We're entering the States via Buffalo in September
and want to explore the New York State/ Pennsylvania area before driving on to Dayton, Ohio. We would be grateful for any recommendations. We enjoy scenic drives, antiques, eating (especially vegetarian food) and trying to find a pub!

I'll leave the Pennsylvania info to others but NY state is well worth the visit. It's actually a primarily rural state with incredible scenery, forests, lakes and friendly people. I recommend the Finger Lakes region. September is a beautiful month - still reasonably warm and not too many tourists. The region is the principal wine producing area of the Northeastern US and has a "wine trail" that circles the perimeters of several of the lakes, with many wineries to visit. Ithaca NY is a good place to stop. Visit the campus of Cornell University - it must be seen to be appreciated. Ithaca is also home to the Moosewood Restaurant. You may be familiar with their series of cookbooks - it is a world class vegetarian restaurant and worth a visit. Also consider visiting the glen at nearby Watkins Glen (also on the wine trail) and possibly a drive up to Letchworth State Park (NW of Ithaca by 90 miinutes and SW of Rochester NY - it's known as "the Grand Canyon of the East"). The pub scene in Ithaca is strictly college town material. I live in Syracuse, which has its share of good pubs (Clark's Ale House, Empire Brewing Company, The Blue Tusk) but we don't have much else to offer the casual visitor unless you're a fan of shopping (Carousel Center Mall is one of the largest in the Northeast) or ceramics. Our Everson Museum has an outstanding permanent collection of American ceramics. We also have a fair number of antique stores. This is home of Stickley Furniture. The founder, Gustav Stickley, was a progenitor of the American Arts & Crafts movement. Excellent pieces of original Mission Oak can be located locally but it is pricey. Close to Ithaca is Aurora NY, which was home to the Roycrofters (another A&C era group - they were a guild specializing in hammered copper articles). I've already rambled enough e-mail if you want more specific info.

Include the Adirondack Mountains --Old Forge and Lake Placid would be cool but beautiful with foliage at that time of year. Lake Placid has some Olympic facilities you can tour. Lake George is also worth a stop (beautiful lake!) and Saratoga. In Pennsylvania, you might enjoy the Lancaster area with the PA Dutch culture and outlet shopping.

I agree completely about the Adirondacks. Beautiful! Especially if you camp and hike. Skip Lake George. Also skip Lancaster. Nothing but a giant tourist trap! I would suggest Philadelphia. Histrorical of course. Great restaurants. The Art Museum. Longwood Gardens (outside the city). Valley Forge nearby. Franklin Institute for kids.

Watkins Glenn is a great place to visit. Main Street is wonderful for shops and restaurants. You can take a dinner/boat cruise on Seneca Lake. Captain Bill's Boat Tours. It's wonderful. You can take a non dinner cruise during the day. We have stayed at Seneca Lodge. They have cabins or a one room motel room. Rates are around $50./night. The restaurant on site is excellent. Atmosphere is very relaxing too. Not too far from getting back on track to go to Ohio. Have fun!!!