Considering the size of the Empire State, even longtime residents constantly find themselves discovering new attractions and places to explore. With so much to see and do, try avoiding our spots that can often be flooded with tourists and trade them in for these dreamy destinations that tend to go un-visited. All making for fascinating day trips, keep reading to find out why the places that made this list are some of the coolest underrated attractions that you can experience.
The store you shop around in today dates all the way back to 1873, with pieces of nostalgia oozing from every inch of the building. This charming country store is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to take a piece of the Finger Lakes home with you, with plenty of regional merchandise available. Other things you’ll find around the store? A large variety of candies from you to pick from, local cheese, maple treats, candles and everything else you’d expect to find in an old-time store! To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 2 University Avenue Cohocton, NY 14808
Taking eight years to complete, the Grafton Peace Pagoda finally was completed back in 1993. The beautiful structure is welcome to people of all walks of life and religion to visit, with all activities taking place outside of the actual pagoda. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 87 Crandall Road Petersburg, NY 12138
From the Finger Lakes out to Long Island, New York has a slight reputation for producing some amazing wine. But if you’re looking for a vineyard that has something extra special to offer, head out to Pindar Vineyards in the town of Peconic. Not only is this place home to a beautiful vineyard and great tasting wines, there’s also a sunflower field that you can check out! Here you’re allowed to pick your own sunflowers for a small fee or even take home a whole bouquet with you. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 37645 Main Road Peconic, NY 11958
A wonderful attraction of the past that’s managed to capture hearts continually into modern times, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad offers a variety of rides. Those who are interested in enjoying something other than your typical train ride can get tickets for themed events like their Soda Fountain Lunch Train, Beer & Wine Train, Fall Foliage Trips, Family Halloween Train and even a Polar Express that starts up in November! To find out more about how you can experience one of these amazing themed train rides, click here.
It may not be the famous man-made wonder that you can find in South Dakota, but New York does indeed have its own Little Mount Rushmore. Tucked away up on the top of a large hill is what locals know as Pratt Rock. Enjoy a steep hike up and you’ll quickly have views of Schoharie Creek as well as what many believe to be one of the earliest Civl War monuments that you can find within our country. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: To view the location on Google Maps click here.
Explore twelve acres of unique gardens that are tucked away on the property of Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring. A place you would imagine fairies and other magical creatures to live, the gorgeous garden is open April through the end of October. You can walk through paths lined with bamboo or relax by the pools of water where you can find wildlife gathering around, the options are endless at this scenic getaway. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 81 Stonecrop Lane Cold Spring, NY 10516
If you’ve never taken a road trip across Route 20, here’s just one reason why you should aim to do so. Right along this gorgeous route is The TePee, a vintage roadside attraction that you wouldn’t expect to find in New York. A unique gift shop worth checking out, The TePee also has Chow Wagon that makes for a wonderful place to stop and grab a bite to eat. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 7632 US-20 Cherry Valley, NY 13320
Up in the Adirondacks it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the stunning natural attractions that you have avaible for you to visit. With some attractions easily getting lost in the shuffle, you may have yet to hear of or get around to visit Natural Stone Bridge and Caves. Fantastic to check out during the summer when you can enjoy the park’s ice cream stand, here visitors can explore nature trails that will take them to the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States! To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 535 Stone Bridge Road Pottersville, NY 12860
The Mid-Lakes Navigation company offers boat rides and even canalboat rentals that you should make sure are on your radar, but one of our favorite rides of theirs to take is the Skaneateles Lake Cruise. You’ll get onboard the cruise right in the heart of Skaneateles, bringing you out onto the lake that’s known for having crystal clear and vibrant blue water. The Skaneateles Cruise features Lunch, Dinner and Sightseeing Cruises for you to pick from. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 11 West Genesee Street Skaneateles, NY 13152
Luscious green and floral wonders like Highland Park aren’t typically what you picture when you imagine one of New York’s big cities, but that’s exactly what you can find if you look hard enough within Rochester. The park is made up of various gardens, pavilions and plenty of scenic places for you to explore. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 180 Reservoir Avenue Rochester, NY 14620
One of the last 5&10 stores that you’ll find to still be around in America, Vidler’s is a family-favorite destination to enjoy within Western New York. The store has been open since 1930 and now spreads across 16,000 square feet, featuring over 75,000 different items. Yes, you read that right! Claiming to be the largest 5&10 store in the world, this store is wonderful to check out if you’re looking to remember the good old days. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 676-694 Main Street East Aurora, NY 14052
A hidden gem of Long Island that many locals have yet to discover, Avalon Park is like something out of a dream. The enchanting park is a privately owned nature preserve that’s home to stunning trails, amazing landscapes, wildlife, a variety of scenery and even its own Labyrinth. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: Harbor Road Stony Brook, NY 11790
Overlooking Seneca Lake in the charming small town of Penn Yan, Fox Run Vineyards is a sight worth seeing. The vineyard has been making wine since the 1980s and has tasting tours that will leave you relaxed as you enjoy a drink while gazing out at the water. Often hosting events and festivals, the vineyard also has its own cafe and market that you won’t want to miss out on. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 670 Route 14 Penn Yan, NY 14527
Get to enjoy the unique experience of watching beautiful creatures of the wild like wolves, coyotes and arctic foxes at the Wolf Mountain Nature Center. Right in the center of New York, this underrated attraction is a non-profit animal sanctuary that teaches visitors all about the wildlife that lives here. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 562 Hopkins Crandall Road Smyrna, NY 13464
It’s easy to get distracted by the big city glitz and glamor that surrounds many of our art galleries and museums down in the Big Apple, but our other well-known cities also have similar attractions that you should visit for yourself. Out in the Queen City, Buffalo is home to the Albright-Knox Gallery where you can find unique art exhibits that will make you feel so lucky to have this place right in our backyards. To find out more, click here.
How to get here: 1285 Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, NY 14222
