New York Quick Facts

Uniquely New York: New York City, of course
Must-See: Ausable Chasm
Most Unusual: the Secret Caverns of Cobleskill
Highest Point: Mount Marcy, 5,344 feet
Food to Try: a bagel and lox or fresh-squeezed apple cider

What to Do

1 Take the wine tour around the Finger Lakes

2 Look for Champ, the famed monster of Lake Champlain

3 Hike in the Catskills

4 Sit in a genuine Adirondack chair

5 Visit the baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown

6 See the horses race at Saratoga

7 Take a ride at Coney Island

Off The Beaten Path | New York

New York, New York, it's a beautiful state!  This diverse state brings you the excitement of New York City, the beauty of the Catskills, and the power of Niagara.  The following are a few of New York's attractions that you won't want to miss when you visit the state.

Saratoga National Historical Park

This park is the site of an important Revolutionary War battle and American victory. In 1777, British and American forces met at the site, and the Americans forced the surrender of an important part of the British army. Today Saratoga National Historical Park has three sites for visitors to learn about the history of the area. The Battlefield is the location of the visitor center as well as the historical site of the battle. Schuyler House is the restored home of General Philip Schulyer, and it is open to visitors and tours. Finally, visitors can also see the 155 foot obelisk commemorating the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or The Met, is one of the most amazing art museums in the country and is a must-see destination for any visitor to the city. The Museum has a wide variety of exhibits and an extensive permanent collection. Another gem that the Met has to offer is The Cloisters. The Cloisters are the branch of the museum dedicated to medieval art and architecture. Located in Fort Tyron Park, The Cloisters are assembled from elements of architecture dating from the twelfth to the fifteenth century. The collection at The Cloisters has works dating from the ninth though the fifteenth centuries.

Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz

In New Paltz, visitors will find the Historic Huguenot Street, an amazing example of American history. The Huguenot community was founded in the late 1600s early 1700s. They purchased the land from the Esopus Indians and built the community that remains today. Seven of the original stone houses built in the 1700s remain today. Some houses that are part of the Historic Huguenot Street had been renovated at various points, preserved in their renovated state to highlight the 300 years of history in the town.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Located in Cooperstown, the Baseball Hall of Fame is a place to celebrate and explore the history and development of baseball. The Museum has an enormous collection of baseball items and memorabilia. There are three floors in the museum where visitors can learn all about our national pastime of baseball. In addition to the museum, visitors will find the Baseball Hall of Fame, where visitors can see the plaques honoring baseball's greatest players.

Finger Lakes Wine Tours

The Finger Lakes region of New York has an amazing configuration of lakes, which look like the fingers on a hand. The Finger Lakes region is also known as New York's wine country. The same unique geography that produced the amazing lakes also protects the area from some of the harsher weather, which sheilds the vineyards and creates the best growing conditions. This makes for great wines and earns the region the title of the east coast's own Napa Valley. In fact, the are has over 100 vineyards and wineries. Many of these wineries are open to visitors, so you too can enjoy the fabulous wines in the region.

Mantauk Point Lighthouse

Located in Long Island, this lighthouse is the oldest one in New York. It was authorized in 1792 by the Second Congress under President George Washington, and construction was completed late in 1792. Today the lighthouse still serves as an active navigational aid. Visitors can visit the lighthouse daily throughout the summer and also during special events throughout the year. Some events include Lighting the Lighthouse and the Lighthouse Weekends. The Mantauk Point Lighthouse also has a museum located in the 1860 Keepers' House, which has a very nice collection of photographs and documents.

Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America (or CIA) is the top culinary college in the world. With campuses in New York and California, the Culinary Institute of America is a great spot to enjoy some amazing food and fun. The campuses have public tours, restaurants and stores. At the New York campus in Hyde Park visitors will find five public restaurants that are staffed by students. The bookstore is also filled with plenty of items to take home as souvenirs.

Fun and Funky New York | Fun and Funky Things to Do

New York is a state full of fun and funky attractions. There are great places within New York City and throughout the state. You can find places to stop along the road, amazing sights in small communities and much more. Here are just a few of the more quirky attractions that the state of New York has to offer its residents and visitors.

Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York

This is the world's largest Gothic Cathedral. Construction was started over 100 years ago and to this day it is still not complete. The cornerstone was laid in 1892, and there is no completion date yet. If you visit the Cathedral you can take a tour of the Cathedral which involves climbing 124 feet up the spiral staircase to the top of the Cathedral to look out over the city.

Kazoo Factory and Museum, Eden

The Kazoo Factory and Museum is now the only metal Kazoo Factory in North America. The Original American Kazoo Company was established in 1916, and it continues producing Kazoo's much as it did in the beginning. The Museum has history, interesting trivia, and of course, a step-by-step of the making of a Kazoo.

Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm, also known as the "The Grand Canyon of the East," is a great natural fun destination. The gorge has been open to the public since 1870. Twisting trails lead visitors into the gorge, past many interesting rock and water formations. These formations have some very interesting names, such as "The Devil's Oven," "Elephant's Head" and many more.

Sing Sing Museum, Ossining

Located within the community where Sing Sing Prison is located. This museum has a wide array of history and artifacts from the prison. Visitors can see photos, a replica of an electric chair, prison weapons and more. There are even prison cells on display.

World's Largest Kaleidoscope, Mount Tremper

When you go to visit the world's largest Kaleidoscope you are first greeted by the pair of eyes painted on the former grain silo , where the Kaleidoscope is located. The Kaatskill Kaleidoscope opened in 1996, but it was designed in the 1960s by Isaac Abrams. When you go into the Kaleidoscope you have to lean back on sloped padded boards with neck supports. The show is about 10 minutes long and is definitely a funky New York adventure.

North Pole, NY

The family will love a visit to the North Pole and Santa's Workshop. Santa's Workshop opens at the end of June and remains open until a few days before Christmas, and it makes a great summer destination. Visitors can feed the reindeer, ride the carousel, talk to an elf, and speak with Tannenbaum the talking Christmas tree and of course, meet Santa. The village also has theaters, a blacksmiths shop, a candy shop, a glassblowers shop and of course a toy-makers shop.

New York | Best Campgrounds

Campers Favorite Campgrounds in New York + Great Tips for the perfect New York Camping Trip.

North Carolina Quick Facts

Uniquely North Carolina: Cape Lookout National Seashore
Must-See: The Blue Ridge Parkway
Most Unusual: Underwater Bicycle Rae, Beaufort
Highest Point: Mount Mitchell, 6,684 feet
Food to Try: Moravian Cookies

What to Do in North Carolina:

1 Explore Croatan National Forest

2 Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

3 See some of the waterfalls in Transylvania County

4 Learn about North Carolina farming on a tour of one of the state's working farms

5 Experience the wonder of North Carolina history while exploring the Town Creek Indian Mound

Off The Beaten Path | North Carolina

North Carolina is a  beautiful eastern state. Visitors will find many amazing places to visit and enjoy. Throughout the state there are many interesting cities, filled with history and culture. There are historical sites and National Memorials. North Carolina is also a state with varied outdoor enjoyment and recreation options.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, also known as "America's Favorite Drive" is a stunningly beautiful drive, stretching from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The over 490 miles of the drive encompass opportunities to hike, camp, picnic, explore exhibits and of course enjoy the beautiful views. As visitors enjoy this drive, they can visit Cumberland Knob, Julian Price Memorial Park, the Parkway Visitor Center, Waterrock Knob and Doughton Park. Throughout miles of the Parkway visitors can enjoy animal watching, nature view, vistas of Grandfather Mountain and much more.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham

Located right on the Duke University campus these public gardens are a great North Carolina destination. Throughout the gardens 55 acres, there are amazing examples of plants and garden design. The H.L. Blomquist Garden of Native Plants is a delightful example of North Carolina's native plant population. There are also four other fantastic gardens encompassed within these public gardens.

Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island has 16 miles of undeveloped sandy shoreline. It is a barrier island of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and it is a part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Ocracoke is fairly remote and can only be reached be public ferry, private boat or private plane. The beach is perfect for swimming, fishing, surfing, sunbathing, fishing and even camping. Certain portions of the beautiful sandy beach can be enjoyed by off-road vehicle.

