Sandwiched in between the bustling Albany area, the subtle Catskills, the gorgeous Adirondacks, and the pretty Finger Lakes, central New York may not immediately spring to mind as a destination hot spot. To be honest, there are only a few must-sees and -dos here, but those few "musts" warrant passing through.
The area has certainly seen better days -- in the 19th century and into the 20th, this region of the state produced more hops than elsewhere in the country. As always, some people profited mightily. But ultimately, the Depression, agricultural disease, and the discovery that hops could be grown cheaper in the Pacific Northwest ruined this economic outlet.
Today, the centerpiece of this region -- and the main reason people go -- is the amazing village of Cooperstown, the former home of legendary author James Fenimore Cooper and current home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. You could easily spend a couple of days here wandering around the charming town, with its gorgeous lake and variety of attractions.
Though Cooperstown is the area's main draw, it doesn't have the only hall of fame in the region, since soccer and boxing each have one as well. Look closer and you'll find that you're in cavern country, and the show cave Howe Caverns makes for an interesting journey underground. The city of Utica has a couple of surprises, and recreation abounds on the beautiful Oneida Lake.
And, of course, once you're done scoping out the scene here, you'll be perfectly positioned on the doorstep to the Adirondacks, the Thousand Islands, the Finger Lakes, and the Catskills.
