the seasoned traveler with george bauer

Program 202:

New York State: From End to End


The Adirondacks are steep in history...

As I travel overseas, people often ask me where I'm from. I tell them I live in Atlanta now but grew up in New York. They think immediately of New York City because for many people that's what New York is. In fact, many Americans know only NYC and Niagara Falls. But there is so much more to New York State than just the Big Apple or the big waterfall.

New York State has 62 counties, 62 cities, 533 villages, and 932 towns. Nearly 20 million people call the state home.

I traveled from the Eastern tip of the Empire State, to the western edge, and to the most-northern part to show viewers what it has to offer.

First stop: the eastern end of Long Island, with two fingers jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, the North Fork and the South Fork. They are some 125 miles from Gotham City. If you know the Forks, you've probably heard of the South Fork because the Hamptons are here, summer home of the famous and the favored. New York City and Hollywood empty out when the temperature rises and folks frolic at the forks.


Wildlife abounds in the North Fork

But the North Fork, that's different. It is still rural and agricultural, home to roadside fruit and vegetable stands and a growing wine industry. The North Fork is a place of absolutely quaint villages, beautiful beaches, 50 vineyards, and half a dozen lighthouses (Long Island has 22 of them from east to west). Visit Cutchogue and Greenport for antiques and fine food. Take the ferry to Shelter Island between the Forks, which is even more bucolic.

Before you leave the Forks, pay your respects to the Big Duck--the plaster symbol of Long Island's past. Many farms raised Long Island duckling to be served on dinner tables across America. Times and tastes have changed but the Big Duck has stayed the same. Nowadays, it's a tourist information center.


Seneca Falls' charm

Drive West across the Island, pass the Big Apple, then head northwest through the Catskill Mountains and you'll come to the Finger Lakes region. In fact, there are 11 bodies of water, named for the six tribes of the Iroquois--Cayugas, Mohawks, Onandagas, Oneidas, Senecas, and Tuscaroras. Among the many picturesque communities here are Owego, Ithaca (the college town blessed with some 300 gorges), Aurora, Seneca Falls (birthplace of women's equality), Auburn (among whose inhabitants were William Seward and Harriet Tubman), and Skaneateles, home of the antique boat show each July.

The 14-county Finger Lakes district is unknown to, and often overlooked by, many travelers. But once you see this spectacularly beautiful area, you'll never forget it. And be sure to visit the famous Willard Memorial Chapel in Auburn. The former Auburn Theological Seminary is studded with Tiffany--stained glass windows and chandeliers. Louis Comfort Tiffany himself oversaw installation of the gems.

And, lest I forget, the Finger Lakes claims some 80 wineries, a delightful way to savor this charming corner of the Empire State.

From the western tier, I head to the northernmost part of the state, the majestic Adirondacks. This area is home to the state's highest peak, Mount Marcy, and the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Lakes abound and there's a multitude of mountain trails for summer strolls and cross-country winter skiing. No trip here is complete without a stop at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, 22 buildings tracing the history and culture of the mountains. Saranac Lake is a magical resort town and Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. The people here love to put on a good show and many say they want the chance to hold the Winter Games here once again in the not-too-distant future.


Lincoln Center in the winter

New York State is famous for diners, big and small. The food is delicious, the portions are plenteous and you can find good ones almost anywhere in New York State.

And if you think you'll be bored in New York, forgeddaboutit and come visit. I guarantee you'll return.