I Love New York Blog

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), 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. 

Long Island's vineyard-studded North Fork is the perfect weekend getaway for families, food and drink enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates scenic seaside villages. Spend your weekend sampling the region’s award-winning varietals and locally made dishes, then hit the beach for a sun-soaked day on the Long Island Sound. Here's your guide for a relaxing 48 hours among the blissful coastal communities of the North Fork.

Credit: NPA Photo/  J.Peters

Long Island is world-famous for its stunningly scenic beaches. From the rockier shores and calmer waters of North Shore to the white sands and perfectly surfable waves of South Shore, there are so many options it’s hard to choose where to start! That’s why we’ve created your summer guide to Long Island beaching featuring where to go and what to do. Check out these eight destinations which make up a perfect sampling of the country’s best beaches to visit before the summer ends. Now get ready to soak up some sun!…

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!…

You may be surprised at how easy it is to get to the nearby regions of the Hudson Valley and Long Island from New York City, even if you don’t have access to a car. We’ve got some easy day trips (or weekend getaways) on the train to show you a whole new New York than you may be used to, from beautiful beaches to marvelous mountains. With gorgeous scenery outside the window and no worries about driving or parking, everyone in the family can enjoy the journey as well as the destination. New York Getaway packages from Long Island Railroad and Metro-North make it even easier to have two vacations in one or an escape from your daily routine in the city!…