With warmer weather beginning to make regular appearances, our bucket lists and lineup of favorite places to revisit are constantly growing. Our state has so many beautiful areas and views, but some of these places will just bring you out of this world. Here are 15 places in New York that are straight out of a fairy tale:
1. Brighton Beach, New York City
Incredibly peaceful and picturesque, this big city beach will give you the relaxing day you've been longing for. The gorgeous sandy territory is a great alternative to the much more chaotic and crowded Coney Island.
2. Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay
One of the more talked about castles in our state, visiting this place is truly like stepping into your own fairy tale or someone else's perhaps. The history behind Boldt Castle is incredibly heartwarming. Built by George Boldt simply as a gift for his wife, Heart Island is dripping in romantic detail. Is there really a more grand gesture than this?
3. Hector Falls, Hector
There's no denying the remarkable beauty that you'll always find all around the Finger Lakes. Take advantage of its prime season and make a trip to here after we've experienced heavy rain in spring. Along the eastern side of Seneca Lake and not too far Watkins Glen, this waterfall is truly dreamy.
4. Lyndhurst, Tarrytown
Right along the Hudson River, this mansion fit for a king was built back in 1838. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1966, this gothic-style mansion will truly take you back to another time.
5. Fort Crown Point, Crown Point
Once ruled by the British in the 1700s, the State of New York acquired these beautiful ruins back in 1910. Found right up near the border of Vermont and Lake Champlain, you can now tour this historical site for yourself.
6. Breakneck Ridge, Philipstown
An incredibly steep hike with insanely rewarding views worth waiting for, Breakneck Ridge will bring you up amongst the clouds! One of the most traveled trails inside Hudson Highlands State Park, you won't regret the work you put into reaching the top.
7. Havana Glen Park, Montour Falls
Considered to be one of our best kept hidden gems, inside this park you'll find waterfalls, which you're allowed to swim in, that are calling your name! Just a 15-minute drive from the famous Watkins Glen, visiting here is a great alternative if you don't want to deal with any crowds.
8. Sonnenber Gardens, Canandaigua
If you can't decide whether or not you want to play with the Queen of Hearts or go and find Mulan's right hand man Mushu, then these gardens are just for you. Open to the public from May through October, these gardens will truly give you the best of both worlds.
9. John Boyd Thacher State Park, Voorheesville
These panoramic views are something straight out of an ethereal story book. Just south of our state's capital, these amazing cliffs overlook some of the most beautiful parts of our state and even our neighbor Vermont!
10. Panama Rocks, Panama
With the 2016 season just around the corner, in May you'll once again be able to explore this heavenly slice of nature. Always waiting for a gnome or fairy to appear before you, Panama Rocks is made up of mystical passageways and beautiful rock formations.
11. Innisfree Garden, Millbrook
Created by a couple who once owned the property, the artists became immensely inspired by Chinese and Japanese gardens, using Alice In Wonderland as a major source of inspiration! This garden will take your breath away and you'll quickly find yourself imagining this place as your own wonderland.
12. Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn
Far form morbid, this astonishingly picturesque cemetery would be fit even for Snow White to take her rest. One of the United States' first rural cemeteries, it wasn't until 2006 that Green-Wood was declared a National Historic Landmark. While a cemetery may not be your first thought when you think of fairy tales, you'll understand why it's become a popular place to visit in our state once you see it for yourself.
13. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary, Garrison
Offering guided tours throughout the year, this 270-acre wetland is a magical place to experience New York's wildlife. With hundreds of species of birds to be seen amongst many more of our amazing animals, here you'll be able to enjoy the perfect picnic while soaking in all of Mother Nature!
14. The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, Staten Island
Created in the 1980s, one of our favorite parts of the Staten Island Botanical Garden is this tranquil Chinese Garden. Filled with pools, pavilions and incredible stonework, this place is truly one of our most popular city's biggest gems.
15. Stony Brook State Park
A popular place for our residents to camp out and soak in our charming outdoors scenery, the woodland area of Stony Brook is absolutely magical. From waterfalls to nature trails and quaint bridges, is absolutely perfect!
