I Love New York Blog

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…

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 a bustling dining scene on historic streets, you’re guaranteed a great weekend.

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! Credit: @nyclovesnyc on Instagram…

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…

Corning, New York is the perfect stepping stone to explore the southern Finger Lakes. You’re probably most familiar with the name as a tribute to glass art and innovation, thanks to the famed Corning Museum of Glass, a must-see while in town—but you’ll find much more to love in this charming city along the Chemung River. Due to Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) establishing residence in 1868, the town’s nickname is “Crystal City” and the quaint downtown is dubbed “The Gaffer District,” gaffer being a term for a professional glassblower. Come for the glass but stay for the inventive cuisine, boutique shopping, and nearby Finger Lakes wine country.

You don’t have to go to Times Square and the Theater District in NYC to have an all-star Broadway experience that will still leave you singing your favorite tunes for months.

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.

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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. …

Credit: @troyinnovation

Updated 6/4/24

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.

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.