Hidden Gems

From restaurants to parks to breweries, our hidden gems include the best of the new & the unknown in Upstate New York.

From Intern To Employee

You may be aware that Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers a well-designed intern program that provides a structured learning experience for ...
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boy playing in snow

Hidden Gems: Winter in the Mohawk Valley

Those of us who choose to live in upstate New York do so for a variety of reasons. For many ...
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Picture of a sunset

Hidden Gems: Southwick Beach State Park

Ever since I can remember, I have always been drawn to the water. Whether it be a pool, creek, lake ...
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Hidden Gems: Catskill Park

Jen Montanye, from Chemung County, sure knows how to keep herself busy during a pandemic.  She recently visited Catskill Park ...
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10 Pumpkin Patches To Visit in Upstate New York

Fall has arrived and you're ready to hit the pumpkin patches. But which ones should you visit? To help, we've ...
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Man and woman sitting on a hill by valley

Hidden Gems: The Mohawk Valley Region

Two undeniable blessings of living in the Mohawk Valley are its beautiful summer months and its wealth of opportunities for ...
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Hidden Gems: Audubon Community Nature Center

Spending time in nature can enrich us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That's the motto of the Audubon Community Nature Center ...
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A man and a woman look at an ipad

Hidden Gems: Center shares the healing power of laughter

Most of us could use a good laugh right now. Fortunately, now you can enjoy comedy virtually thanks to the ...
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Need a new running spot? Look no further!

“Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around ...
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Hidden Gems: The Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks

This summer a group of us moms and our teens took a weekend trip to the Ausable Chasm in the ...
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Hidden Gems: 10 Must-Stops Along I-390

How many times have you used the I-390 to get to work? It seems like nothing but mileage markers and ...
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Fairies find a new home in Mendon Ponds Park

Countless hearts broke earlier this year when dozens of fairies were evicted from their homes in Henrietta’s Tinker Nature Park ...
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11 Places to Picnic in Upstate NY

Summer is a short season in upstate NY. That's why it's the perfect time to exchange your usual lunch out ...
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A Sweet Family Activity: NY Maple Weekends are Here!

It's just about time for my favorite family activity. As we anticipate our annual tradition of visiting a local maple farm, ...
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Hidden Gems: Sonnenberg Gardens

(Photos courtesy of Sonnenberg Gardens) My aunt and uncle recently visited from out of state, and I was deputized family ...
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Hidden Gems: Upstate N.Y. Spray Parks

Baby, it’s hot outside. This summer, we’ve had so many heat waves that kids can barely play outdoors before they ...
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Hidden Gems: Salem Art Works

If you are in the Albany-Lake George area and have a taste for outdoor sculpture, then Salem Art Works in ...
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Hidden Gems: Sterling Renaissance Festival

No summer is complete for my family without a trip to 16th century Warwick, England; or the closest we can ...
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You’ll Never Guess Where the Best Playground Is…

I’d been in the car seven hours with a cranky toddler, fussy first grader, and tired hubby. Even I was out ...
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Hidden Gems: Unique Coffee Shops in Syracuse, NY

Ask any coffee drinker, and they’ll tell you: coffee has worthwhile benefits beyond the pleasant aroma and morning pick-me-up. Indulging ...
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Hidden Gems: Wall Therapy in Rochester

I recently went on a slow bicycle ride through the streets of Rochester, stopping at notable city spots, such as ...
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Hidden Gem: Whole in the Wall Restaurant

Binghamton locals refer to the Whole in the Wall restaurant as the best kept secret on the Southside of Binghamton.  ...
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Hidden Gem: The Westminster Staircase

Referred to by some as the “Stairway to Heaven,” the Westminster Staircase in Syracuse holds special meaning for those of ...
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Hidden Gems: LaMora Farms Garden Gazebo

Have you ever stopped at a fresh produce stand and found the perfect healthy recipe to feed your very picky ...
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Hidden Gem: Kershaw Park Beach

As a born and bred New Englander, I’m definitely an “ocean beach” snob. Give me waves and salty air over, ...
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Hidden Gems: Downtown Rochester

I’m a Buffalo native. As far back as I can remember, the “City that Smells like Cheerios” was the most ...
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Hidden Gems: Cornell Botanic Gardens

The rhododendrons and azaleas were in full bloom, from magenta to pale pinks and creamy whites, when my work colleague, ...
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Hidden Gems: Washington Grove

What’s the secret? A “forest in the city,” Washington Grove is a unique, oak-hickory forest. It's located on the eastern ...
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Hidden Gems: Letchworth’s 1,000 Steps

Letchworth State Park lends its beauty to the Rochester area, and if you’ve ever been there you know just how ...
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Hidden Gems: Grimes Glen

My husband and I recently ditched the kids with a sitter, fled south down Canandaigua Lake and landed in picturesque ...
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Hidden Gems: Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary

Have you ever wondered whether the owls in Harry Potter could actually carry a Nimbus 2000? Or maybe you just ...
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Hidden Gems: Lamberton Conservatory

As a born and raised Western New Yorker, I fully understand that snow and wintry weather can live anywhere from ...
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Turmeric makes dishes healthier and taste better

Hidden Gems: Turmeric

It all started with this stew. Scanning the ingredient list, I saw a spice I’d never cooked with before: turmeric ...
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Hidden Gems: Corbett’s Glen Nature Park

What’s the Secret? You can find me at Cobb’s Hill Park in Rochester, N.Y., on the regular, so it was ...
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Must-see Sculptures - Stone Quarry Hill Art Park

Hidden Gems: Stone Quarry Hill Art Park

What’s The Secret? We “discovered” the park during one of our impulsive drives along Route 20, just south of Syracuse, ...
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Hidden Gems: Take a Stroll Along Rochester’s Secret Walk

There is no sign. You just have to know it’s there. What's the secret? A few blocks up from Ontario Beach ...
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CoreLife Eater Review

Hidden Gems: CoreLife Eatery Review

What’s the secret? I was intrigued by the idea of a fast food place that served healthier food. That’s why ...
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