Mention New York, and people will immediately think you’re off out on a shopping spree. Why, even when I told people I was off to New York State, they cried with excitement ‘Ooh shopping.
Have fun!’ No, I packed my bags to the brim (no room for shopping purchases) with outdoor kit for a week-long adventure out into the wilderness to discover what the state has to offer in terms of outdoor activities, good food and luxury.
Our trip began with a stroll around Genesee Valley Park in the city of Rochester where we got to experience nature first-hand. At 800 acres, the park is a haven for outdoor lovers with a network of trails along the Genesee River. I was surprised to see how busy it was on a Sunday morning with crowds of locals making the most of their leisure time with a gentle walk or a cycle ride.
Eager to get on a bike and make the most of this vast land, we got on our saddles to experience the special Erie Canal from Fairport. Built in 1825, this was one of the most significant industrial developments of America but the freight industry fell into disrepair with the rise of railroads. Today the canal, a protected ‘National Heritage Corridor’, is used by recreational boaters and tour boats while the old towpath serves the leisure time interests of bikers, joggers, skaters, walkers and in the winter cross country skiing. The trail, which winds its way from Buffalo to Albany, (although still being developed) through three counties, 13 towns and villages, and one major city, is a great way to access all sorts of interesting sites that you might otherwise miss by car. We cycled through hamlets and villages from Fairport to Macedon which grew along the waterway in their heydays.
The people of New York State take great pride in food, and you’re never far from a restaurant or bar that sells good organic produce. But perhaps the ancient Seneca town of Ganondagan (pronounced gah-non-dah-gan) is a prime example of a Native American community that helped develop one of the world’s most basic and healthy cuisines using natural foods that are popular today as are many of the natural medicines they used to treat illnesses. Their dedication to healthy eating prevails today with their determination through the White Corn Project. Over 500,000 bushels of white corn were destroyed by the French in 1687, but the project is bringing back the white corn through plantation, harvesting and processing in the town once again. We had great pleasure in sampling the white corn in the form of muffins and pancakes for breakfast at sit manager Peter Jemison’s home. And from the farm straight into the lap of luxury, we headed to the Wine & Culinary Center. The upmarket bistro overlooking Canandaiga Lake is the perfect sport to sample the finest of wine, craft beer and food the area has to offer. In fact, I would go as far as saying that the food here was probably one of the finest I have tasted. With so much choice, we decided to get a number of dishes to share. The smoked organic mushroom ravioli and salmon fillet and smoked fish cake went down particularly well all washed down with the local Saranac gourmet root beer.
And if you’re seeking an even deeper connection with nature, then a trip to the luxury Wellness: The Lodge is a must. Hidden away in the Tug Hill region of Central New York, lies this sanctuary that encourages its guests to be at one with nature. You will find virtually every habitat type represented here from open fields, hardwood forests, pine forests, wetlands, river, ponds and springs. Wellness:Te was conceived by the French immigrant and avid conservationist Christophe Marin. His philosophy is that the power of nature can help to heal all wounds both spiritual and physical and aid in our individual wellness. As I sat around the camp fire, I reflected on how this lodge was yet another reminder of the Native Americans way of life who inhabited this very valley years ago.
If you’ve not guessed already, water is everywhere in New York State. With all other activities ticked off my list, it was time to turn my hand at kayaking and what better place to do it other than the 1000 Islands region? There are in fact almost 1800 islands, but some belong to the neighbouring Canadian side which lies just a paddle away across the St Lawrence Seaway. A canoeists’ dream! Meanwhile I got a good bicep workout paddling from one island to another stopping regularly to admire the crystal waters made super clean by the zebra mussels. Great for kayakers but not so good for the wildlife.
Most people wouldn’t associate New York state with beaches, but you will find them everywhere even in central New York. Sylvan and Verona beaches offer the perfect place to take a break from all those activities whether you want to take a dip in the water or sink those hard worked toes in the sand as you lay back and absorb all that New York State has to offer.
For more information about authentic, off-the-beaten track travel in New York State, including ideas for outdoor activities, local culture and accommodation, visit responsibletravel.com’s in-depth travel guide: www.responsibletravel.com/new-york-state or www.nylovesu.co.uk