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Unmissable New York
State experiences
The shimmering lake parks of Syracuse; the immersive artistic sights of Buffalo; the global cultural powerhouse that is New York City… There are certain things that anyone visiting New York State simply can’t miss. It’s easy for the Big Apple to outshine its sibling cities in the guidebooks, but there’s so much to see and do in its neighbouring regions. From the eastern town of Albany to Syracuse and all the way west to Buffalo, join us on an unforgettable trip through New York State.
There’s a never-ending list of exciting things to see and do in Buffalo, New York State’s second-largest city. It’s sometimes called the “City of Good Neighbours” due to its warm and welcoming locals.
Many will base themselves in Buffalo to be close to Niagara Falls, but Buffalo has its own waterfront to be proud of. Canalside is at the heart of downtown Buffalo’s waterfront renaissance, and you can easily spend a day exploring this lively stretch of the river no matter the time of year. Take to the water by renting a kayak or water bike, or hop on the Queen City Ferry and head for Outer Harbour, where miles of biking and hiking trails await around glistening lakefront parks.
Chicken wings are a huge part of Buffalo’s culinary culture; after all, the city is said to be the birthplace of the famous finger-licking Buffalo wings enjoyed all around the world. For a taste of tradition, head to the Anchor Bar, where these iconic wings were first created in 1964. Make it a chicken wing crawl and try Gabriel’s Gate, which has also earned a dedicated following, along with Duff’s Famous Wings and Dalmatia Hotel, where they serve flavours ranging from jalepeño maple and chipotle honey to peanut butter and jelly.
It’s not all wings and water here; this buzzy city also has a cutting-edge art scene that’s become a magnet for art lovers worldwide. The city houses the world-renowned Buffalo AKG Art Museum, formerly known as The Albright-Knox Art Gallery, founded in 1862. It’s one of the oldest public art institutions in the US, widely known for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art by some of the greats. There’s also the Burchfield Penney Art Center, which is entirely dedicated to the art of the Buffalo region, and the K Art Gallery, a Native American-owned gallery showcasing fantastic artwork by national and Indigenous artists.
Buffalo
There’s a never-ending list of exciting things to see and do in Buffalo, New York State’s second-largest city.
New York
There’s no point ignoring it: New York is one of the most famous cities in the world and if you’re heading to New York State, you’re going to want to spend some time in The Big Apple. It’s one of those bucket list places that everyone has to visit at least once in their life. World-class restaurants, art galleries and buzzing neighbourhoods lie around every corner, but there are some things you simply have to see.
This entire article could be solely dedicated to all the delicious food New York is so famous for, but you can get a good taste of it all if you know where to go. First things first, go full New Yorker and grab a slice from Joe’s Pizza, a mainstay on the pizza scene in NYC since 1975. For the best tacos you’ll ever get your lips around, Los Tacos is the place to be, a bustling taqueria serving tacos, quesadillas and aguas frescas in a grab-and-go set-up. Come evening, you’ll want to nab a seat at Wildair, a casual wine bar on the Lower East Side serving modern American bar food and a long list of natural wines.
Don’t be that person who never leaves the centre of the city; New York is thrumming with lively neighbourhoods that have so much going for them. Spend at least a day in Brooklyn, perusing all the vintage shops that line the streets of Williamsburg. Awoke Vintage is a
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From science and art to history and literature, Inner Harbor leaves no stone unturned in its museum offerings. This buzzy neighbourhood is a cultural powerhouse, home to a diverse range of museums and exhibits, including the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), which champions self-taught and visionary artistry and the Maryland Science Center, where you’ll find a giant planetarium theatre which is dotted with thousands of stars and planets.
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Shea's Buffalo Theatre is an arts centre for touring Broadway musicals and special events, dating back to 1929
Bird Island Pier is a 2.2-mile path with great views of the Niagara River, Lake Erie, the Peace Bridge and the Buffalo skyline
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a living museum that inspires curiosity and connects people to the natural world.
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
Completed in 1931 and New York’s tallest building until 2012, The Empire State, its iconic spire and observation decks continue to enchant global visitors.
In between the food art and outdoor adventures, make time for these three bonus experiences
DON’T MISS…
When it comes to city skylines, it doesn’t get much more inspiring or famous than the pencil-thin towers and high-reaching spires of New York. From icons like the Empire State Building to relative newbies like 30 Hudson Yards, these impressive skyscrapers have come to define the Big Apple.
