The Best of New York Outside of New York City

The Big Apple may be New York State’s best-known travel destination, but for the adventurous and artistic Booker, there’s so much more to experience outside of New York City.

Ithaca

Spend a few minutes in the city of Ithaca and you’ll quickly realize why “Ithaca is gorges” has become its unofficial slogan. A hiker’s paradise, Ithaca has plenty of picture-perfect trails that weave through gorges carved out during the Ice Age. It’s also home to more than 100 waterfalls.

If the weather’s nice, Bookers should go for a quick dip under one of these waterfalls – it’s a great way to cool off. Or you can enjoy an ice cream sundae, a dish invented in the city in 1892. Ideally located in the heart of the city, Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca includes a free classic American breakfast.

Montauk

Also known as “The End,” Montauk is the easternmost point of Long Island in an area known as the Hamptons. Less than a 3-hour drive from New York City, the far-reaching Ditch Plains beach is known for its wide shore and rolling waves, perfect for both beginner and experienced surfers.

A 5-minute drive from Ditch Plains, the Montauk Beach House gives Bookers an outdoor swimming pool and snack bar.

The Adirondacks

The perfect mix of forests and mountains, the Adirondack Mountains are a popular destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. A favorite with both visitors and locals, the new Wild Walk is a series of wooden bridges that zigzag through the forest.

Along the way, you’ll find unique climbing structures like a 4-story twig treehouse, a staircase through a tree trunk, and even a human-sized bird’s nest, all designed to give you the best viewpoint to admire the region’s beauty.

Located in Lake Placid, the Whiteface Lodge lets Bookers connect with nature while still providing modern amenities like indoor and outdoor hot tubs and a movie theater.

Pollepel Island

Just off Beacon’s shores, in the middle of the Hudson River, lies Pollepel Island – home to not one, but two castles. Built by Scottish immigrant Francis Bannerman VI, the larger Bannerman Castle was originally used as a storage facility for his successful army surplus business.

Shortly after the main castle was completed, Bannerman built a smaller residential castle to stay at when he visited the island. An explosion partially destroyed the main castle in 1920, but the remains, as well as the rest of the island, are still open for the public to explore.

The historic Roundhouse in Beacon is located on a beautiful property overlooking a waterfall and creek. The light and cheerful rooms are spread across two buildings, both of which are close to the on-site restaurant.

New Paltz

The college town of New Paltz has a vibrant downtown area with restaurants, bars, and boutique stores. But New Paltz has so much more to offer – and just a 15-minute drive from downtown, you’ll find the Mohonk Mountains and plenty of hiking trails. Local favorites are the Labyrinth, a trail that incorporates a series of wooden ladders, and the Lemon Squeeze, a crevice so small you’ll really feel like a lemon being squeezed.

A 20-minute drive from Mohonk Mountain, Hampton Inn by Hilton offers Bookers free breakfast and on-site parking.

#BeABooker and book your trip today.