Diverse New York State
As a state we’ve both called home, New York holds a special place in our hearts. Having lived on and off in New York City for 2 years, it’s a city that never fails to captivate with its energy, diversity, and endless opportunities. My visit in 2024 reminded me how much I love the city. I enjoyed exploring the neighborhoods, landmarks, and food all over again after being away for a while.
There are many other sides to New York State waiting to be discovered beyond the busy city streets. In this post, we’ll delve into the dynamic pulse of New York City while also venturing into the serene beauty of the Finger Lakes region, uncovering the diverse experiences that make the Empire State truly unforgettable.
State Count
Him: Grew up in New York (state)
Me: Lived in the state on and off for 2 years (NYC)
Visiting New York City: One Side of New York State
When I visit the city, I try to visit new restaurants and try new activities. But I also enjoy walking around my old neighborhoods. Each corner reminds me of my past while showing how the city is always changing. Standing in front of my old buildings, I’m flooded with memories and emotions that seem to transcend time. Even though neighborhoods or streets may change, the energy and spirit of these places stay the same. It’s a bittersweet feeling, revisiting familiar haunts and realizing how much has stayed the same yet evolved.
We returned for this visit in early 2024, marking our first visit since before 2020.
The Food
Indulging in Iconic Pizza: John’s Pizzeria of Times Square
One of the places I like to return to is John’s Pizzeria. I love indulging in the quintessential New York experience of pizza at John’s Pizzeria in Times Square. A restaurant that offers signature thin-crust pizza from a coal-fired brick oven in a majestic former church located in Times Square. Highlights for me: giant (strong) martinis, build your own pizza, and Garlic Rolls that are stuffed with mozzarella cheese. Despite its location in Times Square, John’s is a reliable option (on certain days the waits are long, but grab a martini from the bar and enjoy the atmosphere).
Pig & Khao
We enjoyed brunch at Pig and Khao, where unlimited mimosas flowed freely alongside delectable Southeast Asian-inspired dishes. We indulged in the vibrant flavors of the brunch menu while soaking in the lively atmosphere of this Lower East Side hotspot. This a small and busy restaurant, so I would suggest making a reservation.
Trying Something New
During our recent visit to New York City, we decided to try out the Too Good to Go app, a service aimed at reducing food waste by connecting users with surplus meals from local restaurants and eateries at discounted prices. Restaurants list extra food on the app for users to buy at a discount, preventing food waste. It was rewarding to enjoy delicious food and help reduce waste while supporting local businesses.
About Too Good to Go: “We dream of a planet with no food waste. Every day, unsold food from your favorite restaurants, grocery stores, cafés, and shops goes to waste simply because it isn’t sold in time. The Too Good To Go app makes it easy to make a difference, allowing you to save Surprise Bags of good food at an even better price.”
The value of this service depends on how you utilize it. With Too Good to Go, we found hidden gems and enjoyed delicious meals and snacks, while also helping to support a more eco-friendly food system. But we did encounter certain restaurants that we would not revisit. Before selecting a location, I recommend doing research on Google reviews.
The Culture
I always enjoy stepping into a new realm of art and visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. Inside, we admired famous paintings like Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and impressive sculptures by artists like Picasso. It was fascinating to see how art has evolved over time. The museum’s architecture was also captivating, and we explored its various rooms filled with artwork. After we visited, we felt inspired by the creativity we saw and learned valuable things about art history.
Leaving Manhattan: Distilleries & Lobster
Exploring Kings County Distillery and Widow Jane Distillery
We ventured across the East River to Brooklyn and immersed ourselves in the borough’s distillery scene. We sampled a selection of Kings County Distillery‘s handcrafted whiskies. Then, we journeyed to Widow Jane Distillery, nestled in the heart of Red Hook, and discovered artisanal bourbon production amid the industrial charm of Brooklyn’s waterfront.
Lobster
Located in Red Hook, Brooklyn, the Red Hook Lobster Pound caught our attention with its delicious seafood offerings. We’re big fans of Connecticut-style lobster rolls, so we ordered those. We also tried some Lobster Mac and Cheese, which was creamy and had tasty chunks of lobster. And to top it all off, I had a Lobster Bloody Mary, a nice spin on a classic that included chucks of lobster. Each bite and sip was full of flavor, making our visit to the Red Hook Lobster Pound a tasty adventure.
