If your idea of fun is packing the whole fam in the car for a few hours of the license plate game and perfecting your harmonies to the oldies, you've come to the right place. Here on the I LOVE NEW YORK blog, we are releasing road trip ideas to last all summer, whether you prefer to cross the entire state snapping pics of all of the sites or pack as many lakes into one day as possible. This road trip provides gorge-ous views by Cayu

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, honoring the culture, traditions, and history of generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. New York is a great place to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. From visiting a treasured Buddhist temple in the Catskills to feeling the peace and wisdom of nature at a Hudson Valley Japanese stroll garden to enjoying Burmese cuisine in Buffalo

Credit: @stevehoehler22 on InstagramThis summer, show your partner that you love them, and that you love New York! Take off on a romantic getaway in New York State and experience places to stay that are perfect for couples, from resorts with rejuvenating spas to luxurious glamping sites to waterfront hotels and charming B&Bs. Add in a fun activity, from hiking to a waterfall to shopping on a walkable Main Street to visiting a museum, and

New York State has more than 9,700 miles of lake, river, and ocean shoreline, plus many impressive public swimming pools, which means that it’s easy to find a place to cool off on a hot day in summer. From world-class surfing beaches to calm-watered coves to crystal-clear lakes and spacious pools, here is your guide to some of the best places to swim in New York State.Remember to social distance and wear a mask as required by state gui

Families have yet another reason to plan a trip to New York State this summer: the new LEGOLAND® is open! This theme park, the largest LEGOLAND ever, is specially designed for children ages 2-12, with 50 rides, shows, and attractions spread out over 150 acres. Located in the Hudson Valley village of Goshen, just 60 miles northwest of New York City, LEGOLAND will bring serious family fun to your summer. To reserve dates and single-da

Credit: @kb.hikes on InstagramSummer is the time to create long-lasting family memories in New York State. Exciting opportunities for fun await, from state-of-the-art theme parks to activities on the water to kid-friendly picturesque parks. Thrill-seeking families will find ziplines and mountain coasters; those in search of relaxation can visit beaches or take gentle hikes to waterfalls. There’s literally something for everyone to make

Celebrate Father’s Day weekend this year with a history tour of New York! June 19–20 is a Path Through History Weekend, a chance to celebrate the rich and vibrant past across New York State. Below, we’ve selected 12 can’t-miss things to do, featuring poetry, comedy, military history, and more, some in person, others available online. Check out the Path Through History event site for all of the historical and educat

Pride is always an exciting time in New York, and this year’s events bring with it an extra sense of hope. Although 2021 is far from a normal Pride year, communities are starting to gather together in-person once again to celebrate Pride safely. Highlights include the return of Pridefest in Greenwich Village, the Let Love Bloom Wedding Marathon in Central New York, Long Island Pride. At these and other Pride events in New York, includi

Credit: @thisnewyorkfamily on InstagramWhile New York State is home to the Big Apple, New York City, it also boasts irresistible charm as found in its small towns. Set amidst majestic mountains, featuring wonderful wineries, and close to all sorts of outdoor adventure, New York's adorable small towns offer visitors a place to relax and rejuvenate while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. You’ll discover great places to eat, o

Go solo on your next adventure in New York State! With unique lodging, award-winning wineries, and exhilarating outdoor experiences, New York State has endless opportunities to explore. From finding serenity in the mountains to sampling local cuisine during a farm stay, you’ll have an extraordinary self-indulgent journey. Remember to social distance and wear a mask as required by state guidelines. Call ahead and check websites and

Summer is an amazing time to experience outdoor performances in New York. All across the state, stages come to life with artists from the worlds of music, dance, theater, and more. Visit beautiful outdoor amphitheaters, sprawling great lawns, and other places where you can enjoy a show this summer. As these incredible venues reopen, summer is once again a time for seeing stages come to life across New York State. Tickets are going fast so be

Updated: November 10, 2021Excited about meeting up with friends or family and looking for Covid-safe things to do in New York? Whether you can’t wait to cozy up to the bar at a trendy lounge or to see your favorite sports teams and bands play live, New York State’s Excelsior Pass and Excelsior Pass Plus—a quick, simple, and secure way to display your vaccination or COVID-19 test results—can be your golden ticket. I

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly getaway, look no further than New York State. The environment is important to us, as demonstrated by our 180 state parks and more than 50 nature reserves. More than a century ago, a “Forever Wild” clause was added to the New York Constitution to protect more than 2.6 million acres of the Adirondacks and more than 287,000 acres in the Catskills and keep them as a Forest Preserve. We&#x

Credit @m_squazzo on InstagramNo matter your travel style or interests, there are still great last-minute getaways awaiting in New York State - even if you haven’t made your reservations yet! From food tours, to exploration of caves, historic forts, and fossil-rich cliffs, to a relaxing day of antiquing with that special person in your life, New York State has the perfect last-minute trip for you. Remember to social distance

We get it. New York is a big state and summer seems to fly by! To help you narrow down the almost endless number of things to do here, we’ve come up with a list of must-see destinations perfect for a summer day, whether you like to embrace the sun’s rays or appreciate cooling down with a breeze on the water, a museum’s air conditioning, or caverns deep below the earth’s surface. It’s time to make some memori

Round up your crew and head out on the road this summer. New York State has a variety of adventures just waiting for you to arrive. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite scenic and fun-filled road trips so all you have to do is stock up on snacks and make some overnight reservations for the longer trips. It’s time to hit play on summer plans and that summer playlist! Remember to social distance and wear a mask as requi

August is Black-owned Business Month! From cultural cuisines to jazz music, bookstores, dance, and sweet treats, shop local during your next New York State getaway and support New York’s Black-owned businesses this month and every month! Remember to social distance and wear a mask as required by state guidelines. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions are open and available.These are just a fe

Updated: 10/28/2021Who says New York City has to be expensive? We rounded up great finds to help you plan your city getaway, no matter if you’re on a budget or looking to treat yourself to a luxury experience. Let this be your guide to everything from the free (or nearly free) to the most extravagant ways to experience skyscrapers, the world’s best culture scene, epic eats, and so much more. Remember to social distance and wear

We don’t know about you, but some of our best trip-inspirations come from family and friends. When we hear the words “Let me tell you about an amazing trip I took...” our ears perk up and our pencils start taking notes. Members of the I LOVE NY team have explored all corners of New York State and share some great trip tips below to inspire you as you create your own family travel memories. Remember to social distance

Whether you’re looking to create an unforgettable bachelor/bachelorette party, a fun-filled girls' weekend, a bros' getaway, or a mini friend vacay, New York State is the place to be this fall season! From leading breweries, wineries, and cideries to outdoor adventures, and Insta-worthy foodie experiences, all topped off with amazing fall foliage for your social media feed, get started on planning your fall friends getaway in