I Love New York Blog

If you haven't given much thought to state fairs since the days where you could slam down multiple chili cheese dogs and funnel cakes with zero remorse, we get it. But with the Great New York State Fair kicking off August 21, it's as good a time as any for a gentle reminder of what you've been missing since then. Here, we round out our list of 13 not-to-be-missed indulgences at this year's Fair.

From horseracing to hot air balloons, and from musical performances to mouthwatering barbecue, summer in New York State is filled with fun activities and events! Explore a new genre of music or experience tasty new dishes at one of the many festivals happening this summer. Here are just a few of the best events to check out in New York State this August.

New York State has played a key role in many of music’s most groundbreaking moments. Imagine walking in the footsteps of Janis Joplin or Nat King Cole, or listening to the opening aria from "La Traviata" in an open-air amphitheater where the acoustics make you feel like you’re part of the performance. This is New York State’s musical legacy. It is the home of the revolutionary spirit of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, and the small stage where legends honed their crafts. Discover new moments for yourself at inspiring venues offering a variety of performances and experiences, from an “anti festival” in a reclaimed factory to a concert hall floating on the East River.

One of the most exciting attractions at one of the oldest and biggest state fairs (yes, the Great New York State Fair!) is the enormous (more than 100,000 square feet!) Exposition Center, right in the middle of the fairgrounds. And during the Fair, I LOVE NY is taking over! Visit the expo center from August 21 to September 2 to get trip ideas for New York State during each of the seasons, in “All Year. All Here.”…

Syracuse is an incredibly kid-friendly city where you’ll find a great zoo, fun ways to learn, plenty of physical activities, and gorgeous nature to discover. Read on to see where the kids will have a blast exploring, eating, and playing.

Syracuse’s prime location along the Erie Canal helped establish it as an industrial powerhouse, but today, the powerhouses in the city are barbecue, family fun, and college basketball. With scenic parks surrounding Onondaga Lake, world-class museums, and an up-and-coming dining scene on historic streets, you’re guaranteed a great weekend.

We present some of the best places to feast al fresco in New York State. From a riverbank overlooking whitewater rapids to spacious, landscaped parks, get outside and discover New York State’s most picnic-perfect places! All travelers in New York State are encouraged to PLAY SMART, PLAY SAFE, PLAY LOCAL when visiting public lands and parks. Be sure to recreate safely, responsibly, and locally this summer and protect yourself and others when enjoying the outdoors​.

A short drive from New York City is a magical land of forests and streams, restaurants serving food made from ingredients sourced at nearby farms, and rustic-chic lodging (including camping) for any budget. Welcome to Ulster County in the Catskills, home to a variety of hiking experiences, from pulse-pounding climbs in the mountains to tranquil strolls around lakes, plus a wealth of activities at trail's end.

‘Tis the season for hiking! The Catskills region of New York State is one of the best areas to smell the fresh air, take in the scenery, and get those legs moving. Greene County in the Northern Catskills is a short drive from NYC, which makes it perfect for your weekend adventures. We’ve rounded up five of the best hiking trips you can take to have your best day ever in the great outdoors, along with some indoors-y things too. 

Credit: @renegade_nomad

Your dreams of walking outside to reach incredible scenic views are closer than you think! The Catskills are calling and you can answer by taking one of these hiking itineraries in Delaware and Sullivan counties for a spin, each a short drive from NYC. We’ve also included where to eat, drink, and play around the hikes to help plan your perfect day.