NEWSLETTER
With a diverse food scene best known for its “Spiedie” sandwiches, a history of technological innovation that shines through today in many of its attractions, and charming carousels that make you feel all of the nostalgia, Binghamton is a happening place that fosters creativity and exploration. “Bing” is also a convenient base to visit the intensely popular Animal Adventure Park! The city boasts a series of annual events, including two signature summer events, the Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally, and LUMA, a citywide projection arts festival. Read on for a jam-packed family weekend getaway.
FRIDAY
2pm: Tour a Mansion
Credit: @phelpsmansionmuseum on Instagram
Book a tour of the Phelps Mansion Museum (pictured), a gorgeous three-story Victorian home from the 1870s that offers visitors a look back at the Gilded Age in well-preserved rooms. Guided tours are offered Fridayday–Sunday, and last about an hour; the tours are accessible to all. Fun fact: architect Isaac G. Perry would go on to become the chief architect of the New York State Capitol Building in Albany.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you may want to check out the city’s First Friday Art Walk, allowing visitors to browse art galleries, enjoy live music, and shop as participating businesses take part from 6-9 pm.
4pm: Settle in
Cozy into comfort and convenience at the DoubleTree by Hilton downtown, where your stay begins with a signature warm chocolate chip cookie. Unwind at their 5,000 sq. ft. Riverwalk Athletic Club featuring a full-sized saltwater indoor pool, whirlpool, and state-of-the-art fitness center. With pet-friendly rooms, an on-site restaurant, and modern amenities, it’s the perfect home base for your getaway
6pm: Lounge at the Lost Dog
Once you’ve had a chance to set down your bags and freshen up, head to local hotspot, Lost Dog Café and Lounge, for high-quality, affordable New American cuisine. Options include homemade beef and veggie burgers, rice bowls, flatbreads, pasta dishes, and so much more! The quirky decor, friendly waitstaff, top-notch bites, brews, and vibes makes this a spot worth spending a while Check out their events calendar to add some live entertainment (including trivia, karaoke, and jazz jams) into your dinner plans.
SATURDAY
9am: Wake Up at Chris’ Diner
New York is home to many famous diners, and since 1996 Binghamton's go-to is Chris' Diner. This State St. mainstay offers all the breakfast favorites from 6am onward, and has a hearty lunch and dinner menu as well.
11am: Play Around
From April through November, families may want to stop at CK'sters Family Fun Park, 20 minutes from downtown, to get out some energy playing rounds at “The World’s Longest Mini Golf Hole.” After you’ve hit a hole in one, swing by the batting cages, escape rooms, laser tag, and climbing wall. Otsiningo Park is also a great place to recreate, offering large green space with nature trails, playing fields, community gardens, and popular events including the Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally.
12pm: Try a Spiedie
At least once during your trip to Binghamton, try the city's most famous dish, courtesy of the Italian immigrants who arrived in the 1920’s: spiedies (pictured). Pronounced “speedies," these signature sandwiches consist of mouthwatering cubes of marinated meat (often chicken, but also found with lamb, pork, beef, and venison) cooked on a skewer and stuffed into a soft Italian long roll. A local favorite is the Spiedie and Rib Pit (locations in Binghamton and nearby Vestal), where you can try an original spiedie, or a “specialty,” such as Buffalo-style, Greek-style, Caprese, chipotle, and more.
1pm: Hone in on History
History hounds will love the Bundy Museum of History & Art (pictured), a charming little time capsule of Americana. In the late 1800s, the two Bundy brothers invented a time-recording clock for workers to keep track of their hours. Their company proved successful and later changed its name to International Business Machines (IBM)! Besides admiring the beauty of this old preserved mansion, visitors can enjoy the time clock collection, a barbershop exhibit, original TV and film props from The Twilight Zone (think: Black Mirror before Black Mirror) in the Rod Serling archive—named for the one of the city's most famous longtime residents—and rotating art galleries.
