I Love New York Blog

The Erie Canal turns 200 in 2025! This monumental anniversary presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the engineering marvel that transformed the nation. Whether you’re looking to kick off canal season with a lively festival, paddle through towering locks, or catch the Seneca Chief replica canal boat on its journey from Buffalo to New York City, lock in all kinds of fun for everyone all season long! Read on for your guide to celebrating the Erie Canal Bicentennial and be sure to visit the Erie Canalway website for a full calendar of events. ​…

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 its nickname, “The End.” With a centuries-old, 110-foot 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 surfers to twenty-somethings seeking out the increasingly active nightlife scene. Here’s your guide to a diverse weekend in Montauk.

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!…

Plan the ultimate bachelor or bachelorette weekend in New York State! Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, stress-relieving retreat, or combined bachelor-bachelorette celebration, there’s an unforgettable getaway for every spouse-to-be and “I do” crew. From an all-inclusive dude ranch in the Adirondacks to the bright lights of New York City to Long Island’s tropical, sandy beaches, bring your bach party dreams to life with these 11 amazing New York State destinations.

Bask in the best of New York State with the I LOVE NY Experience, going on tour this summer and making stops at some of the season’s hottest events in New York and beyond!…

We all scream for ice cream—and New York State, where the ice cream sundae was invented, has some of the very best. From trendy artisan-run shops, featuring unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else, to classic roadside stands pumping out soft serve made from locally sourced ingredients, these are some of the best places to satisfy your cravings across New York, along with some things you might want to do in town when you’re not busy eating ice cream. Photo credit: @whatsthescoop716 on Instagram.

Credit: @clickforthekingdom on Instagram

Festivals, parades, and air shows, oh my! There’s so much to do in New York State this summer. Try delicious new foods, jam out to live music in beautiful outdoor amphitheaters, take a spin on midway rides, celebrate rich culture and community, watch hot air balloons take flight, and more, all season long. Mark your calendars. Here are some Empire State events you don’t want to miss! …

Get your sunscreen ready… it’s music festival season in New York State! From jazz to blues to indie rock to classical to country, there's a festival to satisfy every music lover.

From James Beard nominees and delicious diners to historic bed and breakfasts and contemporary art galleries, New York is filled with amazing LGBTQ-owned businesses. Support the state’s diverse LGBTQ community this Pride month and be sure to add these businesses to your next Empire State getaway!   …

From food lovers and birdwatchers to motorcyclists, music enthusiasts, and even pirates, May brings an array of unforgettable experiences for all in New York State.