Beyond the Big Apple: Fine Arts and Adventures in New York State

Travel back in time at Dutchess County's historic sites. Start with the Hyde Park birthplace of President Franklin D. Roosevelt to take a guided tour at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. Next door, tour the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. You’ll enjoy an immersive experience at the USA’s first presidential library, which documents the Roosevelts' personal and political lives with state-of-the-art technology. The legacy of pioneering civil and human rights activist First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (President Roosevelt’s wife) is on display at the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site at Val-Kill.

Experience Gilded Age grandeur at the Staatsburgh State Historic Site and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. The Mills family’s luxurious estate in Staatsburg showcases high society life along the Hudson River, while the nearby Vanderbilt mansion offers tours of the Beaux-Arts architecture, original furnishings, formal Italianate gardens and famous "Millionaire's View" enjoyed by the family of railroad barons. Round out your visit with seasonal produce at Montgomery Place Orchards, farm-to-table dining in walkable Tivoli and inspiring live performances at Bard College's Frank Gehry-designed Fisher Center.

Find an eclectic mix of natural charm and culture in the Catskill Mountains. In Bethel, celebrate peace and love at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, where legends like Joan Baez, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix made history. Experience this legacy at The Museum at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, featuring firsthand stories, memorabilia and even a reproduction hippie bus. Outside, colorful bird-shaped statues along the Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail still decorate local towns with echoes of the fabled festival. If you’re visiting during the summer, snag tickets to performances at New York State's oldest operating summer theater, the Forestburgh Playhouse.

The Sullivan Catskills region offers elevated outdoor experiences in every season. Summer beckons with waterfront activities at the National Park Upper Scenic & Recreational Delaware River and award-winning beers, spirits and ciders along the Sullivan Catskills Craft Beverage Trail. Fall brings apple picking and cider tasting at local farms such as Seminary Hill Orchard & Cidery, while unique lodging options offer experiences like goat hikes, yoga classes and plein air painting at one-of-a-kind inns, lodges and resorts. Winter is prime time for exhilarating ski resort adventures, and spring showcases mild weather for enjoying incredible views along scenic hiking trails.

The friendly towns of Central New York are waiting to welcome you. Cooperstown is perhaps best known for The National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. It's a must-see stop to learn more about America's pastime, experience its greatest moments and spot its iconic stars. Soak in the small-town vibes with a stroll down Main Street to enjoy boutique shops and local restaurants. For even more local flavor, head to Cazenovia to savor craft beverages and tour a working wind farm, or enjoy farmers' market shopping and walking tours in storied downtown Clinton. Plenty of Central New York's small towns are historic and strollable, so no matter where you wander you'll be met with plenty of charm.

Natural delights await in the city of Binghamton's Recreation Park, known for its serene oak tree grove and historic carousel. In Middleburgh, explore Vroman's Nose Hiking Trail for views of the expansive Schoharie Valley. Get a dose of culture in Utica at Munson, a world-class art museum and performing arts complex. Catch a local theatre production, spend a dreamy afternoon browsing art exhibits or just spend some time soaking in the creative vitality of the city.

New York State is easily accessible via several major airports. New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) is about a 15-minute drive from Dutchess County. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are both located in New York City. Albany International Airport (ALB) and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) provide convenient access to upstate destinations. Rent a car or take advantage of rail travel around the state aboard the Amtrak Empire Corridor Service line.