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You Can Stroll Past Glistening Ice Volcanoes, Towering 20+ Feet High, Within This NY State Park
Sure it may still be summer but before we know it fall will be here followed by winter, and this year we’re actually looking forward to the colder season because it means strolling past glistening ice volcanoes!
Contrary to your traditional volcanoes which are made of rock and magma, the ones at Evangola State Park are instead formed from water and ice and can be found nestled along the eastern end of Lake Erie shoreline.
So yes, while they are only a temporary wintertime spectacle within the park, they are definitely a stunning one!
According to New York State Parks & Historic Sites, the volcanoes are the result of Evangola State Park’s partially frozen lake. The site writes:
When ice begins to form on the water’s surface, powerful winds push large waves towards the shore. As they do, the water is sandwiched between the shore and the ice, creating a buildup of pressure. Eventually with nowhere else to go, this pressure causes the water to burst through cracks in the ice. The resulting spray from this burst freezes on the ice surface, accumulating in the shape of a cone with an open, unfrozen center. With each successive wave, plumes of water erupt from the newly formed ice volcano.
The craziest part: some of the volcanoes can measure upwards of 20 feet tall!
Occasionally the ice may build up in the shape of a cone but lack the open center characteristic that considers it an ice volcano. In this case, these rolling hills of ice are instead called ice-dunes.
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While the natural phenomenon is pretty spectacular and you’ll likely want to get a closer look, it’s important you take caution as the shelf ice on the lake where these structures form can be extremely unsafe. Visitors are strongly advised against venturing too close to the ice volcanoes.
The good news is you can explore the volcanoes with a guide–NY State Parks sometimes leads guided snowshoe walks through forested trails of Evangola before heading to the ice volcanoes to explore.
Beyond the ice volcanoes, wintertime visitors can enjoy three major trail systems within the park for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and more.
Evangola State Park – 110 Evangola State Park Rd, Irving, NY 14081
~7 hours
In other natural wonders: This 35-Foot-Tall Fiery Waterfall In Upstate NY Is The Only One Of Its Kind In The World
The post You Can Stroll Past Glistening Ice Volcanoes, Towering 20+ Feet High, Within This NY State Park appeared first on Secret NYC.
7 Jaw-Dropping Caverns & Caves You Won’t Believe Are Near NYC
New York isn’t all just skyscrapers and concrete jungle, but the city’s outskirts are actually home to some of the most glorious natural marvels you’ve ever seen. From overflowing waterfalls to gorgeous blue lakes you can swim in, there’s so much to be explored…especially if you’re looking for a unique day trip idea.
From mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites to glowing minerals, this particular guide shows off some of the most insane caves and caverns that are just a short drive from NYC. Offering a glimpse of our world throughout natural history, these fascinating spots let you enter the hidden depths waiting to be explored.
1. Howe Caverns
One of Upstate New York’s most popular caves is Howe Caverns, a massive cave system that’s been a tourist attraction in Cobleskill, NY basically since its founding in the late 19th century. Its collection of limestone and other minerals date back to The Cretaceous Period some 6 million years ago and have formed over the years from erosion and natural decay. Today it welcomes visitors from all corners of NYS and the country, thanks to its one-of-a-kind guided tours that are 90 minutes of underground chambers and passageways, boat rides on the underground Lake of Venus, and so much more.
Plus, there’s so many other experiences too, like a freaky escape room as well as adventure tours, cave yoga, and more. Learn more about Howe Caverns here!
Distance from NYC: 3 hours
2. Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park in the Adirondacks is a bit of a haul from NYC, but totally worth a visit. This natural marvel is actually the largest marble cave entrance in the Eastern U.S. and is still being carved by the Trout River as we speak. The crown gem here is the massive Stone Bridge which visitors can walk over during a self-guided tour of stone-step and gravel trails before descending into lighted caves and grottos.
The park is open year round with various seasonal activities making for loads of fun and exploration. During the summer, guests can tour the cave (either self-guided or guided) and also partake in gemstone mining, disc golf, bouldering walls. During the winter you can go snowshoeing through the caves. It’s a great spot for kids and adults alike to explore. Learn more about Natural Stone Bridge and Caves Park here!
Distance from NYC: 4 hours
3. Sterling Hill Mining Museum
A mere 60 miles from NYC in Ogdensburg, NJ, Sterling Hill Mining Museum is one of the country’s oldest mines and was one of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits for several centuries. Now, the museum and former mine operation is an earth science mecca, showcasing some of the Tri-State Area’s most gorgeous collection of minerals and geology. The museum is best explored through a guided-tour experience, where visitors can go underground through the tunnels and shafts of the former zinc mine and see the mining equipment, ore veins, and learn about the day-to-day operations of the mine.
Plus, due to the specific type of mine, Sterling Hill is most famous for its fluorescent minerals and more specifically the “The Rainbow Tunnel” where the exposed zinc ore creates an incredible range of fluorescent colors. Above ground, their equally entertaining museum showcases rare geology exhibits, mining artifacts, and even a replica mine rescue station. Learn more about Sterling Hill Mining Museum here!
Distance from NYC: 1 hour, 30 minutes
4. Lost River Caverns
Venture out to Hellertown, PA where you’ll find Lost River Caverns, one of the state’s most unique caves you have to see to believe. It’s home to 5 different chambers, each with its own unique features and stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and crystal deposits. The underground wonderland is open for guided walking tours, which take you on 30 – 45 minutes journeys through nearly 1200 feet of paved cave walkways.
Lost River Caverns though is most notable for its eery and mysterious subterranean river that ripples through the caverns, providing some intrigue as you explore the natural phenomenon. There’s also a lovely jewelry, mineral and lapidary supply house on the property too called Gilman’s at the Cave, making for all your collecting, stone cutting, and jewelry making needs! Learn more about Lost River Caverns here.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
5. Crystal Cave
Step into Pennsylvania’s first and oldest show cave that still stands today, dating all the way back to its discovery in 1871. Crystal Cave in Kutztown, PA is most well known for its “milky white formations” of crystalline formations that have wow-ed visitors for 145 years. Particularly the Crystal Ballroom, a large chamber filled with sparkling formations that give the cave its name.
Visitors nowadays can take 1 hour-long tours of the cave, which includes a pre-adventure movie in the Crystal Cave Theater before descending into the natural phenomenon with a personal tour guide. After your exploration you can also take in their whopping 150 acres of property, which includes gemstone mining, mini golf, a historic restaurant, and more. Learn more about Historical Crystal Cave here!
Distance from NYC: 2 hours, 30 minutes
6. Secret Caverns
Right down the road from Howe Caverns is Secret Caverns, a smaller yet equally fascinating cave system founded back in 1928. The Upstate New York spot is a little less touristy and quirky than its counterpart nearby, but it’s equally awesome thanks to a mind-blowing 100-foot underground waterfall, unique stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations, and retro signs and feel of the caves.
Secret Caverns feels a little bit more natural than the polished Howe Caverns, and you can really tell the true character of the rocks and minerals that formed millions of years ago. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves at the top of every hour for just $20 cash per person! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their famous hand-painted billboards along the highway. Learn more about Secret Caverns here!
Distance from NYC: 3 hours
7. Dover Stone Church Cave
The Dover Stone Church Cave is dare-we-say, one of our hidden gemsm and its mysterious yet captivating cave makes you just want to explore it. It resembles a gothic stone cathedral which is how it got its name, and has been a point of interest for centuries…with lore dating back to the Native American and Revolutionary War eras.
The cavernous space is more off-the-beaten-path than some of these caves which have turned more touristy, so you’ll have to hike to this one before being greeted to the breathtaking high ceilings and inside cascading waterfall. With the element of the waterfall here and the natural light creeping through into the cave, it’s one of the more serene caves you’ll find on this list.
Distance from NYC: 2 hours
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NYC has one of world’s most beautiful botanic gardens
When you conjure an image of New York, you’re more likely to imagine hellish subway platforms and roaches crawling out of gutters than you are lush, beautiful greenery.
But if we’re going by a recent global ranking, you should actually change the way you think about our rat-infested city: That’s because one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in the world is actually located right here in the five boroughs.
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The global ranking was created by Titan Travel, a U.K.-based travel company that sifted through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, as well as travel sites like Trip Advisor, Google search data, and yes, even Time Out, to give each garden a global rating.
Believe it or not, one New York City botanic garden made the list: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden snatched the no. 10 spot, which actually does make sense when you consider everything it has to offer.
For one, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is pretty old: It was founded in 1910 and spans 52 acres sandwiched between to the iconic Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park. The Botanic Garden is one of the most famous places in the entire city during cherry blossom season, and there’s even an entire sakura festival that takes place there every spring, which includes performances, music and Japanese snacks.
In addition to some of the most beautiful foliage you’ll see anywhere, it’s also a neighborhood cultural hub where you can watch outdoor movies, enjoy a festival that celebrates Caribbean culture, and a lot more.
Check out our full guide of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden here. Other botanic gardens that made the list included some pretty cool ones in Japan, New Zealand, the UAE and beyond.
Here is the list of the 10 most beautiful gardens in the world:
1. Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania, U.S.
2. Shinjuku Gyo-en, Tokyo, Japan
3. Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, New Zealand
4. Kenroku-en, Kanazawa, Japan
5. Volksgarten, Vienna, Austria
6. Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
7. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
8. Mirabell Palace, Salzburg, Austria
9. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
10. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York City, U.S.
Bounce The Summer Away At This Nostalgic Inflatable Park In Long Island
Summer’s almost gone, and that means we only have a few weeks to delight in bounce houses. Luckily for us, Long Island is getting its share with Bounce the City! The bounce house will be at Walt Whitman Shops from October 12 – 27, featuring a plethora of attractions: The Giant, a giant obstacle course, Skyscraper Slide, a tropical adventure, City Xscape, a intergalactic metropolis and a Silent Disco Dome featuring a DJ set with special light effects.
Whether you’re planning a fun day out with friends or with the entire family, Bounce the City offers activities for all ages.
Secure your spot for the summer adventure before it’s too late!
General admission starts at $24, including 1.5 hours of unlimited access to Bounce the City attractions. Choose from a family and junior session depending on the age range. Kids under 3 don’t have to pay to get full access to Bounce the City, but they must be accompanied with a paying parent or guardian.
There will also be food and drinks vendors onsite, so you won’t need to worry about spending a whole hour under the hot sun (make sure to reapply that spf!).
Bounce the City comes from the same creators as The Big Bounce, the largest bounce house in the world. It’s charmed young and old alike in past years:
The layout of everything was great, our favorite was the obstacle course. It was nice to see food vendors there as well. Michelle
What an awesome outing for my grandbabies! They absolutely loved it… even my 2-year old grandson. Blackburn Family
It was family friendly to the max and I loved it. The DJ was great! He played great music and he engaged the children. We will be back! Luke
Bounce the City – Junior Session
October 12, 2024 10:00
From $26.16
Bounce the City – Family Session
October 12, 2024 11:30
From $26.16
The post Bounce The Summer Away At This Nostalgic Inflatable Park In Long Island appeared first on Secret NYC.
Here’s how to get 2-for-1 tickets during Broadway Week
Broadway tickets have been pretty high recently, so if you’ve been holding out for cheaper tickets, you’ll want to take advantage of NYC Broadway Week.
Here’s what we know about this fall’s deal.
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When is NYC Broadway Week?
Between September 3 and 15, you can grab 2-for-1 tickets with code BWYWKF24.
What seats are available during Broadway Week?
Tickets sold through Broadway Week are usually for seats that producers most want to sell: in balconies, mezzanines and side areas. That being said, if you can afford to upgrade your ticket for some of the best seats in the house, they’ll be cheaper than they would otherwise.
What shows have 2-for-1 tickets during Broadway Week?
& Juliet
Aladdin
Back to the Future: The Musical
The Book of Mormon
Chicago
The Great Gatsby
Hadestown
Hamilton
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Hell’s Kitchen
The Hills of California
Job
The Lion King
MJ The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
The Notebook
Once Upon a Mattress
Six: The Musical
Suffs
Stereophonic
The Roommate
Water for Elephants
Wicked
You Can Get $49 Flights From NYC To Miami, Nashville, & More This Week Only
Fall is going to be here before we know it, and JetBlue is ringing in the start of the season in a big way–by holding their annual “Big Fall Sale!” During this sale travelers can get their hands on some incredible travel deals, and compared to some of their other sales that only last two days this one lasts a whole week!
Besides, we’re always thrilled to have another chance at booking a trip at an incredible rate.
The Big Fall Sale is the perfect way to give yourself the chance to explore a major city without breaking the bank. It’s connecting cities like New York, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Amsterdam, Dublin, and London.
One-way fares for the Big Fall Sale out of NYC begin as low as $49 to the following destinations:
- Boston
- Charleston
- Fort Lauderdale
- Miami
- Nashville
- Portland
- Rochester
- Savannah
- Syracuse
- West Palm Beach
The Big Fall Sale sale is running for one week only, beginning today, Monday, August 19th, and running through Friday, August 23rd. Travel must be booked between September 10th and November 20th, 2024.
Learn more and book your flights here.
See also: Travelers Will Soon Receive Automatic Refunds For Canceled Or Significantly Delayed Flights
The post You Can Get $49 Flights From NYC To Miami, Nashville, & More This Week Only appeared first on Secret NYC.