In general, Upstate New York brings to mind images of an idyllic playground with rolling hills, ample countryside, and more. Of course, in truth, Upstate NY does possess these things, but it also has industrial cities. Likewise, for many Manhattanites, anywhere beyond the reach of the Metro-North Railroad line is deemed Upstate. Yet, for most New Yorkers and visitors, this famed area covers any part of the state north of Kingston. The good news is, no matter where you draw the line, Upstate is still a one-of-a-kind getaway destination filled with entertainment, relaxation, and secret spots that would make anyone’s heart skip a beat. So without further ado, here are the eight unique hidden gems to see in Upstate New York.

8 Explore Hudson Valley

Are you looking for a dash of the great outdoors without traveling too far north? If so, then Hudson Valley is a great place to check out upstate. Here, visitors will find those wooded rolling hills amidst apple orchards, gourmet restaurants, world-class museums, art galleries, lush gardens and parks, plus fancy boutiques. What’s more, a must-see gem in Hudson Valley is none other than Brotherhood Winery. A fun fact, Brotherhood was first established in 1839 and is now the oldest winery in the entire United States.

7 Visit Green Lakes State Park

Located east of Syracuse in the Town of Manlius, this state park is more like the crown jewel. A stunning sight to see, Green Lakes State Park’s biggest attractions are its two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. Once there, take in the majestic beauty and enjoy other amazing activities such as biking, hiking, exploring the park’s walking trails, or lounging at a small beach area. Green Lakes also offers several campsites, so if you want to bask in this Upstate park for a few days, go right ahead.

6 Tour Cooperstown

Known for The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown is a great slice of Americana and a quaint village worth visiting just past central NY. Located near the southern tip of Otsego Lake, this town is brimming with vacay activities once you’ve checked The National Baseball Hall of Fame’s interactive exhibits off your to-do list. A couple more hidden gems in Cooperstown worth seeing while you are there include Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad, Glimmerglass State Park, Hyde Hall, and the Farmer’s Museum—to name a few.

5 Marvel At Finger Lakes

Travelers looking for dreamy rural scenery and a soul-soothing environment should stop by Finger Lakes. A hidden gem in itself, this picturesque small town has everything from farmlands to lakes to lush forests to a bustling Main Street with quaint restaurants and shopping boutiques. Beyond Main Street, visitors are in for a real treat, with must-see locations like Watkins Glen State Park and a haunted winery at Miles Wine Cellars in Himrod. Other semi-secret spots/unique activities to check out while in Fingers Lake includes: a trolley ride through Twain Country, some bird watching at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, and a possible spa day or even a 4-day weekend stay at the nearby Black Sheep Inn & Spa.

Related: Is Buffalo One Of The Most Haunted Cities In Upstate NY?

4 Hunt For Treasure At Herkimer Diamond Mines

For wanderlusters looking for actual gems, a stop at Herkimer Diamonds in Upstate NY is an absolute must. A truly unique experience, mining for your very own treasure is a fun alternative to your standard run-of-the-mill jewelry shopping. That said, it is worth noting that Herkimer Diamonds are actually 500,000 million-year-old surface quartz crystals but are still a sight to behold. Plus, at Herkimer Diamond Mines, miners can keep anything they find. There are also craft jewelry workshops and comprehensive history you can learn all about when you visit.

3 Relax In Geneva

Luxury lovers looking for an amazing mix of upscale and Upstate won’t be disappointed with Geneva, NY. With a special local fair every night of the week in the summer, this urban oasis is a great place to kick back, relax, and pamper yourself. Here, you can stay in Belhurst Castle, enjoy a lazy afternoon at the Isabella Spa, do some yoga, and connect with nature at Kashong Conservation Area, with over 80+ nature trails. After you’ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself to a multi-course dinner by a renowned chef and master sommelier at FLX Table for a complete eat, pray, love getaway.

Related: An Insider's Guide To Yoga Retreat Tourism In Upstate New York

2 Check Out Woodstock

Music lovers and travelers alike know that a stop at Woodstock is always a part of the plan in Upstate NY. While there, however, why not spice things up a bit and do more than just hear some live music in the downtown area. Visitors should make it a point also to take a stroll down Tinker Street, stop by the numerous museums and galleries, or even take a class or two at Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild. After your jaunt around town, you should check out Kaaterskill Falls as well. Though the bottom of the falls is often crowded, the real gem here is a small beach area that many tourists tend to miss. Yet another outdoor spot worth exploring is Overlook Mountain, with its ruins and quaint museum at the summit.

1 Take In The Catskills

This upstate gem typically needs no introduction; with its forested rolling hills, gurgling brooks, and flower-filled meadows, The Catskills have been a pristine escape from the city for decades. Forever immortalized in Dirty Dancing, baby definitely needs to be put in this corner of upstate NY if she’s looking to relax. While visiting, check out some unique and historical sites like Neversink (a stunning now reservoir in Sullivan County), Papertown (and learn the truth about historic cartography), Dundas Castle Ruins, Hunt Covered Bridges, and Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.