Road trips through the mountains are a ton of fun, but sometimes it's nice to shake things up with a more old-school way of seeing upstate New York in all its glory. If you've never taken a scenic train ride through one of the more scenic areas of the Northeast, now might be the time to grab a ticket on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, a beautiful route that stretches around 50 miles from Utica to Old Forge.
This train ride through the Adirondacks is one of the most incredible scenic experiences you can have in upstate New York, and you can't beat the charm of viewing the mountains through the window of a train car.
These picturesque scenes will stun you as you wind through this mountain wonderland, from Utica to Therenda.
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Take the 2.5-hour ride from Utica to Thendera and spend a day exploring the neighboring city of Old Forge, a charming Adirondack town. Hit the Old Forge Public Beach or grab lunch at The Mill, which sits right on the North Branch Moose River.
Looking for a more outdoor experience so you can take in the mountain air? Take the rail bike tour through these magnificent mountain forests.
By the end of the ride, you'll be glad you got a little exercise in this scenic region. It's a great way to experience the sights and sounds of the Adirondacks up close!
You can also take a 90-minute nature excursion from Thendara. The views overlooking the Moose River are delightful.
If you're taking the train from Thendara to Utica and are looking for things to do, take a tour of Fort Stanwix, tour the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, or take a trip to the Utica Zoo.
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A relaxing train ride is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the Adirondack region, and it's a great way to see some new upstate towns you've never explored!
To find out more about the Adirondack Railroad, click here to visit their website or here to follow them on Facebook. Does this seem like the kind of adventure you'll be looking for this summer? We'd love to hear about your plans to ride the rails in the comments!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.