Exploring Europe Within New York: A Guide
New York State offers a unique blend of American charm and European elegance, with numerous destinations that transport visitors to different parts of the Old World. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of upstate New York, here are some must-visit European-inspired destinations.
The Finger Lakes Region
Skaneateles
Relax amidst the French countryside at the Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles, where gardens inspired by Monet and a distinctly European vibe await. The town itself, often referred to as "Little Lake Como," boasts a picturesque beauty reminiscent of postcard-perfect towns in Italy.
Keuka Lake
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like kayaking, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and swimming at Depot Park or Champlin Beach Park in Keuka Lake. Keuka Watersports offers rentals for kayaks, jet skis, paddleboards, and boats, making it easy to explore the distinctive "y" shaped lake.
Upstate New York
The Catskills
The Catskills offer a variety of European-inspired accommodations. Eastwind Oliverea Valley provides Scandinavian-inspired rooms and glamping options, while Gavin's Irish Country Style Inn offers a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort experience with Irish cuisine and live music.
The Adirondacks
Lake Placid, nestled in the Adirondacks, offers a setting reminiscent of the Swiss Alps with its alpine-style scenery and activities. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and water sports, while in the winter, Lake Placid is home to Whiteface Mountain, the biggest vertical drop east of the Rockies for skiing.
New York City
Architectural Marvels
New York City is home to numerous architectural marvels that showcase European influences. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in North America, boasts design influenced by English, French, and German Gothic architecture. The Woolworth Building, a Neo-Gothic architectural icon, often called the "Cathedral of Commerce," reflects medieval European church designs. The Plaza Hotel and other French Renaissance and Beaux-Arts buildings capture European grandeur and style.
Museums and Cultural Experiences
The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park offers an enchanting museum experience, blending stunning views, peaceful gardens, and awe-inspiring architecture built from actual medieval French abbeys. For Italian art enthusiasts, Magazzino in Cold Spring, Hudson Valley, houses more than 20,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Cultural Neighborhoods
Arthur Ave AKA Bronx Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood filled with world-class restaurants, artisanal food shops, and specialty stores carrying handmade local and imported items. Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, also known as Little Odessa, is home to the United States' largest Russian-speaking community and offers cultural cuisine, a beach and boardwalk, and unique cultural experiences.
Other Destinations
The Hudson Valley
The Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles, Glenmere's Tuscan-inspired villa, and the Moorish-inspired Bethesda Terrace in Central Park all contribute to the distinctly European vibe of the Hudson Valley. For those seeking adventure, Mohonk Mountain House offers a Via Ferrata and Pinnacle Ledge Tour, a thrilling adventure that blends rock climbing, cable traverses, and aerial staircases.
The Thousand Islands
Singer Castle, a Scottish-inspired castle built between 1900 and 1905, and Boldt Castle on Heart Island, a 120-room Rhineland-style masterpiece built in 1900 by George Boldt as a grand gesture of love, are must-visit destinations in the Thousand Islands.
The Greater Niagara Region
Old Fort Niagara, featuring historic fortifications, including the "French Castle," which is the oldest building in the Great Lakes region, offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.
Wine Country
Wine lovers can visit Finger Lakes Wine Country and follow the Keuka Lake Wine Trail to sample world-class vino. The Finger Lakes is known as one of the greatest Riesling regions in the world and is America's premier cool-climate wine region.
Celebrating Culture and Tradition
Buffalo's Little Polonia is home to one of the largest Polish communities in the world outside of the country itself and is a top city to celebrate Dyngus Day, a Polish holiday marking the end of Lent and the start of spring. New York State hosts various Oktoberfests in cities like New York City, Hunter Mountain, Niagara Falls, Whiteface Mountain, and Lockport, offering German beer, food, and fun.
These destinations provide a variety of European-inspired experiences, from architectural marvels in New York City to scenic countryside and alpine environments in upstate New York. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of another culture, New York State has something for everyone.
- The Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles, with gardens inspired by Monet, offers a French countryside resort experience amidst the charm of a town reminiscent of postcard-perfect Italian towns.
- For outdoor enthusiasts, Keuka Lake offers various activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and swimming at Depot Park or Champlin Beach Park, with rentals available from Keuka Watersports.
- Eastwind Oliverea Valley in The Catskills provides Scandinavian-inspired accommodations, while Gavin's Irish Country Style Inn offers an all-inclusive resort experience with Irish cuisine and live music.
- Lake Placid, nestled in the Adirondacks, offers activities reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, with summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, and water sports, and winter skiing at Whiteface Mountain.
- The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park offers an enchanting museum experience, blending stunning views, peaceful gardens, and awe-inspiring architecture built from actual medieval French abbeys.
- Finger Lakes Wine Country, known as one of the greatest Riesling regions in the world, allows visitors to follow the Keuka Lake Wine Trail to sample world-class vino.
