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The 15 Coolest Attractions In New York That Not Enough People Visit

Discover underrated attractions in New York that offer unique experiences away from typical tourist spots.

Published Aug 17, 2017

Written by 

Lea Monroe

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.

1. The Olde Country Store & More - Cohocton

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The Olde Country Store & More/TripAdvisor

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.

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How to get here: 2 University Avenue Cohocton, NY 14808

2. Grafton Peace Pagoda - Petersburg

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FOR-USA Fellowship of Reconciliation/Flickr

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

3. Pindar Vineyards - Peconic

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CGP Grey/Flickr

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.

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How to get here: 37645 Main Road Peconic, NY 11958

4. Adirondack Scenic Railroad - Utica

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Adirondack Scenic Railroad/Facebook

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.

5. Pratt Rock - Prattsville

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Steven K/TripAdvisor

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.

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6. Stonecrop Gardens - Cold Spring

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Stonecrop Gardens/Facebook

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

7. The TePee - Cherry Valley

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The TePee/Facebook

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

8. Natural Stone Bridge and Caves - Pottersville

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Charles B./Yelp

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,

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click here.



How to get here: 535 Stone Bridge Road Pottersville, NY 12860

9. Mid-Lakes Navigation - Skaneateles

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Mid-Lakes Navigation/TripAdvisor

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

10. Highland Park - Rochester

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Jason R./Yelp

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,

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click here.



How to get here: 180 Reservoir Avenue Rochester, NY 14620

11. Vidler's 5 & 10 - East Aurora

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pulmqueen/TripAdvisor

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

12. Avalon Park - Stony Brook

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Avalon Park and Preserve/Facebook

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.

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How to get here: Harbor Road Stony Brook, NY 11790

13. Fox Run Vineyards - Penn Yan

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Fox Run Vineyards/TripAdvisor

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

14. Wolf Mountain Nature Center - Smyrna

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Wolf Mountain Nature Center/Facebook

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

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15. Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Buffalo

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Nick Stanley/Flickr

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

How many of these places have you already visited? To experience another new adventure before the year's over, read about The One Of A Kind Tiki Tour You Must Take In New York!

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Experiences

I’m a Small Town, Mountain West Girl and My First Trip to NYC Wasn’t What I Expected

Fear kept me back from visiting one of the most fascinating places I've ever explored. Here's what I found when I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Published Oct 14, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

New York City. The Big Apple. The City that Never Sleeps. From the countless movies and television shows set in this city, it is a destination that has always mesmerized me and has sat on my bucket list for years. But, it is also a place that I never prioritized visiting because it put me way out of my comfort zone. The thought of visiting created inside me a long list of fears and worries, but when I had the perfect opportunity to go, I couldn't pass it up.

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My Small-Town Roots

You see, I’m a small-town girl, born and raised in the West. While growing up, I moved often, but spent most of my childhood in a remote town in southern Utah with a population of approximately 1,500 people. We had zero stoplights, one grocery store, and dozens of outdoor activities (including two national parks) within minutes of my front door. Several times each month, my family would make a two-hour, round-trip drive to the nearest city for essential household items and groceries. My family knew everyone in town, and everyone knew us.

Not only is the small-town vibe what I know, it is what I love. As you drive down the road, you wave to everyone you pass – even if you don’t know them.  Shopping takes hours because you see multiple neighbors and friends. The slower pace of daily life is comfortable, enjoyable, and less stressful.

An Opportunity to Step Out of My Comfort Zone

I love to travel and explore, but I primarily stick to the West Coast, Hawaii, and the Midwest. I have explored very little of the East Coast. However, when the opportunity came to visit New York City with two of my sisters, I knew I had to go. My wanderlust was strong.

The flights were booked. The hotel room was reserved. Our itinerary was starting to fill up with attraction after attraction. But now, my fears of the city began to play through my mind. I began to worry about the fast pace of the city, figuring out the subway, how to prevent pickpocketers, and even the stress of dealing with rude people. I pictured NYC filled with execs and celebrities — a very different demographic than the many agricultural towns I have called home over the years.  

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Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State

However, as soon as the skyline came into my view as our taxi drove closer to the heart of the city, I knew it was love at first sight, and each activity, attraction, and bagel made me even more smitten.

What I Found

We spent four days exploring as much of the city as possible. Of course, we explored many popular tourist attractions like Central Park, Rockefeller Square, the Empire State Building, and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. We enjoyed a Broadway show, sat on the stairs of the Met, and enjoyed a sunset from an observation deck. My sisters and I were on the go from the early morning until the stars came out. I wanted to take it all in.

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Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State

As we explored, I found absolute beauty.  It was not the natural beauty I grew up admiring at Utah’s national parks. Rather, it was a beauty found only in this concrete jungle. I was not only enchanted by the unique architecture of the skyscrapers and homes but also by the parks and green spaces all throughout the city. Central Park was breathtaking, with hidden gems everywhere you look. And as a runner, I was even a little jealous of the countless individuals I saw jogging around the park.

