NEWSLETTER
Labor Day weekend is a great time to get out into nature with family and friends in New York State. The long weekend offers more opportunities to explore while staying as local as possible. Near the Capital region? Giddy up to the Saratoga Race Course or sing and dance at a big-name concert at SPAC! Closer to Buffalo and Niagara Falls? Experience the region’s natural wonder of the world and architectural history. Want to make a splash? Swim along an island in the Adirondacks or a white sand beach on Long Island. Check out our ideas for Labor Day weekend getaways throughout New York State.
Roam the “Forever Wild” Adirondacks
The Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, with six million acres of pristine forests and lakes and endless options to explore nature. The region is also home to Lake George, which was hailed as the top vacation destination for 19th century socialites and famous elite. Today, it’s a lakeside retreat for all walks of life! Kayak among tranquil islands as you soak in views of the opulent Sagamore Resort. Soar through the sky overlooking the “Queen of American Lakes” and famous High Peaks with Parasail Joe’s. Cruise through some of the 32-mile pristine lake on historic steamboats with the Lake George Steamboat Company. The epic adventures don’t stop on the water! Lace up and take a hike up Prospect Mountain (pictured), The Pinnacle, or Cat and Thomas Mountains as you enjoy spectacular summit views. For even more mountainous mayhem, head to nearby Gore Mountain for downhill mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, and scenic skyrides.
After your outdoor adventures, step back in time at Fort William Henry, a 1750s British fort nestled in the heart of Lake George Village. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of the French and Indian War. Just an hour north, Fort Ticonderoga exhibits a historic cultural and military site set on 2,000 scenic acres, offering sweeping views of Lake Champlain. Be part of the Fort’s REAL TIME REVOLUTION™ Signature Reenactment Event: Onward to Canada, all weekend long!
Saddle Up in Capital-Saratoga
The “Spa City” is a must-visit end-of-summer escape. Just 40 minutes north of New York’s Capital, Saratoga Springs blends the thrill of world-renowned thoroughbred horse racing with the rejuvenating wealth of mineral springs, making it an ideal destination for both fun and relaxation. Get out on the water at Saratoga Lake, where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Kayak Shak. Spend time in the vast Saratoga Spa State Park, home to the Roosevelt Baths which preserve the mineral springs that inspired Saratoga's name, A-list live music at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, Saratoga Automobile Museum, and the Gideon Putnam. Downtown Saratoga is a seasonal soiree, boasting a bustling Broadway main street, filled with unique boutiques, top-tier dining and drinking venues, art galleries, and souvenir shops that pay homage to the city’s horse racing heritage.Speaking of which, the main event in Saratoga each summer is the Saratoga Race Course (pictured), and the last week of the season ends on Labor Day! You'll catch live races, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and the annual Closing Day event which allows fans a preview of potential standouts in next year’s Triple Crown series and Travers Stakes.
Catch a Show in The Catskills
Wave goodbye to summer and welcome in Fall with an outdoor concert (or two) and a fun-filled, flavorful festival. Bethel Woods Center For The Arts is hosting a jam-packed Labor Day weekend, featuring The Black Keys on Friday, Heart on Saturday, and a Harvest Festival on Sunday. Also on site is the Museum at Bethel Woods, where you can stand on the very grounds of the legendary 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Festival, one of the most transformative events in American history, and stand in the exact spot where Jimi Hendrix gave a history-making performance. Just 30 minutes down the road, the Forestburgh Playhouse brings a taste of Broadway to the Catskills with a Labor Day weekend performance of the comedy The Cottage. Prefer dinner and tunes? You’re in luck! The Playhouse tavern also hosts Dinner Cabarets, and that weekend features DIAMONDS, a dazzling tribute to the greatest hits of Neil Diamond, performed by a Broadway vocalist. Savor craft cocktails and a sumptuous meal before the lights dim and the music takes center stage.