2pm: Get Wild
Animal Adventure Park has so many compelling attractions that make it a must-visit stop about a 20-minute drive from downtown. The park hosts "Jungle Bells," with a holiday lights display and weekend visits from Santa Claus, from early November through the end of December then re-opens with regular hours in the spring. They host additional seasonal events like nocturnal trick-or–treat, or wine with wolves. In season, you can feed giraffes, camels, kangaroos, capybara—or have your own Kristen Bell moment and splurge on the pricier “Sloth Encounter.” It includes hand-feeding, photo ops, and the cost of park admission. Don’t miss daily zookeeper talks where you can ask all your questions about the animals. For even more ferocious fun, visit Binghamton’s very own Ross Park Zoo. America's fifth oldest zoo is home to over 20 species including leopards, red pandas, and African penguins, as well as a Children's Zoo and much more!
4pm: Shop Around
Even the shopping options in Binghamton are special. Browse rare and vintage wares from dozens of antique dealers on Clinton Street near downtown Binghamton that make up what’s called “Antique Row.”
530pm: Mangia!
It wouldn't be a trip to Binghamton without trying tasty Italian-American favorites, so head for dinner at Little Venice Restaurant, which dates back to the 1940s. The menu features classics such as chicken parmigiana (including a gluten-free version!), shrimp scampi, and an endless variety of pasta dishes, thanks to a mix-and-match section with shapes, sauces, and toppings. Whatever you choose, be sure to try the "meat logs," the restaurant's play on meatballs.
730pm: Create and Sip
The Uncorked Creations Wine Loft, which occupies four floors of an old cigar factory, is a fun nightlife option, whether or not you sign up for one of the establishment's painting, ceramics, or other art classes. One floor is a 1920s-style speakeasy, 205 Dry, that you can find behind a hidden bookcase, another floor is a ceramics studio, and on another floor is the Wine Loft, where adults can sip wine and all can devour chocolate platters. The speakeasy is open nightly Tuesday–Saturday, and the wine loft is only open for private events; both spaces connect to the art lofts, so it's easy to make a night of it here at Uncorked Creations Wine Loft.
SUNDAY
10am: Fuel Up at Strange Brew
Grab breakfast and coffee at Strange Brew's Washington St. location, which offers coffee roasted by locals Java Joe's Roasting Co., as well as loose teas, and a menu featuring bagels, egg sandwiches, omelettes, and more!
12pm: Take a Spin
Did you know Binghamton is the “Carousel Capital” of the world? Home to six carousels on the National Register of Historic Places (including the C. Fred Johnson Carousel, pictured), these antique treasures offer a unique ride into the past. You’ll find one of the most popular carousels in Recreation Park. It features an original Wurlitzer organ and famously inspired Rod Serling’s nostalgic The Twilight Zone episode, “Walking Distance.” The park, open year-round, also has a remarkable all-abilities playground, with an enormous jungle gym, wheelchair-accessible swings, merry-go-round, treehouse, and more. (Note: The carousel operates seasonally spring through Labor Day)
3pm: Immerse Yourself in Science
Credit: @chasing_ny on Instagram
The Roberson Museum and Science Center is basically a one-stop-shop for science, history, and culture. Visitors can tour the historic Roberson mansion itself, examine creations of prolific inventor Edwin A. Link, and delight in the region’s largest model train display. There is also a 50-seat digital planetarium that offers showings that are out of this world.
GETTING THERE
By Car:
- From Syracuse: 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Albany: 2 hours 30 minutes
- From New York City: 2 hours 45 minutes
- From Philadelphia: 3 hours 15 minutes
- From Buffalo: 3 hours 30 minutes
By Plane:
Fly into Greater Binghamton Airport via Delta Airlines. Syracuse Hancock International Airport is about an hour and 15 minutes away and flies most major airlines.
By bus:
Greyhound, Trailways, and MegaBus offer transit services at the Greater Binghamton Transportation Center, a one-stop station for local, regional, and interstate bus travel.
By train:
The closest Amtrak station to Binghamton is 50 minutes away at Utica Station. Take Amtrak to Utica, where taxi and rideshare services are available to bring you to Binghamton.