New York is the third largest state in the United States and New York City, which is geographically the largest city in the state, is also the most populous in the United States. In fact, New York City is known for its history as an entry point for generation of immigrants into the United States and its status as a financial, cultural, transportation, and manufacturing center. According to the US Department of Commerce, it is also a destination of choice for many foreign visitors. Most Saudi visitors travel to New York City and seldom take the opportunity to visit other parts of the state. The State of New York offers many wonderful opportunities for visitors – from sailing to backpacking to nightlife and fine dining. Here are some of the places to visit and things to do when in New York: Mohonk Mountain House (‘lake in the sky') This is a sparkling wonder, tucked away at the top of the Shawangunk Ridge in the Catskill Mountains. Rock formations rise majestically above the water, framing the enchanting, 265-room Victorian castle. This Hudson Valley hotel and mountaintop resort is a famed destination for over 130 years. Tour the award-winning Show Gardens, or lose yourself in the Victorian Maze. Challenge your partner to a tennis match on red-clay and Har-Tru courts. Fish, boat, swim, or just kick back on Lake Mohonk. Kykuit Kykuit is the preeminent Hudson Valley landmark. Home to four generations of Rockefellers, this extraordinary National Trust landmark has been meticulously maintained for over 100 years. The private collection of original sculpture and art has not been seen by the public in many years and the gardens are amazing. Up close and powerful – Niagara Falls Experience the falls from every angle! Surround yourself by one of nature's most amazing natural wonders. The Maid of the Mist boat is the best way to feel the power of the falls. The thunder, the mist and the view make this a memorable experience. Then you must see The Falls from above – by helicopter. No trip can be complete without shopping and the Outlets of Niagara Falls provide the perfect opportunity to buy designer labels for less and gifts to bring home. The NY Botanical Gardens Founded in 1891, the Garden is one of the world's great collections of plants and an international center for plant research. The Garden is alive with opportunities for discovery, all on a 250-acre National Historic Landmark site in New York City's Bronx borough. The six-acre Conservatory Garden is Central Park's only formal garden. It takes its name from the huge glass conservatory that once stood on this same spot, built in 1898. In 1934, when maintenance of the facility had become too costly, the conservatory was demolished and replaced with the present Garden, which opened to the public in 1937. The Conservatory Garden is in fact three gardens representing different landscape styles: Italian, French, and English. Others The View: NYC's only revolving roof top restaurant featuring NY state cuisine. STK House: STK (not your daddy's Steakhouse) is a new Steakhouse with a sleek design from iCrave Design Studios. Buddha Bar: A 15,000 square foot Manhattan outpost of the popular Parisian. Buddha Bar serves Asian cuisine with French influences and is located in the Meatpacking District Chelsea Piers: This is New York City's most popular destination for special sports activities for groups. With five unique athletic venues featuring world-class sports and recreation facilities, a full-service maritime center, and several riverside meeting and reception spaces, the location offers a variety of possibilities. Shopping: Some of the best shopping the world is found in New York City. Here is a sample of world renowned boutique stores: Barney's New York, Cartier, Channel at Madison Avenue, Channel at Madison Avenue, Ralph Lauren, D K N Y, Coach, Hermes, and Dennis Basso. - SG – Amer Kayani is the Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the US Embassy in Riyadh __
