I Love New York Blog

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!…

From the United States’ longest zipline to a boutique hotel with oceanfront views and a museum celebrating the history of makeup, New York offers exciting new attractions, transformative activities, and scene-setting restaurants and bars! If you are looking for what’s fresh, we have your list for what’s new and what’s coming very soon in the Empire State. 

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. 

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.

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.

Meet Buffalo, New York’s second-largest city—home to world-famous food, a legendary minor league baseball team, and tons of fun things for the whole family to do. Niagara Falls is just a short drive away, but it doesn’t have to steal the spotlight! Buffalo is bursting with places to eat, explore, stroll, and even dig for treasures. Read on to see why your kids (and you) will fall in love.

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.

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.

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 is dotted with waterfalls that are lovely (and highly Insta-worthy) any time of year. But there’s something extra special about these natural wonders in winter. The frozen water and mist look truly spectacular—​even with #nofilter—​and there are fewer folks competing with you for the perfect shot. Here are just a few of New York’s most picturesque waterfalls that will be putting on quite a show for the next few months. Now get out there and start taking your own pics—​and don’t forget to share your shots with us using #iSpyNY and #NYLovesWinter!…