As far as Western NY, Niagara Falls is popular. NY side you have Goat Island and some casinos/shops/restaurants. If you have a passport, you can walk over the Rainbow bridge into Canada to see Clifton Hill tourist area--lots more to do and a great view of the American Falls.
Letchworth State Park will impress you, most feel it like it should be a National Park.
From nearby Watkins Glen you can take Rt. 14 north--you'll see many Finger Lake wineries on this road and ride along the shore of Seneca Lake-the deepest of the Finger Lakes. Most of the wineries have tours. It'll take you to Geneva then to I-90.
If you get the chance, visit the Adirondacks. This State Park is bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite and Grand Canyon combined.