New York State of Mind – Option 1

Day 1 – Depart NYC (or arrive to NY airport) Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains
You first destination is the lush Hudson Valley – an area known for fantastic art and culinary delights, Gilded Age mansions and well-preserved historical sites.
United States Military Academy at West Point. Enjoy a guided tour of the active military post, watch the cadets go about their day, listen to the tremendous history and enjoy the spectacular views along the Hudson River. Hudson River Cruise – enjoy this 2 hour cruise to truly appreciate why so many artists have traveled here, an d stayed. Cooperstown:
Fly Creek Cider Mill – Historic, water-powered cider mill on the banks of Fly Creek pressing fresh, sweet cider for 157 years – a fun stop
Dinner at The Otesaga – Located on the shores of Lake Otsego in the center of Cooperstown is a magnificent resort
Optional Sites – Kykuit, FDR Presidential Library, Culinary Institute of America, Storm King Art Center,

Day 2 – Cooperstown to Rochester – From the Catskill Mountains, across the Finger Lakes
The National Baseball Hall of Fame – A wonderful tour of everything important to America’s Pasttime.
Erie Canal Cruise – It flows across the entire state and you’ll flow through the locks enjoying he pastoral scenery of Upstate NY.
Willard Memorial Chapel – The Tiffany designed interior is the only complete, unaltered Tiffany chapel interior known to exist.
Sonnenberg Gardens – Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, Sonnenberg is one of the few remaining estates in the U.S. with a Queen Anne-style mansion and formal gardens. A beautiful afternoon!
Bamba Bisto is a wonderful representatino of how Rochester has revived – it is located in a restored building downtown.
Optional sites – Erie Canal Cruise, Lake Canandaigua Cruise, Turning Stone Casino, Utica Coffee, Saranac Brewery, DESTINY, Herkimer Diamond Mine

Day 3 – Rochester to Buffalo
Rochester
George Eastman House is the International Museum of Photography and Motion Pictures.  This is the only historic home and garden in the world where one can see first-hand how an American inventor and entrepreneur lived.
AKWAABA Tour a troupe of actors reenact life for slaves attempting freedom through the Underground Railroad of the 1800’s, all while touring parts of Rochester. Rochester has a prominent place in the civil rights and women’s rights movements
Buffalo
Darwin Martin House – The house is considered by leading scholars to be one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest achievements. Located in the historic Parkside neighborhood of Buffalo, the multi-structure estate (1903-05) is a masterpiece of 20th century architecture
Anchor Bar – Dinner at Anchor Bar, the home of the original Buffalo Chicken Wings.  They can be served in a variety of options now, but we start you off with original!
Optional sites – Ganondagan, Lilac Festival,  War of 1812 Peace Gardens, Wegman’s, Susan B. Anthony House, Strong Museum of Play, Jell-O, Erie Canal Cruise

Day 4 – Niagara Falls
Maid of the Mist is the famous boat ride that brings you as close as you can get to the bottom the falls. You will feel the spray (ponchos are provided) and experience something like no where else in the world.
Cave of the Winds. Clad in a bright yellow poncho and wearing the special footwear provided, you follow a tour guide over a series of wooden walkways to the famous “Hurricane Deck”. You are a mere 20 feet (6 meters) from the billowing torrents of Bridal Veil Falls.
Niagara Power Project Vista – An interactive museum dedicated to Niagara’s Hydroelectric history with wonderful views of the Niagara Gorge.
Niagara Falls Observation Tower- Extending out dramatically over Niagara Gorge, enjoy the unobstructed views of the wild cascades of Niagara Falls, as well as the raging whitewater below.
Hard Rock Café – a fun and lively restaurant close to the Falls. After a long day of touring, kick back and sing along with some great rock n’ roll.  A wonderful preparation for the Falls illumination…
Niagara Falls, Illumination – As spectacular as its vistas are by day, Niagara Falls can appear even more dramatic after dark. Every night of the year colored spotlights illuminate Niagara’s Horseshoe and American falls to create a spectacular light show of rich and ever-changing hues.
Optional sites – Helicopter, Whirlpool Jetboat, Seneca Niagara Casino, Artpark, Fatima Shrine

Day 5 – Buffalo – Home
Optional sites – Albright-Knox Gallery, National Garden Festival, Our Lady of Victory, Chautauqua Institute, Erie Canal Cruise