Wright Brothers National Monument

Like Ocracoke Island this National Monument is also located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Visitors to the Wright Brothers National Monument can lean all about the history of the Wright Brothers accomplishments. At the monument, there are full scale reproductions of the Wright Brothers 1902 and 1903 Glider and Flyer. Visitors will also find the reconstructed Living Quarters and Hangars, and can see the Flight Line, which is a large granite boulder that marks the take-off point of the first successful powered, controlled flight, and smaller markers note the line of the flight.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains are known for their stunning diversity. As visitors enjoy the over 800 miles of trails they can also check out the wide array of flora and fauna. The park is home to many bears, and you may catch a glimpse of one of these bears while hiking. During the spring and summer the mountains host a beautiful range of wildflowers, well worth the visit to the park. The hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains ranges from short day hikes to challenging backcountry backpacking. For non-hikers there are also biking, fishing, camping and more options.

Old Salem, Winston-Salem

Old Salem Museums and Gardens are an fascinating 100 acres of historic buildings, museums, gardens and more. Visitors can enjoy the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, and the Historic Town of Salem. At this fascinating historic site visitors learn all about the history of the early American south, including the Moravians who originally settled the area. There are original buildings and even authentic craftsmen practicing their crafts.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville

Visitors to Asheville should stop and enjoy the 8000 acre estate built by George Vanderbilt.  There are guided tours of the house and gardens. Visitors can also enjoy all of the activities at the Antler Hill Village including a winery. For visitors looking for a more outdoor experience there are plenty of activities, including horseback rides, carriage rides, biking, fishing and much more.

North Carolina | Fun and Funky Things to Do

North Carolina is an amazing state filled with fun attractions for the whole family to enjoy. For those visitors looking for something a little different during their time in North Carolina, here are a few of the state's fun and funky destinations.

Wilmington

Wilmington is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and visitors looking for a fun adventure should take a haunted tour of the city. Within this historic city, visitors can find many tales of the cities long history, as well as many ghosts. Ghost tours take place throughout the year and travel through the most active ghost sites in the city.

Allison Woods, Statesville

Allison Woods is a beautiful and historic location in North Carolina, and a location with historical significance. These historic gardens are open by appointment all year, and also hold events. Visitors looking for a truly unique historical experience should be sure to visit during the historical reenactments held at Allison Woods. Each year over one weekend in September there are Civil War and WWII battle reenactments and more.

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs

This park has some very spectacular natural features in North Carolina. The Cliffs of the Neuse State Park's main feature are the cliffs on the banks of he Neuse River. These cliffs rise 90 feet above the river, and stretch for 600 yards. Visitors to the park can learn about the role this region has played in the history of the country and the region, and they can learn about the geological forces that shaped the Cliffs.

Energy Explorium, McGuire Nuclear Site, Huntersville

Visitors to North Carolina can stop at the Energy Explorium to learn all about electricity generation and more. There are many activities, including a virtual tour of McGuire Nuclear Site, where the Energy Explorium is located. Visitors can also enjoy opportunities to learn about the environment, and interactive exhibits.

Gillis Hill Farm, Fayatteville

Visitors to the Fayatteville area can stop by the Gillis Hill Farm to see and tour a working farm. The family has been farming in the area since the 1700s, and visitors can learn all about farming and important developments in farming over time. Visitors can also enjoy the ice cream  shop and make reservations for guided tours of the farm.

North Dakota Quick Facts

Things to do in North Dakota

Uniquely North Dakota: The Badlands
Must See: Sitting Bull State Historical Site
Most Unusual: The Geographical Center of North America Monument in Rugby
Highest Point: White Butte, 3,506 feet
Food to Try: Buffalo

What to Do in North Dakota:

1 Explore North Dakota's Badlands at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park

2 Go horseback riding at one of North Dakota's ranches

3 Experience the culture of the Mandan Indians at On-a-Slant Village at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

4 Learn about North Dakota's prehistory and contribute to the discover of dinosaurs on a paleontological dig

5 See the beautiful Sheyenne River Valley while driving the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway

6 Visit one of the countries most pristine lakes and enjoy wildlife viewing and fishing at Lake Metigoshe State Park

Off The Beaten Path | North Dakota

North Dakota is a state that really brings to light the contrast between the excitement of the city and the wild rugged aural landscape in the United States. North Dakota has some of the most beautiful and wild areas open for exploration at some of state's National Parks. There are recreational opportunities, interesting towns, fascinating museums and more. Here are a few of the state's great destinations.

