Western New York is home to one of the world’s natural wonders, base to some of the most loyal sports fans – and is an incredible spot to enjoy the best food. The region is defined as incorporating the five counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and the Niagara – the destination that hosts America’s oldest park, the Niagara Falls State Park. This New York State’s little corner is definitely worth every penny as it guarantees an adventure experience of a lifetime. Check out these 10 secret places in Western New York worth exploring.Related: 8 Secret Places In The Adirondacks Worth Exploring

10

Hammonds Port

Hammondsport is a village located in one of the Finger Lakes, Steuben County with a population of fewer than 1000 residents. The lakefront ambiance attracts a large number of people, and several gift shops, restaurants, and wine shops showcase the numerous local wines during the summer. It even has a village slogan that states, “Home of the Wine”. One of the top museums in the upstate is just a mile from the village. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum pays tribute to native son Glenn Curtiss, who was a contemporary to the Wright Brothers and a great aviation pioneer and inventor who held the number one pilot license in the US.

9

The Lucy-Desi Museum

Located in Jamestown, Lucy-Desi Museum is one of America’s top celebrity museums. It is filled with the television icon Lucille Ball’s memorabilia – everything from her clothes to old videotapes and even her vintage 1972 gold Mercedes Benz. Everybody comes to Jamestown to pay their respects to her. A tour of the Lake View Cemetery would be incomplete without a visit to Lucy’s ultimate resting place. Pink hearts are marked on the road leading straight to her grave.

8

Alexandria Bay

Situated on the St. Lawrence Seaway, this serene location is a vacation haven. There are numerous souvenir shops, vintage ice cream vendors, cozy taverns, and cafes to choose from. The deep blue and ice-cold St. Lawrence River, as well as the majestic beauties of the thousand island houses and castles, serve as your backdrop. One castle of mention is the Boldt castle. It’s about as lovely a place to spend an afternoon in the region as you’ll find.

• The Cost of entrance: $4 for a child (5-12 years) to $6 for an adult (13 years +).

Related: Visit The 7th Wonder Of The Ancient World: Lighthouse Of Alexandria

7

Phoenicia

Phoenicia is nestled amid the gorgeous Catskill Forest Reserve’s entryway. Its modest, lively main street is lined with unique businesses and excellent restaurants. Here, travelers can explore the Brio’s pizza, which has been in business for over 40 years and makes a wood-fired Neopolitan pizza with a delightful crust. Try the truffle oil-topped wild mushroom pizza with sesame seed dough when visiting. Travelers might also camp by the Esopus Creek in the Black Bear Campground or organize a fly-fishing trip with the Esopus Creek Outfitters.

6

Watkins Glen

The Watkins Glen State Park is located in this town, where breathtaking photo opportunities abound. This area is breathtaking, with waterfalls, rushing streams, gorges, and lush foliage mounted within the park.

Park entrance fee: $8 fee is charged per vehicular access

Watkins Glen also hosts the Watkins Glen International, a famous racetrack that has long hosted Formula One racing and now also stages NASCAR series racing. For a thrilling experience, one can take part in “Drive the Glen” where people are allowed to drive their cars around the famed 3.45-mile track behind the official pace car.

5

Cooperstown

Located in the Catskill Mountains’ foothills, it is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Coupled with its breweries and world-class opera, it moves to validate its claim of being “America’s Most Perfect Village.”After a day of exploring the village, visit the historic Otesaga Resort Hotel, one of the most prestigious hotels and resorts in the Upstate, that’s more than a century old.

4

Albany

Albany is the capital of New York State. The New York State Museum is by far one of the most interesting locations to visit Upstate and admission is free. The tour of the capital is fascinating and includes the USS Slater, the final World War II destroyer escort remaining afloat, stationed at the foot of State Street. The city hosts a summer series of weekly parties called “Alive at Five,” which attract enormous crowds of business people, students, and locals, at Jennings Landings, right on the Hudson River’s banks.

3

Naples

Naples is a lovely village located in Ontario County. It has a lot of grapes hence there are numerous shops selling wine and wine-related presents, as well as a couple of significant wineries to be toured. There are numerous hikes available in the area such as the Grimes Glen with its waterfalls. The grape pie is the signature dish of the area and it is found at Monica’s Pie shop.

The cost of fresh grape pies: $15, individual sizes for $6, and tarts for $3.

2

Ithaca

Ithaca is one of the most picturesque college towns in the Upstate. It has a wonderful international buzz from the students of the colleges of Cornell and Ithaca who hail from all around the world. There are numerous exotic cuisines to sample at a rainbow of eateries in the heart of downtown. Ithaca claims to be the “birthplace of the ice cream sundae” with Purity’s Ice Cream serving a massive dessert starting from $5. It’s been running for over 80 years.

1

Kingston

This was New York’s original capital. It is brimming with fantastic restaurants, peppered with historical landmarks, and oozing with charm. Kingston’s lovely waterfront region is known as the Rondout. It’s a terrific place for night strolling during the summer, with lots of great cafés, taverns, and restaurants. Also located in the area are the Hudson River Maritime Museum and the strange and amusing New York Trolley Museum which are worth visiting.