When people think of New York, the first place that usually comes to mind is New York City—the bright lights, endless restaurants, iconic landmarks, and that unmistakable energy. And while NYC will always have its own kind of magic, there’s so much more to New York than the city that never sleeps.
Lately, I’ve been on a personal mission to explore more of the state and discover the hidden gems that have been right in my backyard all along. My most recent adventure took me to Croton Gorge Park, and let me just say… why did it take me this long to get here?
The main attraction is the breathtaking Croton Dam, surrounded by lush greenery, beautiful views, and the kind of peaceful scenery that makes you forget you’re still so close to one of the busiest cities in the world. Getting from the park to the dam involves a bit of a hike, but it’s the fun kind—the kind where you’re enjoying the journey just as much as the destination. And trust me, the views at the end make the walk completely worth it.
What makes this little adventure even more special to me is that I was born and raised in New York, yet I spent most of my teenage and adult years living in Puerto Rico. And if there’s one thing I did in Puerto Rico, it was explore!
I made it my mission to experience as much of La Isla del Encanto as possible—from its beaches and mountains to its food, culture, hidden spots, and everything in between. And even after all those years, I still had a list of places I hadn’t gotten around to seeing.
Now that I’m back in New York, I’ve decided to bring that same adventurous spirit with me. I want to experience everything this state has to offer—the charming towns, breathtaking parks, hiking trails, restaurants, waterfalls, historic sites, scenic drives, and all those little places that don’t always make it onto the typical New York itinerary.
Maybe I’ve spent too much time thinking New York begins and ends with NYC.
So, consider this my official invitation to help me build my New York bucket list. Where should I go next? What hidden gems am I missing? What town, restaurant, trail, park, viewpoint, or must-see spot deserves a spot on my list?
Drop your recommendations because I’m ready to explore!
Be Lovely, Be You
Charlene Gonzalez
