New York state has it all. From the big city to the quaint towns, the great outdoors to the concrete jungle, there is something for anyone looking to visit or live in New York.
New York maps showcase a land that is rich in diversity of all kinds. The land is diverse, with islands, coastlines, lakes, and mountains. The people are diverse, with millions of people living in the major cities. The activities are diverse, with top-tier theater, sports, and educational opportunities.
It can be hard to know where to start when visiting the Empire State, but with a bit of knowledge and a visual guide of where to go, your trip will be memorable.
Our Favorite New York State Destinations to Consider When Charting Your Trip
With such diversity, there’s something for every type of traveler in the state of New York. We’ve narrowed it down to our top four favorite regions, from New York City to the Finger Lakes and beyond. Read on to learn about each destination and how you can plot your journey along your stunning wood map.
New York City – The Big Apple
The city that never sleeps is a popular destination for travelers and dreamers alike. Whether looking for success in the Financial District, fame on Broadway, or a classic “I Love NY” shirt to bring home, there is no shortage of things to do and see in New York City.
A quick glance at New York maps can show the international impact of New York City. With areas of the metropolis labeled “Little Italy” and “Chinatown,” it doesn’t come as a shock to learn that more than 800 languages are spoken in New York. This diversity also makes it the perfect place for international organizations such as the United Nations to be headquartered.
Like any major destination, notable landmarks exist on nearly every corner of New York maps. From the Statue of Liberty to the Rockefeller Center to Grand Central Station, it would take a person months to see it all.
The 5 Boroughs of New York City
The city is home to more than 8 million people, but the area has been subdivided into smaller areas to help with governance. New York maps show the five boroughs that make up the city.
Those boroughs are:
- Brooklyn
- Manhattan
- Queens
- Staten Island
- The Bronx
These boroughs were formed in 1989 as governmental districts, but New York maps can also be unofficially divided into boroughs based on a few defining attributes. For example, Manhattan is the area where most tourists are going to flock to attractions like Times Square and Central Park. Brooklyn is known as one of the more “trendy” areas in town, and Staten Island has many parks and green spaces.
When looking for souvenir New York maps, consider finding maps that pinpoint some of the landmarks that make each borough unique. A wood map can highlight just one borough or include all five, and pairing several maps together can make a beautiful display in your home or office.
Long Island — The Best of Both Worlds
Branching off from the big city, Long Island goes from densely populated to spread out farmland the further east you travel. The island is home to Brooklyn and Queens in the west, and communities start to thin out into suburbs and more rural land.
Separated from Connecticut by the Long Island Sound, Long Island is known for its white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, and award-winning wineries. A wood map highlights points of interest such as Block Island, Montauk, and Rockaway Beach.
Continue east on New York maps away from the city in east Long Island, the rich and famous escape to the Hamptons to vacation or live part of the year. The Hamptons rest on the South Fork of east Long Island, while wineries and vineyards scatter the North Fork. Both routes lead to relaxing and refined atmospheres, perfect for getting away from the business of the city.
Relax in the Finger Lakes of New York
Once you leave the city and head upstate, New York maps show a completely new charm you don’t get in the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The Finger Lakes are 11 lakes that deliver serenity and scenery for vacationers and residents alike.
The Finger Lakes include:
- Conesus Lake
- Hemlock Lake
- Canadice Lake
- Honeoye Lake
- Canandaigua Lake
- Keuka Lake
- Seneca Lake
- Cayuga Lake
- Owasco Lake
- Skaneateles Lake
- Otisco Lake
Highlights of visiting the Finger Lakes include award-winning wineries, local museums, and exploring the great outdoors. Finger Lake vacations can be planned out in advance, or visitors can take an off-the-cuff approach to their trip.
A wood map of the Finger Lakes would be the perfect way to remember a vacation or to decorate your lake house in the Finger Lakes region. If you are a frequent traveler, consider collecting a wood chart from every lake you visit to create a displayed travel log for all to see.
The Beauty of the Adirondack Mountains
Continue further upstate in your New York maps to see the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. Like the Finger Lakes region, the Adirondacks are a haven for nature-loving travelers and tourists. Lake George is a popular destination halfway between New York City and Montreal, Canada, and Great Sacandaga Lake, with 125 miles of shoreline, is the perfect location for water sports.
Sports buffs might want to add Lake Placid to their New York maps wishlist. The area is known for its winter sports and was host to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. In 1980, the United States won the ice hockey game against the Soviet Union, making Lake Placid the setting for what’s now known as “Miracle on Ice.”
Why a Wood Chart Makes a Great New York Souvenir
While you can get almost anything to remind you of your time in New York, a beautiful wood map makes a unique souvenir or gift that shows off the details of a specific location. A 3D wood map is not just an accurate map; it’s a work of art that can be displayed in your home or office. The birch wood map includes roadways and significant landmarks, and areas of water are highlighted with beautiful blue stain.
Your wood chart can stand on its own or as a part of a memorabilia collection. Decorate with a host of East Coast maps from a road trip up the coast, or pick up a pack of postcards to frame around your Manhattan wood map. When you glance back over your favorite maps, you’ll remember how much you want to be a part of it — New York.