As we all prepare for the summer, whether it be heading home from college or just waiting for the freedom and the sunshine, we all are hoping for a great summer. If you live in upstate New York then you know how beautiful this season can be with lots to do. Here is a bucket-list of things to do this summer in upstate New York.

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1. Hike Some of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks

Upstate New York is highly known for the beautiful Adirondack park with it's famous 46 high peaks. Pictured above is Cascade mountain, one of the easier high peak hikes, approximately 5 miles round trip! Take advantage of the beautiful outdoors because it's free and fun.

2. Go to as Many Ice Cream Shops as Possible in One Day

If you're from the Lake George/Saratoga Springs area in New York or have ever visited, you need to try the many amazing ice cream places in this area (because they're the best). To make it more fun, make a day trip out of it and see how much ice cream you can stomach. Some suggestions are Guptill's ice cream in Cohoes, NY, Mr. Bills in South Glens Falls, NY, Frozen Dreams and Coopers Cave in Glens Falls, NY, and of course Marthas in Queensbury, NY.

3. Watch a Movie at the Drive-Ins

Grab some blankets and some of your favorite snacks and head to the drive-ins! This area has two close by, the Glen Drive-In in Queensbury, NY as well as the Malta Drive-In in Malta, NY (Capital region). It's fairly cheap and something fun to do at night!

4. Visit Watkins Glen State Park

One of the most beautiful gems in upstate New York is Watkins Glen State park, located near the finger lakes outside of Watkins Glen village. Pack a lunch and a swimsuit and take a day trip to see this natural beauty.

5. Parasail Over Lake George

Parasailing over the beautiful Lake George is something any native or tourist must do! In the air, you'll be surrounded by the beautiful mountains with panoramic views.

6. Go Whitewater Rafting

If you're on the more adventurous side, go whitewater rafting! Upstate New York is known for the amazing rapids and gorgeous views. Some popular spots are on Indian Lake, North Creek, and Old Forge.

7. Zip Line Over the Adirondacks

This exhilarating experience is not for the faint of heart, but definitely an amazing experience. Zip line over the Adirondacks with the Eagle Flyer in Lake George.

8. Spend a Morning at the Saratoga Farmers Market

Enjoy a Sunday morning in Saratoga, NY grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the fresh products local farmers bring to this cute farmers market!

9. Go to the Saratoga Race Track

If you're 18 or older starting on July 21 you can spend the day at the track, bet, and maybe win off the famous thoroughbred horse races. This track has been around since 1863, so go check out the amazing and interesting history of it!

10. Go to a SPAC Concert

If you're still in the Saratoga Springs area, buy some (fairly cheap) tickets and head to one of the concerts held at SPAC. You can sit out on the lawn or buy inside tickets, either way, you'll have a good time. Dave Mathews Band, Brad Paisley, Train, and many other have come to this venue as well!

11. Kayak in the Adirondacks

If you own kayaks (or want to rent), head up to the Adirondacks and explore over 3,000 lakes and ponds. Long Lake, Loon Lake, Pine Lake, and Jones pond are some beautiful destinations for you and your kayak.

12. Go on a Dinner/Fireworks Cruise on Lake George

Finally, many of the Lake George cruises offer different themed cruises, one of them a dinner and fireworks cruise. Every Thursday night Lake George puts on an amazing fireworks show, instead of spending it on land, go on a cruise and enjoy dinner!

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Upstate New York is one of my favorite places, I'm lucky enough to be from this area and am able to utilize the natural beauties as well as some of the other amazing things in this area! This summer, whether you be from upstate New York or not, take as many adventures as you can!