25 Reasons Why I Love New York More Than Any Other State

It has been said we eat with our eyes and my eyes spent a lifetime feasting on a cornucopia of beauty within the great state of New York. I relish in a feeding frenzy of a state that fills a banquet table with a smorgasbord of lakes, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, luscious valleys, gorges, pristine pastures, and palatable forests. Never have I hungered for more than the abundant serving in front of me.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New York State covers 47,126.40 square miles and New York City only takes up 302.64 square miles. Consequently, one can understand why we New Yorkers who do not reside in New York City get so upset when others try to lump us with the “Big Apple.” We refer to our geographical locations by saying we are from Western, Central, Northern, Upstate or Downstate New York. This is a large state and one that offers a veritable plethora of activities. There is absolutely no reason why anyone who resides here should ever say, “We’re bored.”

MY TOP 25 PICKS OF PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK

1. The Thousand Islands are situated on the Saint Lawrence River between Canada and the United States. In reality, there are over 1,800 islands. http://www.1000islands.com/
2. Boldt Castle sits on Heart Island and is a fairy tale romance about the tycoon who owned the Waldorf Astoria and the castle he was building for his wife. It is a must see for every visitor to Alexandria Bay and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. http://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo/
3. The village of Sackets Harbor is a quaint little place to visit packed with the history surrounding the War of 1812. http://www.boldtcastle.com/visitorinfo/
4. Lake Ontario is one of the 5 Great Lakes and via the Saint Lawrence Seaway serves as a shipping route to the Atlantic Ocean.There are too many sites on the web to list them here.
5. Skaneateles Lake is so clear and pure that the city of Syracuse uses its unfiltered drinking water. The Village is filled with wonderful shops and dining with some of the buildings dating back to the late 1790s. http://www.villageofskaneateles.com/
6. Ithaca is “Gorges” is a famous saying due to the fact there are more than 100 waterfalls within 10 miles of the downtown area. Ithaca is also home to Cornell University. http://www.visitithaca.com/visitor-info/the-ithaca-experience.html
7. The wineries of New York keep growing by leaps and bounds. For instance, just within the Finger Lakes Region alone, there are now 100 wineries. http://www.newyorkwines.org/
8. Howe Caverns is located near Cobleskill, New York and the adventure of exploring the caverns begin with a 16 story downward elevator ride to a constant temperature of 52 degrees (F) and 11 degrees (C). http://howecaverns.com/
9. Cooperstown home of the Baseball Hall of Fame is rich in history, wonderful scenery and nostalgia. It is also home to the Fenimore Art Museum, Glimmerglass Opera, and the Farmers’ Museum. http://www.thisiscooperstown.com/
10. The Syracuse Scottish Games hold a special place in my heart. I am a proud member of the House of Gordon Clan and the ceremonies, food and atmosphere are a joy to be a part of. http://cnyscottishgames.org/CNY_Scottish_Games/Welcome.html
11. The Taste of Syracuse is one of my favorite 3-day festivals with just under 100 restaurants and food vendors selling samples for only $1.00. There are beer and wine tents, along with 3 stages playing various types of music. http://www.tasteofsyracuse.com/
12. The Great New York State Fair, located in Syracuse, runs for 12 days from the end of August until Labor Day and usually draws almost 1,000,000 visitors per year. http://www.nysfair.org/
13. Sylvan Beach is situated at the eastern end of Oneida Lake. It is a resort area and has been referred to as the Coney Island of Central New York. http://www.sylvanbeach.org/
14. Saratoga Racetrack is a flat track established nearly 150 years ago and is a marvel to behold. http://www.saratogaracetrack.com/schedule/
15. Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a place to witness the best entertainment the world has to offer as it sits framed on a canvas of 2,400 acres. http://spac.org/
16. Cape Vincent and the French Festival is an event which takes place on the weekend before Bastille Day to remember how the residents had hoped Napoleon would settle in their area. http://capevincent.org/frenchfestival.asp
17. The Adirondack Mountains boasts over 100 summits, on 6 million acres in the Adirondack Park. http://visitadirondacks.com/
18. The Catskill Mountains are in the southeastern part of the state and approximately 100 miles from New York City. http://www.visitthecatskills.com/
19. The Finger Lakes are comprised of 11 lakes and tourists flock to them every year. http://www.fingerlakes.org/
20. Watkins Glen Gorge was formed by glaciers during the Ice Age and has a trail that takes the hikers under waterfalls. http://nyfalls.com/watkinsglensp.html
21. Corning Museum of Glass highlights the history of glass and glassmaking and has a studio that allows visitors an opportunity to attend workshops and classes. http://www.cmog.org/
22. Lake George is definitely one of the best family destination resorts around, with beaches, boat rides, Fort William Henry and amusement parks. http://www.visitlakegeorge.com/home
23. Niagara Falls is excitement and amazement all rolled into one. http://www.niagara-usa.com/
24. Lake Placid was the former home to both the 1932 and the 1980 winter Olympics and it still ranks as a hot spot for those who relish the activity of winter sports. http://www.lakeplacid.com/
25. New York State Parks are plentiful as well as magnificent in all they afford the visitor. http://nysparks.com/

I could have easily listed several other reasons and places why I adore my life in the “Empire State.” Interestingly, no one really knows why we are even called the “Empire State” except maybe because of our trade routes, wealth, and natural resources. However, we have also been referred to as the “Knickerbocker State” which was a German term used to describe the pants of the early Dutch settlers. For me, the state motto that is my pick would have to be “The Excelsior State” which simply put means ever upward.

So there you have it. This was my take on loyalty to the state I love. Yet, more importantly than my own opinion is the sincere fact that there are those who have the same feelings for the areas where they reside. Unlike our political differences, this is one topic that has no right or wrong answers. May you ask…why do I love New York? My answer would most likely be the same as yours…and for the same reasons you love your home state and the wonderment of awe you witness every day.

WRITTEN BY: DENNIS L. PAGE