1. Your New Favorite Ice Cream Flavor Is Adirondack Bear Paw
While technically Stewart’s Shops is a convenience store and sometimes-gas station, these functions only detract from its real purpose: to deliver the coldest, creamiest, absolute best ice cream to New Yorkers.
They even have New York-themed flavors, like Adirondack Bear Paw (vanilla ice cream with caramel and cashew crunch) and Crumbs Along the Mohawk (graham cracker-flavored ice cream with bits of cracker and caramel swirled throughout).
2. New Yorkers Are Addicted To Hockey
What else makes the cold a little more bearable for New Yorkers? Hockey season! You have your choice of three different teams: New York Rangers, New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. No matter which team you support, you’re all but guaranteed to see a fight go down.
3. New York Has Enough Garlic To Ward Off An Army Of Draculas
Garlic soup, garlic sausage, garlic ice cream—there is nothing garlic-related that you can’t find at the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, which takes place in Saugerties every September. What began as a small gathering of garlic lovers in 1989 has swelled into an event that attracts over 50,000 visitors each year.
4. The Garbage Tastes Surprisingly Good
The original garbage plate comes from Nick Tahou Hots restaurant in Rochester, which was opened in 1918 and has been serving hot garbage ever since.
You begin with a plate of cheeseburger, chicken tenders, hot dogs, grilled cheese or eggs; then you add any combination of home fries, macaroni salad and baked beans. Top the whole thing off with ketchup, mustard or onions, and dig in! Don’t worry; it’s way more delicious than it sounds.
5. Buffalo’s Best Wings Will Set Your Mouth Aflame
It is only natural that the tastiest, zingiest wings in the world are found in Buffalo, NY. Although Anchor Bar claims to have invented these deep-fried delights, head to Duff’s Famous Wings for the best wings in New York. With ten sauces ranging from “mild” to “death,” there is something on this menu to please every palate!
6. Halloween In New York Will Spook Your Socks Off
New Yorkers love autumn, and Halloween is one of their favorite holidays to celebrate. Farms all over the state offer kid-friendly activities like corn mazes and apple picking.
But adults shouldn’t miss Ulster Park’s Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses—not only is it truly terrifying, but it’s nationally ranked as one of the best Halloween attractions in the United States.
7. New York’s State Fair Makes Yours Look Like A Baby
The Great New York State Fair, which takes place in Syracuse each August, is longest running state fair in the nation. The food, music, rides and agriculture draw visitors from every part of New York.
8. You Will Have To Explain To Every Person You Meet That You’re Not From Manhattan
When you say you’re from New York, people will almost always assume that you’re from NYC. Be patient with these poor souls who aren’t aware of the awesomeness that is the rest of the state. Kindly explain that New York State is friggin’ huge, and that you live nearer to a barn than a skyscraper.
9. Because Most New Yorkers Savor Small Town Life
While there are several larger cities outside of New York City, New York State is mostly made up of small towns and farmland. Enjoy getting to know your neighbors, strolling down Main Street and having your local barista remember your coffee order.
10. New York’s Beer Brewing Scene Is Fit For A King (Or Khaleesi)
New York is home to 97 craft breweries and produces some of the best beer in the United States.
Brewery Ommegang, located in Cooperstown, NY, has a huge following both locally and nationally, and it gets major nerd points for partnering up with HBO to produce a series of beers inspired by “Game of Thrones.” A swig of “Iron Throne,” “Take The Black Stout,” or “Fire and Blood” is sure to whet your appetite for Westeros adventure.
11. It’s Home To The Largest And Loveliest Park In The U.S.
Adirondack Park is 6.1 million acres of pristine, publicly protected land and a haven for hikers, walkers, campers, kayakers, bikers and nature-lovers alike. You can even join the elite ranks of the Adirondack 46ers, who have climbed all 46 peaks in the Adirondack Mountains that are 4,000 feet or higher.
12. New Yorkers Can Star Gaze From The Comfort Of Home
Think you have to go to NYC or LA in order to spot celebrities? Think again! Many celebrities have homes around New York State, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. You might just catch a glimpse of Bill Murray, Paul Rudd, Steve Buschemi or Liam Neeson.
13. Ithaca Is, In Fact, “Gorges”
One quick drive around Upstate New York and you’ll surely run into the bumper sticker proclaiming, “Ithaca is Gorges.” It’s cheesy, but true: the gorges in Ithaca and its surrounding area are nothing short of breathtaking.
14. Life’s A Beach, If You Know Where To Go
It may come as a surprise that New York has some lovely beaches. While Long Island is home to many beautiful beaches, Montauk and Long Beach are often considered the best for their great swimming (you don’t mind freezing water, right?) and unparalleled views.
15. NYC Doesn’t Corner The Market On Baseball
It’s always great to catch a Mets or Yankees game in the city, but that’s not the only place to get your baseball fix. You can keep an eye on the Mets fledgling franchise at a Binghamton Mets game, and Cooperstown boasts the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can learn all about the history of baseball and its best players.
16. You Won’t Be Whining When You Visit The State’s Best Vineyards
Did you know that New York produces 175,000,000 bottles of wine each year? From the Finger Lakes Region down to the Hudson Valley, there are over 1,600 vineyards where you can visit, tour and sample the wares. With New York’s frigid winters, it’s always a good idea to keep a few bottles of great wine on hand.
17. New Yorkers Celebrate Christmas The Dutch Way
Sinterklaas takes place in Rhinebeck each year on the weekend of the Feast of Saint Nicolas. Harkening back to the town’s Dutch roots, everyone gathers in the center of the village for a parade to celebrate the commencement of the holiday season.
18. And Know How To Enjoy Football And French Toast At West Point
Even if you’re not interested in actually attending military school, the United States Military Academy at West Point is still worthy of a visit. Cheer on the Army at a football game as they crush the Navy.
And don’t forget to take Mom out to brunch at the Thayer Hotel for Mother’s Day--you’ll score points for the whole year.
19. Long Island Is Your Oyster
If you live on Long Island and you love seafood, look no further than the Jolly Fisherman & Steak House. Be sure to try the famous Bluepoint Oysters, served iced on the half shell, of course.
And if eating cold, slimy things freaks you out? Jolly’s has you covered with a great selection of steak and other seafood.
20. Bethel Woods Center For The Arts Is Where Your Inner Hippie Lives
Have you always dreamed of visiting (or returning to) the hallowed grounds of Woodstock? Now you can at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which hosts outdoor concerts and performances throughout the summer. This summer’s line-up includes Santana, Journey and Steve Miller Band.
21. New Yorkers Eat Clean With Farm Fresh Products
With 36,000 farms in the state, it’s easy to eat local and fresh in New York. You’ll love the wide selection of produce, from strawberries in summer to apples in autumn. 
