10 Things to Do in Upstate New York that Locals Love
Planning a weekend getaway from NYC? You must be wondering what to do once you get there! Locals tell us these 10 things to do in upstate New York are a great start. They cover everything from apple-picking to walking across the Hudson River.
Local advice is more valuable than ever. Locals upstate can help you plan a safe trip to their hometown. They’ll let you know what’s open, which new policies you need to follow, and how to have an incredible visit. Learn more.
#1: Walk across water at Walkway Over the Hudson
Ever dream of walking on water? With the Walkway Over the Hudson, you can get close. The world’s longest pedestrian bridge, the Walkway connects the towns of Poughkeepsie and Highland—and offers some stunning river views. Seriously stunning. The bridge looms nearly 200 feet over the river, resulting in an incredible 360-degree perspective.
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge may be one of the best things to do in NYC, but the experience at the Walkway is similarly striking. Locals say the Walkway is great year-round. They note it’s especially beautiful to cross when you can enjoy the changing autumn foliage.
Local tip: You must bring a mask to cross the walkway. At the moment, the elevator is closed to avoid the danger of enclosed spaces.
#2: Say hello to the sculptures at Storm King Art Center
For a healthy dose of art and the outdoors, head to the Storm King Art Center. This 500-acre outdoor museum mixes the beauty of the Hudson Valley with sculpture. The art is ambitious, enormous, and feels like an outgrowth of the surrounding landscape. It’s a trip!
This fascinating spot is a wonderful getaway from NYC. It’s easy to get lost in your thoughts as you wander among the sculptures.
Local tip: Love the sound of a sculpture garden? Opus 40 in Saugerties is a 6.5-acre walkable sculpture park. You’ll also find a sense of serenity at Manitoga, the former home of designer Russel Wright.
#3: Treat yourself at Mohonk Mountain House
If you know exactly where you want to stay in NYC but are less sure about upstate, then the beautiful Mohonk Mountain House may be the answer.
This 19th-century resort, only 90 minutes north of NYC, is a beautiful and easy escape from city life. The resort is surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest, which include 85-miles of hiking trails. Mohonk Mountain House also offers spas, beautiful room views of Mohonk Lake, and a packed calendar of events.
Locals say Mohonk is great—but it doesn’t come cheap. If you're traveling to New York on a budget locals can help suggest places that will better fit your price range.
Local tip: Rumor has it that Stephen King based the Overlook Hotel from his novel The Shining on Mohonk Mountain House. This speculation remains unconfirmed, but Mr. King has been known to stay at this Hudson Valley resort.
#4: Hunt for antique treasures
Finding a unique souvenir is a New York-must do—and you’ll find plenty in the antique stores of upstate New York!
Locals tell us that you’ll have a couple of different options. The Stormville Flea Market (in Stormville, New York) operates once a month. Locals suggest bringing cash. And they tell us you may want to wander up past the food court if you’re looking for older antiques.
You’ll also have the option of places like Mystery Spots, in Phoenicia. This antique store boasts that they have something for everyone. Here, you’ll find everything from “forties kitchenware” to “garden gnomes” to “three rooms carefully stocked with hand-picked vintage clothing.”
Local tip: Mystery Spots is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Connect with a local to get tips on other places to visit.
#5: Kayak to Bannerman Castle
If you’ve ever taken the Metro-North train upstate, you may have noticed a strange sight: the ruins of a castle, sitting atop an island in the middle of the river. It flashes by so quickly that you may dismiss it as a trick of the light, but Bannerman Castle is very real—and visiting is one of the top things to do in NYC!
You’ll have a couple of different choices for how to visit the castle. Locals tell us that joining a kayak tour is a great way to enjoy the Hudson River and to reach the banks of Pollepel Island. Just be warned—some believe that the island is haunted.
Local tip: Metro-North is one of the many great transportation options in New York. You can hop on a train at Grand Central Station or in Harlem, and easily reach many charming towns along the Hudson River. The Metro-North has an in-depth page on their safety protocols for travel during the pandemic.
#6: Take your pick for picking apples
When it comes to picking apples, you’ll have a pick of orchards! The Hudson Valley alone is home to 30 beautiful apple orchards. So, it really depends on what you’re looking for and where you want to go. (Psst—locals in upstate New York can help narrow this down.)
Among our locals, some favorites include Apple Dave’s Orchards and Applewood Winery in Warwick (definitely try their Apple Jack liquor) and Jenkins-Lueken in New Paltz (where you can score some delicious apple cider donuts!).
#7: Take a trip to the past at the Franklin Roosevelt Library & Museum
If you love history, then locals highly recommend visiting the Franklin Roosevelt Library and Museum in Hyde Park. The museum includes a sprawling collection of FDR paraphernalia which traces the course of his presidency. You’ll also find a wonderful exhibit dedicated to his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt.
Local tip: Looking for more history activities upstate? Locals recommend visiting the Thomas Cole Historic Site in Catskill or Olana State Historic Site in Greenport.
#8: Get lost in art at Dia: Beacon
The Whitney, the Guggenheim, and the Museum of Modern Art are fantastic places to visit in NYC. But the small town of Beacon has a museum that dwarfs these three—literally.
Dia: Beacon, a former Nabisco box printing factory, has more exhibition space than those museums combined. And it makes good use of the space! Here, you’ll find work from artists like Andy Warhol, Donald Judd, Richard Serra, On Kawara, and more.
#9: Catch a flick at an old-fashioned drive-in theater
Miss going to the movies? Upstate, it’s still totally possible to catch a flick—you just need a car!
Just as with orchards, locals upstate tell us you’ll have plenty of drive-ins to choose from. They especially recommend the Greenville Drive-in and Beer Garden (because, beer) and the Hi-Way Drive-In (for its great, old-timey feel).
#10: Find a book for the journey home
Going upstate is a great way to escape from the city for a few days. To change your environment and be somewhere new. You can do the same thing with a great book—and you’ll find some fantastic bookstores in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills.
Locals can recommend their favorite bookstore for wherever you are upstate. We especially love Rodger’s Book Barn in Hillsdale. You’ll find a fantastic selection of used titles here. Perfect for the long train (or car) ride home.
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And for more on travel to upstate New York, check out:
- 5 Fun Weekend Getaways from NYC
- 10 Things to Do in New Paltz (That Locals Love)
- 8 Incredible Cabins to Rent in Upstate New York
- What to Know about Safety in Upstate New York
- Find a Local in Upstate New York to Plan Your Trip