The bigger, greener apple

New York, New York, so good, they say, they named it twice. But for all the city’s fame, it’s the second New York, the state, which shouldn’t be overlooked by tourists after a more authentic, local-flavoured escape.

Responsible tourism here is flourishing, driven by communities passionate about their heritage, landscape and wildlife; it’s a bigger, greener apple offering a real, refreshing enhancement to New York City holidays.

It might not feel like it in the middle of Manhattan, but the wide open spaces and wilderness of New York State are within surprisingly easy reach of the city itself, and excellent train connections make going car-free and subsequently traffic-free (a literal) walk in the park.

Long Island’s excellent beaches and plethora of local vineyards are easily accessible on the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station and wildlife lovers will love Montauk, where whales are common in the Atlantic waters.

The big outdoors is what New York State does best, and biggest, and its wilderness areas rival the best that the rest of the US has to offer. Hikers, climbers and winter sports enthusiasts should take the time to discover the Adirondack Mountains, whose expanse of soaring peaks and glassy lakes is larger than the Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon and the Great Smokies National Parks combined, or should head the two hours out of New York City to serene and green Catskill Mountains. And tucked away in the far north of the state, on the border with Canada, is the Thousand Islands, a kayaking and hiking haven of wildlife islands set in the crystal clear waters of the St Lawrence River.

When travelling, we believe that to really become immersed in a destination it is necessary to understand its history, to learn more about the stories which have shaped the people we meet and the places we visit. Seneca, Canandaigua, Owasco, Cayuga, the names of the lakes in New York State’s Finger Lakes region are evocative reminders of the area’s native heritage, a heritage which, through tourism, is being nurtured again after years of repression. At Ganondagan Cultural Center near Rochester, tourists have the opportunity to discover traditional Seneca life, with stories from Seneca guides which put the present day into the context of the regions often hidden history.

And it’s not just specific heritage centres which bring this history to life in New York State. The Erie Canalway Trail, following the one of the most important industrial developments in the USA, is now not only a feat of historic engineering, but 365 miles of cycling freedom. The canal, which initially breathed life into the region is gradually being restored to its former glory, and the trail will eventually completely link-up between the cities of Buffalo and Albany. It offers tourists a unique way to explore both the heritage of New York State’s industrial past, but to also discover its small towns, local markets and wildlife all from the seat of a bike, the deck of a canal-boat or safely on two feet.

Developing these types of community-driven tourism experiences is something New York State is taking seriously, recognising that in promoting tourism which supports and celebrates local people, and preserves the natural environment it is able to offer tourists a much more meaningful, memorable holiday experience.

Governor Andrew Cuomo says: "From our millions of acres of protected wilderness where New Yorkers can hike or kayak, to our vast network of parklands, New York is truly unmatched when it comes to opportunities for sustainable tourism. On top of all that, these assets support eco-friendly jobs and growth in local communities, and ultimately reinforce the value of preservation."

And with agriculture the largest economy in the state it is hardly surprising that the focus on all things local is well-established in the State’s food and wine. Tourists should keep their eyes open for Central New York’s ubiquitous farm stands, operating on an honesty system and the freshest of just-picked produced, and oenophiles should take to some of the Finger Lakes’ wine-trails, one of the more unknown, yet most up-and-coming wine-producing regions in the USA.

For more information on responsible tourism in New York State visit: http://www.responsibletravel.com/new-york-state.