SKY’S THE LIMIT
Canalside is at the heart of downtown Buffalo’s waterfront renaissance
New York is one of those bucket list places that everyone has to visit at least once in their life
Explore 5,000 years of art and history from across the globe at the MET
Lose yourself among the sumptuous foliage of one of only 20 inland pine barrens left in the world
Ready the kayak and cast off downstream for a beautiful waterside perspective of the Albany skyline
Explore fossil-rich rock formations while taking views of the Adirondacks, Green Mountains and Hudson-Mohawk Valleys
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Corning Preserve Boat Launch
John Boyd Thacher State Park
Federal Hill beckons culture enthusiasts with its breathtaking vistas, vibrant arts community, and a rich maritime history spanning several decades.
3 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Albany is a hip historical hangout that has grown from a small Dutch settlement to the thriving capital of New York State
Catch everything from live music and comedy to classic movies at The Palace
The craft beer scene is booming here, with a history spanning almost 400 years
Albany
Albany is a hip historical hangout that has evolved from a once small Dutch settlement into the thriving capital of New York State. World-renowned museums, incredible architecture and a thriving craft beer scene are just a handful of the spills and thrills to expect on a trip here.
Albany’s craft drinks scene is booming, with a history spanning almost 400 years. The Capital Craft Beverage Trail takes you to sample small-batch, locally-made drinks from breweries and distilleries to wineries and cideries. If beer is your poison of choice, hit up Fort Orange Brewing, Albany’s largest taproom in an Insta-ready warehouse with heaps of rustic industrial charm. You’ll get to try all sorts here, like peanut butter stouts and tropical IPAs.
If you want to soak up more than just booze on your Albany rendezvous, there are several museums, art galleries, and historic theatres in which to spend a few hours in. The Palace Theatre is a non-profit cultural and entertainment venue that hosts an excellent timetable of beloved performances. Catch everything from live music and comedy to classic movies and community events.
For a generous helping of contemporary art, pop along to the Albany Center Gallery, a non-profit art space that’s been a main character in the city’s art scene since it was founded in 1977. Walls are filled with contemporary artwork by emerging and established artists in various styles, with a lot of emphasis on supporting local and regional artists.
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Syracuse
This lively city is jam-packed with independent restaurants, sprawling parks and booming breweries
Soak up some natural beauty as you tee off at Green Lakes State Park golf course
Just a few hours north of New York City you’ll find Syracuse, fast becoming a must for any traveller’s bucket list. This lively city is jam-packed with independent restaurants, sprawling parks and booming breweries, with endless activities to fill your itinerary.
Syracuse is the gateway to Finger Lakes Wine Country, where you’ll find world-class New York wine paired with drop-dead gorgeous scenery. The area houses three main wine trails where you can sip award-winning wine, meet local winemakers and embrace picturesque lakeside views. You could spend all week visiting the surrounding vineyards, but make sure you save enough time for Anyela’s Vineyards, where you can enjoy top quality wines on the hillside above Skaneateles Lake.
But it’s not just wine this dynamic Upstate city is known for. Iit’s also packing a pretty impressive craft beer scene, and breweries continue to pop up around town. For modern American and classic British ales, pop for a pint or two at Middle Ages Brewing, the oldest brewery in Syracuse that has at least 24 beers on tap at any time. For something a little more modern, try Talking Cursive, a female and veteran-owned brewery, or Bullfinch, where they host weekly game nights and live music.
When you’re not sipping and swirling, make some time to check out the breathtaking nature that envelops Syracuse. Green Lakes State Park is the sort of place that’ll have your jaw on the floor. The two meromictic glacial lakes, of which there are only 50 in the entire world, are surrounded by dense upland forest and lush greenery. They’ve often been described as being a time capsule into the past because of the evidence of ancient plant and animal life found here. You can hire a rowboat or kayak to explore the wooded parkland from the water or keep on land and enjoy a game of golf at the park’s 18-hole course.
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Parthenon Books
Across the street from The Landmark Theater, Syracuse’s one and only independent bookstore is a cosy place to while away an afternoon. The cafe serves excellent coffee and pastries made by local bakers, and the bibliophiles who work there are always on hand to give top notch personal recommendations.
UNIQUE FINDS
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Parthenon Books
The Tree of 40 Fruit
Anchor Bar was the 1964 birthplace of the now iconic Buffalo wings
The AKG Art Museum is one of the oldest public art institutions in the US
treasure trove of pre-loved goodies and is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from Sunday in Brooklyn, a must-visit brunch spot that serves the glossiest stacks of fluffy buttermilk pancakes. There’s also Beacons Closet, where you could spend hours playing dress up with their endless rails stacked with secondhand clothing. It’s also right next door to Five Leaves, which serves a banging cup of coffee and epic breakfast plates.
