With a state that's as big as New York, it's not hard to find a new place or attraction to visit that you've never seen before. But, oftentimes, we can get stuck in a rut and feel as though we have no idea where we should explore next. With a variety of scrumptious places to eat, exciting activities to experience, and outdoor fun, here are 13 unique things to do in New York when you're starting to feel like you've seen it all!
1. Dive into the world of Harry Potter with a visit to our Wizarding Weekend.
Editor's Note: We're sorry to say that after many years of wizarding fun, this festival has been discontinued. There aren't many people that you'll encounter in life who aren't fans of Harry Potter. Bringing a Wizarding Weekend full of fun to Ithaca, this year from October 26th through the 29th you can find all sorts of Harry Potter-themed events and activities taking place right in town.
2. Please your sweet or savory tooth by paying a visit to The Waffle Factory in Webster.
One of our favorite reasons to visit the town of Webster, The Waffle Factory is more than just a place to grab a great breakfast. While there's nothing like grabbing one of their unique waffles that's covered in Fruity Pebbles, Oreos or chocolate, it's their new menu items that will blow your mind. Creating the most dreamy milkshakes you've ever seen, you won't find it difficult to quickly devour these amazing creations.
3. Ride on New York's Beer & Wine Train for a fun night out.
By now there's no doubt that you already know about the many amazing train rides that you can take all over New York. Something you may not be aware of though is that the Adirondack Scenic Railroad offers Beer & Wine Train Rides throughout the year. With the year coming to an end, there's only one more of these epic train rides left to enjoy, so you'll want to grab tickets while you can!
4. Book a stay at one of the many unique places you can visit in the Catskills.
Over the last handful of years, the Catskill region has become more and more booming. With it's close proximity to the Big Apple and scenic attractions, there's much to be seen and loved in this area of New York. If you're not interested in staying in the same old basic hotel, try taking a look at our list that includes 15 out-of-this-world accommodations that will wow you.
5. Enjoy a train-themed road trip through New York.
Here at OnlyInYourState, we love creating a variety of road trips for you to take. But one road trip that you may not have thought to experience in New York is a train-themed journey! Taking you out into areas of the Finger Lakes and Western New York, this trip will let you experience restaurants that were once train stations, a caboose motel, train rides and so much more.
The entire road trip is a great one to take with friends and family, and definitely one of the most unique things to do in New York.
6. Take a quick hike to an out of state waterfall.
Right near our state border in the town of Copake Falls is the absolutely breathtaking Taconic State Park. Right within the park you can find a trailhead for a short 3/4 miles hike that will lead you to Massachusetts' very own Bash Bish Falls. The gorgeous waterfall is incredible to see in person and makes for a unique double state adventure.
7. Retake a class field trip that you once went on when you were younger.
A great way to revisit old memories and places of New York that you may not have explored in quite some time, past class field trips from your childhood can serve as a great source of day trip inspiration. From visiting places like Howes Cavern or other small town sites like museums and zoos, you'll never grow tired of experiencing these attractions.
8. Visit a candy-themed shop that's straight out of your dreams.
Founded in 1927, Parkside Candy is an integral part of Buffalo’s history. Stoke your candy fantasies here with old-fashioned lollipops, signature confections,
homemade chocolates, and the delicious flavors in their old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Parkside Candy is one of the best places to visit in New York.
9. Go for a ride on one of our mountain coasters during the fall foliage.
Lucky for us, there are actually quite a few mountain coaster rides hiding all of New York State. Head to the Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland and one of the many fun activities that you can experience here throughout the year is their epic mountain coaster ride. The 4,300 foot coaster has two-person cars for you to ride along in, taking you down the mountain and through the beautiful forest.
10. Spend the night inside a beautiful lighthouse.
Editor's Note: We're sorry to say that although it was transformed and operated as a Bed and Breakfast for many years, The Braddock Point Lighthouse has been sold and is currently closed. You can find your basic hotel in just about any city or town in New York, but what you can't find is a charming lighthouse that makes for unforgettable accommodations. Braddock Point Lighthouse sits out on the shores of Lake Ontario in the small town of Hilton and is a Bed & Breakfast that's made up of three unique and cozy rooms. From where you'll be staying you'll have a fantastic view of the water and get to enjoy homemade breakfasts' while you're here.
11. Experience New York pizza like you never have before.
If you thought you knew about all of the best pizza joints in our state, here's one you'll want to make sure is on your radar. Down in Dobbs Ferry, The Parlor attracts customers with their wood fire pizzas and also their beloved pizza ice cream sandwiches. Giving you the best of both worlds, you get to have a menu item that gives you both the savory flavors of pizza dough alongside their sweet ice cream.
12. Spend the day taking an adventure through a park you've never visited before.
A hidden gem on Long Island that will make you feel like you've walked into a fairy tale, the Avalon Nature Preserve in Stony Brook is a magical outdoor space to visit. Filled with nature trails, wildlife, eye-catching landscapes and even a labyrinth, there's nothing you won't love about this little-known park.
13. Try spending the day doing some treasure hunting in the Finger Lakes.
Go treasure hunting and find hidden gems at wonderful places like Found In Ithaca. The amazing thrift store features roughly forty different vendors with items that span across the store's 7,000 square feet. Giving you plenty to sort through, you'll love seeing what you're able to find at this quirky spot.
How many of these things can you say that you've already experienced? Which are your favorites? Do you think some of these are underrated places in New York? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
To find other ways to keep yourself busy, be sure to read: You Can't Afford To Miss These 10 Free Outdoor Activities In New York!
There are great places to stay all over New York State. If you'd like to hang out in one of the boroughs, you might consider the Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Brooklyn.
If you’re still in the mood for more Empire State adventures, take a look at this video to learn more about the absolutely breathtaking Watkins Glen State Park:
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