Watch our Wildlife!

They go by land, by water, by air… from New York City to the Adirondacks to Niagara, and several spots in between. We’re talking bears, eagles, raptors, fishes and all sorts of other creatures that take up residence in New York State’s great outdoors.

New York State has long been one of the nation’s premier, year-round destinations for wildlife viewing because of a full range of diverse habitats, designated migratory corridors, a wealth of public lands and facilities accessible to the public. A national survey of wildlife-associated recreation estimated that there are nearly 4 million people who participate in wildlife watching in New York, and while participants are enjoying of nature they often also contribute to local economies.

The best kind of wildlife sighting is the totally unexpected encounter. Spotting a falcon perched high in a tree as you drive along the highway or catching the flight of a wild turkey as it takes off for the woods can change a dull day into a magical one. The grace of a doe gliding over a fence, followed by a fawn or two, can take your breath away. If only we could plan for those unexpected glimpses! Fortunately, several venues throughout the state make it easy for you to catch wildlife in action, and even offer a glimpse at creatures you may not see otherwise!

Where the “Wild Things” are:

New York City’s Central Park Zoo, an oasis in the big city, delights with its collection of bears, penguins, exotic birds and water creatures, and their wild friends.

Long Island is home to the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, featuring 19 non-releasable birds of prey, which include hawks, owls, falcons, and a vulture, as well as several species of reptiles and amphibians.

America’s national symbol, the Bald Eagle, has chosen a vast area in the Hudson Valley and Catskills as a favorite nesting ground. A tour of the Eagle Institute, located in Barryville, opens the birds’ fascinating world to visitors.

Take a guided bird walk around the 500-acre, Environmental Gardens at the Clermont State Historic Site, in the Hudson Valley town of Germantown.


Prefer fish? Try a 30-foot seine net or angling while Fishing the River at Norrie Point. Rods and bait provided. Norrie Point Environmental Center, Staatsburg.

The Catskills are home to the RamsHorn Livingston Sanctuary, 480 acres of the Hudson River’s largest tidal swamp forest, a feeding ground for migratory birds with a twenty-eight-foot wildlife observation tower, trails, canoe launch and more.

A wilderness playground, the Adirondack Park, nurtures nature’s creatures like few places on earth. The Wild Center/Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, located in Tupper Lake, provides an excellent starting point, for all interest levels.

Wildlife conservation areas, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge at the north end of Cayuga Lake, between Syracuse and Rochester, and Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, in the rural towns of Alabama and Shelby (midway between Rochester and Buffalo) serve as natural resting spots, breeding grounds and bird flyovers for migratory birds and home to other wildlife.

The Art Of Being Buffalo

“Snow, chicken wings, and lost Super Bowls. Those are the things most people associate with Buffalo.” That’s what one particular Buffalonian lamented to I Love New York when we traveled there this March. Granted, the conversation took place over a plate of wings while a foot of snow lay on the ground outside after a season in which the Bills didn’t even make the playoffs—but the man had a point. After a week surveying everything the city has to offer, one might easily replace “snow, chicken wings, and lost Super Bowls” with “art, culture, and architecture.” And, yes, this is Buffalo we’re talking about.

Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscaping genius behind Central and Prospect Parks in New York City, once declared Buffalo “the best planned city in America,” thanks to its radial system of tree-lined avenues, modeled on Washington, D.C. Into that well-planned city, Olmsted wove the nation’s very first coordinated system of parks, as unique and significant in their own way as Olmsted’s creations in New York City. And if you follow one of those tree-lined thoroughfares out from the center of town, past the mansions of Millionaire’s Row and through the thriving Elmwood Village neighborhood of shops and restaurants, you’ll find yourself at the crown jewel of Olmsted’s park system, Delaware Park. And at the tip of Delaware Park, you’ll find the crown jewel of Buffalo culture, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

Founded in 1862, the Albright-Knox has grown to where it can rightly claim its status as one of the top contemporary art museums in the world. Thanks to a tradition of forward-thinking curators and directors, Albright-Knox arrived at its international status without the same endowments or advantages of larger museums in bigger cities. “We have always collected the art of our time, primarily,” museum representative Cheryl Orlick said while taking us on a special tour. “There was never enough money to buy old masters. But if you keep acquiring the work of the artists of the day, you’re going to keep growing.”

And she’s right. Even a brief survey of the works in the permanent collection shows that most of them were acquired mere months after they were produced by the then-emerging artists. “In many cases we were right on the cutting edge,” she says, pointing out a Matisse that was finished in 1939 and acquired just the following year. “We hope to maintain that momentum and that reputation.”

