I Love New York Blog

It’s time to celebrate New Year’s in New York State! Welcome 2021 with a First Day hike at a state park or trail, explore a wildlife refuge, or drive through an amazing light display. Want to stay home while you toast to the new year? Enjoy virtual ball drops, virtual wine and champagne tastings, world-class musical acts online, and home-based family-friendly activities courtesy of New York attractions.

New York serves as the setting for many of the most memorable holiday movies and TV show episodes ever made. Seeing the sparkling lights of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or watching the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square is inspiring on screen, especially when it’s not possible to see these iconic symbols in person. Fortunately, these and other New York holiday traditions are available anytime and anywhere, thanks to these movies and TV shows that will get you in a festive mood while allowing you to experience New York-style holiday spirit. Let a classic scene from one of these gems inspire a future holiday season trip to New York State! …

Lake Placid is truly one of New York’s great escapes. From world-class skiing in winter to epic paddling in summer to incredible fall foliage, this postcard-perfect village is an ideal year-round destination. It also happens to be a two-time host to the Winter Olympic Games. Experience the thrill of bobsledding or skiing at the original 1980 Olympic venues, and so much more! Check out our weekend guide for Lake Placid. …

You don’t ski. But you’re tagging along with friends and family to the mountain. Have no fear! Here are seven New York State ski resorts with amazing things to do—no skis required.

Now that it's the most wonderful time of the year, you'll find spectacular holiday lights across New York that will immediately get you in the spirit. Trees, buildings, and more get lit up to help celebrate the season, from the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in Manhattan to the shimmering Lights on the Lake near Syracuse. For more holiday lights, visit Unique Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in New York.

The Hudson Valley city of Beacon has blossomed into an art lover’s paradise and a popular weekend getaway thanks to the Dia Art Foundation converting a Nabisco box printing factory on the banks of the Hudson into Dia:Beacon (pictured) in 2003. Now visitors flock to this contemporary and modern art museum and to visit the galleries, restaurants, and bars that have helped make this such a lively community. While a trip up to Beacon is easily doable in a day from New York City, there’s so much more to enjoy, so why not plan your visit over a weekend (especially so you can leave time for a brewpub crawl)?…

Labor Day is just around the corner so celebrate the last days of summer with a New York State weekend getaway. Discover hidden lakes and live music, sunny beaches and bountiful vineyards, or parasailing and island kayaking. Whatever this summer has been to you, make this weekend count with these easy Labor Day Weekend getaways. During your weekend getaway, please remember to keep six feet apart from others not in your household and bring a mask or face covering to wear when it’s not possible to maintain social distancing. Call ahead or check attraction websites and social media for the most current information on openings and amenity availability while staying as local as possible.​…

’Tis the season to hit the slopes for some winter fun. New York has some of the best skiing on the east coast, and whether you’re a pro or still on the bunny hill, New York has it all. Here’s why your next cold-weather getaway should be right here in New York.

What do you buy for the person who has everything? Holiday markets are sprouting up across New York, where local art, specialty crafts, and food and drink make gift-giving season a breeze. Here are the markets to hit before the season's over!…

School's out for summer, but that doesn't mean the learning needs to stop. The kids won't even know they're being educated while exploring New York's Path Through History because the attractions are exciting, fun, and intellectually stimulating all the same. During your weekend getaway, please remember to keep six feet apart from others not in your household and bring a mask or face covering to wear when it’s not possible to maintain social distancing. Call ahead or check attraction websites and social media for the most current information on openings and amenity availability while staying as local as possible. …