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I was very nervous about the people I’d meet as New Yorkers are often depicted as unfriendly and cold, opposite of the communities I’ve known throughout my life. However, I found that to be completely false. Whenever we felt a little lost, had questions, or even wondered where we could find the best pizza nearby, someone was always ready to give a hand and recommendation. Our taxi drivers were kind and willing to do whatever was necessary to get us to our destination on time. Even people on the subway were helpful when mechanical issues forced everyone off the train somewhere in Queens.

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Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State

The talents of people in NYC were unforgettable. From watching a Broadway show to listening to a lone man play the piano in Washington Square, I was constantly impressed. As we walked along Wall Street, near the United Nations, and in many other areas around the city, I’d see people dressed to the nines or in various work uniforms, and I wanted to know their stories — who they were, what they did for a living, what their family life was like. In small towns, you know a lot about people but here, there was so much diversity that the journalistic side of me was just begging to be unleashed. Questions continually popped into my head as I explored.

However, I did fully unleash one unique side of me — my foodie side. In small towns, the mom-and-pop cafes and restaurants feel like sitting at your grandma's table, but the options are limited. Here, I ate bagels the size of my head, pizza perfectly baked and with astounding flavors, and cheesecake that I'm pretty sure came from heaven. My taste buds were in overdrive throughout my entire visit.

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Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State

As I flew across the country at the end of my trip, I realized that while small towns will always have a piece of my heart, there’s now a small corner filled with a love of something new — something completely unlike the places I’ve called home. Fear kept me back all of these years from crossing off one of the most fascinating places on my bucket list. It kept me from finding beauty I had never seen before and flavors that I find myself still craving. I sure love my small towns, but I’m forever grateful I stepped out of my comfort zone to explore. NYC was certainly not what I expected — it was better.

Has your travels ever caused you to step out of your comfort zone? What did you find along the way? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Experiences

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in New York Comes From This Farm

Discover the best apple cider donuts in New York at Wallkill View Farm Market. Enjoy fresh, homemade treats and fun fall activities for the whole family.

Published Oct 8, 2024

Written by 

Jasmine Vieau

Have you ever wondered where to find the best apple cider donuts in New York? As autumn unfolds and the leaves begin to change, the hunt for that perfect seasonal treat begins. If you’re craving a warm, delicious donut, Wallkill View Farm Market is the place to go. Here, homemade apple cider donuts are made fresh daily, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves this quintessential fall favorite.

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Wallkill View Farm Market, located in the scenic Hudson Valley, has been a beloved family-owned business since 1960. The Ferrante family has spent generations perfecting their mouthwatering apple cider donuts, which keep people coming back year after year. These donuts are made with local apple cider, giving them a soft, fluffy texture and that signature taste of fall with every bite.

Available in three tasty varieties - plain, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar - Wallkill View’s apple cider donuts are crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. You can really taste the apples and warm spices throughout. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy on a crisp fall day, surrounded by the vibrant colors of the season.

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DepthofField/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

But there’s more to Wallkill View Farm Market than just donuts; it’s a full fall experience. When autumn arrives, the farm is brimming with activities for all ages. Stroll through the pick-your-own pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin for your Halloween display, or get lost in the twists and turns of the corn maze. For the kids, there’s the Peter Pumpkin Jump, a fun, bouncy attraction that’s bound to be a hit.

As you explore the farm, don’t miss the wide selection of freshly baked goods at the market. Along with their famous donuts, you’ll find pies, muffins, and other seasonal treats. For a true fall experience, grab a cup of hot mulled apple cider or freshly brewed coffee to enjoy alongside your donut.

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Philip Rozenski/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Wallkill View Farm Market is conveniently located near the New York State Thruway, making it easy to reach for a day of fall fun. The farm, market, and garden center are open every day, so you can visit at your convenience. Stop by 15 Route 299 West, New Paltz, NY, 12561, and be sure to check the website of Wallkill View Farm Market for the latest hours and events. For up-to-date information, you can also visit the Facebook Page Wallkill View Farm Market.

If you’re searching for the best apple cider donuts in New York, Wallkill View Farm Market should be at the top of your list. Their dedication to quality, delicious flavors, and a family-friendly atmosphere make this farm a fall destination worth visiting. Gather your friends and family, and head to Wallkill View Farm Market for a taste of fall you’ll be craving all season long.

As soon as I feel the first hint of fall in the air, I begin making a list of places to visit and fun activities to do in New York during the fall season. What are some of your favorite fall activities? Is there a specific fall attraction that you must visit every autumn? Tell me all about it! Not sure where to start? Check out this charming small town in New York that’s perfect for a fall day trip.

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