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Author: I LOVE NY Staff
The charming green-roofed Fox Creek Covered Bridge reflected on the water's surface along with stunning scenery of fall foliage

Dreaming of quaint, simpler times? Covered bridges seem to possess this magical gift to transport us to a peaceful break from the present with the power of aesthetically pleasing architecture of days gone by along babbling brooks and rivers.

A photo of a spread of food from Phoenicia Diner: a burger, toast with baked beans and sausage, french toast with strawberries, bacon, and coffee

Is there anything better than diving into stacks of pancakes covered with maple syrup? Or savoring a milkshake made with local ice cream after a cheeseburger and fries? With great food, a friendly atmosphere and the occasional award-winning chef behind the counter, diners and luncheonettes remain some of the best places to grab a bite in New York State. From New York City to the Adirondacks and everywhere in between, these family-friendly mainstays are the stuff of mouthwatering memories. Discover original diners, where the atmosphere has been generations in the making, as well as award-winning hot spots that welcome all to linger over a meal. 

Harbes Family Farm

Every family has their classic vacation go-to destinations. But what about when your kids (and you) are craving something a little different? Give your crew a taste of something exciting and new when you venture to one of New York’s lesser-known treasures. Your next unforgettable escape is hiding right around the corner.

Olana State Historic Site

A quick two-hour train ride or drive from Manhattan, the city of Hudson has become a hot dining and shopping scene. Boutique hotels have opened on and around Warren Street, the mile-long district that runs uphill from the Hudson River, encompassing dozens of antique shops, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, stylish independent retailers, and small parks.

A group of people dining inside one of Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn's igloos in LeRoy

Looking for outdoor heated dining options this winter? Escape the cold at one of these restaurants offering comfortable outdoor patios and semi-enclosed areas with heat lamps, propane heaters,…

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum - Photo Courtesy of Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

Lovers of comedy should make it a point to visit Jamestown, New York—home of the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. In this small town in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region,…

A blue aircraft with yellow wings suspended within the glass walled Cradle of Aviation Museum

Garden City is home to Long Island’s air and space museum, the Cradle of Aviation, named in honor of the cluster of local airfields where many historic flights occurred in the 1920s. You can easily make this dynamic museum the centerpiece of a winter weekend excursion to Garden City, only an hour outside of New York City, which has several cultural attractions and fun diversions for the whole family.

Colorful hot air balloon soars in the sky above downtown Binghamton buildings, lush greenery and mountains

With a diverse food scene best known for its “Spiedie” sandwiches, a history of technological innovation that shines through today in many of its attractions, and charming carousels that make you feel all of the nostalgia, Binghamton is a happening place that fosters creativity and exploration. “Bing” is also a convenient base to visit the intensely popular Animal Adventure Park! The city boasts a series of annual events, including two signature summer events, the Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally, and LUMA, a citywide projection arts festival. Read on for a jam-packed family weekend getaway.

Cascading waterfall surrounded by beautiful fall foliage at Taughannock Falls State Park

From magnificent castles and stately mansions to mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls, New York State is the place to be to explore the colors of fall. 

View of the wooden Chatwal Lodge next to the lake on a clear sunny day in summer

Have you ever wanted to sleep among the canopies in a magical treehouse? Stay at America’s oldest inn or ‘check-in’ to the history of a restored 19th-century opera house? You can do all of these and…