I Love New York Blog

Is there anything better than diving into stacks of pancakes covered with maple syrup? Or savoring a milkshake made with local ice cream after a cheeseburger and fries? With great food, a friendly atmosphere and the occasional award-winning chef behind the counter, diners and luncheonettes remain some of the best places to grab a bite in New York State. From New York City to the Adirondacks and everywhere in between, these family-friendly mainstays are the stuff of mouthwatering memories. Discover original diners, where the atmosphere has been generations in the making, as well as award-winning hot spots that welcome all to linger over a meal. 

Every family has their classic vacation go-to destinations. But what about when your kids (and you) are craving something a little different? Give your crew a taste of something exciting and new when you venture to one of New York’s lesser-known treasures. Your next unforgettable escape is hiding right around the corner.

Anybody can do dinner and a movie—but how about impressing that extraordinary someone in your life with an extraordinary date?  With Valentine’s Day soon approaching, planning a special romantic outing—whether it's an evening or a weekend—is a sure way to make you a hero, and New York State provides a breathtaking array of activities that will help you break the ice on a new romance or warm up a lifelong partnership.

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 and an overview of how to practice responsible oudoor recreation in New York), 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. …

New York State is a winter wonderland all season long—and not just because of classic outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding. It’s home to a number of extraordinary and memorable experiences that are perfect for helping you get through—and dare we say it, enjoy—the chilly weather. So why not reclaim the icy months by trying something new and exciting you can only do during winter? Try these unique New York activities and you’ll find yourself warming up to the cold before you know it.

Photo Credit: Dan Swackhammer, @Swackman

The National Comedy Center opened its doors in 2018 in Jamestown, NY (aka the birthplace of one Lucille Ball), and we’ve got your insider guide to the top things to do at New York’s funniest attraction. With more than 50 interactive exhibits, it’s seriously some of the best fun you’ll ever have—no jokes about it! Please 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 the National Comedy Center website and social media for the most current information.

While you may be familiar with other regions we’ve written about in this series like the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Finger Lakes, there’s a chance you’ll be a pioneer among your friends as you explore the westernmost region of New York. You’re in the right spot, because we are revealing some of the region’s best secrets. In fact, the name Chautauqua is actually a secret itself. It’s said to be from the long-forgotten Erie language of the Erie Iroquoian people, but no one alive today knows what it means—or if they do, they’re better at keeping secrets than we are.

Greetings from Jamestown, the funniest town in America, thanks to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, Comedy Park, and brand new National Comedy Center. Aside from laughs, you’ll also find plenty of ways to soak in nature, enjoy some healthy competition in a game of paintball, and indulge your sweet tooth with some old-fashioned candy or a 1950’s-style milkshake. Read on to see why Jamestown is the perfect place to bring the kiddos for an all-around awesome time.

Oscar night is upon us on March 4 -- and that's the closest thing we have to a national holiday for film. So it’s a perfect time to look at all the attractions and locations there are for movie lovers to visit all across New York State.

Midwinter school breaks can be a blast for the whole family— as long as you've got a solid plan in place. Avoid cabin fever this winter with a fabulous New York adventure. Check out some of these great ideas—we've got something for all ages—and start planning your winter break now. It will be here before you know it.