My "happy place" has always been the northwestern portion of CT. as I've mentioned (ad nauseum)…read moreseveral times, but that "happy" space encompasses much of NY State too, and I've had a history with at least portions of the state since earliest memory. We traveled to NYC often, but upstate as well, at least occasionally, as a family. One of my earliest memories is visiting the "North Pole" in the Adirondacks. My clearest memory of that visit? Staying in a motel and watching "The Green Hornet" on TV (with a pre-fame Bruce Lee as the Hornet's sidekick). We also visited John Brown's farm in Lake Placid. Portions of that visit stayed with me all my life, even though at that point I had little idea of who Brown had been or what he had done, and Brown later became 1 of my heroes, along with Nat Turner (I recommend the John Brown biography "To Purge This Land with Blood," by the late Stephen Oates, who also wrote a book on Turner). West Point was another treasured visitation spot for my family. As I've written elsewhere, my father desperately wanted me to "inherit" his love for football and often brought me to West Point to watch Army games. I came to sustain a lifelong love for the historic campus at West Point and the beauty of the Hudson Valley and bonding-time with Dad, but...alas...I'm as bored with football now as I was as a callow child. As a young man, I began visiting historic cemeteries up and down the Hudson River, including Oak Hill Cemetery in Nyack (supposedly haunted) with a breath-taking view of the Tappan Zee Bridge. On the other side of the Hudson, there was the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown. As I grew older, I explored some of the towns and villages going up the Hudson. Cold Spring (a wonderful place, with exquisite restaurants and fascinating antique shops), Newburgh, Beacon, New Paltz, Poughkeepsie, Hyde Park, Catskill, Hudson (a center of prostitution in the 1950s), Saugerties, Kingston. Some of the towns had a bleak, run-down appearance; I often referred to them as "Twilight Zone" towns. However, even the most depressing of them had a charm and the beauty of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains as a backdrop. In Acra, I found the home of my childhood hero, mobster Jack "Legs" Diamond. The house looked almost exactly as it did in 1931 (the guest house across the street for Legs' gunmen had become an Elks Club), and it was for sale! My old friend called the real estate agent, and we were given a tour of the house, which my friend was able to record (before we entered the house, the agent said, "I have to tell you beforehand that this house once belonged to Legs Diamond."). It was surreal, and exhilarating! Legs Diamond once walked through these very hallways, maybe with Lucky Luciano or Dutch Schultz (when they weren't shooting at each other) as an occasional guest. In an upstairs bedroom, my friend said, "This must be where Legs slept." With his wife Alice or his mistress Kiki, or perhaps another paramour (in addition to being a dangerous bootlegger and killer, Legs was a dapper "ladies' man.")? The agent declined to speculate. This agent was patient and kind, but we must have come across as 2 kooks-- not to make too much of it, but I felt like a Revolutionary War fanatic being given a personalized tour of George Washington's boyhood domicile. God knows, my friend has annoyed and exasperated me over the years with his drunken antics, but I've always said, "Arranging that visit is your 'Get Out of Jail' card with me." I visited Buffalo once with my parents. My aunt and uncle lived there. I enjoyed the visit but wasn't overly impressed with Buffalo. But Niagara Falls did make a distinct, indelible impression. I also vividly remember traveling through the Thousand Islands area with some friends on our way to fish in Canada. I've never been to Albany or Syracuse or Rochester or Plattsburgh. But NY State is a BIG, sprawling state. A lot to see, and not enough hours in a lifetime to see all of it. In a recent conversation with my oldest friend, I mentioned that, if I had my "dream life," I'd live somewhere in Vermont, a state I've never been to, but have "visited" in my fantasy life while looking through photo books. My friend said, "What would you do up there? You think the college kids in Bennington want to hang out with an old man like you? You'd sit on the porch and stare at the trees. No, if you ever get your wish, you should go to the Hudson Valley. That's your 'happy place.' Take photos of the pristine mountains and the river. Or the lovely old cemeteries. Visit the shops and bookstores. Sit in the restaurants. Find a place where local musicians are playing. That's where you should wind up, not Vermont!" I can't think of any argument to counter that. I think if I can die while watching the flow of the Hudson River in the shimmering moonlight with the towering mountains rising majestically beyond, and the stars twinkling brightly above, I'll die a happy, contented man.

(5052) State of New York is my home where I was born. Everyone thinks of New York City when they…read morethink of my State. In my state you can be in the city and as you move around the state it's many other atmospheres, geography, heritage, cultural activities or lack of activities. I could go on and on. I've lived in California, Florida, Kentucky and Connecticut too and I love them all. When I stopped my wandering my decision was to be here when I die. I wanted to come full circle. I'm recommending, you decide the reason you do or do not like New York.

Inevitably, when you ask someone not native to New York, they often think of New York City; and I'm…read moreno different. I just returned from my 4th trip to the city, and I LOVED it. I went for work, but in my roughly 4 days, I was able to sip, savor, and make Napoli pizza even! Business Highlights of my August 2026 Trip: Motto by Hilton Chelsea Lulla (restaurant in Motto) Evento (Pizza Making) Nolita Wine Bar (Terminal 8 JFK) Hole in the Wall Magnolia Bakery Seoul Bap *Separate reviews to come on their own business pages I've also visited various city icons like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Broadway, etc. on different trips. Honestly, New York is one of my favorite places traveled and I'll definitely return as I still want to visit One World Trade Center, MoMA, Yankees Stadium, and so much more! Heck, still trying to convince my dad to take me upstate where he was born, but he's never returned since he moved at 14 (now 67). Definitely worth visiting!

