Community Corner

Let's Hit The Road In New York! Looking For Some Travel Suggestions?

Check out the list of day trip suggestions upstate this summer.

Here are some day trip ideas in upstate New York.
Here are some day trip ideas in upstate New York. (Isaac Jonas/Patch)

LONG ISLAND, NY — Now that spring is really here with the temperatures cooperating, why don't we explore some places for a day trip upstate?

This is a list of the Top 10 travel places within a few hours in the car. (In no particular order) The research was done with AAA Northeast, Vacationidea.com and NewYorkUpstate.com.

  1. Cornwall, NY: The Hudson Valley destination features mountains and open fields. There are wildlife and nature tours, kayaking and a farmer's market, just for starters.
  2. Governor's Island: Located in the New York Harbor and easy to reach by ferry, you'll find walking tours and musical performances. There are plenty of other outdoor activities too, like kayak rentals and miniature golf.
  3. Lake George: It is part of Adirondack State Park with stunning views and a number of well-known bays. Lake George is a popular tourist destination for couples and families, alike. Did you know it's a top spot for hot-air ballooning?
  4. Kerhonkson: A quaint part of the Catskills. You can visit many of the farms, including Sugarhead Maple Farm, where (you guessed it) they sell maple syrup year-round.
  5. Rockefeller State Park Preserve: Located in Pleasantville, there are more than 1750 acres of pastoral fields and forested hills. While hiking the grounds, make sure to look for the wildlife, as over 200 species of native and migratory birds have been recorded in the area, as well as more than 100 species of bees.
  6. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point: The historic location is open to the public for sporting events, concerts and other live performances. Visitors may check out the campus via bus tour.
  7. Schenectady: Located in the Capital region, there are plenty of options including, the Central Park Rose Garden with its 4,000 rose bushes of all colors and variety. Families will enjoy the VIA Aquarium with 37 exhibits. The Museum of Innovation and Science is a crowd-pleaser.
  8. Star Trek Original Series Tour in Ticonderoga: This is for Trekkies! Recreated sets from the 1960s classic show are on display. The tour includes sitting in Captain Kirk's chair on the iconic "bridge."
  9. Storm King: The mountain in Orange County has plenty to offer, including a top hiking destination with a 2.5-hour loop trail. At the Storm King Art Center, visitors will see dozens of sculptures.
  10. Glens Falls: Located just north of Albany, it is a nice mix of small town and big city. The historic downtown is loaded with shops, restaurants and art galleries. One museum to check is the Hyde Collection. Don't miss the seven-mile Feeder Canal Trail.

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