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© NYSDED_Photo by Darren McGee
Niagara Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world, alongside notable destinations such as Mount Everest, the Grand Canyon, and the Serengeti. According to Niagara-USA.com, Niagara Falls was first discovered in 1678, by French explorer Father Louis Hennepin, and it was one of America's first icons, luring explorers, daredevils and millions of visitors with its untamed beauty, thundering roar and tremendous power. See the falls from Niagara Falls State Park, America’s oldest state park, or get up close and personal with a ride on the Maid of the Mist or a visit to Cave of the Winds. Follow in the footsteps of many young brides and grooms over the ages, and plan your honeymoon at Niagara Falls! Already married? Add a trip to the Greater Niagara Region as one of your anniversary bucket list items to enjoy with your sweetheart.
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Darren McGee © NYSDED-Photo by Darren McGee
Boldt Castle, on Heart Island, is a landmark jewel in the 1000 Islands of the St. Lawrence River. Take a narrated riverboat tour of the islands with a stop for a self-guided tour of this gilded-age castle built for love but never completed.
Photo Credit: ©NYSDED
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The gorge at Letchworth is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River flows through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs surrounded by lush forests. Trek 66 miles of hiking trails, as well as trails for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Try whitewater rafting, kayaking, and hot air ballooning, too, as part of your Letchworth State Park bucket list entries.
Photo credit: ©NYSDED
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Chloe and Caitlin enjoy the view of some of the Adirondack High Peaks, along the Roaring Brook Falls Trail in the Keene Valley.
Photo Credit: Mike Scidmore
By Suzanne Hopkins Bixby
Have you ever heard someone refer to their “Bucket List”? It is a phrase that has become ubiquitous in the past ten years from everyday life to Hollywood movies to the travel and tourism industry. In short, the term “Bucket List” simply represents all the things you want to do or accomplish before you die. Or in slang terms, it is the things you want to do or accomplish before you “kick the bucket.”
So, right now you’re probably thinking to yourself that it’s kind of weird the opening paragraph in an article about camping and traveling is pondering death. Yeah, that does seem like a bit of a downer, doesn’t it? A sentiment sort of along the lines of, “We’re all going to die, so what do you want to do with your life?”
Honestly, no morbid thoughts are intended. In fact, quite the opposite! Live life to the fullest – or at least have the most fulfilling vacation possible – by incorporating destinations in New York State into your camping and travel bucket list.
But, where should you go?
Considering that New York camping and RVing should be at the top of your bucket list, you can find information on almost 200 campgrounds and RV parks through Campground Owners of New York (CONY), a trade association of quality, friendly, privately-owned campgrounds. Just look them up at www.NYcampgrounds.com.
There are literally hundreds and hundreds of destinations in New York State you could consider for your own bucket list, but a few iconic ones stand out as top picks by others “in the know.” The travel planners at I Love New York have blogged about bucket list suggestions in 2015 and 2016 – just visit www.iloveny.com and search “Bucket List.” You’ll also get some great ideas from the June 2015 blog posted on www.NewYorkUpstate.com entitled, "The Ultimate Upstate NY bucket list: 15 things you must do at least once” (again, search “Bucket List” and the article will pop right up).
Among those common – yet iconic - destinations?
- Niagara Falls
- Boldt Castle and Singer Castle in the 1000 Islands of the St. Lawrence Seaway
- Letchworth State Park – “The Grand Canyon of the East”
- The high peaks of the Adirondacks
- Finger Lakes Wineries
Where do you want to go, or where have you been? Take a moment to share your New York State camping and travel bucket list suggestions on social media. Campground Owners of New York (CONY) invites you to tag them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, using their handle @nycampgrounds. Be sure to also tag #NYSBucketList when posting a pic, showing everyone about items you’ve checked off New York State camping and travel bucket list. From April through October, CONY will reveal its selection for the “NYS Bucket List Brigade” picture/post of the week.
If you would like a free copy of a guide to New York campgrounds and RV parks, including expanded editorial and a camping and travel bucket list checklist, just visit CONY at www.NYcampgrounds.com and fill out the online request form, or call 1-800-497-2669.