I Love New York Blog

It’s time to celebrate the New Year in New York State! Welcome 2026 with a First Day hike at a state park or trail, explore a wildlife refuge, or drive through an amazing light display. Want to stay home while you toast to the new year? Enjoy virtual ball drops, and home-based family-friendly activities courtesy of New York attractions. …

The Empire State played a pivotal role in the nation's journey to independence and subsequent 250 years of American history. With events happening now through 2026 and beyond, there is no better time to learn, celebrate, and reflect on our history, and there is no better place than New York State.

Ready for a winter adventure in New York State? A wide range of affordable wintertime escapes await throughout the state from ski getaway deals to intriguing museums to spectacular snow-covered sights. Read on for amazing trips to give you plenty of memories for the family scrapbook (or Instagram feed).

Credit: @iamanar92 on Instagram

Strap on those skates! New Yorkers love winter sports, especially ice skating, so don’t be surprised to find amazing indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks all over the state. Whether you're focusing on improving your form, learning from scratch, or looking for an entertaining activity for a winter’s day—you can find the right rink for you with this list of spots offering amazing skating experiences.

The walkable Hudson Valley city of Beacon is a popular weekend getaway, where small-town charm meets an art lover’s paradise.

Here’s the thing about winter getaway destinations in New York—they’re AMAZING! So it never hurts to start planning your trip to make sure you get a room in that cozy lodge or put together that perfect itinerary of things to do without stressing at the last minute.

What activity will get your heart rate up while offering stunning views and tranquil moments to whisk you away from life's daily pressures? Winter hiking in New York! Sure, you need to be prepared (here are helpful tips from the Department of Environmental Conservation), but once you're hiking one of New York's many scenic trails in winter, you'll experience the state's beauty in new and inspiring ways while getting in some outdoor exercise. Here's our round-up of 10 of the best winter hikes in New York State.

Since 1924, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade has been the official kick-off to the holiday season. Each year, more than 50 million TV viewers joined by 3.5 million people in New York City attend or tune in for this beloved event through Manhattan. The parade takes place along a 2.5-mile route from West 77th Street & Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square and features larger-than-life balloons, fabulous floats, celebrity performances, and the one and only Santa Claus. Great views can be found along Central Park West from West 77th to West 61st Streets, and along 6th Avenue from West 59th to West 38th Streets.

Fall is the perfect time to gather your favorite people and enjoy a getaway across New York State. From rustic mountain retreats and colorful foliage to lakeside spa days, vineyard tastings, and cultural landmarks, each destination offers its own reason to turn a fall getaway into a memorable journey for you and your friends.

You may be surprised how quickly the skyline gives way to tree-lined rivers and ocean breezes once you roll out of New York City. In roughly 90 minutes (or less), Metro-North and Long Island Railroad trains can whisk you from concrete canyons to kayak docks on the Hudson, sculpture gardens in leafy hamlets, or an Atlantic-side boardwalk, no parking spot required. Tickets are a tap away in any rail-line app or at station kiosks, and a short stroll or quick rideshare handles the last mile. Choose your track and discover four car-free getaways where Black culture, Black-owned cuisine, and scenic escapes come together. …