Here & There Column 6-21-11

Vacation In New York This Year

The old crooner Frank Sinatra always touted the greatness of New York New York and as we continue to look at an unstable economy and gas prices pushing anywhere around the $3.90 to $4.00 per gallon range many who are planning vacation trips during the summer months may choose to vacation just a little bit closer to home.
Local and nationwide polls are indicating those who will be taking traveling vacations will do so with shorter trips.
New York has a little of everything....ocean and lake, wooded mountains, quiet valley farmlands, the nation's largest industrial city and a widely varied population.
It is so easy at various times to hear and throw out negative thoughts and statements about this state having the highest tax structure and a government in Albany which only now is actually trying to fix a mess it has been in for years.
In the years before the Civil War, New York's swift growth made it true to its nickname, "The Empire State." It had the largest population, the greatest foreign trade, the richest agriculture, and the best transportation. It led in art, music and such reform movements as women's rights..
Today, New York is still a top influence in America, and the world, excelling in finance, manufacturing, communications, tourism, and transportation. It leads in the manufacture of wearing apparel, machinery and electronics, and is a printing and publishing giant.
With the economy and gasoline prices where they presently are it might be a good choice to travel and vacation closer to home in New York State. This helps our state economy and gives us the opportunity to view a state of great scenic beauty with a highly developed park system.
Just think about it......we have great attractions that include Niagara Falls, the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, Saratoga Springs, Genesee River Gorge, beautiful Long Island beaches and of course our own great Bethel Woods Center For The Arts and the Forestburgh Playhouse.
Lets also throw in historic sites like Fort Ticonderoga, the Lake Placid Olympic Village, the Baseball Hall of Fame, Ellis Island, Hyde Park and of course New York City.
New York State vacations can provide shorter vacation trips, hopefully less gasoline usage, an opportunity to help our own state economy and the chance to see some great New York sites and destinations.