Visited Newfoundland in 1972 with my brothers. Visiting again this October as a cruise port; beautiful area (1972 experience.) Remember sailing in to Port aux Basques with colorful houses as the boats went out for the day and eating KFC in St. John's on (as I recall) Signal Hill in 60 mph winds.
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.