This Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, honor your dad with a gift from New York State. From a taste of the Adirondacks to grooming products from the Catskills to wines from Long Island, there are fantastic gift ideas for every type of dad. Even if you are unable to physically be together with him, you can still send a meaningful gift as a reminder of times together or to create inspiration for a future trip. Check out the following New Yo

In New York State, you’re never far from nature. In fact, without having to travel much at all, you can find beaches, lakes, mountains, and trails, which means it’s easy to get outdoors and safely enjoy all sorts of soul-satisfying activities. In the mood for a reflective hike in the woods? A challenging mountain bike ride or a more relaxed pedal through rolling hills? A family camping trip? New York offers all this and mor

Credit: Barry SchwartzNew York State is known for iconic celebrations around the 4th of July. While this year will be different, many regions will host colorful displays for those in the local area with social distancing requirements, as well as virtual events for those who prefer to stay home. The biggest of all the shows, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in New York City, will go on in a different format this year, with a patrio

Looking for a safe and fun New York road trip close to home? Check out these great New York State roadside attractions! With a variety of offbeat destinations, ranging from the artistic to the curious, from goofy to downright mysterious, there’s something to delight everyone, and the entire family will enjoy getting out of the house to seek out these eye-opening one-of-a-kind treasures only found here in New York. Remember to social di

Credit: @chopan585 on InstagramBlack culture has a deep impact on New York State. Jazz and hip-hop, art and dance, sports, literature, history, film, food, and fashion—all of these worlds look a lot less interesting without the contributions of Black New Yorkers. There are many ways and places to experience Black culture in New York State today whether at an important historical site, a legendary restaurant, an influential music venue,

These great books all have one very special thing in common: New York State! From classic literature to page-turning nonfiction to accounts of major historical moments and figures, these books offer insights into what makes New York such a special place. Add these to your summer reading list, or enjoy them in any season, and even inspire a future visit to an attraction based on these 11 great books set in New York State! Remember to soci

New York State is home to thousands of incredible attractions that satisfy any interest, many of which have accessibility features for visitors with disabilities, including programs specifically designed for travelers who are autistic or have developmental disabilities. A number of cultural institutions are also offering live and taped accessible virtual events led by trained educators.Remember to social distance and wear a mask as required b

New York State is home to thousands of incredible attractions that satisfy any interest, many of which have accessibility features for visitors with disabilities, including programs specifically designed for travelers who are Deaf or are hard of hearing. A number of cultural institutions are also offering live and taped accessible virtual events with captions, ASL interpreters and other accessibility features.Remember to social distance and w

Credit: Brooklyn Botanic GardenNew York State is home to thousands of incredible attractions that satisfy any interest, many of which have accessibility features for visitors with disabilities, including programs specifically designed for travelers who are blind or have low vision. A number of cultural institutions are also offering live and taped accessible virtual events with audio descriptions and other accessibility features. Remembe

New York is home to many well-known, world-class attractions. But it’s also a state filled with hidden gems that don’t attract big crowds—waterfalls, hiking trails, and lakes that you can have practically all to yourself! Check out these outdoor destinations (as well as additional opportunities to get close to nature) that will expand your knowledge of New York State while allowing for safe recreation. Remember to so

Craving a getaway with a unique twist? These New York State vacation rentals and places to stay differ from the usual hotel experience with private entrances, remote locations, and lots of outdoor space for recreation. From rustic cabins to luxury hideaways to glamping in the city or in the country, these lodgings offer ways to get away from it all.  Remember to social distance and wear a mask as required by state guidelines. Call a

New York State’s spectacularly colorful fall foliage season is about to get underway, and you’re invited to become an Official I LOVE NY Leaf Peeper to join our statewide team of volunteers that help our visitors discover the best foliage around the state.Each week, you’ll be required to submit a detailed report on your observations of the foliage in your area, estimating expected foliage conditions for the upcoming weeke

New York State offers many activities for those wanting to get outdoors and enjoy nature. From hiking trails to beaches to picnic areas with a view, there’s something for everyone. It is up to all visitors to help maintain these beautiful outdoor spaces, as well as to ensure the safety of others. Preparing for outdoor adventures is essential; read below for tips on what to do before you head out, updated for the season. Here are the im

Credit: @bluewatermanor on InstagramNew York State has hundreds of options for outdoor dining with a view, from patios overlooking lakes and rivers to vineyard restaurant terraces to tables on a farm. The following restaurants with outdoor seating all have a few things in common: great food, magnificent views, and plenty of room to socially distance. (All offer curbside takeout for those who aren’t ready to eat at the restaurant yet.)&

Labor Day weekend is a great time to get out into nature with family and friends in New York State. The long weekend offers more opportunities to explore while staying as local as possible. Near the Catskills? Go for a hike, a swim, or a mountain bike ride! Closer to Buffalo and Niagara Falls? Experience the region’s natural beauty and architectural history. Want to make a splash? Find a hidden beach in the Adirondacks or on Long Islan

Credit: @bethel2008 on InstagramNo matter where you go in New York State, you are sure to find beautiful art decorating the sides of buildings, electrical boxes, train cars, fences, and streets. From colorful mosaics to picture-perfect city names and stunning nature paintings, street art in New York State is limitless. Here are street murals you can discover and things to do near each location! Remember to social distance and wear a mask

New York City is home to the best museums in the world, and many have reopened or are about to reopen following temporary closures due to COVID-19. These museums and cultural institutions are welcoming visitors again with exciting new exhibitions and safety protocols in place—and in many cases, free or reduced admission for a limited time! Read on for news about the reopening of favorites like MoMA, the American Museum of Natural Histo

Want to treat yourself to a local getaway for a little fun, rest, and relaxation? You don’t have to go far for an escape from your everyday routine. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway (or two!), there are thousands of miles of natural wonders to explore, hundreds of hidden gems to discover, and world-class resorts to experience nearby on your New York State staycation! Follow these tips to

Why is New York in the fall so magical? The leaves change from deep green to dazzling shades of orange, red, and yellow. The warm air turns crisp and cool. The activities offer fall family fun for everyone, with apple picking and scenic drives, colorful hikes, and romantic small-town getaways. For many New Yorkers, fall is a favorite season—a time to get out the cozy sweaters and scarves and to explore the state’s natural beauty

This year, I LOVE NY is thrilled to welcome exciting new additions to our dedicated team of spotters for the Fall Foliage Report. Meet the “Official I LOVE NY Leaf Peepers” who will be reporting expected changes in fall color from across New York State throughout the season. Follow along on the I LOVE NY Instagram (and their personal accounts!) as they share their most mesmerizing fall color shots and the best areas to find New