The Big Apple & Beyond: Exploring New York State

Tuck into a towering stack of syrup-soaked American pancakes at breakfast (it’s a rite of passage) before summiting a skyscraper today. In fact, not just any skyscraper, but the highest in the western hemisphere: One World. Not advised for those prone to acrophobia, but well worth it for the incredible views across the city, the futuristic One World is a must on any NYC itinerary. You can enjoy a full day’s access to the three floors of the Observatory, where you can marvel at the concrete jungle below and enjoy zooming up in the impressive elevator – summiting the skyscraper in a mere 60 seconds.

Spend the rest of the day discovering the city. Why not start with the most famous sights? From getting up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building to stepping foot in Times Square or visiting the city’s many museums – don’t miss the colossal Metropolitan Museum of Art – there are countless things to see (deciding just what is the hardest part). Architecture aficionados, head out on a self-guided architectural tour of the city, starting with the famous Flatiron Building.

When dinner comes calling, whether you’re craving a Michelin-starred meal, steaming Chinatown dumplings or a slice of some of the best pizza in the country, our Dossier’s got you covered. New York isn’t short of excellent eateries…

One of the most famous museums in the world for good reason, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is yours for the taking today. Housing masterpieces from the likes of Van Gogh, Picasso, Kahlo and Dali, we could think of worse days than one spent admiring over 200,000 works of art. For lunch, head to a nearby Manhattan institution to refuel.

Once your cultural cravings are satisfied (for now), why not hop on a rental bike to get a better feel for the city? New York is full of diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Cycle through the swanky Upper East Side, hipster Williamsburg, soul-infused Harlem, and cosy Greenwich Village to find your favourite corner of the city. Take your two wheels to the riverfront for sunset to see the skyline silhouetted against the crimson sky.

Delve deeper into NYC’s gourmet scene this evening. A place where iconic steakhouses rub shoulders with dinky diners and contemporary-cool establishments, there’s something for every taste.

It’s goodbye to the Big Apple today and onto the next stop on your itinerary. First, hop on a train heading for Albany, a two-and-a-half-hour journey away. Upon arrival, pick up a rental car for the remainder of your trip, because guess what? It’s road trip time. Roll down the windows and get the speakers blaring (our destination-specific playlist should do the trick). You’ll be driving for just over two hours to reach Lake Placid, nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks mountain range. Famed for hosting two Winter Olympics, Lake Placid is a dreamy destination whatever the season. You’ll stay in a mid-century modern hotel for the next two nights, which enjoys beautiful views over the 124-acre Mirror Lake. Settle in before venturing into the village to find a spot for a tasty dinner. From barbeque to Italian to Mexican, there’s a restaurant for every mood.

Akin to an outdoor adventure playground, Lake Placid is a sports enthusiast’s dream. Try your hand at paddle boarding and kayaking, or opt for a boat tour around the glassy waters of Mirror Lake and Lake Placid. Just a short drive from town is a wonderful wild swimming spot, too: Flume Falls. Beyond the water, the Adirondacks also host a plethora of incredible hiking trails. For easy-yet-high-reward hikes, amble along one of the beautiful Brewster Peninsula Nature Trails. Nearby, Mt. Jo is also an easily accessible trail and perfect sunset-watching spot. If you fancy something more challenging, summit the fifth-highest peak in the state, Whiteface Mountain, on a 10-mile loop trail. Spectacular 360 degree views await at the peak. Alternatively, drive up the Whiteface Memorial Highway for the same views minus sore legs the next day…

Spend time relaxing in the lounge at your hotel – or playing a competitive game of pool – before wandering down the main street to find a bite to eat.

