I Love New York Blog

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New York State has hundreds of options for outdoor dining with a view, from patios overlooking lakes and rivers to vineyard restaurant terraces to tables on a farm. The following restaurants with outdoor seating all have a few things in common: great food, magnificent views, and plenty of room to socially distance. (All offer curbside takeout for those who aren’t ready to eat at the restaurant yet.) When visiting, remember to keep six feet apart from others not in your household and wear a mask or face covering, and call ahead or check websites and social media to make sure attractions are open and available while staying as local as possible. 

New York State offers many activities for those wanting to get outdoors and enjoy nature. From hiking trails to swimming beaches to picnic areas with a view, there’s something for everyone. It is up to all visitors to help maintain these beautiful outdoor spaces, as well as to ensure the safety of others. Here are the important things to remember when heading out into the great outdoors in New York State! …

New York is home to many well-known, world-class attractions. But it’s also a state filled with hidden gems that don’t attract big crowds—waterfalls, hiking trails, and lakes that you can have practically all to yourself! Check out these outdoor destinations that will expand your knowledge of New York State while allowing for safe recreation. Even though you might not see many people on your trip, remember to keep six feet apart from others not in your household and bring a mask or face covering to wear when it’s not possible to maintain social distancing. Call ahead or check attraction websites and social media for the most current information on openings and amenity availability while staying as local as possible.

These great books all have one very special thing in common: New York State! From classic literature to page-turning nonfiction to accounts of major historical moments and figures, these books offer insights into what makes New York such a special place. Add these to your summer reading list, or enjoy them in any season, and even inspire a future visit to an attraction based on these 11 great books set in New York State! Note: Some attractions featured here may be temporarily closed or may feature reduced amenities. Please check directly with individual attractions before making plans. 

In New York State, you’re never far from nature. In fact, without having to travel much at all, you can find beaches, lakes, mountains, and trails, which means it’s easy to get outdoors and safely enjoy all sorts of soul-satisfying activities. In the mood for a reflective hike in the woods? A challenging mountain bike ride or a more relaxed pedal through rolling hills? A family camping trip? New York offers all this and more. Just remember to keep six feet apart from others not in your household and bring a mask or face covering to wear when it’s not possible to maintain social distancing, and call ahead or check websites and social media to make sure attractions are open and available, while staying as local as possible. …

Any visit to New York would be incomplete without a taste of a chewy, delicious bagel. A typical New York bagel is smaller and denser than most, usually hand-rolled, boiled, then baked to achieve the perfect consistency. Here are places to find the best bagels in New York, whether you take yours topped with plain cream cheese, lox, butter, or whatever topping or filling you choose! …

Why are the Catskills one of the hottest destinations in the US right now? Stylish resorts, acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants, and country-chic boutiques are the recently added attractions, but the region’s beauty is the template. There’s no better way to experience the Catskills than with a hike on its trails, which offer something for every type of outdoor adventurer, from those looking to get their heart rates up to those in search of a tranquil stroll in the woods. Just remember to keep six feet apart from others not in your household and bring a mask or face covering to wear when it’s not possible to maintain social distancing. Call ahead or check websites and social media for the most current information while staying as local as possible. …