If there’s one thing New York is known for, it’s art. The city is home to over 1,000 galleries covering all media, from sculpture to painting, and they’re located in almost every neighbourhood. Wander the historic halls of The Met, where you’ll find world-class art spanning various periods and cultures, and explore the Whitney Museum of American Art, showcasing the works of American artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Beacon’s Closet is a vintage-thrift superstore with a huge selection of low-priced finds
New York institution Joe’s Pizza has been a mainstay on the pizza scene since 1975
The Albany Center Gallery has been a main character in the city’s art scene since 1977
Syracuse is considered to be the the gateway to Finger Lakes Wine Country
Try the craft beer on tap at Talking Cursive, a female and veteran-owned brewery
W.R GRACE BUILDING
The exterior of this skyscraper overlooking Bryant Park is covered in white travertine limestone to make it appear brighter than the buildings surrounding it.
ONE WORLD TRADE CENTRE
This skyscraper is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, and at 541.3 metres is the tallest building in the USA.
STATUE OF LIBERTY
Officially named “Liberty Enlightening the World” this colossal statue is a universal symbol of freedom and was a gift of friendship from the people of France.
MERCANTILE BUILDING
This art deco skyscraper, once owned by Frederick William Vanderbilt, was the last building in New York City to leave Thomas Edison’s original direct current power grid – in 2007!
500 FIFTH AVENUE
The Salmon building, as it’s known, was under construction at the same time as the Empire State, both competing to be the tallest and best. There was of course one clear winner…
The Tree of 40 Fruit
This bizarre creation on the Shaw Quad of Syracuse University is the work of Professor Sam Van Aken. In the winter months this tree, created using the technique of grafting, looks like any other. But as spring arrives something miraculous happens: not only do the tree’s branches blossom in different colours, but, incredibly, the tree also produces 40 different types of stone fruit – from plums, peaches and apricots to nectarines, cherries, almonds.
Syracuse cityscape painted on a vase with characters observing it
Just a few hours north of New York City you’ll find Syracuse, fast becoming a must for any traveller’s bucket list. This lively city is jam-packed with independent restaurants, sprawling parks and booming breweries, with endless activities to fill your itinerary.
Syracuse is the gateway to Finger Lakes Wine Country, where you’ll find world-class New York wine paired with drop-dead gorgeous scenery. The area houses three main wine trails where you can sip award-winning wine, meet local winemakers and embrace picturesque lakeside views. You could spend all week visiting the surrounding vineyards, but make sure you save enough time for Anyela’s Vineyards, where you can enjoy top quality wines on the hillside above Skaneateles Lake.
Albany is a hip historical hangout that has evolved from a once small Dutch settlement into the thriving capital of New York State. World-renowned museums, incredible architecture and a thriving craft beer scene are just a handful of the spills and thrills to expect on a trip here.
Albany’s craft drinks scene is booming, with a history spanning almost 400 years. The Capital Craft Beverage Trail takes you to sample small-batch, locally-made drinks from breweries and distilleries to wineries and cideries. If beer is your poison of choice, hit up Fort Orange Brewing, Albany’s largest taproom in an Insta-ready warehouse with heaps of rustic industrial charm. You’ll get to try all sorts here, like peanut butter stouts and tropical IPAs.
There’s a never-ending list of exciting things to see and do in Buffalo, New York State’s second-largest city. It’s sometimes called the “City of Good Neighbours” due to its warm and welcoming locals.
Many will base themselves in Buffalo to be close to Niagara Falls, but Buffalo has its own waterfront to be proud of. Canalside is at the heart of downtown Buffalo’s waterfront renaissance, and you can easily spend a day exploring this lively stretch of the river no matter the time of year. Take to the water by renting a kayak or water bike, or hop on the Queen City Ferry and head for Outer Harbour, where miles of biking and hiking trails await around glistening lakefront parks
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a living museum that inspires curiosity and connects people to the natural world
While away a leisurely afternoon at one of these Buffalo institutions
Shea's Buffalo Theatre is an arts centre for touring Broadway musicals and special events, dating back to 1929
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Ice at Canalside
Shea's Buffalo Theatre
Federal Hill beckons culture enthusiasts with its breathtaking vistas, vibrant arts community, and a rich maritime history spanning several decades.
Afternoon Delights
In between the food art and outdoor adventures, make time for these three bonus experiences
Ice at Canal Side
Shea's Buffalo Theatre
IMAGE: Syracuse University Photo & Imaging Collection, University Archives, Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
IMAGE: Buffalo waterfront