Here Are The 7 Most Peaceful Places To Go In New York When You Need A Break From It All
By Lea Monroe|Published October 03, 2018
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
It’s during the fall that things start to get a bit chaotic for our residents of New York, a conclusion to the end of each year that’s full of one holiday after the next, kids getting back to school, and all that seasonal jazz. Now more than ever before the winter comes and major holiday fiascos arise, New Yorkers are in need of a peaceful getaway that will take the stress right off of their shoulders. A list that’s full of destinations from all over the Empire State, take a look below and see which peaceful getaway is right for you!
If there was ever a place that would undoubtedly make you feel at peace in New York, it would be the Grafton Peace Pagoda up in Petersburg. The Grafton Peace Pagoda is actually only one of two peace pagodas in the United States, and one of only 80 on the entire planet. A place that's been welcoming visitors since 1933 after its completion, people who come to the Peace Pagoda are welcome to walk the grounds as they please and partake in services that happen twice a day.
Just 2-hours north of New York City, the Mohonk Mountain House is like escaping away to a page of a fairytale. A mountainside hotel that also sits right on the lakefront, there are so many ways to relax at the Mohonk Mountain House. Here on the enormous property, you'll find everything from over 60-miles of hiking trails, a private beach, ways to get out onto the lake, a breathtaking garden, award-winning spa services, and so much more than you could ever imagine.
Out on Long Island, there's a 1.5-mile-long boardwalk that winds through a unique Maritime Holly Forest and takes you out to the ocean. Part of Fire Island, visitors of the Sunken Forest Nature Trail will get to walk underneath 200-year-old trees in a rare forest that you'll usually have all to yourself, all while breathing in that beautiful ocean air. An extraordinary landscape to explore in New York, this is one waterfront adventure that will leave you feeling at ease.
Exploring any area along the St. Lawrence River in New York is always a great idea when you're looking for a peaceful adventure, but heading to Heart Island specifically is always a magical thought to have. One of the many islands you'll find out this way, on Heart Island you'll find a piece of romantic history - Boldt Castle. A castle that looks like it has every Disney princess waiting inside, you'll be floored by the enchanting landscaping that's maintained here on the island and how well this gorgeous island has remained preserved.
There's no denying the scenic beauty that lies within places like Watkins Glen State Park, but there's also no arguing that places like this can also be quite crowded. If you're looking for a lesser-known alternative in the area that will leave you in awe, then hiking through Havana Glen in Montour Falls is where you should visit next. A park that features numerous waterfalls, all it takes is an easy hike through one of the many gorges of the Finger Lakes to reach a mesmerizing view like this. Talk about peaceful!
Almost every inch of the Adirondack Park will provide you with a peaceful getaway, but one destination that will completely sweep you off of your feet is Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway. Winding up the 5th tallest mountain in all of New York, the highway features handfuls of pull off areas and overlooks that will give you never-ending views of the Adirondack Mountains and beyond.
Just above the northern shores of Cayuga Lake, the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a scenic destination in the Finger Lakes that will always provide you with a peaceful outing. Covering 10,000-acres, this park has panoramic views of wide open spaces and so many different opportunities to enjoy the views of our local wildlife. Featuring scenic overlooks, observation towers, and nature trails that are easy to navigate, we love enjoying some fresh air with a day trip to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.