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Author: Erin Faherty

Erin Faherty was a member of the Digital Marketing Team of I LOVE NY from 2018-2021. She is obsessed with traveling and always up for an adventure.

Rows of colorful chocolates behind the glass in a shop
Credit: @onlyheretoeat on Instagram

You know about the M&Ms store in Times Square, we’ve told you where to get some of the best chocolate-covered donuts in the state, and we’ve even spilled the

Walkway Over The Hudson - Photo Courtesy of Beautiful Destinations

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly getaway, look no further than New York State. The environment is important to us, as demonstrated by our 180 state parks and more than 50 nature reserves. More than a century ago, a “Forever Wild” clause was added to the New York Constitution to protect more than 2.6 million acres of the Adirondacks and more than 287,000 acres in the Catskills and keep them as a Forest Preserve. We’ve gathered up some eco-friendly activities you can include as you plan your New York State adventures from learning about renewable energy to eating and drinking local to ways to enjoy some of the state’s must-see attractions with zero emissions.

Watkins Glen State Park-Photo-Courtesy of Beautiful Destinations

Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes is a wonderful example of a small town in upstate New York with a big story (other good examples are Seneca Falls and Cooperstown). While there may be fewer than 2,000

Credit: NEW YORK YANKEES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Credit: NEW YORK YANKEES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Baseball fever starts anew each spring and there’s no better place to experience it than New York State. Cooperstown is the capital of America’s pastime with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can take your little sluggers to the Hall of Fame Classic on May 23 or Hall of Fame Induction Weekend from July 24 to July 27, where Yankees own Derek Jeter will be inducted. Plan ahead if you want to attend Induction Weekend—hotels sell out well in advance. 

Troy
Credit: @troyinnovation
Updated 1/31/23

Troy sometimes gets overlooked as a suburb of Albany (just 20 minutes up and across the Hudson River from the capital), but it has come into its own in recent years as enterprising newcomers aim to put this city of 50,000 on the map. A former steel and textile manufacturing center, Troy once produced detachable collars for men’s shirts, thus you’ll see the nickname “Collar City” around town. At the peak of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, Troy was the 4th-richest city in the United States. Today, another revolution has arrived as Trojans passionate about revitalizing their hometown have gone all in on farm-to-table dining, trendy breweries, unique shopping, and performing arts, all while preserving a mix of Victorian, Greek-Revival, Gothic-Revival, and Georgian architecture. Here’s how to enjoy a weekend in an emerging enclave that’s on the verge of evolving from hidden gem to hip destination.

NYS Capitol Building

Credit: @abovealbany & @Amityphotos.com

The Capital-Saratoga region is well-known for its Revolutionary War history, farming communities, and craft beverage scene. But did you know that the potato chip was invented right in Saratoga or that the character of Uncle Sam is said to be modeled after a former resident of Troy? Settle in as we take you through 11 more secrets of the Capital-Saratoga region for foodies, history lovers, appreciators of art and architecture, and travelers looking to get off the beaten path.

View of Bannerman Castle from Breakneck Ridge in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. A mostly undeveloped preserve of nearly 6,000 acres, Beacon, NY, Dutchess County, Hudson Valley Region

The Hudson Valley has been a hot spot for centuries so you can imagine how many secrets it must hold. We’ve uncovered off-the-beaten-path attractions and experiences below, including how to make a luxury resort more affordable and where to find one of the best hot dogs you’ll ever try. The picturesque scenery, the farm-to-table dining, and charming small towns that will round out your visit are not secret, nor is it a surprise that the Hudson Valley is one of the easiest getaways from NYC. Start planning your trip now, especially if you’d like to experience the splendor of fall foliage season.

Clinton Square Syracuse
Updated 2/2/23

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.

Long Island City

If you visit New York City without visiting at least one outer borough, you’re not really seeing New York City. While Brooklyn gets a lot of attention, we’d like to introduce you to Queens. Queens is the most culturally diverse county in the US so you can bet your taste buds will be pleased. The borough is also home to world-class museums, exciting sports, and excellent views. Here's how to spend a weekend in this diverse, appealing borough!

Boldt Castle in Thousand Islands

Updated: 03/28/2022

The name of the Thousand Islands is not an exaggeration—there are more than 1,800 islands straddling the US-Canada border in the freshwater St. Lawrence River. The gorgeous