Check Out Chittenango in Central New York
Credit: Courtesy of Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum
This region offers the ultimate Americana experience for families, craft beverage fans, hikers, history lovers, and more! There are quaint towns and main streets, waterfalls, rivers, and of course the Erie Canal, (celebrating its bicentennial this year), a key waterway that transformed commerce in New York and the United States. Visit the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum (pictured) to learn about the unique history of the canal. Just 10 minutes away you can check out another Chittenango spectacle at Chittenango Falls State Park. This picturesque 167-foot waterfall formed over 10,000 years and is enveloped by trails, footbridges, and lush greenery. Wild fun awaits you at The Wild Animal Park, where you can book a sloth, penguin, otter, or rhino, capybara, or giraffe encounter, or board the beast for an off-road monster truck ride through the park as you see the animals up close. Follow the yellow brick road to the All Things Oz Museum, found in the hometown of Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum. For amazing food and drink, check out Oneida County’s Heart of NY Central Craft Beverage Trail, with many delicious options to discover within a 20-mile radius.
Amuse Yourself in Chautauqua-Allegheny
From the rolling foothills of the Allegheny Mountains to the fertile plains of Lake Erie, Chautauqua-Allegheny features countless activities for family fun. At Panama Rocks Scenic Park, explore towering rock formations, deep crevices, small passageways, and caves as you hike through an ancient forest bed. For more flora and fauna, head to the Audubon Community Nature Center. Their three-story nature center contains a small collection of live animals, interactive displays, and five miles of beautifully maintained trails that include a native tree arboretum and several educational gardens. Craving a laugh? Head to Jamestown and visit the National Comedy Center, with exhibits and displays celebrating comedy in all its forms. The birthplace and hometown of Lucille Ball is also where you’ll find the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, a must for fans of the classic TV series “I Love Lucy.” Learn even more about Lucille at the Fenton History Center, a stately 1863 Italianate Villa which takes you back in time with immersive exhibits that bring the region's past to life. Explore rooms dedicated to the industries that built Jamestown, the stories of immigration and the Underground Railroad, pioneer life, Victorian traditions, and more.
Fall Into Flavorful Fun in The Finger Lakes
Sparkling lakes, rolling hills, scenic vineyards, and hundreds of wondrous waterfalls have long made the Finger Lakes a favorite destination. Venture to Ithaca where you can enjoy all of the above and more! With over 150 waterfalls in the area, you’ll find roaring falls tucked away in serene spots like Taughannock Falls, as well as just steps from downtown at Ithaca Falls. Wine enthusiasts will find a lot to love in the area along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which features 10 member wineries, each offering exclusive lakeside vineyards. Wine trails aren’t the only flavorful fun in the region. Get the scoop on the best tasty treats in town when you follow the Finger Lakes Ice Cream Trail, featuring Ithaca’s beloved Purity Ice Cream. Dip a toe (or ten) into the crystal-clear Cayuga Lake by renting a kayak or paddleboard and gliding across its cool, blue waters.
Wing It in Greater Niagara
Credit: @niagarafallsadventures on Instagram
Buffalo’s rich history, hometown pride, renowned architecture, delectable dining, and the magnificence of Niagara Falls, make Greater Niagara a destination roaring with fun. The New York Times referred to Buffalo as “a textbook for a course in modern American buildings.” Seven Frank Lloyd Wright landmarks reside in the region, including Graycliff and Martin House where you can explore the exterior grounds for free or book a tour of the interiors. Foodies should make plans to attend the National Buffalo Wing Festival which is held annually on Labor Day Weekend at Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons, featuring the country’s tastiest wing vendors, wing eating competitions, and more. Nature lovers must visit Niagara Falls State Park, not only for the Falls or immersing yourself in the action with Maid of The Mist or Cave of The Winds, but because it’s the first state park in the United States! Also nearby and offering stunning water views: Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park, where you can walk down into the beautiful wooded gorge for a better view of the rapids.
