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A dish with fried chicken stacked on it from Hattie's
Credit: @hattiesrestaurant on Instagram

The Capital-Saratoga region (or as foodies call it, the 51Ate) is a hub for distinct and drool-worthy delicacies. Saratoga has one of the highest number of

A girl in a yellow life vest kayaking in a clear bottom kayak at Green Lakes State Park
Credit: @ddm_foto and @visitsyracuse on Instagram

Whether you’re planning a long holiday break, bestie birthday weekend, or just want to spend quality time with friends, the Empire State is the place for your next BFF getaway. From surfing on Long Island to laughing at the National Comedy Center to rock climbing in the Hudson Valley, these budget-friendly plans are sure to make it out of the group chat. Check out these 11 unforgettable and affordable friends getaways in New York State. 

A field of pink tulips in bloom at Albany Tulip Festival

Bye bye, snow boots and winter coat! We’ve been over the cold weather for a minute, and now it’s time to celebrate spring. New York State is about to blossom with lively activities and festivals, memorable exhibits, and natural beauty returning to its most vibrant state.

Cherry blossoms on a tree with a white-columned building in the background

Experience an array of diverse and enchanting events for everyone this April in New York State. At the heart of the month's excitement is a celestial spectacle that occurs in the same spot only once every 400 years – a total solar eclipse! Beyond this celestial marvel, the state is brimming with cultural, culinary, and recreational experiences.

A woman with her hair tied up in a towel lounging in a hot tub
Credit: @kristenkoz16 on Instagram

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take a break in New York State without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer a soak in the healing mineral waters of Saratoga, a relaxing seaside-inspired massage on Long Island, or a rejuvenating session in a salt cave, you deserve to treat yourself to a day of relaxation. No doubt enjoying a spa day is a luxury experience, but here’s a few ways to make getting pampered a bit more affordable. 

A luxury glamping tent on a raised deck in the Adirondack forest at Huttopia
Credit: @coreyoutdoors and @huttopiacanadausa on Instagram

Glamping takes one of life’s simple pleasures—sleeping in the great outdoors—and elevates it with creature comforts and modern conveniences. There’s no tent to set up, no hard rocks underneath your sleeping bag

An aerial view looking over the bright and colorful buildings of Kingston

Credit: @bentley.potter.photography on Instagram

Dating back to the 17th century, New York’s first capital of Kingston is now as vibrant as it is historic. This once traditional manufacturing city just 91 miles north of New York City and 59 miles south of Albany, is home to three lively and diverse districts bursting with award-winning restaurants, internationally recognized museums, historic sites, and breathtaking views of the Hudson River. There’s never a shortage of adventure to be had — here’s how to make the most out of your time in the charming city of Kingston. 

Fall foliage surrounding Niagara Falls

The Greater Niagara region offers a multitude of diverse destinations in the arts, architecture, natural wonders of the world, state-of-the-art entertainment venues, and some of the most die-hard…

New York Public Library

Book lovers, pack your bags for a literary adventure in New York State! From browsing the iconic stacks of the New York Public Library, to hunting for treasures in a Catskills book village, to visiting the homes of Washington Irving, Walt Whitman, and other famous authors, get ready to write your own chapter of bookish bliss with these literary destinations in New York State.

A view of Manhattan from the green landscape of Governors Island

Credit: @kingy27nyc on Instagram

Are you looking to get in touch with nature this Earth Day? New York State is the place to visit! Home to more than 250 state parks, recreational trails, and boat launches with wilderness spanning 700,000 acres in the Catskill Mountains and 6 million acres in the Adirondack Park, New York has no shortage of forever wild experiences. For those with electric vehicles, charge up at stations across New York State, or hop on public transit and head to these eco-friendly destinations throughout the state!