I Love New York Blog

Get set to celebrate the Lunar New Year in New York State! The Lunar, or Chinese, New Year is celebrated for sixteen days, from New Year's Eve on January 31 to the Lantern Festival on February 15.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute retreat, have limited time to explore on your weekends, or you’re just looking to get out of the city for a few hours, you’ll find plenty of things to do and…

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.

Updated: 1/10/2022

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.

You may be on a budget, but that doesn't mean you need to stay home this winter. Off-season deals and cozy cabins make this the season for everyone. From oceanfront retreats to snowy mountain peaks—here are seven winter vacations for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers in New York.