Hone in on Hudson Valley History
Photo Courtesy of Peter Aaron/OTTO
There’s almost no end to the culturally and historically significant sites to explore in the Hudson Valley. Partake in a panoramic jaunt across The Hudson River Skywalk, a scenic walkway connecting Hudson River School artists Thomas Cole and Frederic Church’s historic landmarks, the Thomas Cole Site and Olana. The sweeping views of the Hudson River Valleyinspired Frederic Church, whose life and work are remembered on the scenic property where his home still stands, Olana State Historic Site (pictured). Learn more about the region as you board the Sightseeing: Shacks, Shipwrecks and Sandbars tour, a narrated trip on the Hudson River where you’ll see an old fishing village, abandoned canal barges, the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, all enveloped by the area’s unparalleled natural beauty. Head back to shore and discover the charming city of Hudson, best known for its vibrant Warren Street, brimming with eclectic boutiques, upscale dining, and endless opportunities for antiquing. Speaking of antiquing, a visit to Hudson is not complete without exploring The Antique Warehouse, a 40,000-square-foot treasure trove full of unique finds for just about anyone. Just 20 minutes from Hudson, you’ll find Art Omi, a whimsical sculpture park with interactive artworks and stunning landscapes.
Unwind at Long Island Beaches And Wineries
Long Island’s beaches are some of the best in the world, making this region a quintessential summer destination for just about everyone. Spend some time in Greenport, a charming coastal village featuring the stunningly scenic Orient Beach State Park (pictured), overlooking Gardiner’s Bay. Try a new brew at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, craft your own cocktail at Matchbook Distilling Co., or revel in the heart of wine country at Paumanok Vineyards, Bedell Cellars, and Pindar. Immerse yourself in the rich maritime heritage of Long Island’s East End at the East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation. Browse for clothing, artisan goods, souvenirs, antiques, and so much more on Main Street and Front Street, decorated by specialty shops. Waterfront and scenic dining is easy to find in Greenport, and you’re spoiled with spots including Claudio’s Restaurant, Brix & Rye, and Noah’s.
Traverse the Boroughs of New York City
Credit: Richard Martin
New York City may be known for its classic Manhattan landmarks such as the iconic Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Terminal but it has amazing options for outdoors and nature enthusiasts as well! For a unique way to view Manhattan’s famed skyline, go for an aquatic adventure on the water with the Manhattan Kayak Company. If you’ve already made your way around the expansive Central Park, head to the Bronx and check out the New York Botanical Garden, breathtaking grounds with more than a million plant species and trees from around the world, a beautiful rock garden, and the iconic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. The grounds can also be toured on a lovely open-air tram. Explore another outdoor oasis in the Bronx with a visit to Wave Hill, a 28-acre site showcasing a variety of gardens, open spaces, and outdoor art that overlooks the Hudson River Another option for breathtaking views is Brooklyn Bridge Park, a favorite destination for sunsets with sprawling outdoor playgrounds near Pier 6, including a giant sand box for the little ones and slides and swings for kids of all ages. The park is also a great destination for your walk over the famed and still awe-inspiring Brooklyn Bridge (pictured).
Cruise the Thousands Island-Seaway
Credit: @visit1000islands on Instagram
The Thousand Islands are a freshwater paradise with miles of waterfront along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, and many seasonal attractions run through Labor Day Weekend. Make your way to Alexandria Bay and chart the waters with Uncle Sam Boat Tours as you marvel at Millionaires Row, Sunken Rock Lighthouse, idyllic islands, and Boldt Castle, an opulent 120-room Rhineland-style castle on Heart Island, one of the region’s 1,800-plus islands. Nearby Cedar Point State Park and Wellesley Island State Park both offer camping and sandy beaches for swimming, boating, fishing, and easy access to the clear St. Lawrence. For late-night fun, unwind with a movie under the stars at Bay Drive-In. History buffs will want to check out Tibbetts Point Lighthouse (pictured), the oldest lighthouse in Jefferson County, built in 1827. Continue your journey into the past at Sackets Harbor Battlefield, which saw two battles during the War of 1812, or Fort Ontario State Historic Site, built between 1839 and 1844 and later used as a Holocaust refugee center in the early to mid-1940s. Make sure to visit neighboring bay towns like Clayton and Cape Vincent where you’ll find the Antique Boat Museum, The Cape Winery, and more waterfront destinations.
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