Full disclosure: We're in Vancouver right now; it was in the 80s yesterday and the hotties on bikes wouldn't have hurt my feelings by wearing even less.
It's interesting to read about NYS; we moved to the midwest in 1977. Nice place to visit, but glad we left. I've got 2 brothers that still live in NYS; they say it is worth the higher cost of living. My other brother and I (both Midwest) disagree.
No longer in NY, but was there1st 21 years. Still consider anything North and West of Hudson Valley "Upstate".
I'll guess North Country with your description.
Just think how boring the world would be if everyone thought the same.
I used the term because I was replying to someone elses useage. Although I agree with the term in what appears to be both of our uses.