Herkimer Diamond Mines HERKIMER; HERKIMER COUNTY
Perennial favorite for vacationers every summer. Young and old alike enjoy heading out over the rock fields with little hammers (provided) to chip away and discover the prized Herkimer Diamond Quartz Crystals that are found here (diamond-like, but certainly not a diamond). These crystals are beautiful, and everyone gets to keep anything they find. Take your treasure to their in-house facility where it can be turned into jewelry while you wait. Website: https://herkimerdiamond.com/
Mohonk Mountain House NEW PALTZ; ULSTER COUNTY
The hotel was built, renovated and enhanced over the years 1869-1910. Located high up in the Shawagunk Mountains, this resort, founded by twin brothers with the last name of Smiley, is a lavish bauble set in a rugged, woodsy environment. Surrounded by 40,000 acres of rock outcrops, pine trees, a lake and all kinds of wildlife, the hotel has all the modern amenities and then some. With 260 elegant rooms and a cavernous main dining room that serves up to 650 guests three meals a day, this has become a top venue for weddings and special occasions. Located just 90 miles from New York City, many famous people have stayed here including award-winning writers, Academy Award-winning actors, legendary sports figures, as well as five U.S. Presidents. The panoramic views of the Hudson Valley are gorgeous. Website: https://www.mohonk.com/
North Pole WILMINGTON; ESSEX COUNTY
One of the most charming and magical places in Upstate New York. Santa’s Workshop at the North Pole is considered by many to be America’s first theme park. It opened on July 1, 1949 and even pre-dates Walt Disney’s parks. It is Christmas every day here and thousands come each summer to see the holiday decorations, feed the reindeer, enjoy the kiddie rides, watch the family entertainment, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and to see the North Pole! It is a column of solid ice in front of Santa’s cottage — even on the hottest day in July. Generations of moms and dads and grandparents have selfies taken in front of this “pole” from over the last 70-plus years. A delightful place to bring the kiddies. Located just outside Lake Placid. Website: https://www.northpoleny.com/
TePee
Ray Brothers BBQ
CHERRY VALLEY; OTSEGO COUNTY
BOUCKVILLE; MADISON COUNTY
One of the last relics from the 1950s along oncebusy NYS Rt. 20. The building is an all metal 60-foot tall tepee with an amazing gift store that sells Native America jewelry, toys, gift items, clothing, moccasins and artwork. A lunch wagon allows you to savor a meal outside while viewing the stunning Mohawk Valley across the busy highway. This place is drenched in nostalgia and sees a steady stream of families stopping by to re-visit the “old days” when this highway was the fastest east-west route in the state. Website: http://thetepee.biz/about/
There are many places to get good, no, make that excellent barbecue in Upstate New York. From Dinosaur rib joint in Syracuse, to Smoke Signals in Lake Placid, and Brooks House of Bar-B-Q in Oneonta where they cook over the largest indoor charcoal grill in the eastern U.S. We suggest Ray Brothers BBQ In Bouckville. They slow cook everything they make including ribs, hot links, chicken and more. This is a first-come-first-serve restaurant that is so popular they routinely sell out of items on certain nights. The Food Network awarded them as the “Best Barbecue Ribs in New York State.” The town has less than 500 residents. Website: https://www.raybrothersbbq.com/
Yaddo SARATOGA SPRINGS; SARATOGA COUNTY
This famous writer’s colony is located on 400acres of land just outside the city of Saratoga Springs. Formed as a writer’s get-away in 1926, the complex has seen a steady stream of worldfamous celebrities arrive and take up a temporary residence at the center’s elegant retreat. A recent count listed over 70 Pulitzer Prize-winners who have come here including James Baldwin, Cardon McCullers, Flannery O’Connor, Philip Roth, Truman Capote and Langston Hughes. The extensive gardens at Yaddo, which include an award-winning rose garden, are open to the public and attract over 50,000 visitors each year. Website: https://www.yaddo.org/
USS Slater ALBANY; ALBANY COUNTY
This is a floating military museum at the foot of State Street in downtown Albany. The Slater, launched in 1944, is the last naval destroyer escort afloat. During World War II, 563 ships like this were built and employed to guard convoys of troops and supplies traveling from the U.S. to Europe (and other destinations). Tours available. Website: https://ussslater.org/ SEE DAY TRIPS, 42