place was packed! A tasting was already in progress so we watched while we waited to participate in the next one. A measly $3 will get you a taste of a dozen wines and a memento of your tasting, a complimentary wine glass. They start you with the reds, ease over to the whites, pause with a blush, surprise you with a few ciders and wrap things up with a dessert wine and a port. For an additional $2 you can sample the apple brandy. I had a sip of Lou's, Strong Stuff!
After the tasting, we wandered around the shop and the grounds. I picked up a few tasty ciders, peeked into the "dining room" where live music was playing and then went outside for a look around. Out back, is a stable with a few horses includia "Nadia" a beautiful white horse that one of the red wines in named for.

The winery and tasting room are open every day, 11 - 6.

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Website: http://www.shawangunkwinetrail.com

Things To Do: Watkins Glen State Park

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Updated by kazander

on Jun 21, 2005

Entrance to Watkins Glen

We FINALLY after over a year of trying, made it to the amazing Watkins Glen State Park. The river cuts through layers of stone to create an amazing winding gorge full of waterfalls and round pools. Staircases, tunnels and bridges have been created from the stone to lead you through this magical little park. Parts of the trail will actually lead you behind some of the falls.
The park is open year round with camping sites available.

For more info check out my Watkins Glen page

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Phone: (607) 535-4511
Address: Rt 14 Watkins Glen, NY
Directions: Watkins Glen is located in the Finger Lakes Region of NY state. It is just at the southernmost tip of Seneca Lake. One of the entrances to the park is actually right in the middle of town!
Website: http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/park_page.asp?parkID=105

Things To Do: The Finger Lakes Region

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Updated by kazander

on Jun 2, 2005

Seneca Lake

The Finger lakes are a bunch of long thin lakes which are located in central New York State. The area is well known for it's wineries, beautiful lake scenery and it's gorges.
The Seneca Wine Trail located along Rt 14 winds down the western coast of Seneca Lake. It is chock full of wineries. You literally pass one every minute you are on the road. One of the most picturesque (and tasty) is the Glenora winery. Stop in for a taste!

We are definately planning a return trip to this beautiful area. There is much left to explore, and quite a plethora of wines to be sampled.

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Address: Rt 14 (Seneca Wine trail)
Website: http://www.senecalakewine.com/

Things To Do: Niagara Falls

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Updated by kazander

on Jun 21, 2005

Niagara Falls