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Author: Emma Frisbie

Emma Frisbie is the Digital Content Coordinator for ILOVENY.com.

A clocktower in front of a view of downtown Glens Falls

From world-famous museums to charming small town galleries, every corner of New York State offers endless opportunities to experience art!

A girl and a dog sit at the top of Whiteface Mountain

From magnificent mountain peaks to spectacular city skylines, there’s no place like New York State in the summer! If you’re looking to impress with some amazing photos, we’ve got you covered. Your

Two people biking along the canal where a tour boat floats by

Did you know that the New York State Canal System is the nation’s largest inland waterway? At nearly 200 years old and 524 miles of navigable waterways, including the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals, the canal system has seen it all, transporting much of the nation’s agricultural and industrial products as well as playing a vital role throughout American history. Today, experience the canal for yourself! Paddle through locks and lift bridges, cycle through stunning scenery, cruise on historic vessels, stroll charming main streets, and more. 

A woman in a flowing yellow skirt and white shirt twirls with a red cloth in her hand in front of the backdrop of a red boat and the Statue of Liberty in the distance

From dramatic Shakespeare performances to electric dance celebrations, New York State is home to the world's most renowned art festivals. Attend the northeast’s largest blues event, honor the Chautauqua Institution’s 150th anniversary season, or witness a star-studded film festival, where you may just bump into celebrities like Robert De Niro! What are you waiting for? Your New York artistic adventure awaits!  Photo credit: @balletnepantlaofficial on Instagram. 

A basket of cheese curds from River Rat Cheese
Photo courtesy of River Rat Cheese  

From freshly-caught fried filets and world-famous dressing to luxurious riverside dining and restaurants sporting storied pasts, the Thousand Islands culinary scene is sure to please any palate! Your foodie journeys may lead you to a rooftop with spectacular panoramic views of downtown Oswego or a fishing charter on the St. Lawrence River, catching and preparing your very own shore dinner. Get ready to chow down with this list of everything you have to eat in the Thousand Islands-Seaway.

View of the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse at sunset

There’s nothing like summer in New York! With new attractions, restaurants, exhibits, and hotels opening throughout the state, summer 2024 is sure to be one to remember.

Products on display at Beekman 1802 Mercantile in Sharon Springs, NY.
Credit: Ayesha Thomas

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!   

Bannerman Castle at sunset

Spend some island time in New York State! Whether you prefer an island with a mysterious history, beachfront ambiance, or an elegant castle fit for royalty, New York’s islands are waiting for you to explore. Unlock an up-close view of Niagara Falls, zoom down a 700-foot oceanside zipline, island camp under the stars, and more, from Long Island to the Thousand Islands. Read on for 23 New York islands to add to your next island-hopping adventure! 

Bottles and glasses of cider sit on a table with a back drop of the Catskill Mountains

The secret ingredient to well-crafted cider is delicious apples and New York has some of the greatest (there’s a reason we’re called the Big Apple!). In fact, New York is the largest producer of hard cider in the country and the second-largest apple-producing state. With more than 40 different apple varieties, 600 growers, and hundreds of world-class cideries, this is the place to be for award-winning cider. From the Hudson Valley’s fast-growing cideries and photogenic orchards to the Finger Lakes’ unique terroir and lakeside views, sip back, relax, take in the apple-scented atmosphere, and enjoy a crisp glass of New York cider. Here’s everything you need to know about exploring Empire State apple country.

Bright red, white, and blue fireworks decorate the sky over east river
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!