Miles Wine Cellars, Credit: @Amityphotos.comThe Finger Lakes are a treasure trove of secrets and stories. Did you know that at one time, Native Americans told the story that the Finger Lakes themselves were created when a spirit put his hands on the earth, leaving indentations at each of his fingers? Or that there are 11 Finger Lakes and not 10, as one might suspect from their name? Or that the ice cream sundae was invented at an ice cream fo

Greetings from Jamestown, the funniest town in America, thanks to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Comedy Park, and brand new National Comedy Center. Aside from laughs, you’ll also find plenty of ways to soak in nature, enjoy some healthy competition in a game of paintball, and indulge your sweet tooth with some old-fashioned candy or a 1950’s-style milkshake. Read on to see why Jamestown is the perfect place to bring the kid

What’s one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of New York’s scenery? Having your breath literally taken away while flying through it! That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best of the aerial adventure parks and zipline adventures across the state. Each place starts you off with a rundown of how to use their harnesses, belays, and pulleys—literally showing you the ropes. Plus, all offer a range of challen

Kids grow up fast—almost too fast. While you won’t be able to keep them little and cute forever, you will be able to create plenty of memories during a much-needed family getaway. Here’s our guide on where to take them every year in New York State.Age 1: Stay at a Lakeside ResortWhen traveling with babies, sometimes a quiet chilled-out vacation is just what you need. Many of New York’s pristine lakes are home to re

Soaking up New York’s most stunning scenery is as easy as riding a bike! Grab your helmet and an autumn jacket and go explore the beautiful foliage, great bodies of water, towns, and cities—all from the seat of your two-wheeler. The state has so many amazing trails, plus many more coming soon. In fact, the new 750-mile Empire State Trail connects New York City to Canada and Buffalo to Albany! So whether you’re a

Since 1924, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade has been the official kick-off to the holiday season. Each year, more than 50 million TV viewers joined by 3.5 million people in New York City attend or tune in for this beloved event through Manhattan. After a televised-only display in 2020, this year the parade is back on the streets and will air on NBC on Thursday, November 25 from 9 am-12 pm in all time zones. The parade will take place alon

While you may be familiar with other regions we’ve written about in this series like the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Finger Lakes, there’s a chance you’ll be a pioneer among your friends as you explore the westernmost region of New York. You’re in the right spot, because we are revealing some of the region’s best secrets. In fact, the name Chautauqua is actually a secret itself. It’s said to b

What do you buy for the person who has everything? Holiday markets are sprouting up across New York, where local art, specialty crafts, and food and drink make gift-giving season a breeze. Here are the markets to hit before the season's over!Rochester Holidays at the MarketThe free holiday cookie decorating, horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa are just some of the special treats you'll find at this festive market. Brows

Ski season is here! Just a stone's throw from New York City, you'll find mountains that offer winter fun for every age group and every skill level. Whether you're looking for a quick day-trip or a weekend-long getaway, these ski areas near NYC will make winter getaways easy, fun, and carefree for the whole family. Windham | Hunter | Belleayre | Catamount | Thunder Ridge Stay Near Win

Here are ten ways to launch you and your loved ones into the spirit of the season, New York State style.1. Holiday markets with artisan foods and giftsWhile some may cringe at the thought of shopping, holiday markets are the loved exception. Explore the holiday markets all across New York, brimming with artisan gifts, crafters, and food and drink vendors galore, and see why a visit to local Christmas markets is a cherished tradition

’Tis the season to hit the slopes for some winter fun. New York has some of the best skiing on the east coast, and whether you’re a pro or still on the bunny hill, New York has it all. Here’s why your next cold-weather getaway should be right here in New York.Read more: New York State Ski ReportFamily Skiing on a BudgetPlattekill Mountain If you’re looking to take the family skiing on a budget, New York c

It’s a winter wonderland outside, which means it’s time to go…swimming? While New York State offers incredible outdoor winter activities at every turn, why not take a break from skiing or sledding to relax by the indoor pool? We’ve found 15 hotels, resorts, and spas—plus a few indoor water parks—that welcome the whole family all around the state, and the season tends to bring lower rates to incre

Credit: @iamanar92 on InstagramStrap on those skates! New Yorkers love winter sports, especially ice skating, so don’t be surprised to find amazing indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks all over the state. Whether you're focusing on improving your form, learning from scratch, or looking for an entertaining activity for a winter’s day—you can find the right rink for you with this list of spots offering amazing skating

New York is a paradise for people who love to eat. It’s rich in agriculture, artisan foods, craft beverages, and tasty culinary inventions. In fact, New Yorkers turn eating into an art form by creating experiences that engage all the senses. Here, we've gathered restaurants and foods that don’t just offer a meal—they offer an adventure to be remembered and savored for years to come. Read on to see where to go for foo

Credit: Sean MillsYou’re probably most familiar with Long Island as a summer vacation destination, and we don’t blame you for that. After all, Long Island’s gorgeous, award-winning beaches attract summer visitors from around the world, city-dwellers looking for a weekend escape, and celebrity-moguls such as Robert DeNiro, Kelly Ripa, Steven Spielberg, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé. But there are three other seasons of the year,

How do you celebrate Saint Patrick's Day? Whether you hail from Irish ancestry or just want to get decked out in green, here are some St. Patrick's Day parades and festivals in New York State to make this holiday the best one yet. Céad míle fáilte to New York!Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade (Capital-Saratoga)Go all out in all green for the Capital's 69th parade when it kicks off at 2 pm and moves e

Welcome back, spring! Now that warmer weather is here (more or less), it’s time to take advantage of it and hit some events! Savor all the things you missed over the winter, from fresh flowers to trout fishing to farm visits and more. Read on for memory-making events, festivals, and celebrations, as well as Easter bunny encounters and 24 hours straight of musical performance, to welcome in springtime in New York!We Are Golden Exhibit (

Photo Credit: Dan Swackhammer, @SwackmanThe National Comedy Center opened its doors in 2018 in Jamestown, NY (aka the birthplace of one Lucille Ball), and we’ve got your insider guide to the top things to do at New York’s funniest attraction. With more than 50 interactive exhibits, it’s seriously some of the best fun you’ll ever have—no jokes about it! Remember to social distance and wear a mask as required

Mother's Day weekend is coming up fast! Looking to really wow the mother figures in your life this year? No problem—make memories to last a lifetime with our guide to some of the best Mother's Day activities across New York State. Think fun outdoor adventures, exceptional spas, music, and shopping that won't break the bank—here are some inspirational suggestions for the May 12 mom-focused holiday.The Albany Tulip

Bye, snow boots, bye, winter coat! We’ve been over the cold weather for a minute, and now that spring is finally here, it’s time to celebrate. New York is about to blossom with lively activities and festivals, memorable exhibits, and natural beauty returning to its most vibrant state. Read on for your complete New York State Spring Bucket List to ensure that you have a blast this season.Go whitewater rafting (Thousand Islan