Walking through its galleries is less like the full-on, five-course meal one gets at the Met or the Smithsonian. It’s more like a tasting menu. “You can go through in just an hour or two and get a nice overview and not feel like you do when you go to the Met and you just can’t breathe after a couple of rooms,” Orlick says. Instead of a roomful of Monets, here there is one Monet, carefully chosen for its particular style and statement. The same goes for Picasso, Van Gogh, Jackson Pollack, Mark Rothko, and every major figure of the modern era. Many of the collection’s works bring to light a different side of an artist, like an abstract Georgia O’Keefe painting that is unlike any of her more traditional paintings.

The nimble, agile collecting style of the museum’s board and benefactors has made for a unique experience. Adding to the eclectic nature of the permanent collection is an array of contemporary and avant-garde work, both new acquisitions and traveling exhibitions, that are alternately accessible and challenging, and always evolving. In fact, the rotating showcase of the gallery’s collection is aptly titled REMIX—the curator as deejay, offering up a sample of sights and sensations that all work together.

To understand the real range of what Buffalo gives to both its inhabitants and its visitors, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is a fine place to start. It’s one of the cornerstones of the city’s rich cultural heritage, a heritage that includes several landmark Frank Lloyd Wright homes, including the famous Darwin Martin House Complex, which you’ll find just around the corner. On Friday evenings, the Albright-Knox museum waives its $10 admission fee, offering music, readings, and films that are open to the public. With the student population at Buffalo State filtering in from next door and young professionals stopping by after a long week of work, the vibe is decidedly upbeat and hip. Out in the warm summer sun of the sculpture garden, the gallery restaurant, Muse, serves drinks and cuisine as eclectic as the art on the walls. There isn’t an inch of snow on the ground, no one is talking about football, and chicken wings aren’t even on the menu.

10,500 miles of trails … Do you know where your sled is?

Why watch a New York winter from the inside? Sure it’s cozy and warm, but there’s time for that later – after you’ve explored the forests, skimmed across frozen ponds, zig-zagged over fields covered in freshly fallen snow, all from the comforts of a snowmobile. With more than 10,000 miles of trails and numerous snowmobile clubs, not only can you get from here to there in the most adventurous way, you can meet all sorts of fellow fun-lovers along the way.

Need help getting started? The New York State Snowmobile Association says, “The best way to enjoy snowmobiling in New York is to purchase a trail map from a local club and ride marked trail system where landowner permission has been obtained for everyone, snowmobile laws have been complied with, trails have been maintained, snow has been groomed, and signs are in place. That's where you can ride without concern of breaking the law, irritating a landowner, waking up the baby, damaging forest growth and cropland or disrupting Sunday services.”

In other words, you’ll find all the support you need in many locations around the state. Here’s a sample of several clubs, groups and venues eager to share their knowledge and their enthusiasm for snowmobiling.

The Adirondacks
A well-known winter playground, and if sleds could vote, no doubt they’d name the region, “Miss Congeniality.” Sleds often outnumber cars in places like Old Forge, a snowmobiler’s haven in the midst of more than 700 miles of trails located in Herkimer & Hamilton counties. (Note: you’ll need a separate trail pass for the Old Forge area.)

The Hague Sno-Goers Club operates and maintains snowmobile trails in the northern end of gorgeous Lake George and into Essex County. Nearby in Chestertown, the North Warren Trailblazers oversee trails around the northern part of Warren County; Chestertown, Pottersville, Brant Lake, Warrensburg. And, the Thurman Connection Snowmobile Club covers more than 120 miles of trails in northwestern Warren County.

Other Adirondack destinations include:
Inlet, Moose River and Long Lake Trail Systems. The area has a large system of interconnecting snowmobile trails between the Moose River Plains, and the towns of Indian Lake, Inlet and Long Lake.

Piseco, Lake Pleasant & Speculator. Groomed snowmobile trails from Wells to Morehouse which connect with 600 miles of county trails.

Tug Hill Plateau. Thousands of acres of public lands in and around Lowville, the region boasting more annual snowfall than any other place in the state (the winter of 1976-77 boasted more than 450 inches!), with more than 600 miles of groomed trail. Locals say, “The lake-effect storms off the east end of Lake Ontario guarantee the earliest and latest riding.”

Heading towards the Thousand Islands-Seaway?
Check out the St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association in Parishville. Along with maintaining the snowmobile trails in St. Lawrence County, the group will keep you up-to-date on the latest information about trails, locations, parking, etc. They’ll suggest beauties like:

Macomb Reservation State Park in Schuyler Falls, surrounded by state land. Here, you’ll find yourself in the heart of winter wilderness. Stop and savor the famed Salmon River.

