With the amount of unique regions that make up New York, there are a variety of ways for you to experience our glorious state. All of our residents may have different reasons for loving the Empire State, but there’s certain things that we can all agree on. Giving you a glimpse at some of our favorite things, here are some of the best decisions you can make while you’re in our state.

  1. Step outside of your comfort zone and try one of our dishes that you normally wouldn’t.

Peter K./Yelp It’s easy to gravitate towards our more classic dishes that we’re well known for, but try something you ordinarily wouldn’t like our Garbage Plates and you won’t regret it!

  1. Or stick to our classic dishes that we’re known for that never disappoint.

Alan B./Yelp If you’re not quite willing to try something like our Garbage Plates, at least do yourself a favor and feast on our pizza or wings.

  1. Experience our fall foliage.

Mobilus In Mobili/Flickr Not every state in our country gets to experience fall foliage like we do. Full of vibrant colors that we get to enjoy for a brief period each and every year, there’s nothing like seeing the seasonal foliage in New York.

  1. Learn to find the beauty in our harsh winters and they won’t seem so bad.

CaptMikey9/Flickr When it comes to dealing with New York’s winters, it’s best to have a “mind over matter” attitude about the whole thing. If you dread winter coming and complain all season long, things will feel all the more torturous. But if you seek out adventure in the snow and can enjoy this winter wonderland for all that it is, we promise it won’t feel so bad.

  1. Take the time to explore our state parks.

Letchworth State Park/TripAdvisor Some of the most magical destinations in all of New York can be found right inside our state parks. Whether you take an adventure to our popular parks or seek out a lesser-know gem, you’ll love getting to see what our beautiful state has to offer.

  1. You’ll absolutely want to go chasing after our waterfalls.

Sundar M/Flickr Some people may be surprised to find out just how many waterfalls are hiding in plain sight around New York. All gorgeous natural wonders that are worth visiting, you can’t go wrong with taking an adventure to one of our waterfalls.

  1. And don’t forget to climb a mountain!

Alec Perkins/Flickr One of the best parts about living in New York is that we have so many breathtaking mountains right in our backyard. From the Adirondacks down to the Catskills, you’ll always feel better after making your way to the top of one of our mountains. You can’t beat the view!

  1. Get a good dose of nostalgia by taking a step back in time.

inky l./Yelp Whether you make the good decision to visit one of our mouthwatering drive-ins or seek out a good old fashioned soda fountain or maybe even go shopping at one of our general stores, you’ll love it. There are plenty of locations all around New York that will take you back to the good old days.

  1. Avoid Times Square at all costs.

Fred PO/Flickr It may be easy to feel like a moth to a flame when it comes to being attracted to Times Square, but do yourself a favor and avoid this area of New York City all together. Forever filled with endless crowds of tourists who are looking to soak up the Big Apple, this chaotic piece of our state can remain off of your bucket list.

  1. Get out on the water, any water.

Adirondack Watershed Institute/Flickr Between our lakes, rivers and the ocean, New York has so many stunning bodies of water that will leave you feeling relaxed. No matter which waterway you choose, there’s nothing like enjoying the scenic sights that surround these beautiful spaces in our state.

  1. Ditch the big name grocery store and do your shopping at one of our local farmers markets.

Dana F./Yelp Pretty much every town and region in New York has a popular farmers market that’s worth visiting. So if you find yourself looking to get a taste of the Empire State, head to one of these small town spots to enjoy an unforgettable shopping experience amongst locals.

  1. Pick your own apples and then make something delicious with them.

Tim Evanson/Flickr New York is stocked with amazing apple orchards that are perfect to visit during our fall season. With rows of trees that are decorated in flavorful apples, spend the day picking these bad boys and then go home to create a fall dish that you love!

  1. Wake up early or stay up late to enjoy the beauty of New York’s sunrises and sunsets.

Kyle Taylor/Flickr During the early mornings and late nights, those in New York can catch beautiful colors strewn across our skies. Whether you decide to set your alarm clock earlier than normal or cozy up under a blanket while it’s getting dark to see our sunsets, you’ll love watching the magic that the sun can create.

