NOTE: Check back in March 2020 for the fifth annual Bracket!We have a winner! In ILOVENY.com's fourth annual Bracket, we rounded up some of the most popular and beloved destinations across New York State to find the #1 fan choice and YOU chose Maid of the Mist, the iconic boat tour of Niagara Falls USA! Stay tuned for news about the lucky winner of the annual Bracket sweepstakes, who will get to select one of the amaz

The Greater Niagara region has been a hot spot for travelers for a loooong time. After all, if Niagara Falls isn’t on your bucket list, you probably don’t have a bucket list. The region is also full of art, culture, history, flora-and-fauna-and-Americana, and signature sandwiches oozing with flavor. You’re about to find out that this region is much more than waterfalls and wings—but definitely get in on both of tho

Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes is a wonderful example of a small town in upstate New York with a big story (other good examples are Seneca Falls and Cooperstown). While there may be fewer than 2,000 year-round residents, Watkins Glen is also home to world-class attractions like gorge-ous Watkins Glen State Park and Watkins Glen International, the only place to watch NASCAR in the state. Don’t worry about the planning, we’ve do

We’ve made it through the winter and April’s showers will soon be forgotten—get ready for May flowers and perfect weather throughout New York State. This year, we’re celebrating special occasions like Walt Whitman’s 200th birthday and the 50th anniversaries of both the Stonewall Uprising and Woodstock with a variety of events leading up to this summer. Other activities of note across the regions will get you

While every Pride is meaningful and special, this year’s is a particularly big deal: 2019 marks the 50-year anniversary of the historic Stonewall Riots, when the LGBTQ community rose up in protest against police raids at the Stonewall Inn in New York City's West Village. The epicenter of the anniversary festivities will be right here in New York State, and it's the first WorldPride in the United States. Events

Corning, New York is the perfect stepping stone to explore the southern Finger Lakes. You’re probably most familiar with the name as a tribute to glass art and innovation, thanks to the famed Corning Museum of Glass, a must-see while in town—but you’ll find much more to love in this charming city along the Chemung River. Due to Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) establishing residence in 1868, the town’

The only activity that’s more quintessentially New York than eating pizza is hunting down the best pies. We've got the crunchiest, cheesiest, freshest options from all over the state, from beloved slices from Brooklyn to cup-and-char pepperoni in Buffalo.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. U

Located east of New York City, just off the southern edge of Long Island, 31-mile-long Fire Island is home to some of the most spectacular, pristine beaches in the United States. Its proximity to NYC and the laid-back vibe have made Fire Island a favorite for all types of visitors—from families and couples to LGBTQ vacationers, who gravitate toward Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines, communities that have been gay-friendly since be

New York has an abundance of gorgeous natural views all across the state AND is well known for its culinary scene, so you won’t be surprised that restaurants have popped up in stunning spots. From waterfront dining along oceans, lakes, and rivers, to waterfalls, to city skyline views, New York State offers memorable dining opportunities for everyone. Remember to stay as local as possible when traveling, while bringing a mask

Though it’s technically part of the Hamptons, New York’s legendary luxury playground, Montauk, long ago forged its own identity as a quirky hamlet known for fishing, beaches, parks, and for its nickname, “The End.” With a centuries-old lighthouse at the easternmost point in New York State as its calling card, today Montauk offers something for everyone, from families on beach holidays to fishing enthusiasts and sur

In case you hadn't heard, this year’s Pride festivities are going to be a very big deal. New York City hosts WorldPride 2019, drawing visitors from all over the globe, to honor the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, when the gay community took a stand against police harassment in the West Village. This means that: a) amazing unmissable events will be happening all throughout June and early July; b) it’s a great time t

Although the famous festival that borrowed the town's name actually took place about an hour west at what is now the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the spirit of the 1960s and early 1970s is still alive in Woodstock, New York. Peace, love, understanding, art, and music still reign in this quaint village nestled in the Catskill Mountains. Here is a guide to spending a fun-filled weekend in Woodstock. Remember to social d

Mexican culture thrives in New York State, especially on May  5, better known as Cinco de Mayo. Contrary to popular belief, this holiday is not Mexico’s Independence Day. It’s the anniversary of the Mexican army’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Today, New Yorkers celebrate with dancing, music, and of course, food and drink. Here’s where to experience Cinco de Mayo in New York Sta

Great weather means even better Instagram posts hitting the feed! In celebration of spring warming up New York State, we’ve put together a few of our favorite posts of the season. From hiking to flower festivals, there’s no denying spring is in the air! For a chance to be featured on the @iloveny Instagram feed make sure you’re using #SpringIntoNY on all your spring pics, and see if you can capture our state as beaut

You may be surprised at how easy it is to get to the nearby regions of the Hudson Valley and Long Island from New York City, even if you don’t have access to a car. We’ve got some easy day trips (or weekend getaways) on the train to show you a whole new New York than you may be used to, from beautiful beaches to marvelous mountains. With gorgeous scenery outside the window and no worries about driving or parking, everyone in the

Now that the weather’s fine, we've got vacation on our minds. Maybe you don’t get many days off for travel but that doesn’t mean you and your partner should give up on getting away! Read on for quick, easy, and super romantic trips around New York State.During your getaway, please remember to keep six feet apart from others not in your household and bring a mask or face covering to wear when it’s not possible

Memorial Day is just around the corner, marking the unofficial start of the summer season. Welcome the warm weather with an unforgettable long weekend in New York State. Beaches and parks are officially open, the sun is out, and everyone is ready to celebrate. Whether you’re with a significant other, family, friends, or all of the above—here are some great destinations to kick off your summer right!Jones Beach State Park (Long I

Known across the world for Thoroughbred horse racing and its wealth of mineral waters that made it the ideal setting for America’s first resort, Saratoga Springs is an excellent place to visit all year long. Nestled at the foothills of the Adirondacks, just south of Lake George and just north of the state capital of Albany, Saratoga Springs offers top-notch lodging, dining, and cultural attractions all with a backdrop that may remind y

Get ready for liftoff because your summer plans are about to get a serious boost! Strap in for some of the steepest, twisty-turniest, most gut-wrenching roller coaster rides and water slides around—but don’t worry, there are also plenty of family rides that won’t make you lose your lunch. New York is home to some of the country’s longest-running amusement parks, so you can savor a little dose of nostalgia along wit

After the initial few weeks of jubilance about being out of school for the summer, the kids may soon tire of video game controllers, ice cream headaches, and staying outside until the street lights come on. Banish that boredom by planning a summertime adventure in New York State. We have five awesome summer weekend getaway ideas that are fab for the whole fam, from beachside to bayside to inside our great museums!Cooperstown (Centra