11 Incredible Hidden Gems In New York You’ll Want To Discover This Year

New York is a giant state. As any resident of this great state knows, it’s far more than just New York City, and it is full of surprises—and plenty of hidden gems. It’s hard for us to know where to begin when it comes to highlighting a few of the many slightly under-the-radar destinations in this state, but the 11 locations below should work as a good start. These might be some of the best hidden gems in New York State. To learn more, keep reading, below.

Chicken Run Family Restaurant and Steak House, 5639 NY-23, Windham, NY 12496, USA

Chicken Run Family Restaurant and Steak House/Google Reviews

One of the best chicken spots and steakhouses in New York is the Chicken Run Family Restaurant and Steak House in Windham. The Catskills staple is full of classic American spirit and food. It’s a charming spot, and it’s worth the effort to make a visit if you are even remotely in the region. Don't forget to end your meal with a little ice cream!

Eternal Flame Falls, Eternal Flame Hiking Trail, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA

Mpmajewski/Wikimedia Commons

Looking for a destination sure to knock your socks off? Check out Eternal Flame Falls. It might be a small waterfall, but is sure is beautiful. Nestled in the Shale Creek Preserve, a modest grotto at the base of the waterfall spits out natural gas, which, when lit, produces a small and frankly incredible flame. This is a must see.

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Innisfree Garden, 362 Tyrrel Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545, USA

Innisfree Garden

Innisfree Garden is one of the coolest destinations in the state. It’s a nonprofit public garden that takes influences from Chinese scroll paintings—in particular, the work of the 8th century poet and painter Wang Wei. The end result is an otherworldly landscape that visitors will have a hard time forgetting.

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Diner By The Sea, 260 E Park Ave, Long Beach, NY 11561, USA

Alex Rubin/Google Reviews

We think that Diner By The Sea in Long Beach is one of the best under-the-radar restaurants in New York. The casual diner is known for its technicolor milkshakes, which both look cool and taste great. One of these milkshakes includes a slinky toy on its rim, if you can even imagine that.

Round Up, 2741 US-9, Cold Spring, NY 10516, USA

Round Up Texas BBQ/Facebook

Looking for some low-key BBQ in New York? Round Up Texas BBQ is proof that big flavor can come from anywhere. For Texas BBQ staples hard to find in New York—we’re talking smoked brisket, ribs, chicken, and classic sides—it would be hard to beat this modest establishment. It doesn’t get more authentic east of the Mississippi. We suspect that once visitors have a taste of Round Trip's brisket, they will be roadtripping back for a second helping.

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Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 NY-444, Victor, NY 14564, USA

Dmadeo/Google Reviews

The Ganondagan State Historic Site is one of the most illuminating, educational experiences in New York State. It’s home of the largest Seneca village of the 17th century and is marked as a New York State historical landmark. At the site, visitors can marvel at a full-sized replica of a 17th-century bark lounge, and learn about the deep Native American history that defines the area.

Triangle Diner, 400 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Courtney Valdes/Google Reviews

Another great under-the-radar restaurant in New York State is Triangle Diner. It really comes alive in the daytime, slinging out massive portions inside of a classic diner setting. There’s nothing more cozy than stepping up to a booth and tucking into a plate of pancakes at this classic American eatery.

Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, 400 Sams Point Rd, Cragsmoor, NY 12420, USA

HBTrails Adventures/Google Reviews

Sam’s Point preserve and The Ellenville Ice Caves are truly majestic. Sam’s Point is a 4,600-acre preserve located on the top of the Shawangunk Ridge, while the Ellenville Ice Cave trail is a great, scenic area perfect for lovers of a great hike. Put together, they offer a full day of fun and adventure.

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Lancaster's Broadway Deli, 5430 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086, USA

Andrew Zipp/Google Reviews

Lancaster’s Broadway Deli is one of the finest sandwich shops in the state. They provide big, beautiful New York City style deli sandwiches and salads, all with a very cool Broadway theme. Take a sandwich to go, or better yet stay and take in the show business-inspired decor. A bonus: their entire menu is available with gluten free options.

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, 250 Gibson St, Canandaigua, NY 14424, USA

Louis Borino/Google Reviews

As a destination, Sonnenberg Gardens really has that “wow factor.” Along with Mansion State Historic Park, Sonnenberg Gardens is a 50-acre state park that used to be the summer home of the New York socialites Frederick Ferris and Mary Clark Thompson. The on-site mansion looks like something out of a different age of New York glamour—it was built all the way back in 1887. It makes for a fantastic trip back in time.

The Wild Center, 45 Museum Dr, Tupper Lake, NY 12986, USA

Frank Leith/Google Reviews

Last but definitely not least on this list is Wild Walk at the Wild Center New York. For anyone who has ever wanted to walk through the treetops of an Adirondack forest, this destination will be a dream come true. Among the attractions include a four-story twig tree house, bridges, and a full-sized bald eagle’s nest. It’s like something from a fantasy novel come to life.

There are plenty of amazing off the beaten path destinations in New York State, and we are aware that these 11 just scratch the surface. And if you are looking to do a road trip in New York City, we made a guide just for that purpose.

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