Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for new york
A Unique Area in New York
By Linda Tancs
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation defines a Unique Area as “land owned by the state that was acquired due to its special natural beauty, wilderness character, or for its geological, ecological or historical significance.” The first area to be so designated is Labrador Hollow Unique Area in Cortland and Onondaga counties. The 2,000-foot-long boardwalk traverses a diverse wetland complex where you may be lucky enough to spot the elusive great blue heron or pied-billed grebe whose range covers the area. You should also look out for the Kentucky warbler, which has been identified as a rare and protected species by the New York Natural Heritage Program. While you’re there, be sure to visit Tinker Falls, with its impressive natural rock amphitheater above a 30-foot-high rocky cascade. The falls are most spectacular during the spring thaw this time of year.
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Water Biscuits in New York
By Linda Tancs
At approximately one-fifth acre in size, Squaw Island is New York’s smallest state park. Located at the northwest corner of Canandaigua Lake (one of the state’s Finger Lakes), it functions primarily as a wildlife management area and features water biscuits. Found in only a few locales worldwide, the so-called biscuits are flat, whitish cakes of lime that deposit over pebbles and twigs. The island is accessible only by boat; a public boat launch is available at Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park, and paddlers may launch directly off Canandaigua City Pier.
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The Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue
By Linda Tancs
Known as “the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue,” New York City’s Congregation Shearith Israel is the first Jewish congregation to be established in North America. It was established in 1654 in what was then New Amsterdam by Jews who left Dutch Brazil. Members of the congregation have led distinguished lives, enriching both the city and America. Its famous members include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo and poet Emma Lazarus, whose poem “The New Colossus” is inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty. The synagogue is located on 70th Street at Central Park West.
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New York’s Palisades
By Linda Tancs
On the west side of the Hudson River, New York’s Palisades region is rich in spectacular views. That’s especially true at Bear Mountain State Park. Situated in rugged mountains, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas from Perkins Memorial Tower (in season). This time of year appeals to cross-country skiers and ice skaters, but a year-round visit awaits at the Trailside Museums and Zoo. The attraction features native turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders, skinks and many species of fish along with geologic formations. The park is an easy day trip from New York City.
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The History of Height
By Linda Tancs
The first tall building in New York to use metal-cage construction was the Tower Building in 1889. Demolished in 1914, you might think of it as New York City’s first skyscraper although it wasn’t the tallest building at 11 stories. It’s fair to say that the city has continued its love affair with tall, slender buildings since then. You can explore the history of the city’s skyline at the Skyscraper Museum. The facility is located at Battery Park City, with the skyline of Lower Manhattan conveniently providing its backdrop.
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The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks
By Linda Tancs
The oldest and largest natural attraction in New York’s Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm is a sandstone gorge featuring a vertical-walled canyon made of 500 million-year-old rock touted as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” Adventure reigns there, with enough heart-thumping tours to satisfy the undaunted. A family-friendly option is the guided via ferrata, a protected climbing route characterized by a steel cable that runs along the rock, offering a unique journey through a region of the chasm not accessible from any other trail. You’ll also find scenic walking and hiking trails, mountain biking, tubing and river rafting options. Their Classic Tour is the most popular offering, a two-part walk and float tour that allows visitors a complete end-to-end visit of the chasm with a trolley/shuttle return to the welcome center once completed.
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To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
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Simple Elegance in Albany
By Linda Tancs
Schuyler Mansion is a historic house at 32 Catherine Street in Albany, New York. It was home to Philip J. Schuyler, a Revolutionary War general, U.S. Senator and businessman. The Georgian brick mansion was once described as attractive in its simple elegance. Built on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River, the house was the site of military and political strategizing, entertaining and an active family life. In fact, the wedding of daughter Elizabeth Schuyler to Alexander Hamilton took place in the house in 1780. Today, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the mansion as well as an orientation exhibition in the Visitor Center focusing on Philip Schuyler’s life.
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To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
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Old Vines in New York
By Linda Tancs
Benmarl Winery is America’s oldest vineyard and the owner of the very first New York Farm Winery license. Located in Marlboro (about 70 miles north of New York City), the 37-acre estate overlooks the Hudson River. In 300 years, only four different families have owned the winery property; its first grapes were planted there in the 1700s. In addition to estate wines (including some of the country’s oldest vines of Baco Noir), they source from Seneca Lake and the north fork of Long Island. Enjoy the stunning views of the Hudson River Valley.
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To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
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Cherries in Brooklyn
By Linda Tancs
One of the highlights of Brooklyn Botanic Garden this time of year is the cherry blossom watch. Their flowering cherry collection sports dozens of species and cultivars. Among the earliest blooms are those along Cherry Walk, a meandering path east of Cherry Esplanade and its twin rows of towering blossoms. Another favored viewing area is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, where the weeping Higan cherry trees attract scores of shutterbugs. No one tree remains in flower for more than a week, and there is no moment when all are blooming at once. Because the different species and cultivars blossom in succession, you’ll find many opportunities to savor the season that generally lasts until mid-May.
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To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
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Royalty at Saranac Lake
By Linda Tancs
Some people get treated like royalty at the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival in New York. That’s because every year a town committee chooses a king and queen from among the village’s worthy residents to preside at the Ice Palace. Unlike other royal residences, you don’t need a special invitation to visit. The palace, located on River Street, is open to the public. The carnival, which also features torchlight skiing and fireworks, takes place from February 5-14 this year.
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To limit the spread of COVID-19, attractions may be closed or have partial closures. Please keep those affected by the virus in your thoughts and be sure to follow the safety practices advocated by the Centers for Disease Control. Stay safe, and be well.
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