Known as the Western Door by the indigenous Seneca Native
Americans who originally inhabited the area, the western region of
New York State is more than just a gateway to the rest of the
country. Indeed, it's a spectacular mix of farmlands, gorges,
lakes, and waterfalls.
A diversity of landscapes forged by ancient glaciers, it is
strategically situated on two of the Great Lakes, Erie and Ontario.
Western New York borders Canada and is a critical link between the
two countries, as well as a major commercial and transportation hub
for upstate New York.
Perhaps the biggest draw card to this area is the breath-taking
beauty of Niagara Falls, in the extreme northwest of the state. It
attracts millions of visitors annually, while the Finger Lakes
below Lake Ontario are also an immensely popular attraction.
The region surrounding the lakes is home to the country's oldest
commercial wine producing area. Cliff-hugging vineyards compete
with rolling farmlands and fields of sunflowers border picturesque
towns, harking back to the Victorian era.
However, it is not all sleepy hollows and rural landscapes.
Bustling cities such as Rochester and Buffalo offer top class
amenities and attractions, including parks, museums, galleries, and
fine restaurants.
The Western New York State region is therefore a healthy mix of
natural beauty and urbanity, and there is plenty to see and do,
from hiking, fishing, and white-water rafting, to wine tasting,
shopping, and dining.