There is so much more to New York State than just New York City. Northern New York, which is roughly defined as north of the New York State Thruway, offers a host of activities for everyone. There are world-class museums, amazing outdoor activities and a number of annual festivals to enjoy.
The Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake explores the history of the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi in 22 exhibition spaces.
The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton boasts a world-renowned collection of vintage watercraft, including the immense houseboat La Duchesse and several fine examples of the St. Lawrence skiff.
The Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg features an internationally acclaimed collection of the artist's work, including paintings, drawings and bronzes.
Northern New York is chock-full of unique festivals. In Lowville, visitors enjoy the Cream Cheese Festival in September in honor of the local Kraft Foods facility, the largest cream cheese manufacturing plant in the country. Activities include a cream cheese recipe contest, the World's Largest Cheesecake, live music and plenty of games for the entire family.
The Fort Drum Mountain Fest and Air Show in June takes place at Fort Drum near Watertown. The event includes a welcome-home ceremony for the Army's 10th Mountain Division, an air show, concessions and a car and motorcycle show.
The Adirondack Balloon Festival in Glens Falls features more than 90 hot air balloons every September.
Bill Johnston Pirate Days, a 10-day event in Alexandria Bay in August, commemorates the exploits of a real 19th century pirate. The event includes a re-creation of a pirate invasion, and sword fight demonstrations around town.
Northern New York is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Visitors enjoy camping, hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, rock climbing, alpine skiing, snowmobiling, canoeing and kayaking throughout the region. Mountain climbing enthusiasts can become a member of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers by hiking 46 specific Adirondack peaks.
Lake Placid, home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, features luxury resorts, alpine skiing and fine dining. Nearby Saranac Lake offers a peaceful retreat from life in a quiet, woodsy setting. A scenic railroad connects Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Visitors can take a boat tour of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Thousand Islands area on a large tour boat or on a small vintage boat rented through the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. Alexandria Bay offers a range of resorts, restaurants and shops. Boldt Castle and Singer Castle in the Thousand Islands region showcase the lifestyles of the 19th century elite.
Northern New York is full of quaint towns, offering upscale restaurants and shopping as well as small-town charm. In addition to its role as an important War of 1812 historic site, Sackets Harbor features several specialty shops and art galleries. The St. Lawrence River community of Clayton experienced a renaissance and was voted "Best Small Town" by Coastal Living magazine in 2009. The village has reinvented itself as an upscale tourist spot complete with cafes, galleries and gorgeous river views. Old Forge offers much more than just the Enchanted Forest theme park. Its streets are lined with unique shops and restaurants, and guests can experience the Adirondacks through boat tours, railroad excursions and the McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift.
