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As a child, many of my summers were spent in New York. Whenever I would tell friends where I was going, they automatically assumed New York City. Yet, Upstate New York is completely different from the city: it’s full of nature, trails, and is pretty rural. Even though the boundary of what constitutes as “upstate” is debatable, I consider it anything that isn’t NYC or Long Island. Follow this link to read more about what is and isn’t considered “upstate”!

Things to Do in Upstate New York

Pick-Your-Own

There’s something super fun about picking your own fruit and veggies. If you want to gain some appreciation for the labor that goes into a pint of berries or take home a bushel of apples, picking your own is the way to go. Look up what’s in season to help plan your trip. Click here for more information.

Shop + Eat Local

Hit up some local shops and stores in the different towns. In summer, many places are all about farm-to-table options and your food has the potential to be incredibly fresh. Local breweries (like Chatham Brewing) and cideries are also really popular now, too. Supporting small local businesses has a positive impact and is easy to do in Upstate NY.

Get Outdoors

Sunshine and fresh air will do your body and mind good! There is never a shortage of outdoor activities in the warmer months. Hiking in the Catskills or Adirondack Mountains is a fun and free activity, as is finding some great trails to bike on. I love finding pretty fields and places to appreciate nature, like creeks and flower fields. From hiking to lake swimming to cycling to zipling, there is something for everyone to experience.

Getting to Upstate New York

If you land in NYC, you can easily get to parts of Upstate New York by taking the Amtrak from Penn Station. (There are several stops along the ride, but I get off in Hudson.) From Boston, you can drive about two hours (dependent on traffic) on the Mass Pike to get to the Hudson River Valley area, too.

Cars are necessary if you plan on exploring Upstate New York. It’s incredibly difficult to get anywhere without a vehicle of sorts and public transportation isn’t the easiest. Buses do connect certain larger cities, though.

Recently, some towns in the region have seen an upswing in investment, attracting younger populations and more “modern” businesses. Warren Street in Hudson is a perfect example of this as new restaurants, breweries, and shops have been popping up. Checking out the downtown areas or main streets is an effective way to find food, shops, and other fun places!

Overall, Upstate New York is a great place to explore if you need a break from NYC or life in general. Autumn is one of the most beautiful times in this region with the vibrant fall foliage and crisp air, but other seasons have their own special things to offer. Be sure to plan ahead to make the most of your time here.

Peace & happy travels,

Tay