Eastern New York State

New York City

New York is huge with five boroughs, each offering unique things. We will focus on Manhattan, as this is where many of the key attractions are located. It is also easy to navigate. Below are some things the locals enjoy.

Broadway Show - Don't miss a chance to see a Broadway show. They are really worth the expense. Book discount show tickets at TodayTix.

Staten Island Ferry - Visit Battery Park at the very tip of Manhattan, then take a free ride on the iconic Staten Island Ferry  It passes by the Statue of Liberty. It gives you great views of the NY harbor and city skyline.

The High Line - About ten years ago NYC converted an old elevated rail line into a garden park walkway. It is free, and the garden atmosphere is delightful.

Chinatown - Spend a fun few hours wandering around NYC's Chinatown savoring the sights, sounds, and smells of this unique area.

Eataly Downtown - If you visit Lower Manhattan, consider getting food or eating a meal at Eataly. It is a city-block maze of counters, stalls, restaurants, and shops dedicated to Italian food.

Sullivan & Ulster Counties

Both counties have beautiful mountains, streams, and lakes for hiking and fishing, but there are also many local, not-overly-commercialized attractions as well. Below are some worthwhile day-trips. 

Bethel Woods Museum - The 1969 Woodstock festival was held at this location, and the Woodstock Museum is an excellent way to relive the event, and the late 60s era. Consider having a lakeside meal at Koneonga Lake before or after visiting the museum.

Roscoe - Roscoe has the title Trout Town USA, and is located near the excellent Beaverkill and Wiliowemoc trout fishing streams. The village has a trout fishing museum, the Do Good Spirits distillery (known for its unique gin), and other low-key attractions.

Village of Woodstock - Woodstock is a quaint, hippie-ish village with fun shops and inexpensive restaurants along the main drag. Consider a visit to and short sit at Karma Triyani Dharmachakra Buddhist temple just north of town.

Finger Lakes Region

The Finger Lakes are a series of beautiful north-south  aligned lakes that range up to 40 miles long and 618 feet deep. The area is know for fishing, boating, camping, vineyards & wineries, and great all-American towns.

Watkins Glen Gorge - This natural wonder is a must-do walk through a very narrow ravine filled with waterfalls, pools, hanging moss (see image at top of page). The walk is an easy 1 ½ miles each way.

Baseball Hall of Fame - This museum is located in Cooperstown,  and is worth visiting even if you are not a big baseball fan... it just drips with Americana. The town is quaint with fun shops and restaurants. Another delight is having a farm-to-table meal Origins Cafe.

Corning Glass Museum - This museum is a real learning experience... covering everything from glassware to windshields, to iphone touch-screens. You can also try your hand at glassmaking.

Camping - NYS has several wonderful state parks in the region including Watkins Glen, Letchworth, and  Cayuga Sate Park. Note: October 8 is the final day of camping for the season, so visit them before the conference.