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Author: I LOVE NY Staff
Two boys dressed in the same outfit (blue t-shirt, black shorts, white socks and white sneakers, posing for a photo outside of Fort Ontario

We don’t know about you, but some of our best trip-inspirations come from family and friends. When we hear the words “Let me tell you about an amazing trip I took...” our ears perk up and our pencils start taking notes. Members of the I LOVE NY team have explored all corners of New York State and share some great trip tips below to inspire you as you create your own family travel memories.

A person watches the sunrise from Artists Rock at North-South Campground

Go solo on your next adventure in New York State! With unique lodging, award-winning wineries, and exhilarating outdoor experiences, New York State has endless opportunities to explore. From finding serenity in the mountains to sampling local cuisine during a farm stay, you’ll have an extraordinary self-indulgent journey.  …

A man does a canonball off a diving board into the swimming hole at Robert H. Treman State Park

New York State has more than 9,700 miles of lake, river, and ocean shoreline, plus many impressive public swimming pools, which means that it’s easy to find a place to cool off on a hot day in summer. From world-class surfing beaches to calm-watered coves to crystal-clear lakes and spacious pools, here is your guide to some of the best places to swim in New York State.

Ausable Chasm

Summer is the perfect time to make memories in New York State with your family! Head to the Adirondacks for a special getaway filled with adventures. This trip is perfect for families who love the water—you’ll enjoy all the endless fun! Get ready to take in the gorgeous mountain scenery, swim in a state park, and go river rafting. 

Mohonk Preserve

If taking a road trip is on your summer wish list, then New York is the place for you. New York State offers plenty of road trip options, whether you're interested in driving across the state from Albany to Niagara Falls, seeing the lakes of the Adirondacks, exploring Cayuga Lake, or seeking out the scenery of the Catskills. This road trip is for families who want to savor mountain vistas in the Hudson Valley.  …

Howe Caverns - Photo Courtesy of Howe Caverns

Road trip opportunities abound in the great state of New York in the summer season! In addition to itineraries for families who want to see ALL of the sights, families who love to be outdoors, and families who like a mix of city and nature, this road trip is perfect for families who need a quick vacation!

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Aerial view of Niagara Falls with spray

Buckle up, folks! Some serious family bonding is on the agenda this summer. Soak up the sights, sounds, flavors, and experiences of New York on some of the most scenic drives across the state. In between games of “I Spy” and pit stops for photo ops, these routes, which include one-, two-, and three-day trip options, will lead you from one unforgettable destination to the next. Get together a playlist with everyone’s favorite tunes and hit the road!…

A tray of cider donuts with pumpkins in the background
Credit: @redwhiteandbites on Instagram

Updated 3/26/21

New Yorkers love their iconic New York foods and love to share their opinions. We tell friends where to find the best pizza slice or bagel. We travel across our towns or cities in search of the most perfectly moist half moon cookie. We make pilgrimages to the places where Buffalo wings or the Rochester garbage plate were first served. And we debate the merits of one food versus the other, which brings us to the new I LOVE NY Food Bracket. Voters on the I LOVE NY Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter accounts have now spoken, and NY Pizza is the winner of the 2021 Bracket! Follow I LOVE NY and while voting has ended, please feel free to make passionate comments about why your choice is the best!…

Donuts with sugar glaze from the Doughnuttery
Credit: @nyc.snaccos on Instagram

New York is home to some of the world’s best restaurants and is the birthplace of internationally famous foods such as Buffalo wings, the beef on weck sandwich, and of course, the New York (pizza) slice and bagels. Over the past year, the state’s chefs and restaurateurs showcased even more culinary creativity than usual, keeping New Yorkers fed with to-go options that raised the bar for takeout, with prepared dishes and kits that allow you to create a memorable meal at home. Feeling hungry? Drive locally to pick up one of these special food offerings or order online for delivery or shipping (where possible). Bon appetit! …

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens building lit up at night
Credit: @gerri.gjones on Instagram

Updated: 12/23/2021

Learn a new skill or hone your talents with help from New York State! Online classes and workshops from experts at New York attractions can have you improving your cooking, making colorful flower arrangements, taking acting or improv comedy lessons, getting to the next yoga level, and more. You’ll also find options to expand children’s knowledge of STEM subjects as well as family-friendly educational opportunities for all. Check out these online classes and up your knowledge while supporting favorite New York institutions.