Like myself, many of my clients reside in New York State, and since we're requiring folks arriving from most other states to self-quarantine for two weeks, this is an opportunity for New Yorkers to finally explore the abundance of natural beauty, gourmet cuisine, and deep American history roots right in our own backyards - safely, of course. We are spoiled with magnificent riches that can be enjoyed year-round: beaches, fall foliage, ski slopes, vineyards, forests, lakes, mountains, dynamic towns, legendary art and architecture, and majestic waterfalls throughout the state. If you're lucky enough to live in one of the states our government is permitting to enter without a quarantine - Welcome! For everyone else, I sincerely look forward to seeing you in New York as soon as possible.
Niagara Falls & Buffalo
Wave hello to our Canadian neighbors as you enjoy all Niagara Falls State Park has to offer on the NY side and learn how inventor Nikola Tesla harnessed the power of the falls for electricity. Pair it with historic Buffalo, which the New York Times called "a textbook for course in modern American buildings." Stay in one of Buffalo's many lovingly restored, architectural gems like Roycroft Inn, a National Historic Landmark adjacent to Roycroft Campus, one of the country's foremost Arts and Crafts Movement communities. Also noteworthy is Hotel @ The Lafayette, designed by America's first professional architect, Louise Blanchard Bethune.
Top Experiences:
Niagara Gorge within feet of Bridal Veil Falls - the closest you can get to Niagara Falls!
Aquarium of Niagara, one of only 20 places in US or Canada with Humboldt Penguins, a threatened species
Spectacular vistas on scenic trails from Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center
Dine at Top of the Falls, the only restaurant overlooking Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls USA Observation Tower - the only panoramic view of all three falls, great for bird watchers to spot peregrine falcons and bald eagles in this designated Audobon Important Bird Area
Iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour (selling at 50% capacity)
Architect-led tour of Buffalo historic buildings including seven Frank Lloyd Wright houses
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum plus Wurlitzer Music Roll Dept. demo on machines over 90 years old - the only public display of its kind in the US.
The Hudson Valley
This region is one of my favorites anywhere, and I love it so much I highlight the Hudson Valley on my website. Just north of New York City, the concrete jungle turns to bucolic woodlands and quaint towns with deep American history and folklore from George Washington and West Point to Washington Irving and Sleepy Hollow. The farms, Culinary Institute of America, noteworthy restaurants like Stone Barns, and excellent vineyards make this an exceptional culinary destination. Staying at Troutbeck is a marvelous retreat, and I can recommend many more throughout the Valley.
Top Experiences:
Private guided tours of Dia:Beacon, Storm King Art Center, and more with art experts
Hudson Valley Gilded Age mansions: Vanderbilt, Kykuit, Lyndhurst, Staatsburgh (when open)
Beacon bites and beverages tour
Fall foliage tour by land or by helicopter
Food and wine paired tasting tour
History tour: West Point and Washington's headquarters
Bannerman Island's private boat ride and tour
Roosevelts insider history tour
The Adirondacks
The northern part of New York State has incredible scenery and outdoor adventures, including portions of the Appalachian Trail. It's a year-round destination for summer lake pleasures, fall leaf peeping, and skiing. Choose to stay at Lake Placid Lodge or The Sagamore Resort on Lake George, which is a pristine lake I visit almost every summer to feel refreshed and renewed. Private estates are available too for those wanting a longer stay in this very special region.
Top Experiences:
Guided Adirondacks canoe/kayak trip
Moonlight Raquette Lake cruise
Pre-opening VIP tour of The Wild Center and Wild Walk
Whitewater rafting adventure
Half-day summer Olympics experience at Lake Placid
Aerial summer sightseeing tour
High Falls Gorge hiking tour
4X4 off road experience Whiteface Mountain
Visit Fort Ticonderoga by night for an 18th century firepower display
The Hamptons
The Hamptons are a chain of picturesque towns along Long Island Sound and have long been the beach escape for New York City's glamorous set. Visit Gilded Age mansions, unique vineyards, and of course, the beach! Stay at Topping Rose House, or one of the many private villas available on the illustrious Gold Coast of Long Island
Top Experiences:
Full day yacht adventure
Montauk fishing experience
Hamptons tour: towns, beaches, and vineyards
Private yoga session in a secluded garden
Paddle board tour and clambake
Private Hamptons culinary tour
VIP Hamptons polo tour
Check out my blog for more great tour ideas!
New York City
This is my home, and I'm more proud of it than ever! We're a resilient town, and if you shy away from crowds, this is the perfect time to take in some famous city sights almost all to yourself. My personal connections here are deep and varied, and the operators I work with have phenomenal access to so many exclusive experiences. Two excellent luxury hotels currently open in Manhattan's tony Upper East Side are The Lowell and The Mark - both highly recommended!
Top Experiences:
Private VIP Premium Experience at the newly reopened Empire State Building
Brooklyn bike and foodie excursion
Central Park VIP picnic
Helicopter flight-seeing experience
Statue of Liberty sunset yacht cruise
Pre and post opening tours of museums - which are beginning to reopen!
Neighborhood photography tour with an expert photojournalist
Harlem: yesterday and today tour
Outdoor art tour in lower Manhattan
Vintage car private city tour
Litchfield County, Connecticut
OK, I know this isn't in New York, but I'm sneaking it onto the list because it borders the Hudson Valley and is just so lovely! The Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection and Winvian Farm are both wonderful destinations themselves.
Top Experiences:
Litchfield artisans and antiques tour
Private leaf-peeping excursion
Litchfield County wine tour
Private cooking class
Private horseback ride
Suggested Itineraries
Escape from New York: Hudson Valley, Lake Placid, Buffalo, Niagara Falls
New York Luxe: New York City, The Hamptons
America's Coastal Capitals: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.
Nine Muses Travel works with exceptional tour operators who can customize private travel for you and your companions with these benefits for all my clients.
Expert guides: naturalists, historians, adventure guides, and unique locals
Exclusive experiences
Comfortable, safe, and luxurious vehicles
Custom-designed routings
24/7 real-time support
Competitive rates at four and five star properties
Deep destination knowledge
Contact Nine Muses Travel when you're ready to take a bite out of more than The Big Apple in New York State and to learn more about me and what I can do for you!
I creatively customize luxury travel highlighting local arts and culture, history, and cuisine for intellectually curious clients longing to feel deeply inspired by exciting destinations, culinary delights, and authentic cultural experiences on a life-changing, joyful journey of discovery.
-Danielle Dybiec
President of Nine Muses Travel