We'll be coming from Montreal & will visit friends near Buffalo. We've seen the Niagara area. From reading, it looks like we should see the Hudson River area & Long Island. Is there anything else we should not miss? Between Montreal & Buffalo. Between Buffalo & upstate Hudson River area?
Any help would be great. We've got 3 weeks.

I'm not sure where your interests lie, the time of year you're planning to travel, or the size of your budget--but if you're looking for an unbelievably fabulous 'taste' of the Adirondacks--Lake Placid, to be exact--you might want to consider The Lake Placid Lodge. It's a far cry from the typical rustic cabin in the woods--while you definitely get the ambiance of the region, it's a first-class operation all the way. It is expensive, but I guarantee that the memory of your stay will linger for months and months, calling you back for one more breakfast on the veranda--enjoying the view of Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain while you sip your coffee and eat your smoked salmon frittata. There are no children under 12 allowed and you'll want to bring your most fashionable 'camping' clothes--but for a couple of days of peace and quiet in the lap of woodsy luxery, I doubt that The Lake Placid Lodge can be beat. They have a great web site--and the property is just as impressive as the site.

If you are coming from Buffalo than you should come to Rochester, NY. We have lake Ontario, which I would say is beautiful. We also have the High Falls area ~~~~` Nothing like Niagra Falls, but lazer light shows every night. We have the George Eastman House which is a must see. Stransenburg Planitarium. We have a beautiful winery - Casa Larga with award winning wines from there you can work your self down state to the Mohawk and Hudson.

Sandy- In the natural beauty category, right there with the Adirondacks is the 1000 Island region on the St. Lawrence river. Alexandria Bay is the most central location, right on the Seaway channel and across from Boldt Castle. Another village is Clayton, about 10 miles from Alex Bay. Don't miss this beautiful area! kk

I agree with Carla about Rochester. Better yet, come to the beautiful Finger Lakes. Canandaigua Lake is one of the lakes and is approx. 40 minutes from Rochester.

Thanks for the suggestions. Here's another question. Which is the best airport to leave NYNY for LA using American airline?

I'm really quite surprised at hearing Long Island is a place not to be missed. Other than urban sprawl, the few areas that have things to see are over 2 hours drive from the city. That's a long ways when there is so much better in the rest of the state.

The Finger Lakes are an excellent suggestion, don't forget to go to Corning while you're in that area. There was a recent post about Rhinebeck for a trip down the Hudson, it included mention of the Vanderbuilt mansions/etc. in the area. From Montreal headed south, before you get to that area, for sure consider Lake George, Saratoga, and Lake Champlain. (including the Vermont side, and possibly a stop in Bennington VT/Williamsport MA since you have some time)

In addition there is Cooperstown and its associated area.

And by the way, to answer the airport question, the best airport actually isn't in NYC, it's Newark. Much more convenient to get to.

Adirondacks, Saratoga, down along the Hudson (and on into NYC for a few days), then head west toward the Finger Lakes, Letchworth State Park, then on to Buffalo. From Buffalo, there are several day trips you can take (The Chautauqua Institute on Chautauqua Lake, for instance). If you didn't get to see or do everything in Niagara Falls the last time you visited, this would be a good time. It's only a ten minute ride. Enjoy the local food like chicken wings, roast beef on weck, and beer battered fish fries to name a few!

Adirondacks, Saratoga, down along the Hudson (and on into NYC for a few days), then head west toward the Finger Lakes, Letchworth State Park, then on to Buffalo. From Buffalo, there are several day trips you can take (The Chautauqua Institute on Chautauqua Lake, for instance). If you didn't get to see or do everything in Niagara Falls the last time you visited, this would be a good time. It's only a ten minute ride. Enjoy Buffalo's famous
chicken wings, roast beef on weck, and beer battered fish fries to name a few!Visit the Albright Knox Art Gallery and the botanical gardens. They also have walking tours of downtown (great architecture), Allentown, and (I think) the Delaware District (turn of the century mansions). Have fun.

Sorry about the double posting!!!

thanks everyone. Should I just forget Long Island? Do I need reservations or can we just wing it? This will be the first 3 weeks in October.

You should definitely make reservations. October means fall foliage, and a lot of people travel throughout the state during that time - especially to all the places mentioned in the previous posts. Have fun!

Sandy,
While the beaches are loveley on the east end of Long Island, I don't think it is worth the trip in the fall. There is very little reason to visit the rest of LI. I would stick to upstate NY at that time of year.

You've got way too many better things to do, skip LI all together. Particularly in the fall. And YES, YES, YES, make reservations. We're talking leaf peeping season in Oct. The Hudson area you would not want to wing it. Western NY is not as much of a problem, but get some reservations just in case.

You've made my trip. Thanks a million!

Sandy, I agree that there are so many beautiful places in upstate NY worth seeing, but I don't agree with the comments regarding Long Island. Granted, the beaches are not a big attraction in the fall, but I've never brought anyone there without having the visitors impressed with our beautiful beaches, which, by the way, are less than an hour from NYC. Jones Beach has pristene beaches which are appealing even in the fall, [without the huge crowds], because unlike beaches in other areas, there are no cheap t-shirt stands, fortune tellers, etc. It's just the ocean, fine white sand, miles of boardwalk and some entertainment of sorts. You'll find people down there if there's any sun, despite the temperature. Further out, there's Robert Moses State Park, with a relaxing walk along a boardwalk to an historic lighthouse. There is a small museum there which gives some history of the area. I guess it depends on whether you are coming down as far as the city, or prefer to stay farther north in the state. By the way, among those impressed with our beaches and state parks here, includes friends from the mid-west and Alaska. One friend from NYC finally made it out before heading back to Minnesota, and having seen our beaches, made two more trips in subsequent weekends before leaving, expressing her dismay at letting her three years in the city go by without exploring Long Island.

Lois, thanks for the Long Island info. We live 3 miles from Santa Monica beach in LA. This trip is really about the Hudson River school of artists, but I hate to miss anything, so I read up on Long Island. While it sounds tempting, I've got to draw the line somewhere. But I do appreciate the time you took to recommend it. Maybe next time.

Sandy-if you are interested in the Hudson River School artists, do go to Olana, the home of Frederic Church.It is amazing and the views are wonderful.No matter what time of year it is pretty,but the fall is the Best!
C

Sandy, forgot to mention, if you travel down the Hudson toward NYC, stop at the Vanderbilt and Roosevelt Mansions. They are phenomenal.