New York: Tips

Get off the highway The New York Thruway and Routes 81 and 87 may get you there faster, but for leisurely and beautiful drives, try Route 22 along the state’s eastern border and Route 20 through the center of the state.

It’s a big state! New York is larger than most people realize. A drive from Montauck in Long Island to Buffalo may take up to ten hours. Think about flying into one airport and out of another to avoid retracing your steps.

Don’t forget the Deet June in the Adirondacks is the season for black flies, which make mosquitoes seem like a pleasure. You will seriously regret not wearing repellent.

Sleep under the stars New York’s state parks offer a public campground system without peer, with hundreds of clean and scenic places to pitch a tent or pull up an RV for less than 20 dollars/night.

Let it snow Learn to cross-country ski or pack a pair of snowshoes for winter visits. Lake-effect snow blankets many rural towns and it helps to have season-appropriate modes of transportation.

Ride the rails The Metro-North and Long Island railroads can drop you just about anywhere within an hour of New York City. Amtrak can take you to the Adirondacks and along the path of New York Thruway to Buffalo.

Sterling Renaissance Festival Employing jugglers, artisans, and actors from July to August, this tribute to medieval times (and giant turkey legs) is a favorite for kids and human-chess grand champions.

Restaurant week For two weeks (one in late January, one in late July) every year, some of New York City’s finest restaurants offer reasonably priced prix-fixe lunches and dinners to anyone who can score a reservation.

The Great New York State Fair The country’s oldest state fair is also one of the biggest. Held yearly in Syracuse for the 12 days prior to Labor Day, it’s an extravaganza of food, music, games, rides, and, of course, award-winning livestock.

New York Marathon On the first Sunday in November, tens of thousands of dedicated runners from throughout the world take to the streets. Millions cheer them on in what has become the city’s biggest pep rally.