I really like the state of New York! I've visited twice, once to Oswego, on a spring break from…read morehigh school years ago with Momma and one of my Sisters. We stayed with family friends who were professors at the college. We had a blast visiting regional delicious wineries, doing tastings, and especially enjoyed a (back then) easy relatively short trip to Toronto and also to Niagra Falls! We were there about five days and had such a lovely time! Later in October 2001 right after traffic 9/11, my ex, his brother and I went to New York City because we had purchased tickets for the Rocky Horror Show at Circle in the Square for the first live production of my favorite movie featuring one of my favorite rock singers, Sebastian Bach, playing the role of Riff Raff! Wow! I was so excited about this performance! Sebastian did an incredible job and we had excellent seats! I was on the edge of the row and Sebastian actually came up the aisle and sang to me!!! For this trip, we drove from Alabama to Northern Virginia to brother-in-law's house, spent the night and Amtracked from Virginia to Grand Central Station. It was a great trip! Grand Central Station was, of course, a cool experience! Although we were only in the city maybe three nights we loved the Broadway experience!!!! We also had tickets to "Urinetown" and I gave my ticket to my brother-in-law. I was busy basking on the glow of the RHS! I really enjoyed browsing in the clothing stores and spent the majority of one day visiting my "short list" of arr galleries! Cabs were not expensive and getting a cab was a breeze. There was no Uber or ride shares in those days. I've enjoyed visiting New York State and since I haven't seen any of the numerous historic places or iconic sites there I do hope to return! Why no 5th star? My niece studied acting for years at Stella Adler School in New York City and through her I learned just how expensive the city is, especially based on our experience of being born and raised in Alabama. It's an expensive town by our standards! So much to see in the entire state! Again I hope to return!

New York City Council appears to have many jurisdictions based on each neighborhood or council…read moremember. I am not knowledgeable about NYC Government at all. I do know I see things that improve my experience when I'm out in the various neighborhoods. This councilman has trash cans he sponsors. If I say anything incorrect please let me know. I'm recommending you pay attention to your surroundings. After all these years I am so excited to be out currently. I like to see familiar conveniences when I'm walking along on my city sidewalks! Thank you councilman!

New York City Council appears to have many jurisdictions based on each neighborhood or council…read moremember. I am not knowledgeable about NYC Government at all. I do know I see things that improve my experience when I'm out in the various neighborhoods. This councilman has trash cans he sponsors. If I say anything incorrect please let me know. I'm recommending you pay attention to your surroundings. After all these years I am so excited to be out currently. I like to see familiar conveniences when I'm walking along on my city sidewalks! Thank you councilman!

25th August 2025 Rye, New York…read more Sunny 82°F We were here for a lovely and lively afternoon of entertainment on the lawn of this beautiful estate in late August 2025. Free ice cream cones were served to guests from a local food truck. The Jay Heritage Mansion in Rye, NY, is the 1838 Greek Revival home of American Founding Father John Jay. The mansion is situated on a 23-acre site that was his childhood home and later a safe haven for his family. It is a National Historic Landmark, recognized for its connection to Jay's legacy of diplomacy, anti-slavery advocacy, and as a site representing diverse histories, including enslaved and freed African Americans. There is a lovely garden open to the public during the Spring through early Autumn on specific dates. Tours and visiting hours are listed on their website. Enjoy some of the amazing history of New York at Rye's Jay Heritage Foundation. Thank you for reading.

We were here during summer time. Beautiful garden. Interesting guided tour. Very friendly staff.read more

The Christopher Columbus statue is located along Columbus Circle, right at the southwest corner of…read moreCentral Park. The statue has been here for many years and is easy to spot when walking around the area. It is surrounded by busy streets, tall buildings, and plenty of city activity. The location makes it an interesting contrast between the park and the city. A quick stop if you are exploring this part of Manhattan

This is my favorite park in the area. The views, the cliff, the peace, and the nature. I have been…read morevisiting this place since I was 10 years old. It has held many quiet moments for me as I overcome various life transitions. The facilities is always well kept. WARNING: Their parking meters are also enforced!! I went yesterday and forgot to feed the meter and got a ticket!!

Been here a couple of times with family and we love it everytime , we have a barbecue and play…read morecards for a few hours , amazing spot

A great way to find out the latest news on whats going on in the community (Middle…read morevillage/Maspeth/Glendale/Ridgewood) and get involved. Many times there will be DOT members, city council members, even congress members that represent the area will stop by the meetings to talk or answer questions and concerns of the community. A lot of the members are people who have been living in this area for generations! You hear some great stories and get to really know your neighbors. That's not something I'm really use to as a native New Yorker lol! I'm glad to have found out about this great civic association for a neighborhood that I didn't grow up in. They serve coffee at the meatings which is also nice. Many of the members political views may be leaning heavily to one side that I am not too much of a fan of but its a bit expected in a slightly wealthier community. I do enjoy a good debate hear and now, and believe me those meetings can get heated! lol They have lots of information up on there site, like when and where you can attend a meeting no need to call ahead. If you live in any of these neighborhoods, and even forest hills too; they have a private group on Facebook that you can join. Lots of debating going on there.