New York City may be the epicenter of fashion, film and entertainment in the state of New York, but it's hardly the only place to have a little fun.
If you're looking for a lift to your upcoming road trip, consider hitting up one of these 10 roadside attractions. While some will have you scratching your head, they'll all leave you with a deeper appreciation for life outside of the big city.
Howe Caverns | I-88
Howes Cave
Explore the depths of New York — Photo courtesy of jpitha
Sitting in the car for hours on end can be a drag, so step out of the passenger side and get your adrenaline pumping at Howe Caverns. Adventurous guests can try flying on the zip line, climbing up the rock wall or challenging their car mates on the ropes course. For a less physically taxing day, tour the depths of the cavern by foot and boat.
Baseball Hall of Fame | NY-28 and NY-80
Cooperstown
Learn about baseball greats in Cooperstown — Photo courtesy of candyschwartz
Swing and a hit! Located in Cooperstown, N.Y., the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit for any self-respecting baseball fan. The three-story museum is open seven days a week and features a baseball timeline where guests can peek at artifacts and documents that outline the evolution of the game.
Traveling with little ones? Don't skip the Sandlot Kids' Clubhouse, which according to the museum is a "uniquely-designed experience for young, aspiring Hall of Famers," ages 4-10.
Galleries & Venues: 10 Must-See Baseball Museums
Old Stone Fort Museum | NY-30
Schoharie
The Old Stone Fort itself is as much of an attraction as the artifacts it contains — Photo courtesy of Adam Lenhardt/Wikimedia
Open from May through October, the Old Stone Fort Museum houses over 50,000 artifacts from days gone by. Originally built as a church in 1772, the museum is flanked by other old-timey buildings, including a 1700s home, 1780s Dutch barn, a law office and a one-room schoolhouse from the 1800s.
Check the calendar for events, including Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments.
World’s Smallest Church | I-90
Oneida
Not interested in having all – or any – of your family and friends at your wedding ceremony? Consider tying the knot at the world's smallest church. Posted up on an island in the center of a small pond, the church was built in 1989 and is only accessible by boat. This one's a quick 3-mile detour off the main drag, so it's worth it for the Instagram post alone.
Santa’s Workshop at North Pole | NY-431
Wilmington
Did you know the North Pole can be found in New York? — Photo courtesy of Mwanner/Wikimedia
Little known secret: Santa's Workshop and the North Pole are in Wilmington, N.Y. And instead of elves hammering out toys, it's actually an amusement park that's open from June to December. Kids can take a spin on a number of rides, including the Candy Cane Express, the Peppermint Swing or Santa's Sleigh Coaster.
There are also shows and parades through the village, so be sure to peek at the calendar before you go. Don't skip the Letters from Santa station where personalized letters are written to the children on Santa's "nice" list.
Magic Forest | U.S. 9
Lake George
Magic Forest is a family fun kiddie park (with free parking!) located in Lake George, N.Y. Toddlers, pre-schoolers and their parents can take a spin on 25 different rides, catch a magic show or pet the animals in the petting zoo. There's also a safari train that runs along a mile-long trail with life-size animal statues, including giraffes and tigers.
Largest Buddha in the Western Hemisphere at the Chuang Yen Monastery | NY-301
Carmel Hamlet
Home to The Buddhist Association of the United States, this monastery sits on over 200 acres of serene, scenic landscape. Aside from seeing the largest Buddha in the Western Hemisphere, guests can watch as the monks and nuns go about their daily worship or conduct Buddhist ceremonies on holy days.
The monastery also hosts workshops and meditation retreats for those looking for a more immersive experience.
House of Frankenstein Wax Museum | U.S. 9
Lake George
Though visitors say the museum could use a facelift, it's still a fun way to stretch your legs in Lake George. A haunted house of sorts, where wax figurines and creepy characters lurk in dark corners, this roadside attraction is likely best left to adults and kiddos with tough skin. The experience is self-guided, so saddle on up any time of the day.
Farmer’s Museum | NY-80
Cooperstown
Located in the preserved and historic Cooperstown, the Farmer's Museum is a fully immersive 1800s experience. Walk around the grounds to interact with the blacksmith, the printer and the pharmacist before taking a horse and buggy ride around the village.
Live farm animals (complete with milking cows!) are around for petting, and once you've worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at Crossroads Cafe where all the bread and pastries are baked on-site.
World’s Largest Kaleidoscope | NY-28
Mount Tremper
Be amazed by this gigantic kaleidoscope — Photo courtesy of Jason Eppink
Standing at 56 feet tall and 38 feet wide, this farm-silo-turned-kaleidoscope holds the Guinness World Record and is a masterpiece in psychedelic art. Though the kaleidoscope cost $250,000 to build, you'll pay just $5 for the chance to set your eyes and ears on this 10-minute, multi-dimensional experience.