I LOVE NY Staff Stories: Summer in New York

Take it from us, New York State shines in the summer! The I LOVE NY staff has explored every corner of the state and we’ve rounded up some of our most memorable warm-weather adventures, from relaxing beach days on Long Island to bucket list-worthy hikes in the Adirondacks. Dive into a few of our standout summer stories and get inspired to plan your own unforgettable New York State getaway. Photo credit: @diannafalz on Instagram

Rachel Dymond

Scenic Kayaking on Lake George

I’m lucky to live just an hour from Lake George, consistently ranked the cleanest lake in America and part of the “Forever Wild” Adirondack Park. Summer for me is all about being outside and on the water, and nothing beats paddling the “Queen of American Lakes.” You’re surrounded by the Adirondack High Peaks, with islands scattered across the water, parasailers soaring overhead, and beautiful, one-of-a-kind homes and resorts lining the shore.

A few times each summer, I’ll rent a kayak from Lake George Kayak Co., which sits right next to The Sagamore on one of the most scenic stretches of the lake. It’s peaceful, adventurous, and just as fun solo as it is with friends. The water is unbelievably blue and so refreshing, and the views you have to see to believe.

Afterward, it’s fun to grab a drink, an app, and a beach chair at The Sagamore and people watch or just relax by the lake for a while. – Rachel Dymond, Editorial Project Manager

Summer Assembly at the Chautauqua Institution (Chautauqua-Allegheny)

I love the Chautauqua Institution because it's such a unique place where you can attend themed cultural events, shows, and lectures, spend time by a beautiful lake, and enjoy gourmet food all on one campus. It's also close to other great regional attractions like the National Comedy Center in Jamestown and the Lake Erie Wine Trail. It's quite wheelchair friendly! In fact, a lot of people there rent mobility scooters. – Anna Pakman, VP, Digital Marketing. Photo credit: @hasanelahi on Instagram

@skadadal on Instagram

Outdoor Summer Theater around the Capital Region (Capital-Saratoga)

As a performer and a theatre lover, there's really nothing like outdoor summer theatre productions! I am lucky to live in the Capital Region where we have an enormous amount of community theatre year-round. In the summer, those shows move outside to venues like Park Playhouse (pictured) in Albany, located right on the lake in Washington Park, Music Haven in Schenectady's Central Park, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and countless smaller attractions.

I'm really looking forward to the 2026 summer season! Will Kempe's Players, an original Shakespeare troupe, is performing through September and mostly outdoors. Playhouse Stage Company is bringing classics like Footloose to the outdoor stage in Albany through August. And there's so much more! It's very easy to see a show, indoors or outdoors, every night of the week in the Capital Region, but there's nothing like getting your lawn chairs and cooler ready, and enjoying the arts on a gorgeous summer night. – Rachel Stewart, Executive Assistant

Marta Zielinska

A Charming Long Weekend in Greenport (Long Island)

One of my all-time favorite getaways has been to Greenport, where I spent a long weekend with my fiancé. We stayed at the charming Arbor View House Bed and Breakfast, where the welcoming owners made our visit unforgettable with their warm hospitality and savory Caribbean-inspired breakfasts paired with lively conversation.

We loved wandering through town, browsing at Burton's Bookshop, and picking up nautical treasures at Revel North Fork, all while taking in views of the waterfront carousel and marina. As beer lovers, we made sure to visit both locations of Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, even getting in a few rounds of cornhole at the Peconic spot where we ran into our fellow B&B guests.

We also spent an afternoon sipping wine overlooking the Long Island Sound at Kontokosta Winery, spotted Plum Island from Orient Beach State Park (a personal thrill as a fan of the Nelson DeMille book), and took the ferry to Shelter Island to explore the peaceful trails of Mashomack Preserve.

As for the food, we loved the speakeasy vibes and incredible pizza at Brix & Rye, the bright flavors and colorful atmosphere at Lucharitos, and classic crab cakes at Claudio's Restaurant. – Marta Zielinska, Editorial Director

Jess Brock

Memorable Hiking in the Adirondacks (Adirondacks)

I love visiting the Adirondacks, and try to make a trip there every summer if I can. Some of my most memorable trips have been to the area around Indian Lake. My friend from high school used to have a family cabin up there, so a group of friends and I visited most summers when I was in my 20s. His cabin was near Indian Lake, and our favorite thing to do was pack a picnic, rent a canoe, and paddle out to the many little islands on the lake. You can find your own private island for the day or you can rent a campsite and stay for the whole weekend!

