Known for classical music and lilacs, among other things, Rochester is perfect for a scenic getaway packed with diverse activities. From America’s oldest municipal park-garden cemetery to top-ranked golf courses to the Strong National Museum of Play, this mid-sized city packs surprises for visitors of all ages and interests. While staying in Rochester for a week (or five!) would be awesome, we know busy schedules make weekend trips ide

1. Glimmerglass State ParkLocated just 8 miles outside of Cooperstown, Glimmerglass State Park overlooks Otsego Lake, the “Glimmerglass” of James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales. The partially-wooded, rolling terrain is the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy your natural surroundings. With a variety of wildflowers, wildlife, shrubs, ferns and mosses throughout, taking a hike or a walk through Glimmerglass

Rich in history, architecture, and natural beauty, Buffalo is the perfect destination for any traveler looking to expand their intellectual horizons. With landmarks including one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most notorious architectural workings and the historic Forest Lawn cemetery, you’ll never run out of places to go, things to see, or history to uncover. While a week-long vacation would be ideal to see all the sites that thi

Sitting at the crossroads of the Adirondack Park, Tupper Lake isn’t just any lake town. With pristine waters, picturesque hiking trails and endless outdoor-centric facilities to really feel one with nature like the Wild Center and Adirondack Public Observatory, Tupper Lake is the perfect destination for water lovers and forest lovers alike. Though you could spend weeks getting lost in the woodlands, wandering town’s gourmet eate

With its idyllic rolling hills and sparkling lakes, the Finger Lakes region is one of the area’s most beautiful. Known for its award-winning wineries and jaw-dropping waterfalls and gorge trails, the region also offers plenty to do for kids of all ages, making it a great choice for a family vacation.Named for its eleven finger-like lakes, the region stretches from Great Lake Ontario all the way down to the New York-Pennsylvania border.

I Love NY interviewed Eric Meek, the Manager of the Hot Glass Program at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, about his role at the world-renowned museum as well as why he adores New York State.  What does your job entail?Eric Meek: My job here at the museum is to demonstrate glass making for the guests that come through our doors. Everybody wants to see hot glass blowing, and we do that every day. I also

Anna Pakman is Director of Digital Strategy for Empire State Development / NYS Division of Tourism. She’s an avid traveler and foodie. If you love food as much as I do, you know that where and what you eat is not just an afterthought when you are planning a vacation -- oftentimes it is the destination. Here are just a few reasons why New York State is the place to be for foodies.1. The Restaurant at the Gould Hotel (Finger La

In the fall, the Hudson Valley turns into a leaf peeper’s paradise. The leaves turn to hues of orange, red, and gold, local restaurants roll out their fall-inspired comfort cuisines, and residents start thinking about where they’ll stack their firewood. Whether you are looking to tour wineries, hike, or sleep in and take in the thriving art and music scene, the Hudson Valley has something to feed your wanderlust. FRIDAY 4 pm: Go

The only thing eerier than a ghost story is a ghost story that’s true. Get spooked by New York State history this month with haunted history tours throughout the state.1. Haunted History Ghost Walk in LyonsTake a 90-minute ghostly walking tour of Lyons, exploring the architecture and paranormal happenings of the village. Meet in front of the Wayne County Courthouse for one of the spookiest experiences you’ll ever have!2.&#x

When you’re thinking about your vacation this fall, plan an unforgettable weekend of family adventure in New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes. Spanning eleven lakes and nearly 9,000 square miles, the Finger Lakes region offers so many opportunities that choosing the right ones can be overwhelming, but we can make it easier. Each day begins in the quaint village of Penn Yan, centrally located near Keuka Lake, between Canandaigua and

The Gold Coast region of Long Island is home to historic Gold Coast mansions, world-class shopping, sprawling beaches, vibrant parks and some of the best restaurants you'll find anywhere in the United States.As a regional festival, the Gold Cost International Film Festival brings Long Island communities together. Located on the charming Long Island North Shore in the town of North Hempstead, the GCIFF showcases the work of exce

Thanksgiving is a time for laughter, love, and sharing. Bond with the people you love, doing your favorite activities as you celebrate in New York State.Turkey TrotKick your metabolism into high gear before the Thanksgiving eatathon begins with the annual Troy Turkey Trot in the Capital-Saratoga region. Compete with a 5k, 10k, one-mile Turkey Walk and Grade School Mile—an event for everyone means bonding for the whole family.

The holiday season is here. As everything finally starts to slow for winter, cozy up at one of these seven unique spots across New York State to reset and recharge in the New Year.Play king and queen for a night at the Singer Castle on Dark Island in Chippewa Bay. Spend an evening or three in a magnificent 100-year-old castle with secret passages and opulent furnishings. Tour the castle by day, then spend the night in the Royal Suit

Want to see one of the world's finest collections of modern and contemporary art and get sprayed by waterfalls all in one day? Take a weekend trip to Buffalo, which was named one of the world's top 52 spots to visit in 2018 by The New York Times. Niagara Falls' dramatic cascades are spectacular in any season and Buffalo’s night scene is just as vibrant as its art. As a perfect complement to seein

Lovers of comedy should make it a point to visit Jamestown, home of the newly built National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, and Desilu Studios. In this small town, there are plenty of attractions and historic sites to keep visitors busy and entertained for a weekend. FRIDAY7 pm: After your commute here, hit the Pub and unwind with some family-friendly fare, a top pick for regional special

Head north to the St. Lawrence River, which forms the watery border between New York State and Canada, to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Thousand Islands region—such as the nearly 2,000 islands, the bright blue bays of Lake Ontario, sparkling rivers and hundreds of miles of picturesque coastline—and visit the lasting tribute to the cowboys, soldiers, and Native Americans of the Old West at the Frederic Remington Art Mus

Newburgh is one of the best destinations for motorcycle enthusiasts. Besides being able to cruise along the scenic Route 9W from New York City to get there, easy riders can also get their gear fix at the Motorcyclepedia Museum and the Orange County Choppers headquarters. Speaking of headquarters, on the history side of things, the city served as HQ to the Continental Army during the American Revolution and offers many historical attractions a

Travel to Schenectady for a weekend rich in history, art, and fun. It is here where Thomas Edison founded the General Electric Company, where New York State named its first historic district, and it’s home to Proctors Theatre, a former vaudeville house where countless famous artists have performed. FRIDAY 7 pm: Have a delicious dinner at Tara Kitchen. Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine at one of Schenectady’s fine

Garden City is home to Long Island’s air and space museum, the Cradle of Aviation, named in honor of the cluster of local airfields where many historic flights occurred in the 1920s. You can easily make this dynamic museum the centerpiece of a winter weekend excursion to Garden City, only an hour outside of New York City, which has several cultural attractions and fun diversions for the whole family. FRIDAY 7 pm: Kick off the week

Excited about the Grammy awards? So are we! New York State has been the muse for many a songwriter, so we put together this playlist of some of our favorites to serve as inspiration for your next vacation.Gore Mountain"Welcome to New York" by Taylor SwiftWelcome to New York, it's been waiting for you... While the song was written about New York City, there's much more to New York State--and yes it's all been wait