  1. Never stop calling New York home.

Mr Seb/Flickr You may feel tempted at one point or another to move out of state, but we assure that’s a decision you’ll come to regret. Nearly all of our residents who have moved out of state end up making their way back to us, quickly realizing that they didn’t know exactly how good they had it until they left. You can never stop being a New Yorker!

Want to appreciate our state even further? Then find out about these 13 Things You Can Only Find In New York!

Peter K./Yelp

It’s easy to gravitate towards our more classic dishes that we’re well known for, but try something you ordinarily wouldn’t like our Garbage Plates and you won’t regret it!

Alan B./Yelp

If you’re not quite willing to try something like our Garbage Plates, at least do yourself a favor and feast on our pizza or wings.

Mobilus In Mobili/Flickr

Not every state in our country gets to experience fall foliage like we do. Full of vibrant colors that we get to enjoy for a brief period each and every year, there’s nothing like seeing the seasonal foliage in New York.

CaptMikey9/Flickr

When it comes to dealing with New York’s winters, it’s best to have a “mind over matter” attitude about the whole thing. If you dread winter coming and complain all season long, things will feel all the more torturous. But if you seek out adventure in the snow and can enjoy this winter wonderland for all that it is, we promise it won’t feel so bad.

Letchworth State Park/TripAdvisor

Some of the most magical destinations in all of New York can be found right inside our state parks. Whether you take an adventure to our popular parks or seek out a lesser-know gem, you’ll love getting to see what our beautiful state has to offer.

Sundar M/Flickr

Some people may be surprised to find out just how many waterfalls are hiding in plain sight around New York. All gorgeous natural wonders that are worth visiting, you can’t go wrong with taking an adventure to one of our waterfalls.

Alec Perkins/Flickr

One of the best parts about living in New York is that we have so many breathtaking mountains right in our backyard. From the Adirondacks down to the Catskills, you’ll always feel better after making your way to the top of one of our mountains. You can’t beat the view!

inky l./Yelp

Whether you make the good decision to visit one of our mouthwatering drive-ins or seek out a good old fashioned soda fountain or maybe even go shopping at one of our general stores, you’ll love it. There are plenty of locations all around New York that will take you back to the good old days.

Fred PO/Flickr

It may be easy to feel like a moth to a flame when it comes to being attracted to Times Square, but do yourself a favor and avoid this area of New York City all together. Forever filled with endless crowds of tourists who are looking to soak up the Big Apple, this chaotic piece of our state can remain off of your bucket list.

Adirondack Watershed Institute/Flickr

Between our lakes, rivers and the ocean, New York has so many stunning bodies of water that will leave you feeling relaxed. No matter which waterway you choose, there’s nothing like enjoying the scenic sights that surround these beautiful spaces in our state.

Dana F./Yelp

Pretty much every town and region in New York has a popular farmers market that’s worth visiting. So if you find yourself looking to get a taste of the Empire State, head to one of these small town spots to enjoy an unforgettable shopping experience amongst locals.

Tim Evanson/Flickr

New York is stocked with amazing apple orchards that are perfect to visit during our fall season. With rows of trees that are decorated in flavorful apples, spend the day picking these bad boys and then go home to create a fall dish that you love!

Kyle Taylor/Flickr

During the early mornings and late nights, those in New York can catch beautiful colors strewn across our skies. Whether you decide to set your alarm clock earlier than normal or cozy up under a blanket while it’s getting dark to see our sunsets, you’ll love watching the magic that the sun can create.

Mr Seb/Flickr

You may feel tempted at one point or another to move out of state, but we assure that’s a decision you’ll come to regret. Nearly all of our residents who have moved out of state end up making their way back to us, quickly realizing that they didn’t know exactly how good they had it until they left. You can never stop being a New Yorker!

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