Mongaup Pond State Campground, attracts outdoorsmen year round to Livingston Manor in the Catskills. Sledders love the 29 miles of snowmobile trails that weave through Forest Preserve land, surrounding a beautiful 120-acre lake.

… and beyond…
Hamlin Beach State Park lies at the south shore of Lake Ontario in the Finger Lakes region. Warm up in the Environmental Education Center in the Yanty Creek Marsh area after a day exploring the trails.

Letchworth State Park in Castile, called, “The Grand Canyon of the East,” boasts more than 14,350-acres of stunning parkland with several gorges reaching 600 ft., carved by the Genesee River.

Bound for the border?
If you plan on crossing into New York from Canada, there are things you must remember, like carrying the same paperwork you would if you planned on touring by automobile — photo ID, passport, proper registrations and insurances. The New York State Snowmobile Association has a list of helpful information on these and other questions you may have, like how to join a club, or where to buy or rent a sled!

Happy Trails!

County Fairs & Festivals In New York

If you know what tennis balls, hand lotion and sweater ‘pills’ have in common, you’ve probably been to a county fair or festival. If you don’t know, the answer is sheep wool. As Fred DePaul, a regular exhibitor at events hugs a ewe in preparation for a shearing demonstration explains, “The top knot, right here on the head is best for tennis balls.” As a crowd gathers, lured by his hearty laugh and fluffy partner he continues, “Feel that oil on your hands when you stroke the wool? That’s lanolin. You can tell when the sheep have struggled and been cut in layers. You end up with too many short strands, which turn into those little pills on your sweaters.”

Most first time visitors to the state expect to be dazzled by neon lights, awed by designers and exhausted by the time they leave. What they don’t expect, especially those traveling to NYC, is the abundance of fresh flowers, organic produce, and handcrafted items available. In other words: “country” things.

Mary Oates, another frequent presenter at county fairs, is a wool spinner who thrives on the city-country bond. She leads weaving demonstrations, offering a handful of her own colorful angora to anyone wanting to take a spin. “Anyone interested in pushing themselves creatively attends these fairs. There’s no better place to get inspired…all the rich natural pigments artists use, in everything from scarves to shawls to quilts to paintings. My kids come to sample the gourmet foods, pastries and the produce. Talk about the best ingredients!”

Where do we find these treasure troves? Fortunately, fairs and festivals light up the state like fireworks during the summer. The fun ranges from county gatherings to the landmark Great New York State Fair that draws more than 1 million visitors each year to Syracuse. (August 15 – Sept. 1.) You’ll find everything from amusement park classics to antique car shows, art competitions, agricultural fineries, new invention demonstrations- including the all-new “outdoor living room” replete with a sod couch constructed by area 4 H teens. One look at the entertainment line-up and you may want to add a few nights to your schedule. From the Jonas Brothers and Goo Goo Dolls to ZZ Top, 2008 has all the makings of a fair to remember.

New York’s two-time Olympic village, Lake Placidagain brings competitors and fans from around the world for summer events. Throughout July and August you can attend the Ice Dance Championships, Ironman USA, and an Irish Festival all occuring in Lake Placid. The Adirondacks also offers the Stony Creek Mountain Festival weekend with re-enactors, food and music.

The toast of the day may vary, but the common ingredient is a unique quintessential blend found only in New York State.

Long Island Mansions In New York

The north shore of Long Island boasted more than 500 mansions at the height of its “Gold Coast” glory days. Serving as inspiration for classic cultural works like The Great Gatsbyand Citizen Kane, the area glittered with wealth, power, grandeur and intrigue. Long Island’s Mansions
are today an enchanting area revealing much about our country’s colorful past -- from stunning works of architecture, landscape and interior design to some of the most captivating historic figures in history.

Fortunately, many of these domestic treasures are preserved and open to the public, and are within a short distance of each other. Take some time to tour the grounds and interiors. Savor the spectacular style and revel in the stories that reveal a rare snapshot of The American Dream.

Begin in Old Westbury Gardens where you’ll find the famed Phipps estate, built in 1909. Featured in several films, Old Westbury is considered the best-preserved of the Gold Coast mansions and has starred in several films. With 160 acres, including rose gardens, walled garden, pond, and, of course, the 70 room mansion with antique furnishings and art, make sure you allow plenty of time. 516/333-0048.

Coindre Hall, the 1910 French Chateau-style estate of George Brown, was nearly demolished. After the 1929 stock crash, Brown lost the estate and it cycled through various owners and uses. Today the estate houses the Museum of Long Island's Gold Coast, which “features exhibits, photography and other artifacts from this unique and splendiferous era. The mansion is also a popular site for weddings, holiday celebrations, fund-raisers, auctions & antique shows.”

