Discover 3 Hidden Gems In New York State You Must Visit

We know New York has bragging rights when it comes to pizza, bagels, and yelling creatively at traffic (yep, that is a thing) but New York State also has something else to brag about. International travelers have voted three of our lesser-known landmarks among America’s must-see hidden gems.

Eternal Flame Falls Brings the Heat

Coming in hot (literally) at #27 is Eternal Flame Falls in Orchard Park, just outside of Buffalo. Picture a little waterfall… now imagine it with a literal flame dancing behind it. It isn't a special effect—there’s a natural gas leak behind the falls that fuels a tiny flame almost all year round. Bring snacks, bring your camera, and bring a poet friend to capture the scenery.

The Crooked House Is as Weird (and Wonderful) as It Sounds

Coming in at #29 is The Crooked House in Saratoga Springs, yes, the very same town you go to for summer horse races and fancy mineral water. This building looks like it took a sharp left turn in the middle of being built. With its funhouse-style design and optical illusions, it's part art, part puzzle, and full-on Instagram worthy.

The Tenement Museum: NYC History with a Side of Feels

Taking spot #43 is The Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side. This one’s for the culture lovers...and anyone who’s ever lived in a cramped NYC apartment. The museum offers guided tours through restored tenement apartments, telling the stories of the immigrant families who lived there. It's powerful, personal, and cozy in that “tiny space, big emotions” kind of way.

What’s the Deal with These Rankings?

Barefoot Yachts Indonesia, asked 3,000 international travelers which off-the-beaten-path U.S. landmarks they’d most want to visit. Out of all the kooky museums, wild canyons, and artsy desert rocks, three humble New York gems made the cut. You can see the other lesser known places that international travelers like to visit here.

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My New York Vacation Supports Study Findings That the Empire State is the Best for Road Trips

Wallet Hub recently released study findings on the best road-trip states in America, and New York was found to be #1 overall. The timing of the study was great for me because we were headed on a road trip in New York. I've traveled extensively up and down the east coast but it's been a long time since I took a road trip in the Empire State. We took a trip to the Watkins Glen, Finger Lakes area of New York. We enjoyed vineyards, wineries, breweries, hiking and kayaking, and we did it all in just four days. While on this trip I learned that the Wallet Hub study was right on. The array of experiences, the dramatic landscapes and the hospitality of these small towns all added up to the most enjoyable short vacation my family has ever been on. We visited Watkins Glen, Burdett, Hector and Owego, NY among others, and I strongly recommend emulating my trip.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Car Games We Played as Kids on Road Trips and Vacations

Summer road trips and vacations when I was a kid always meant we would load up on stuff to keep us busy in the car. Car games were the best to keep you busy on a long trip. These 6 were the ones we playing in my car growing up.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn