(Wasn’t sure what would be the right place for this). Every summer my mom and I visit someplace in New York so my aunt can meet us. Last summer it was IIthaca since we have a family connection there. Any interesting places or towns I should check out for a few days? She’s suggested the Chautauqua Institution but I don’t know how “fun” the place might be in general. Jamestown sounds like it might be worth a look, though.
You can always tell a neighbor, you can always tell a pal,
if you’ve ever navigated on the Erie Canal.
Saratoga Springs is a nice city, with good restaurants, some interesting museums (horse racing and dance museums). The battlefield may be worth a visit. It’s not far from Lake George, which is fun if you like tacky and touristy, The steamships are a great day trip.
Letchworth State Park, called the Grand Canyon of the East. A 600’ gorge, 3 waterfalls, including a 100’+ one, hiking, white water rafting, hot air ballooning. It’s an experience to fly the gorge, look up & see land!
Buffalo is great. Check out Canalside and Outer Harbor (https://buffalowaterfront.com/). All over the city you’ll find lots of really cool bars, restaurants, museums, beautiful architecture, a really nice zoo, and a few of Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses (Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture Road Trip in Buffalo, NY). Elmwood Village is the best place for independent shops and book stores and a farmer’s market on Saturdays (https://www.elmwoodmarket.org/). If you’re up for a short road trip, there are plenty of things to do within a drive of only an hour or two, including a few of the places already recommended in this thread.
I was in New York a few months ago. The Museum of Glass in Corning was fantastic. Not far away is Watkins Glen, with a very nice state park.