We are thinking of spending part of our summer vacation in New York state this year, ideas so far include Rochester for the photographic museum and somewhere in the Hudson Valley to do the mansions and maybe Culinary institute. Any suggestions of accommodations and other things to do or see?

How long is your vacation going to last? If you are into Baseball, a trip to Cooperstown might work for you. South of Rotchester is the Finger Lkaes, with wineries and such.
http://www.fingerlakes.org/
Where are you coming from? Are you driving?

Saratoga is a very cute town with a great racing museum, nice restaurants etc. Burt you can't go during racing season (end July to beginning Sept) due to the mobs.

Adirondaks are gorgeous - depending on what you want to see and do. Many kids like Lake George (somewhat tacky but lots of activities - water park, mini-golf, old-fashioned amusement games, boat rides and the lake itself).

In Hyde Park, also recommend FDR's home and the Vanderbilt Manion--beautiful grounds, too.

Rochester is no too far from the finger lakes and the wine region around them. You can stay at some of the lovely inns in the area.

http://www.visitfingerlakes.com/

If you like opera, Glimmerglass Opera is just north of Cooperstown, where there is also a wonderful farm museum and an art museum in addition to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Lodging goes quickly, especially around Induction Day at the Hall of Fame.

Yup, Hyde Park: FDR, Vanderbilt homes, Culinary Institute also beautiful. Rhinebeck is north of Hyde Park, also worth a look. Mohonk across the river also beautiful but too $$$$.

- Rochester has a Dinosaur Bar Be Que. I haven't been to the one in ROC but the one in Syracuse is absolutely delicious. You need to treat yourself to dinner there!

-Fingerlakes for a wine tour.

I have eaten at the Rochester Dino..the place is much bigger than the Syracuse one and the food is just as good...but I prefer the atmosphere at the original one in Syracuse
dinosaurbarbque.com