I Love New York Blog

Syracuse’s prime location along the Erie Canal helped establish it as an industrial powerhouse, but today, the powerhouses in the city are barbecue, family fun, and college basketball. With scenic parks surrounding Onondaga Lake, world-class museums, and an up-and-coming dining scene on historic streets, you’re guaranteed a great weekend.

The southern shore of Lake Ontario covers more than 200 miles of prime New York State waterfront, offering exciting getaway ideas for families, fishing enthusiasts, history buffs, and more. Read on for ideas on how to spend a weekend enjoying this Great Lake and the cities, towns, and attractions that make it such a sought-after destination.

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.

There's no denying that waterfalls are some of the most spectacular (and Instagram-worthy) of Mother Nature's creations. Upstate New York, thanks to tens of thousands of years of shifting plates and erosion (and occasionally human engineering), is home to some incredibly stunning falls. Here's just a few of the gorgeous waterfalls you'll want to snap a selfie in front of this fall.

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!…

Mexican culture thrives in New York State, especially on May  5, better known as Cinco de Mayo. Contrary to popular belief, this holiday is not Mexico’s Independence Day. It’s the anniversary of the Mexican army’s victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Today, New Yorkers celebrate with dancing, music, and of course, food and drink. Here’s where to experience Cinco de Mayo in New York State.

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 scenic drives across the state. 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!…

Corning, New York is the perfect stepping stone to explore the southern Finger Lakes. You’re probably most familiar with the name as a tribute to glass art and innovation, thanks to the famed Corning Museum of Glass, a must-see while in town—but you’ll find much more to love in this charming city along the Chemung River. Due to Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) establishing residence in 1868, the town’s nickname is “Crystal City” and the quaint downtown is dubbed “The Gaffer District,” gaffer being a term for a professional glassblower. Come for the glass but stay for the inventive cuisine, boutique shopping, and nearby Finger Lakes wine country.

Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes is a wonderful example of a small town in upstate New York with a big story (other good examples are Seneca Falls and Cooperstown). While there may be fewer than 2,000 year-round residents, Watkins Glen is also home to world-class attractions like gorge-ous Watkins Glen State Park and Watkins Glen International, the only place to watch NASCAR in the state. Don’t worry about the planning, we’ve done it all for you.

For many of you, spring break is just around the corner! But we know that you’re busy and don’t have time to plan the perfect New York getaway—so we did the hard work for you! These trip ideas are quick, easy, and filled with fun activities to please the whole family. We’ve rounded up kid-friendly lodgings and activities to help you make the most of the warmer weather and free time. Don’t sit out spring break, go find some adventure! Or relaxation. You’ve got options.