Nearby in Blue Mountain Lake, you'll find the Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain, which is an awesome place to learn about the natural and cultural history of the Adirondacks. Of course there are endless places to hike in the area, but my favorites are Blue Mountain (not too difficult, amazing views) and Snowy Mountain (pretty difficult and steep at the top, but worth it for the views from the fire tower!). The Adirondacks are like nowhere else in the East. With 6 million acres, you can really feel that vastness when you're out there in nature. It's so good for the spirit to be in pristine wilderness like that. It is a true vacation in my mind. – Jess Brock, Director of Digital & Social Media Marketing

A Perfect Summer Day at Long Beach (Long Island)

I always try to make a trip out to Long Beach once or twice a summer. I’ve gone solo, with my toddler, and met up with friends who live in the area. It's an easy drive from the Bronx, plus you can take the LIRR to Long Beach, which brings you just steps from the beach. The beach itself is quiet, clean, and safe with a beautiful boardwalk that has a designated bike lane. The water is usually calm enough to relax though there are waves to keep you on your toes. The lifeguards do a great job of flagging the areas so you know what you are getting into. You can rent chairs and umbrellas, and numerous food options and two playgrounds are nearby. They also have concerts and fireworks in the evening. The town of Long Beach is also nice with a number of great restaurants with outdoor seating. –Lisa Soto, Director of Tourism Marketing, Licensing, and PR. Photo credit: @diannafalz on Instagram

@bethelwoodscenter on Instagram

Emma Frisbie

Summer Concert Season at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (Catskills)

Growing up in the nearby Hudson Valley, concert season at Bethel Woods has always been a highlight of my summer, and I try to catch a show at least once a season. Not only is it the site of the iconic 1969 Woodstock Music & Arts Festival, but it’s also home to an outdoor amphitheater and museum dedicated to the festival and the ’60s.

I actually saw my first concert ever here (Selena Gomez), but each season promises a packed lineup of performers from a variety of genres, with past acts including Hozier, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, and more. Plus, there’s an emerging artists stage, featuring amazing up-and-coming talent. No matter who I’m going to see, I like to snag a spot on the lawn (pictured) and lay out a big blanket or rent one of the lawn chairs. It’s the perfect place to feel the energy build as your favorite artist takes the stage, and if you’re attending an evening show, catch an amazing sunset.

To make the most of the day, my friends and I will arrive a little early, pack a cooler with sandwiches and snacks (there are also tons of food and beverage vendors once you’re inside the venue), and hang out before the show starts. It’s easy to strike up conversations with other friendly concert goers, who are usually playing music by the upcoming performer, and there’s a peaceful, welcoming vibe that makes Bethel Woods so special. There’s just something about being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Catskills, the history of Woodstock, and the sounds of your favorite artist that makes music feel different here. – Emma Frisbie, Digital Content Specialist

A Long Weekend with Friends in Ithaca (Finger Lakes)

As a Cornell Alum, I got to spend four years exploring all that Ithaca has to offer, and recently was able to go back for a long weekend with some of my friends. We started off with breakfast at Collegetown Bagels and then headed over to Robert H. Treman State Park (pictured), where we went hiking on beautiful trails and ended with a dip in the swimming area right next to a waterfall! There are all kinds of other waterfalls to explore in the area too, like Buttermilk Falls and Ithaca Falls, if you really want to discover why “Ithaca is gorges.”

After swimming, we hit up Purity Ice Cream for a sweet treat (Ithaca is actually believed to be the place where ice cream sundae was invented). For dinner and a drink, we like to stop at Ithaca Beer Co. or explore options in the Downtown Ithaca Commons. The Ithaca Farmers Market is always a must-do for us, located right along Cayuga Lake with tons of local vendors selling food, beverages, fresh produce, and handmade crafts. I always get a breakfast burrito and some apple cider donuts to take home.

Obviously, we also had to make a stop at the gorgeous Cornell campus which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. You can also go up in the campus’ clocktower, McGraw Tower, for one of the chimes concerts and walk through the botanical gardens next to campus. – Tania Perez, Assistant Director of Event Marketing

Fun and Relaxing Day Trip to Jones Beach State Park

There is nothing better than a day at Jones Beach, packing a lunch, bringing a book, and listening to the waves. We typically go for one day in July or August, since it gives the water time to warm up for the season. I always go with my partner, and we bring our niece and nephew along with us. We spend the day in and out of the water, jumping over the waves, building sandcastles with the kids, and taking walks along the shore. As someone who grew up in upstate, it's so nice to have the ocean so easily accessible without ever having to leave New York! It's a perfect mix of fun and relaxation. – Rhiannon Edlind, Manager of Tourism Policy Programs. Photo credit: @grainandgrit on Instagram

Marta Zielinska

A Bucket List Road Trip to Buffalo and Niagara Falls (Greater Niagara)

In the summer of 2024 I hit the road with two missions in mind: eat wings in Buffalo and get soaked by Niagara Falls. Dropping my bags off at the Buffalo Marriott, I was immediately greeted by views of the shimmering Lake Erie. The trip was nothing short of magical. There were slow scenic strolls along Canalside (and the obligatory selfie with Shark Girl), drinks by the water at Buffalo Riverworks, captivating art at Buffalo AKG, and all the wings I could stomach at Anchor Bar, Gabriel's Gate and Kelly's Korner. I even got to board a World War II submarine at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.

Niagara Falls State Park did not disappoint, inspiring awe at every turn. I also cannot adequately describe the pure joy I felt getting absolutely drenched on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Seeing Letchworth State Park was an opportunity I could not pass up, so I took the hour drive and hiked from waterfall to waterfall and saw a beaver in the wild hanging out in the gorge before rewarding myself with a steak dinner with a view of the Lake Erie sunset at Panorama on Seven. I wasn't ready for the trip to end so I treated myself to an extra day, stopping at the Corning Museum of Glass before settling in at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, which featured espresso martinis by the fire pit at night and cups of coffee by gorgeous Seneca Lake in the morning. – Marta Zielinska, Editorial Director

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