When many people think of New York, their minds immediately jump to New York City with all its hustle and bustle. Many people just aren’t aware of the fact that New York State is also filled with beautiful natural sites and quiet lakesides. Upstate New York is just the place to go if you need a quiet retreat in the quaint countryside.

Many Upstate New York day trips should definitely include biking and hiking. There are several nature preserves in the Upstate area that are worth visiting. Pack a picnic lunch and your bike, and you’ll be entertained all day for no cost at all. If you want, you can even pack a tent and go camping in some of the state campgrounds in the Upstate New York area. The Finger Bear Lakes Bike Trail is a particularly good place to go if you need some active rest and relaxation.

Another option for a day trip to Upstate New York is to go out in search of antiques. Many of the area’s antiques are nearly as old as the United States, and they’re different from what you’d find in the Midwest or other areas of the country. Take a drive along one of the busier roads or highways, and you’re sure to find lots of little antique stores and stores that sell antiques alongside various New York souvenirs, some of which are handcrafted.

If you have more than a day to stay in the Upstate area, you should definitely check out some of the area’s bed and breakfast inns. This area of New York is known for its beauty and its hospitality, and there are many family owned inns just waiting to welcome weary travelers with a home cooked breakfast in the morning.