A Connecticut-style lobster roll features warm lobster meat tossed in butter and served in a toasted bun, highlighting the natural flavors of the lobster without mayonnaise.
We loved eating from Red Hook Lobster Pound’s food truck in the city in 2015/16, so going back was a nostalgic treat.
Other Side of New York State: Visiting the Finger Lakes
In the summer of 2023, we headed to the Finger Lakes region with friends for our very first adventure in the area. From hiking trails to wine tastings, our time in the Finger Lakes was jam-packed with fun and adventure over a fourth of July week.
Nature
We enjoy finding a hike to do whenever we visit a new place and the Finger Lakes region is perfect for hiking. There are trails that wind through forests, past waterfalls, and along the shores of stunning lakes. One hike we loved was the Edwards Lake Cliff Preserve Loop. The hike offers a variety of features such as stunning views, shaded areas beneath the trees, and a serene lake perfect for relaxation. While it was muddy in sports, we still enjoyed our hike.
Hiking in the Finger Lakes is all about getting out there and enjoying the great outdoors. With so many trails to pick from, you’ll never be bored.
Wine (and Beer) Tasting
We set out to discover the renowned wineries nestled amidst rolling hills and serene lakeshores. Each winery offered a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that define the Finger Lakes wine scene.
Barnstormer Winery
Nestled in the hills of the Finger Lakes, Barnstormer Winery offered a more intimate tasting experience. Here, knowledgeable staff guided us through their selection of handcrafted wines in a rustic barn setting. The winery’s laid-back vibe made it the perfect place to unwind and savor the flavors of the region.
Magnus Ridge Winery
Magnus Ridge Winery
Our visit to Magnus Ridge Winery turned out to be a quick stop that offered an average tasting experience. While not exactly a hidden gem, the winery provided a large group tasting that was efficiently organized. What stood out was the addition of tiny cheese pairings with each wine, adding a nice touch to our tasting experience. Set among the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes, Magnus Ridge Winery provided a brief but satisfactory pause on our wine-tasting journey, allowing us to sample a variety of wines and appreciate the region’s hospitality.
Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard
Know for their Rieslings, Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard provided a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Their tasting room, housed in a beautifully restored historic building, blends old charm with modern style. Set on 90 acres of prime vineyard land on Seneca Lake’s western slopes, Wiemer is known for its high-quality wines. During our visit, we had a great wine tasting experience, with our server bringing us extra samples based on our preferences—a nice bonus!
Prejean Winery
For a more laid-back vibe, we stopped by Prejean Winery, known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic views. Here, we enjoyed leisurely tastings, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. The friendly staff and approachable wines made it the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty of the Finger Lakes. We ended up purchasing several bottles here.
Three Brothers Winery
Our visits to Three Brothers Winery were a highlight of our time in the Finger Lakes region. The winery offers a unique experience with its three distinct wine properties—Stony Lonesome Estates, Passion Feet Vineyard, and Bagg Dare Wine Company. Each property boasts its own character and selection of wines to sample, making it a diverse and exciting destination for wine enthusiasts.
Additionally, Three Brothers Winery also houses War Horse Brewing Co., adding another layer to the experience. War Horse Brewing Co. offers everything from custom ales, lagers, and seasonal beers to Bombshell Hard Cider and Iron Heart Craft Soda.
This was our favorite stop, and we enjoyed it so much that we visited twice during our week-long stay in the region.
Finger Lakes Distilling Co.
To mix things up, we decided to take a break from wine tasting and visit Finger Lakes Distilling Co., a craft distillery specializing in artisanal spirits. Here, we sampled a variety of spirits, from small-batch bourbon to handcrafted gin, each infused with the unique flavors of the Finger Lakes region. The distillery locally sources grapes, berries, rye, corn, apples, and other fruits and grains for their spirits. This added a distinctive local touch to their products. It was a refreshing change of pace and a reminder of the region’s rich history of craft beverage production.
Wrapping Up: Reflecting on Our New York State Adventures
From the buzzing streets of New York City to the tranquil vineyards and hiking trails of the Finger Lakes, each visit brought its own unique experiences. Over the years, we’ve had numerous opportunities to live in and explore New York State. Each time, it’s like discovering something new. Whether we’re caught up in the city’s hustle and bustle or taking it easy in the countryside, there’s always something exciting to see and do. We can’t wait to see where our next adventure takes us in the Empire State!