I Love New York Blog

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This summer, show your partner that you love them, and that you love New York! Take off on a romantic getaway in New York State and experience places to stay that are perfect for couples, from resorts with rejuvenating spas to luxurious glamping sites to waterfront hotels and charming B&Bs. Add in a fun activity, from hiking to a waterfall to shopping on a walkable Main Street to visiting a museum, and you have the perfect ingredients for memorable romantic getaways in New York!…

Get ready to enjoy New York’s newest wonder, the 750-mile Empire State Trail. A perfect route for bicycling, hiking, running, or walking, the trail consists of three main sections: the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail, which extends from the Battery in Lower Manhattan up to Albany; the Champlain Valley Trail, which heads north to Rouses Point; and the Erie Canalway Trail, which winds through the Finger Lakes and ends in Buffalo. Much of the Empire State Trail is newly built or freshly renovated and off-road. There is easy access all long the trail and designated parking areas should you want to drive to a specific section (check the Empire State Trail map to find your entryway and route). Best of all? The Empire State Trail will get you outside to enjoy nature with countless diversions, from stopping for craft beverages and a bite to eat to visiting world-class museums and fascinating historic sites. Below, we’ve selected one attraction as a reference or “stop” on or within a mile or two of the trail, with suggestions for other nearby activities. …

Spring in New York is the perfect time to get out and experience the vibrancy and colors that the state has to offer. Here, you’ll find natural beauty in parks and at botanical gardens, brightly painted murals and buildings, and of course the rich hues of a New York sunset from a scenic overlook. Visit some of the most colorful places in New York and enjoy the revitalizing feeling of springtime in a state that celebrates it like no other.

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Whether you have a sweet tooth for New York apple pie or prefer a more savory treat like a bagel with your morning coffee or tea, New York has local bakeries to satisfy everyone for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Here, you’ll find world-class breads and award-winning pies, treats from around the world, and some of the yummiest-smelling food items you’ll ever experience! Here are 12 of the best bakeries from every region of New York State, so you’ll never have to travel far for a sweet or savory reward prepared by dedicated bakers.

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A great rainy day or wintertime activity, or the perfect component of a day on the town, a New York museum tour is always a satisfying experience. Many of New York’s museums are open with safety protocols in place, but there is another way to enjoy an exhibit without leaving the comfort and security of home. Virtual museum tours offer an exciting chance to see world-class art and thought-provoking exhibitions, and the technology often makes you feel like you’re walking the galleries in real life. Take an online stroll around these New York State museums with these engaging virtual museum tours.

Credit: Kevin Trageser

New York is famed for its world-class restaurants, celebrity chefs, creative food inventions, and diverse agricultural products. Not surprisingly, the state also leads the way with entertaining, informative, and inspiring cookbooks. Here are a selection of 17 books to get you cooking, New York-style, available at your local bookstore, online, and in many cases, as an ebook. Whether you want to make your own Buffalo wings, create a tangy Thousand Island dressing for your salad, or try your hand at a tasty Utica tomato pie, bookmark the pages in New York State cookbooks and have fun in the kitchen! …

Credit: Photo by Joe Buglewicz, Courtesy of NYC & CO

New York State is home to many of the world’s most famous stages, as well as historical theaters, contemporary dance and theater troupes, and important performing arts organizations from Buffalo to Brooklyn. Even now, when the velvet curtains remain closed, “The show must go on!” That’s why New York’s theaters have arranged to stream memorable performances, to keep audiences entertained from home until these beloved spaces can open again. Here are options for every type of theater fan and for those who miss the thrill of watching a live performance, from opera to Broadway shows to intimate music concerts. New Yorkers, order in from your favorite restaurant and make a night of it, the way you would have a pre-theater meal before a show. For those outside the state, order favorite classic New York foods you can have shipped to your home and experience a night out in New York from your own home and get inspired for a future trip to the state! …

Credit: Courtesy of Affinia Hotels & Suites

Get away from your kitchen table or makeshift office for a while and upgrade to a remote workspace at one of New York State’s amazing hotels or resorts. With minimal travel, you can temporarily move your home “office” to a new setting while taking advantage of special offers that sweeten the deal such as weekly rates, adding an extra night for free, or reduced midweek rates. Have kids in remote learning at school? Bring them along too—beyond free wifi, some hotels and resorts offer programming aimed at young learners, and at the very least, the little ones will enjoy a quick getaway.

Plan a winter getaway in New York to take advantage of world-class museums, thrilling outdoor adventures, and so much more! You won’t have to travel far to find a suitable and unique diversion, whether you’re looking to go cross-country skiing amid outdoor sculptures, drink locally made craft beer by a fire, or visit a hidden gem attraction or a natural (winter) wonder.

School looks different this year, but that doesn’t mean that the tradition of field trips exploring New York State’s inspiring attractions has to change! These DIY field trips can get you and your kids out into nature or exploring attractions while learning about history, culture, music, art, science, and the environment, all while keeping a New York State of Mind.