I Love New York Blog

Who’s feeling festive?! We know we’re not in the full swing of holiday season just yet, but with all the festivals, craft fairs, parties, and parades happening this month—not to mention our nation’s beloved eating marathon (Thanksgiving)—November is packed with fall fun. Read on to find events happening all over New York State to keep you in high spirits.

Leaves are vibrant shades of orange and red, sweaters are on, pumpkin spice lattes are in hand—it is definitely feeling like fall! And October offers up all the feel-good autumn activities without freezing your toes off just yet. It was tempting, but we kept the Halloween activities to a minimum (we’ll have other posts all about it, don’t worry!) because there are so many great cultural and food festivals happening all over New York State that you’ll have plenty to do before the 31st.

Miles Wine Cellars, Credit: @Amityphotos.com

The Finger Lakes are a treasure trove of secrets and stories. Did you know that at one time, Native Americans told the story that the Finger Lakes themselves were created when a spirit put his hands on the earth, leaving indentations at each of his fingers? Or that there are 11 Finger Lakes and not 10, as one might suspect from their name? Or that the ice cream sundae was invented at an ice cream fountain in Ithaca in 1892? (By the way, we recommend Purity Ice Cream if you’ve got a craving.) The secrets don’t end there. But here are some you can visit today:…

Even if you’re with the family, you can still enjoy some of New York’s award-winning wines, beers, and ciders. Many of the state’s wineries, breweries, and cider mills welcome children—and sometimes even well-behaved pets. It’s no wonder they’ve become popular destinations for families. Added amenities and activities for kids, caregivers, and designated drivers make it easy for everyone to have fun together.

You already know that the official (and free!) I LOVE NEW YORK mobile app can be your best friend on the road in New York, pointing out attractions, restaurants, and events in the area. But did you know that it also now offers four audio walking tours? Each of the following tours dives into the stories and the secrets of a famous town or city within New York State and will pop up on your screen when you access the mobile app in these areas. The tours can be paused and restarted whenever you’d like so you can take your time exploring the many exciting stops along the way.

Why is New York in July the best? Because no one celebrates the Fourth of July like New Yorkers. We have firework shows over the ocean, live music on the lakefront, and more! Check out these 10 celebrations to make your holiday memorable.   …

Buckle up, folks! Some serious family bonding is on the agenda this summer. Soak up the sights, sounds, flavors, and experiences of New York on some of the most stunning scenic drives across the state. This summer, we will be releasing road trip ideas, right here on the I LOVE NEW YORK blog. In between games of “I Spy” and pit stops for photo ops, these routes, which include one-, two-, and three-day trip options, will lead you from one unforgettable destination to the next. Get together a playlist with everyone’s favorite tunes and hit the road!…

Summer is nearly here, and that means it’s time to hit the beach! And New York has some amazing ones, from the sandy coast of Long Island to the serene lakesides of the Adirondacks, and the seemingly endless horizon of Lake Ontario. (Fun fact: New York is the only state with coastlines on an ocean as well as the Great Lakes.) Check out some of some of New York’s most stunningly Instagram-worthy waterfronts below, then grab some sunblock, a beach towel, and your camera. and get yourself (and your whole crew) to a New York beach. Summer will be over before you know it.

After the initial few weeks of jubilance about being out of school for the summer, the kids may soon tire of video game controllers, ice cream headaches, and staying outside until the street lights come on. Banish that boredom by planning a summertime adventure in New York State. We have five awesome summer weekend getaway ideas that are fab for the whole fam, from beachside to bayside to inside our great museums!…

The ice has thawed. The sun is shining. It’s spring, and that means festivals and events—a lot of them—all across New York. And things are only going to get hotter this summer. All season long you can groove to music under the stars, watch glass get made al fresco, sample delicious food, and get your kicks on midway rides. Here are your family's must-catch things to do across the Empire State this summer. Mark your calendar!

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