I Love New York Blog

With more than 24 Underground Railroad sites and deep historical ties to leaders like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, New York is home to profound moments throughout Black history. Discover the stories during Black History Month this February (and every month of the year) at these famous sites. 

You’re never too old to become a superstar. Just look at Alexander Hamilton: One of the United States' Founding Fathers, born in the 1850s, is more famous than ever thanks to the Broadway musical inspired by his remarkable life—its filmed version, featuring the original cast, is now streaming on Disney+. Want to learn even more about one of New York's most influential political figures? You can have a Hamilton experience at these A-Ham-related sites around his beloved adopted home of New York State.

While the National Baseball Hall of Fame has given Cooperstown a sporty reputation, there is far more to discover in this town beyond the outfield. Imagine award-winning craft beer, art galleries, and music, all wrapped into a charming lakeside village. From Ommegang to Glimmerglass, here is your perfect weekend getaway in Cooperstown. …

Itching to get out of the big city? Here are 10 car-free weekend getaways to smaller towns and cities that offer access to engaging activities, not to mention some incredible scenery! …

With July 26, 2020 marking the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (a law that made our country much more accessible for people of all abilities), it's the perfect time to explore what's accessible in all of New York State. As a travel blogger who happens to be in a wheelchair, I'm always happily surprised at how accessible the state of New York really is. So here are some of New York State's best things to do if you or someone you are traveling with is in a wheelchair.

July 2020 Update: This blog was originally published in 2016. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry, some amenities may be temporarily unavailable and venues may be closed. Please check directly with individual attractions for updates before making plans. By Executive Order, all visitors over the age of two, and able to medically tolerate one, are required to wear a mask or face covering when social distancing is not possible at any location in New York State. Individual attractions may have additional safety measures and guest requirements.

Travel to Schenectady for a weekend rich in history, art, and fun. It is here where Thomas Edison founded the General Electric Company, where New York State named its first historic district, and it’s home to Proctors Theatre, a former vaudeville house where countless famous artists have performed.

Newburgh is one of the best destinations for motorcycle enthusiasts. Besides being able to cruise along the scenic Route 9W from New York City to get there, easy riders can also get their gear fix at the Motorcyclepedia Museum and the Orange County Choppers headquarters. Speaking of headquarters, on the history side of things, the city served as HQ to the Continental Army during the American Revolution and offers many historical attractions and sites to help make up a unique winter weekend itinerary for motorcycle lovers and history buffs alike.

Head north to the St. Lawrence River, which forms the watery border between New York State and Canada, to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Thousand Islands region—such as the nearly 2,000 islands, the bright blue bays of Lake Ontario, sparkling rivers and hundreds of miles of picturesque coastline—and visit the lasting tribute to the cowboys, soldiers, and Native Americans of the Old West at the Frederic Remington Art Museum. There are countless things to see and enjoy in the neighboring towns of Watertown, Ogdensburg, and Canton.

Lovers of comedy should make it a point to visit Jamestown, home of the newly built National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, and Desilu Studios. In this small town, there are plenty of attractions and historic sites to keep visitors busy and entertained for a weekend.

Want to see one of the world's finest collections of modern and contemporary art and get sprayed by waterfalls all in one day? Take a weekend trip to Buffalo, which was named one of the world's top 52 spots to visit in 2018 by The New York Times. Niagara Falls' dramatic cascades are spectacular in any season and Buffalo’s night scene is just as vibrant as its art. As a perfect complement to seeing this natural wonder, you can take in some of the best that Buffalo has to offer, from world-class art and architecture to entertainment and food—even if you’ve only got a weekend.