International Peace Garden

The International Peace Garden is a beautiful destination in North Dakota. This garden celebrates world peace and is divided between Canada and the United States. Visitors to the International Peace Garden can enjoy the beautiful grounds, Interpretive Center and Conservatory throughout the year.

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

This historic site is a reconstructed earthlodge. Visitors to this site can learn all about Hidatsa Indian life as well as the history of the area. This site allows visitors to North Dakota to see the many daily activities of the Plains Indians in the area.

Lake Sakakawea

The lake is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country. It was created when Garrison Dam was finished. Today it is a great destination for recreation in North Dakota. Lake Sakakawea is excellent for scuba diving, boating, and much more. In addition, visitors can take a tour of the power plant at Garrison Dam.

Maah Daah Hey Trail

Mountain biking enthusiasts visiting North Dakota should be sure to explore at least part of the Maah Daah Hey Trail. The trail stretches for over 90 miles between the North and South Units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This trail presents a fabulous opportunity for cyclists to explore the Badlands and much more.

Medora

The historic town of Medora is a great North Dakota community to visit. There are many historic sites in and around Medora. Medora is also a gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It has an amazing location on the Little Missouri River, with nearby prairie and many varieties of wildlife. Visitors to Medora can also stop in the town for the Medora Musical, which is all about Theodore Roosevelt as a cowboy.

National Buffalo Museum

One of the great icons of North America is the American bison. The National Buffalo Museum has a live herd of bison. This herd of bison even has an albino bison. Visitors to the museum can also explore the exhibits of art and Plains Indian artifacts.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is divided into two units, a northern unit and a southern unit. Between the two sections, this park gives visitors the opportunity to experience the Badlands, painted canyons and more. The hiking trails allow visitors to see some of the countries natural wonders and amazing wildlife.

North Dakota | Fun and Funky Things to Do

The great state of North Dakota is filled with exciting adventures. For those travelers seeking those funky destinations unique to each state, here are a few of the fun and funky destinations found around North Dakota.

Wee'l Turtle

This gigantic turtle, located in Dunseith, is an amazing roadside attraction. It is made from over 2,000 welded steel rims. Visitors to the turtle can admire the huge structure, and can even attempt to bob the head, which is mounted on a pivot. Erected in honor of the nearby Turtle Mountains, the W'eel Turtle is a great funky North Dakota attraction.

The Geographic Center of North America

For travelers that enjoy visiting destinations of geographic significance should stop in the town of Rugby. Visitors to Rugby can stop at the Geographic Center of North America, where a stone marker stands on the approximate spot. In addition, travelers to Rugby can even bring back souvenirs from the center of North America.

Paul Broste Rock Museum

Rock enthusiasts and others will love this museum, entirely created from rocks. The Paul Broste Rock Museum in Parshall, is filled with rocks from throughout the world. This is one fun destination that will fascinate all those who visit.

Enchanted Highway

The section of road between the towns of Regent and Gladstone is known as the Enchanted Highway. Visitors that drive the miles of this road will be delighted with the many amazing roadside attractions. One man conceived the idea to create the sculptures to create the Enchanted Highway. Now visitors can enjoy a variety of different works along the miles of the road. One of these sculptures is the World's Largest Grasshopper. Travelers can also see the world's largest metal sculpture, which is called "Geese in Flight." The Tin Family is also an impressive metal structure, with the boy holding a sucker and the Mother with her barbed wire hair. Other sculptures along the Enchanted Highway include a sculpture of Theodore Roosevelt, a sculpture titled "Deer Crossing," the "Pheasants on the Prairie" and more.