New York

10 Great Hotels in the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes & Upper New York State

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When looking for a place to stay on a road trip, you have many options to choose from whether it is a quaint lodge on a quiet lake, a national hotel chain or a luxurious hotel in a small town. Each has its appeal whether you are travelling alone, for business or as a family. There is a large selection of great inns, lodges and hotels in the Adirondacks and upper New York State. Look no further than a place by the lake such as the High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid or be charmed by a Historic Hotel of America in Glens Falls.

Watkins Glen State Park–19 Waterfalls you need to see in the Finger Lakes, NY

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Watkins Glen State Park New York TBEX @DownshiftingPRO

What will surprise you the most is how you access this beautiful state park in the Finger Lakes region of New York state.  You don’t drive down a winding country road or veer off a highway in the middle of nowhere. It’s located in the middle of town, across the street from the County Sherriff’s office!  This is not the only thing that will surprise you about this waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.

Waterfalls you need to see in the Finger Lakes

Cavern Cascade in Watkins Glen Waterfalls in Finger Lakes of New York @DownshiftingPRO_2018 - Waterfalls you need to see in the Finger Lakes
Cavern Cascades in Watkins Glen State Park

You arrive at a brand new Welcome centre and then you will begin climbing 832 steps to see 19 waterfalls. Your journey will take you through a 500 foot elevation via stairs, through stone tunnels, behind at least two waterfalls while crossing both stone and suspension bridges.

Consider this a moderate hike, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Take frequent breaks as you gawk at the natural beauty of Watkins Glens State Park. Take your camera too as there are plenty of pictures to capture.

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What Amazing things to see and do in the Corning Museum of Glass – 15 Reasons to go!

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What to do in The Corning Museum of Glass DownshiftingPRO thumb

Spend a day or two at the Corning Museum of Glass

“You really like fire. You’re kind of addicted to it.” Cat Burn’s mother said to her, “so you’re either going to jail for it or you could learn to play with it.”  And that’s exactly what we were doing as we created a cobalt blue pumpkin in The Studio. Glassblowing (making seasonal pumpkins, snowmen or Easter eggs) or creating beads through flamework are only a few of the things to see and do at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York.  Located in the Finger Lakes region it is approximately 4 hours from Toronto and 4.5 hours from New York City.  Both educational and entertaining, it is the perfect weekend getaway for families, couples or art lovers.

Tagliapietra Lino Italian b. 1934 Artist The Corning Museum of Glass DownshiftingPRO
Endeavor – Tagliapietra, Lino (Italian, b. 1934), Artist

Opened in 1951, this museum complex incorporates numerous galleries, an indoor and outdoor amphitheatre, an outdoor kiln, and lastly, a large studio and teaching facility. Home to the largest collection of glass, it holds over 50,000 objects covering a span of 3,500 years of glass history.  The Museum has grown into a collecting, exhibiting, teaching, and research facility located just steps away from the global headquarters of Corning Inc.  If you can dream it, it has been made into glass.

This world-class museum has pieces from ancient Egypt to current day.  With over 460,000 visitors a year, an average visit lasts 4.5 hours long, with 20-25% of visitors attending the Studio for glass blowing classes to create beautiful items.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking you will get through this museum in a few hours.  With an admission pass good for two days, plan accordingly and be sure and take advantage to play with a little bit of fire to create a beautiful keepsake then take it home the next day!

Tiffany Stainglass window overlooking the Hudson Cornint Museum of Glass @DownshiftingPRO
Window with Hudson River Landscape – Corning Museum of Glass – @DownshiftingPRO

There are a variety of galleries to visit from the Crystal City Gallery – to learn about cut glass – to my personal favourite –  the Contemporary + Design gallery.  Set against crisp white walls, there is no better way to see these glass pieces!

This museum is the perfect intergenerational travel destination.  With workshops for children, along with seasonal activities and glass making/breaking demonstrations.

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