NYSOM Girls' 2014 Travel Resolutions

It's an easy trap to establish lofty goals when a new year rolls around, but let's be honest: we're less likely to commit to a kale-only diet than, say, determining to host more dinner parties. The NYSOM Girls are realists, so we've made easy-to-keep resolutions — we're continuing to explore every corner of New York State. Here's the where and why of our 2014 travel itineraries:

Christine, Co-Founder and COO:

"The Thousand Islands sound like a magical region that I have to see to believe. I've yet to venture to the dominion of 1800+ land masses (divided between Canadian and U.S. ownership). And I mean "masses" literally: one of the criteria for "island" status is to consist of an area larger than 1 square foot. I'm admittedly (sometimes proudly) not known for my proclivity toward rustic camping, but if I can stay in a cabin as cute as the ones at 1000 Islands Campground, I'm game. For the broad and spectacular sunsets, the boating culture, and the lively reenactment of the 1760 Battle of the Thousand Islands, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather spend a few summer days."

Photo: "On one of 1000 Islands" by Marco Nürnberger is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Silda, Co-Founder and CEO:

"Though I've traveled much of the state, I've never been to the Yellow Brick Road. After learning more about it through this piece we published on Dec. 13, I'm more eager than ever."

Audra, Marketplace Director:

"I'm most interested in exploring the State's numerous collaborative art spaces. So many of the New York States of Mind Marketplace merchants create in repurposed buildings and in shared spaces. I would like to explore some others that I have not been to yet, like The Yards in Rochester (Finger Lakes), The Cracker Factory in Geneva (Finger Lakes), The Foundry in Buffalo (Western New York), and The Foundry for Art Design + Culture in Cohoes (Capital-Saratoga)."

Miranda, Content Marketing Director:

"I have lived in New York City for nearly nine years and can't believe that I still haven't seen what all the Hamptons hype is about. I've heard wonderful things about a variety of East End towns, and I hope to lounge on the beach in Montauk for a little sun-soaked R&R next summer."

Sophie, Assistant Editor:

"I'm dying to visit Phoenicia in the summertime for a stay at The Graham & Co. hotel and a meal at the Phoenecia Diner ... with lots of beautiful hiking around the Catskills afterwards! Before returning to NYC, I'd love to swing by Kingston in the Hudson Valley for a meal at Elephant ... all that hiking will work up an appetite!"

Magazine