Get outside and experience a fun outdoor winter activity in New York and you’ll understand why this is a favorite season. Things to do in winter include captivating hikes, exhilarating mountain coaster rides, walks to visit frozen waterfalls or fountains, strolls through sculpture gardens, and a range of sports and activities for those in search of relaxation or an adrenaline rush. Whether you’re setting out for another ski trip

Credit: Photo by Joe Buglewicz, Courtesy of NYC & CONew York State is home to many of the world’s most famous stages, as well as historical theaters, contemporary dance and theater troupes, and important performing arts organizations from Buffalo to Brooklyn. Even now, when the velvet curtains remain closed, “The show must go on!” That’s why New York’s theaters have arranged to stream memorable performan

With 2020 finally behind us, now is the perfect time to make 2021 resolutions and new year goals for renewal and self-discovery. Whether you choose to get fit, eat healthier, try a new experience or learn a craft, want to de-stress, or just desire a "new year, new you," New York has options to help you achieve your goals, with in-person activities and virtual offerings for those who prefer to stay home. Don’t procrastina

Credit: Kevin TrageserNew York is famed for its world-class restaurants, celebrity chefs, creative food inventions, and diverse agricultural products. Not surprisingly, the state also leads the way with entertaining, informative, and inspiring cookbooks. Here are a selection of 17 books to get you cooking, New York-style, available at your local bookstore, online, and in many cases, as an ebook. Whether you want to make your own Buffalo

Credit: @corningmuseumshops on InstagramThis Valentine’s Day calls for an extra burst of creativity. Help find the perfect gift to show a loved one how much you care about them with help from New York State! Below are ideas for gifts to ship and unique online experiences to send a Valentine’s Day message to that special someone in your life, with love from New York!Virtual animal encounter from the Bronx Zoo (NYC)Credit: Anna Pa

Credit: @shuhartphotography on InstagramA great rainy day or wintertime activity, or the perfect component of a day on the town, a New York museum tour is always a satisfying experience. Many of New York’s museums are open with safety protocols in place, but there is another way to enjoy an exhibit without leaving the comfort and security of home. Virtual museum tours offer an exciting chance to see world-class art and thought-pro

Credit: @kelvin_krimaging on InstagramNew York State offers endless outdoor adventures, from thrill rides on ziplines and mountain coasters to pulse-pounding mountain hikes. But what if you want a quiet walk in the woods or along the water or even to see a majestic waterfall? Someplace to stretch your legs or get the kids outdoors without too much fuss? Well, New York has you covered there, too, with scenic, easy winter walks and nature trail

Credit: @gerri.gjones on InstagramLearn a new skill or hone your talents with help from New York State! Online classes and workshops from experts at New York attractions can have you improving your cooking, making colorful flower arrangements, taking acting or improv comedy lessons, getting to the next yoga level, and more. You’ll also find options to expand children’s knowledge of STEM subjects as well as family-friendly educat

Credit: @dario.nyc on InstagramWhether you’re looking for a cultural field trip close to home or trying to find interesting diversions online, New York’s museums offer exciting options. In late winter and early spring, many institutions introduce new programming and noteworthy exhibitions, and this year is no exception! Read on for new exhibits at New York State museums, in-person or virtual. There’s something for everyon

Credit: @nyc.snaccos on InstagramNew York is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and is the birthplace of internationally famous foods such as Buffalo wings, the beef on weck sandwich, and of course, the New York (pizza) slice and bagels. Over the past year, the state’s chefs and restaurateurs showcased even more culinary creativity than usual, keeping New Yorkers fed with to-go options that raised the bar for takeout,

Credit: @pobz_iv on InstagramCamping is one of the best and most affordable family vacations, immersing you in the peace and tranquility of nature. With warmer weather on the horizon, make reservations at one of New York State’s great campgrounds and plan a stay in the great outdoors. State parks and campgrounds abound, from glittering Lake George to thundering Niagara Falls. New York State also has a variety of privately owned campgro

Credit: @muyaoeats on InstagramWhether you have a sweet tooth for New York apple pie or prefer a more savory treat like a bagel with your morning coffee or tea, New York has local bakeries to satisfy everyone for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Here, you’ll find world-class breads and award-winning pies, treats from around the world, and some of the yummiest-smelling food items you’ll ever experience! Here are 12 of the bes

Credit: @redwhiteandbites on InstagramUpdated 3/26/21New Yorkers love their iconic New York foods and love to share their opinions. We tell friends where to find the best pizza slice or bagel. We travel across our towns or cities in search of the most perfectly moist half moon cookie. We make pilgrimages to the places where Buffalo wings or the Rochester garbage plate were first served. And we debate the merits of one food versus the other, w

Credit: @slevels07ec on InstagramIn New York State, cute critters are more than internet clickbait; they can be part of a great getaway for every member of the family. Your choices aren’t limited to zoos and aquariums, though New York has a world-class collection of those across the state. There are also farm experiences, animal sanctuaries, nature preserves, and even online animal encounters, all providing unique animal experiences an

Spring in New York is the perfect time to get out and experience the vibrancy and colors that the state has to offer. Here, you’ll find natural beauty in parks and at botanical gardens, brightly painted murals and buildings, and of course the rich hues of a New York sunset from a scenic overlook. Visit some of the most colorful places in New York and enjoy the revitalizing feeling of springtime in a state that celebrates it like no oth

Get ready to enjoy New York’s newest wonder, the 750-mile Empire State Trail. A perfect route for bicycling, hiking, running, or walking, the trail consists of three main sections: the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, which extends from the Battery in Lower Manhattan up to Albany; the Champlain Valley Trail, which heads north to Rouses Point; and the Erie Canalway Trail, which winds through the Finger Lakes and ends in Buffalo. Much of th

Buckle up, folks! Some serious family bonding is on the agenda this summer. Soak up the sights, sounds, flavors, and experiences of New York on some of the most scenic drives across the state. In between games of “I Spy” and pit stops for photo ops, these routes, which include one-, two-, and three-day trip options, will lead you from one unforgettable destination to the next. Get together a playlist with everyone’s

If you've been to the I LOVE NEW YORK blog recently, you know we're excited about all of the road trip opportunities in the state this summer! So far, we've given you itineraries for families who want to see ALL of the sights, families who love to be outdoors, and families who like a mix of city and nature. This next road trip is perfect for families who need a quick vacation!<The Catskills Scenic Route 30 is a great way to

If taking a road trip is on your summer wish list, then New York is the place for you. Right here on the I LOVE NY blog, we've given you road trip ideas whether you're interested in driving across the state from Albany to Niagara Falls, seeing the lakes of the Adirondacks, exploring Cayuga Lake, or seeking out the scenery of the Catskills. This road trip is for families who want to savor mountain vistas in the Hudson Valley.&#x

Summer is the perfect time to make memories in New York State with your family! Head to the Adirondacks for a special getaway filled with adventures. This trip is perfect for families who love the water—you’ll enjoy all the endless fun! Get ready to take in the gorgeous mountain scenery, swim in a state park, and go river rafting. Start 10 miles southeast of Albany on US Route 4 where this scenic route through the Adirondac