In the pages that follow, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to handle
the practical details of planning your trip in advance—from tips on great deals on the Internet, plus a calendar of events and more.

1 The Regions in Brief

NEW YORK CITY Residents in the surrounding areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut refer to it simply as “the City,” as if there were no other. The city comprises about 300 square miles divided into five boroughs—the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Best known for world-class museums, Broadway theater, Madison Avenue shopping, four-star cuisine, and glamorous nightlife, it’s also a great place for more low-key adventures, like grabbing a hot dog at Yankee Stadium or spending a sunny afternoon in Central Park.

LONG ISLAND & THE HAMPTONS

At 188 miles, long is an accurate description of the island situated to the east of Manhattan, dividing the waters of the Long Island Sound from the Atlantic Ocean. As you may have guessed, the sea is the dominant theme here—charming ports, sandy beaches, and fresh seafood abound. Surprisingly, it’s also an agricultural area that supports numerous farms and award-winning vineyards. The North Shore, or “Gold Coast,” is strewn with mansions formerly belonging to Astors and Vanderbilts, now transformed into museums open to the public.

THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY

The stunning landscape along the 100-mile stretch of the Hudson River from Albany to New York City has been immortalized on canvas by the painters of the Hudson River School and on paper in classics such as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. The Appalachian Trail cuts through the valley, offering hikers an up-close view of river and the wilderness. Antiquing is a favorite pastime here, as is touring historic homes.

THE CATSKILL MOUNTAIN REGION

The Catskill Park and Forest Preserve lies in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, about 100 miles to the northwest of New York City. Nature lovers can explore 300 miles of trails up and down mountain peaks and among unspoiled forests, lakes, and rivers.

THE CAPITAL REGION: SARATOGA SPRINGS & ALBANY

Albany and the city’s impressive architecture reflect its status as the state’s capitol since 1797. Saratoga Springs, about 20 miles north of Albany, is named for the natural mineral waters that have drawn visitors to the town’s spas and baths since the 1800s. It’s also home to the Saratoga Race Course, the oldest thoroughbred racetrack in the U.S.

CENTRAL NEW YORK

Just west of the Finger Lakes, this largely rural area is legendary among sports fans for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown.

THE FINGER LAKES REGION

Bounded by Lake Ontario to the north and the Pennsylvania border to the south, the aptly named Finger Lakes region contains 11 long, slender lakes plus rivers, streams, waterfalls, and smaller bodies of water. The lakes offer lots of water-related fun, from swimming to kayaking to fishing; parks such as Finger Lakes National Forest and Letchworth State Park keep landlubbers happy. Finger Lakes wine is another big attraction here; more than 70 wineries are located around Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, and Cayuga Lakes.

WESTERN NEW YORK

On its journey from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, the Niagara River pours between 50,000 and 100,000 cubic feet of water per second over spectacular Niagara Falls. Buffalo—the second-largest city in New York State and a good bet for restaurants and nightlife—is just a 30-minute drive from the falls.

2. When to Go

Since New York State is a four-season destination, the best time to visit depends on what you want to do.

Summer is peak season, accounting for about 40% of New York State tourism. From June to August, the weather is pleasant and mostly sunny, though it tends to be humid. Temperatures usually remain below 85°F (29°C), except in the vicinity of New York City and Long Island, which is about 10°F (6°C) warmer than the rest of the state year-round. Summer weather is ideal for travel; the problem is that everyone else thinks so, too.

Parklands and campgrounds are filled with vacationers, even more so on weekends. Cities throng with sightseers, making for long lines, sold-out events, and high prices.

Fall, from September through November, is another popular time to visit. Upstate, the air turns to crisp jacket-weather in September, but farther south summertime lingers until early October. New York’s beautiful fall foliage is a huge draw, especially in mid-October—the best time to catch trees sporting brilliant reds and golds.

Expect country inns, B&Bs, and state and national parks to be particularly busy over Columbus Day weekend.

Contrary to popular belief, winter temperatures aren’t miserable—they normally range from about 15°F (–9°C) to as high as 40°F (4°C) in New York City. The snow, on the other hand, is brutal. Infamous “lakeeffect” snowstorms can dump feet at a time on Buffalo and surrounding towns, prompting thruway and airport closings. Most of upstate New York is blanketed in snow from December to March. Although statistically winter is the slowest time for tourism in New York, it’s high season for the state’s ski destinations, and parks are still active with winter sports lovers. New York City, which welcomes a steady flow of visitors all year long, is extrajammed during the holidays thanks to Christmas festivities at Rockefeller Center, holiday shopping, and New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

The spring thaw begins in March, but it’s not unusual for snow to fall in April, or even May. There are spring showers, but the average amount of precipitation is no heavier than in summer or fall. Rainfall remains fairly constant from May to November at approximately 3 to 4 inches per month. If you enjoy the quietly melting snow and fresh spring breezes, this season may be your golden opportunity to indulge in outdoor activities before the summer rush.

NEW YORK STATE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January

Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls, Ontario. A visual extravaganza of lighting displays featuring Disney’s motion light displays in Queen Victoria Park. Visit www.niagarafallstourism.com/wfol/wfolmain.html. Early to mid-January.

Chinese New Year, New York City.

Every year Chinatown rings in its own New Year (based on a lunar calendar) with 2 weeks of celebrations, including parades with dragon and lion dancers, plus vivid costumes of all kinds. Visit members.aol.com/chasklu/chny.htm for a Chinese new year date calculation.

World Cup Freestyle, Lake Placid.

