New York City has a beauty of its own with its greenery-filled parks, beautiful streets, and stunning architecture–it’s no wonder it has served as the backdrop to numerous movies and TV shows.
But beyond the city we call home is an even bigger world of stunning places to explore, some of which don’t even feel real. And, as always, we’re sharing them all with you! Here are 10 places around New York that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale.
1. Wings Castle Bed & Breakfast, Millbrook
Spooky season is right around the corner, and this bed and breakfast is the perfect place to head to. Located inside an extraordinary castle right in the middle of the Hudson Valley, it’s decked out with truly magical features from medieval decor to patios with the most incredible views of the mid-Hudson region. The best part–it’s located next door to a winery!
Read more about Wings Castle here.📍717 Bangall Rd, Millbrook, NY
🚗 2 hour drive
2. Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay
Though a further drive than some of the other places on this list, a trip to Boldt Castle is definitely worth it. Construction began on the castle in 1900 with the intentions of the castle being the summer home of George C. Boldt of NYC’s famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Today the castle, which is only accessible by water, is open for tours. Learn more here.
📍1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY
🚗 6 hour drive
3. Fort Crown Point, Crown Point
Located near the border of Vermont and Lake Champlain, New York acquired these beautiful ruins of Fort St. Frederic back in 1910. Today, visitors can explore the preserved ruins and tour the nearby museum. The site also offers access to the historic Crown Point Pier, the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, the walking paths on either side of the newly constructed Lake Champlain Bridge, and stunning views of Lake Champlain. Learn more here.
📍21 Grandview Drive, Crown Point, NY
🚗 5 hour drive
4. Bannerman Castle, Newburgh
The beautiful Bannerman Castle dates back to 1901 and sits on an island in the middle of the Hudson River. The island hosts weekly tours that include a boat ride to Bannerman Island, a guided walking tour of the island that includes visit the famous Bannerman Castle ruins and gardens, a visit to the Bannerman Garden and Bannerman Residence, and more. You can even embark on your own tour of the island and castle by kayak or canoe!
Read more about Bannerman Castle here.📍90 Front St, Newburgh, NY
🚗 1.5 hour drive
5. Howe Caverns, Howes Cave
Crafted by nature some six million years ago, Howe Caverns allows you to explore deep below earth’s surface, traveling through limestone corridors, cavernous galleries, and underneath massive boulders. You can embark on several different tours or even try your hand at their escape room. Either way, Howe Caverns isn’t quite like anything you’ve ever experienced before.
Read more about Howe Caverns here.📍 255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave, NY
🚗 3 hour drive
6. Secret Caverns, Cobleskill
Only five minutes down the road from Howe Caverns is a less commercial under-the-radar spot that holds its own series of natural wonders. These “Secret Caverns” were first discovered by explorers in 1928 and can now be experienced by any visitors! It’s even home to a magnificent 100-foot underground waterfall, so it obviously deserves a visit.
Learn more about Secret Caverns here.📍 671 Caverns Rd., Cobleskill, NY
🚗 3 hour drive
7. Sonnenberg Gardens, Canandaigua
Whether strolling through its flower-filled gardens, picnicking under the canopy of trees, or touring its magnificent mansion, Sonnenberg Gardens is a must-visit. The 50-acre estate offers a serene respite from reality with its gorgeous architecture, garden statuary, themed gardens of the world including a Japanese Garden and Teahouse, and a Lord & Burnham Greenhouse Complex. Learn more here.
📍 250 Gibson St, Canandaigua, NY
🚗 5 hour drive
8. Triphammer Falls, Ithaca
Triphammer Falls is a 55 foot multiple cascading fall that stands as the centerpiece of the Cornell University campus. You can view the falls from the Triphammer Foot Bridge or East Ave. bridge, or even hike to the falls overlook using the trailhead on the north rim. The best part, you can view these gorgeous falls year-round. Learn more here.
📍 Intersection of University and East Ave., on Cornell campus, Ithaca, NY
🚗 4.5 hour drive
9. Oheka Castle, Huntington
Perched on the highest point of Long Island is the majestic Gilded Age masterpiece Oheka Castle, the second-largest private residence ever built in the U.S., spanning 109,000-square-feet with 127 rooms. Built in 1919, you can visit the historic French-style chateau and even stay overnight as it functions as a hotel!
Read more about Oheka Castle here.📍135 West Gate Drive, Huntington, NY
🚗 1 hour drive
10. Innisfree Garden, Millbrook
You know Innisfree Garden can be considered as looking like it’s straight out of a fairytale when it’s recognized as one of the world’s ten best gardens! Over sixty years in the making, this sweeping landscape merges the essence of Modernist and Romantic ideas with traditional Chinese and Japanese garden design principles. Lucky for us, guided tours are available. Learn more here.
📍362 Tyrrel Rd, Millbrook, NY
🚗 2 hour drive