Hi, I'm driving to New York State and would appreciate suggestions on good places to stay/dine/sight see.Thanks. Nthgirl

It ia big state. Where are you coming from? What are your interests? Do you want to include New York City? Provide some details and you are sure to get some help.

Sorry about the lack of detail,new to the boards.
Leaving from Niagara Falls,NY and hope to make it to NYC.7 days,love nature,quaint towns and honestly have no idea where to make stops.Nthgirl

Do not miss Skineatlis (that is not how it's spelled but rather how it's pronounced) just outside Syracuse. It's a wonderful place and has a beautiful lake and several B&B's. The Clinton's have been known to frequent the city.

Hi, Billy took me there to that Skinnatlas place and they have the best Cigar Shop there. There is also a great Gap outlet there too.

Skaneatles (correct spelling) is a lovely quaint village and worth visiting. IMHO it's one of the nicest towns directly on the Finger lakes. Ithaca is also worth visiting in particular for the gorges that abound both in the city and in some nearbny state parks. Skaneatles has some decent restaurants - Rosalies Cucina for great breads and upscale Italian, Blue Water grill for seafood and contemparary and Doug's Fish Fry for inexpensive, fresh and tasty fired seafood (be sure to try their onion rings and seafood chowder - both are outstanding). I always suggest a stop at Letchworth Park near geneseo just southwest of Rochester off Rte 90. Spoectacular natural scenery that is unrivaled in the eastern US - it's that good. Rochester has a few interesting possibilities including the Strong Museum, Eastman House and the International Museum of Photography. If you clarify how long you're allowing in between NF and NYC and mention what types of things/activities interest you the most you'll get some good feedback here.

Are you wanting places that are directly on the way from Niagra Falls to NYC (i.e. just off the NY State thruway?) If not, I'd suggest the adirondacks and the adirondack park - Lake George, Lake luzerne. When are you going? If it's late July and August, I'd stop in Saratoga and catch some thoroughbred horse racing...

Also, not too long ago someone mentioned a few towns on the Hudson River that sounded charming. Can't remember the names of them... Will do some searching for you.

I would second Ithaca. I went to school in Ithaca and the Finger Lakes are beautiful in the summer. Check www.ithacatimes.com and www.visitithaca.com. Favorite places include Robert Treman State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park. Also the Cornell Plantations, wineries, lakes, and gorges. Ithaca has about a zillion restaurants. The Taughannock Farms Inn is directly across from the state park and is beautiful. The Rose Inn is also really nice. I also like Saratoga Springs in the summer but that might be out of your way.

I did some checking... The town is Rhinebeck. Do a search on Fodors on the words "Hudson River". you'll find a post that is titled "Upsate NY Trip Report".

This is how I might drive with 7 days.

Day 1 -
From Niagara Falls to Jamestown NY Lucy/Desi Museum and or Panama Rocks(Panama NY).

Day 2/3
Jamestown to Corning glass museum and Remington Art Museum.

Corning to Ithaca visit the Gorge continue to Skaneatles.

Day 4
Skaneatles to Cooperstown Baseball Museum or Fenimore House or Farmers Museum.

Day 5
Cooperstown to Saratoga Springs.

Day 6
Saratoga Springs to Old Rhinebeck or someplace on the Hudson River.

Day 7
NYC

topping

Sounds like a nice plan to me, although I'm not sure how much there really is to see in Lucyland. Might be more interesting to go from Niagara Falls to Letchworth State Park, then Rochester and the fingerlakes area.

I appreciate all your replies.You've been so helpful.Thank you.Nthgirl

If you are travelling before July then I wouldn't make too many reservations. It will be easy to find accomodations and you won't be stuck in a town you may be disappointed in. Except, in some areas, you may want to have weekend reservations. If you are going to travel in June/July/August there are numerous music festivals in the Hudson Valley. Check a Hudson Valley website for info. If you don't mind the extra driving, try to take backroads. For example, between Red Hook and Rheinbeck take River Road. You will pass beautiful mansions, some open to the public (check out Poets Walk if you feel like an easy hike to the Hudson River) and check out Montgomery Place if you like historic houses. Bard College is also on that road and they sometimes have great music. If you like mansions and history check out Hyde Park and the Vandebilt Mansion and FDR's home. You might consider reserving for dinner at the Culinary Institute near Hyde Park. American Bounty is a good restaurant there. If you love gardens, my favorite is Innisfree near Milbrook, a couple of miles off the Taconic Pkwy. Have a great time.

If you plan to stay overnight in or near Skaneatles you should definitely reserve in advance - it's a small community with limited lodging. Sherwood Inn is right in the village across the street from the waterfront park but it's pricey. There are a few B&B's in the immediate area but I don't know the names. Mirabeax Spa has rooms but is waaaay overpriced. Bird's Nest Motel is on Rte 20 about 3 miles west of the Village - very nice independently owned place with a pool. hav enever stayed there but have driven by for years and it always appears to be immaculately maintained. When in Saratoga Springs you MUST try the mineral baths at the Lincoln or Roosevelt Baths in the state park - reserve in advance for weekends. Also try hattie's restaurant - great southern/soul food with some contemporary dishes added to the menu and a nice back patio for outdoor dining.

Thank you Steve and Owen.I'm saving your excellent suggestions,they'll help me plan a great trip.
Nthgirl