The world’s best aerial skiers take off and fly, tucking and spinning their way to a championship. You’ll see mogul action too, as the athletes’ skis zig and zag among the mounds of snow. Visit www.orda.org. Mid-January.

February

Olmsted Winterfest, Buffalo.

Delaware Park becomes a magnet for fun seekers, with sledding, skating, snowmobiling, softball, ice sculpting, a chili cook-off, and races taking place all over the park. There’s a Friday Fish Fry, naturally, and fireworks. Visit www.buffaloolmstedparks.org. Four days in mid-February.

March

St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

More than 150,000 marchers join in the world’s largest civilian parade, as Fifth Avenue from 44th to 86th streets rings with the sounds of bands and bagpipes. The parade usually starts at 11am, but go extra early if you want a good spot. March 17.

May

Tulip Festival, Albany.

For more than 50 years, Albany has celebrated its Dutch heritage with this colorful festival, where in addition to thousands of beautiful tulips in Washington Park, there are plenty of foods, entertainment, and crafts—not to mention the annual crowning of the tulip queen! Second week of May.

June

Annual Hall of Fame Game, Cooperstown.

The day begins with a lecture by Hall of Famers and moves into a game between pro teams. There’s a home-run contest, and, of course, lots of hot-dog eating. Visit www.baseballhalloffame.org. Early June.

Lesbian and Gay Pride Week and March, New York City.

A week of cheerful happenings, from simple parties to major political fundraisers, precedes a zany parade commemorating the Stonewall Riot of June 27, 1969, which for many marks the beginning of the gay liberation movement. Visit www.hopinc.org. Mid- to late June.

July

Glimmerglass Opera, Cooperstown.

Central New York’s famous opera gears up for another impressive season. Visit www.glimmerglass.org. Early July through end of August.

Independence Day Harbor Festival and Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, New York City. Start the day amid the patriotic crowds at the Great July Fourth Festival in 100 boats, with judging, water parades, and demonstrations. On Sunday is the race regatta. Third weekend in July.

August

Antique Boat Show & Auction, Clayton.

It’s the oldest continuous boat show in the world—you can even bid on a boat at the auction. Cruise the commercial marketplace and flea market, sit in on an educational forum, listen to music, and sample food. Lots of kids’ programs, too. Early August.

Harlem Week, New York City.

The world’s largest black and Hispanic cultural festival actually spans almost the whole month to include the Black Film Festival, the Harlem Jazz and Music Festival, and the Taste of Harlem Food Festival. Throughout August.

September

Turn-of-the-Century Day, Roxbury(Catskill Region).

Reliving the glory days of baseball and hoop skirts, the town of Roxbury sheds about 100 years and celebrates with a vintage “base ball” game, horsedrawn wagon rides, and period foods and costumes on the former estate of Helen Gould Shepard in this Labor Day tradition. Labor Day.

West Indian–American Day Parade, New York City.

This annual Brooklyn event is New York’s largest and best street celebration. Come for the extravagant costumes, pulsating rhythms (soca, calypso, reggae), bright colors, folklore, food (jerk chicken, Caribbean soul food), and two million hipshaking revelers. Labor Day.

October

Legend of Sleepy Hollow Weekend, Tarrytown (Hudson River Valley). At Washington Irving’s Sunnyside home, as well as up the road at Philipsburg Manor, the especter of the Headless Horseman returns for one last ride. So as not to scare all concerned, there are also walks in the woods, storytelling, and puppet shows. Last week in October.

Halloween at Howe Caverns.

Come check out the underground scare-a-thon with pumpkindecorating contests, scary stories, and special kids’ buffet. Visit www.howecaverns.com. October 31.

Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, New York City.

This is Halloween at its most outrageous. You may have heard Lou Reed singing about it on his classic album New York—he wasn’t exaggerating. Drag queens and assorted other flamboyant types parade through the Village in wildly creative costumes. Visit www.halloweennyc.com for the exact route so you can watch—or participate, if you have the threads and the imagination. October 31.

November

New York City Marathon, New York City.

Some 30,000 hopefuls from around the world participate in the largest U.S. marathon, and more than a million fans will cheer them on as they follow a route that touches on all five New York boroughs and finishes at Central Park.Visit www.nyrrc.org, where you can find applications to run. First Sunday in November.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City.

The procession of huge hot-air balloons from Central Park West and 77th Street and down Broadway to Herald Square at 34th Street continues to be a national tradition. The night before, you can usually see the big blow-up on Central Park West at 79th Street; call in advance to see if it will be open to the public again this year. Thanksgiving Day.

December

Great Estates Candelight Christmas Tours, Hudson River Valley. Some of the grandest mansions lining the Hudson River—Boscobel, Sunnyside, Van Cortlandt Manor, Lyndhurst, Olana, and others—get all decked out for the holidays, with special candelight house tours, caroling, bonfires, and hot cider. It’s one of the best times to experience the pageantry and customs of another era. Throughout December.

Tips

Veteran travelers usually carry some essential items to make their trips easier. Following is a selection of online tools to bookmark and use.

• Visa ATM Locator (www.visa.com), for locations of PLUS ATMs worldwide, or MasterCard ATM Locator (www.mastercard.com), for locations of Cirrus ATMs worldwide.
• Intellicast (www.intellicast.com) and Weather.com (www.travelstarthere.com). Gives weather forecasts for all 50 states and for cities around the world.
• Mapquest (www.mapquest.com). This best of the mapping sites lets you choose a specific address or destination, and in seconds, it will return a map and detailed directions.