Nearby in Cold Spring, you’ll want to experience Oheka. Built by Otto Herman Kahn, the castle sits atop a massive man-made hill in order to provide the view Kahn so desired. The magnificent structure is one of the two largest residences ever built in the United States. (Must be the reason Orson Welles chose it as the model for Citizen Kane’s opulent home.) Today, the castle welcomes guests in the same magnificent style as its first residents. 631/659-1400

Another gem is Coe Hall, deeded by William Coe in 1949 as a 353 acre public arboretum. According to the estate, Coe’s interest in rare species of trees and his plant collections “made the estate a botanical marvel in Coe's lifetime.” 516/922-9200

The Frick estate, built 1904-1919, boasts one of the most noted landscape designs in America, including an unusual teak garden trellis. The estate now houses the Nassau County Museum of Art. Don’t miss The Tee Ridder Miniatures Museum. The highly anticipated Pop-Up Holiday Magic exhibit (Oct. through January 4, 2009) features enchanting pop-up books celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas. 516/484-9337

Eagle’s Nest, owned by William K. Vanderbilt II, now serves as the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium and still houses much of Vanderbilt’s possessions and private collections. 631/854-5555

Ready for more? Why not book a room? The Glen Cove Mansion Hotel & Conference Center boasts elegant accommodations, fine dining, and a variety of resort trimmings at the 55 acre “Georgian Estate.” 516/671-6400

Winter Events In New York

Winter is the season to be jolly—at events all across New York. From the extravaganza of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that kicks off the holiday season in New York City, to the fresh-tapped sweetness of Maple Syrup Weekends, held in late March at sugar houses upstate, there’s a full calendar of fun.

On the last Saturday in November, hustle off to Buffalo, where you can dance the night away to ‘70s songs at the annual World’s Largest Disco. Thousands groove at this Retro party listed as one of the Top 5 events in the US by Party Across America. Pucker up for the Hudson Valley’s International Pickle Festival, also held in late November. From sushi to sauerbraten, there’s something for everyone. Beginning just after Thanksgiving, communities statewide present stroll-through or drive-through holiday light shows, including Onondaga's Lights on the Lake and Utica's Wonderland of Lights.

Step back into old-fashioned holiday celebrations in December. You can ride in a horsedrawn carriage in the Bronx, at the Bartow-Pell Mansion's annual Winter Family Day that also features a holiday boutique and photos with Santa. Historic Hudson Valley homes such as Lyndhurst and Van Cortlandt Manor welcome guests with 1800s-style refreshments and candlelight tours. Slow down and savor the season at street fairs like Winter Walk on Warren Street that transforms Hudson's main street into a wonderland animated by dancers, musicians and giant puppets. Troy’s annual Victorian Stroll attracts nearly 20,000 visitors with over 100 family-friendly activities and performances by choirs, magicians and storytellers.

In the Finger Lakes, the storybook-pretty village of Skaneateles hosts a Dickens Christmas festival,complete with carolers, carriage rides and chestnuts roasting on open fires. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, it runs every weekend through late December. The Lights on the River festival in historicOwego is topped off by a riverside fireworks display. And the picture-perfect community of Seneca Fallsis so sure it served as Frank Capra’s inspiration that they’ve created an annual It’s A Wonderful LifeCelebration. Fans enjoy a screening of the holiday classic, dinner with ZuZu, and horsedrawn wagon rides. Nearby wineries entertain with seasonal food and wine pairings.

Old-time holiday train rides include the Medina Railroad Museum's Santa Claus excursions through scenic villages along the Erie Canal. On the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, the beloved Polar Expressstory comes to life on a round-trip journey from Utica to the "North Pole."

No place celebrates New Year’s Eve like New York. About one million people gather in New York City’sTimes Square to see the famous Ball descend, and over a billion watch worldwide. Hundreds of cities and towns across the state, including Binghamton, Buffalo and Saratoga Springs, host family-friendly First Night celebrations. First Day in Lake George is celebrated with the Polar Plunge-New Year's Day swim and the surprisingly comfortable Frostbite Cruise.

Every January at Lake Placid, NASCAR drivers race in the Bodine Bobsled Challenge. You can watch world-class athletes compete in events at Olympic venues throughout the season.

Winter carnivals upstate feature skating, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling races, ice-fishing, ice-sculptures, concerts and parades. The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, a tradition since 1897, runs for 10 days each February. It begins and ends with spectacular fireworks over the famous Ice Palace. In March, Mardi Gras and torchlight parades highlight the Winter Carnival at Holiday Valley ski resort inEllicottville.

Check our listings for many more events, including music festivals, holiday train rides, winter carnivals and spring flower shows. It’s always time to celebrate in New York State!