Bid Lake Placid farewell this morning, but not the Adirondack mountains. It’s a short drive (around one-and-a-half hours) to your next destination, the charming hamlet of North Creek. You’ll spend two nights in a cosy, rustic lodge tucked in the mountains of upstate New York. Take in gorgeous views across the tranquil Thirteenth Lake from the lodge’s private beach this afternoon, or get acquainted with your surroundings on a short hike. We recommend the Balm of Gilead, a 2.2-mile round trip boasting clifftop views across the lake and mountains. Take a stroll around the quaint historic town at dusk before refuelling with dinner and a beer or two at one of the accommodation’s restaurants.

Keen hikers among you might spend the whole day exploring the Adirondack mountains. Head out on a guided six to eight-hour hike (such as the picturesque Peaked Mountain) or opt for a shorter round trip (we like the Blue Ledge on the Hudson River or OK Slip Falls). There’s ample opportunity for mountain biking here, too. Enjoy varied terrain on a network of mountain trails winding through shaded forests and along rocky ridges. Take the chairlift up nearby Gore Mountain for stunning views across a carpet of peaks and pines. Otherwise, relax in the serenity of your surroundings at the cosy lodge, take a dip in the inviting lake waters or lounge on the private beach with a good book. Dine at your hotel or head into town for dinner before rounding off your time in North Creek with a nightcap.

The road trip continues this morning with a three-and-a-half-hour drive to the city of Ithaca (no, not the Greek island). You’ll spend three nights here, in a homely hotel in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Settle in before heading out to explore the city this afternoon. Home to the prestigious Cornell University, Ithaca is a charming city with a vibrant atmosphere. Explore the compact city on foot, following the beautiful Cascadilla Gorge Trail from downtown to the Cornell campus, passing trickling waterfalls as you walk along historic stone paths. Take a self-guided tour of the campus where brilliant minds are taught and inspired. Don’t miss the gorgeous Cornell Botanic Gardens, a tranquil oasis of plants, ponds and blooms. Afterwards, head to Ithaca Commons to peruse boutique shops for local wares or hunt for treasures in the antique and vintage shops. This evening, end up in an eatery on ‘restaurant row’ where everything from pizza to sushi to tacos awaits hungry bellies.

Spend the next two days discovering more of Ithaca’s sights. Not only are there cultural must-sees such as the Museum of the Earth, Johnson Museum of Art and the Sciencenter, but Ithaca is also near spectacular nature spots. Venture to Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls or Robert Treman State Park for towering waterfalls, natural swimming pools and meandering woodland trails. Cayuga Lake – the longest of the Finger Lakes – is where to go for all your water-sporting needs, be it kayaking, boating or fishing. Find a spot to enjoy a sundowner (your hotel’s gorgeous grounds will do) and make the most of the spa facilities. Soak in the sauna and steam room before treating yourself to a relaxing massage. Wine and dine your way through Ithaca’s reputable establishments, but don’t forget about your hotel’s wonderful restaurant if you fancy staying closer to home.

Fancy hopping over into another country today? We can help with that. Savour a final breakfast at your hotel in Ithaca this morning before driving for around two hours north to the city of Rochester. Here, board a three-hour train winding its way across the US border to Niagara Falls in Canada. Spend the next two nights in a glossy 22-storey hotel (complete with a rooftop pool and bar) offering unbeatable views overlooking the famous falls. Relax by the pool, work up a sweat in the gym, soak in the spa and enjoy dinner with a view.

End your trip on a high today with an unforgettable experience. You’ll be getting up close with the incredible power of the quick-flowing Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. It’s all aboard a catamaran as you cruise past the three colossal waterfalls making up Niagara. Crossing the frothy waters between the thundering American Falls, the famously curved Horseshoe Falls and the smallest of the three, Bridal Veil Falls, prepare to get (very) wet. Become immersed in the roaring sounds of the falls in an experience you’re unlikely to forget. Has this only whet your appetite for more? Get a different, top-down view of the falls on a trek through Niagara Falls State Park or on the pedestrian Rainbow Bridge. Top off a fantastic day exploring this awe-inspiring natural world with a final fall-side dinner.