Page 3 - Travel Advisors of Los Gatos – Summer 2016

AUTUMN IN NEW YORK
Niagara Falls in autumn
By Dorothy Crouch
While Manhattan is a beautiful, busy menagerie of culture and activity, New
York life extends to the city’s four other boroughs and throughout the state. Boasting small ethnic enclaves, natural – and manmade – wonders, quaint mountain towns and an endless list of activities September through November in New York, when the leaves change color and the weather becomes crisp, is the most wonderful time of the year.
Niagara Wonder
The beauty of Niagara Falls is accentuated by cooler days during the latter part of the year. While many locals debate the beauty of the falls’ American versus Canadian sides, Niagara Falls is an alluring natural wonder that will leave an impression regardless of the vantage point.
Since 1846, the Maid of the Mist has welcomed travelers to the area and today leads visitors to the beautiful, yet powerful, marvel of the falls. Though the service closes as the calendar winds into winter, tours are available until the first week of November for brave travelers who don’t mind a chill in the mist from the nearly 600,000 gallons of water that spill over the falls every second.
All About Albany
New York’s state capital has rich history in American colonial settlement. In the 16th century, the French preceded Dutch settlement, which followed during the 1600s. Learn about the region’s cultural influences by taking a Dutch Apple Cruise tour, which sails along the Hudson River. Contemporary Albany life includes many artistic influences, evident in the spaces dedicated to the fine arts. While in town, take in a performance at one of the city’s many theatres including The Barn and Park Playhouse.
Approximately a one-hour drive from Albany sits Cooperstown, home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Baseball fanatics can choose one of the facility’s specialty tours, such as a personalized visit that is custom designed to highlight accomplishments of a favorite team, or choose Extra Innings Overnights, a museum sleepover experience for children ages 7-12 and their parents.
Beautiful Binghamton
Life in mountainous Binghamton affords many opportunities to explore the outdoors. Take a foliage walk through one of the city’s many parks including Otsiningo, Port Dickinson, the 420-acre Greenwood Park, and Confluence Park – the perfect starting point to join River Walk. The town’s bohemian feel is fed by the local college influence of Binghamton University, street fairs and performance art spaces.
No other activity represents autumn in New York State like apple picking. Apple Hills is a one-stop fruit-picking experience. Offering opportunities
to visitors who want to harvest their own fruit, Apple Hills is an orchard and café that provides opportunities to gather different seasonal produce depending on the time of year. During autumn, New York State transforms into apple country, beautifully complemented by changing leaves and crisp temperatures. Visit Apple Hills early in the day to harvest the state fruit and relax in The Apple Dumpling Café for breakfast or lunch to celebrate this magical time of year in New York.
More than Manhattan
While New York City’s most well-known island receives a lot of recognition, four additional boroughs – Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island – afford experiences unique to their neighborhoods.
Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan
is the most affordable method of traveling between the two boroughs and leaves travelers in Brooklyn Heights, near the charming neighborhood of Carroll Gardens. Don’t forget to visit Coney Island’s Luna Park for a step back in time and ride on the rickety Cyclone, a wooden rollercoaster built in 1927, whose dilapidated condition is one of its most thrilling characteristics.
Though the Bronx loves Yankees baseball, historical New York roots hold together the borough. Visit areas such as Arthur Avenue – which claims to be New York’s real Little Italy, the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Museum of Arts, and City Island Historical Society and Nautical Museum to experience the real Bronx.
Fun-loving New Yorkers head to Astoria for eating, drinking and a more authentic urban experience.
The neighborhood’s Greek immigrant influence still runs deep as young professionals and families have moved in, seeking a cheaper cost of living while still maintaining the New York City atmosphere.
The famous Staten Island Ferry, which departs from a terminal located on Manhattan’s southern end, remains one of the best deals in town, as its free fare and route that passes the Statue of Liberty offers a view of one of the country’s most beloved landmarks at an unbeatable price. History buffs will enjoy visits to the Alice
Austen House, which celebrates this great American photographer, and the Conference House, the late 17th- century era home that served as the September 11, 1776 meeting place of Revolution-era American Colonial and British peacemakers.
Central Park, Manhattan
The Conference House, Staten Island
SUMMER 2016
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