I Love New York Blog

Credit: @balloonsoverletchworth on Instagram

From private helicopter rides and hot air balloon flights to behind-the-scenes tours and over-the-top stays, get the VIP treatment in the Empire State! It’s no secret that New York is packed with once-in-a-lifetime adventures, but if you're looking for something a little more exclusive, we’ve got you covered. Cruise through Finger Lakes Wine Country on a private boat, have a castle all to yourself in the Thousand Islands, and much more. 

Credit: @hattiesrestaurant on Instagram

The Capital-Saratoga region (or as foodies call it, the 51Ate) is a hub for distinct and drool-worthy delicacies. Saratoga has one of the highest number of…

Whether your family loves bumming at the beach, exploring charming little towns, or soaking in the natural beauty of mountains and lakes, you can find it all in New York—no matter your budget. We found top-notch local escapes all over New York with lodging for less than $200 per night, with affordable family-friendly activities nearby. So read on and get excited: Summer will be here before you know it! …

Credit: @ddm_foto and @visitsyracuse on Instagram

Whether you’re planning a long holiday break, bestie birthday weekend, or just want to spend quality time with friends, the Empire State is the place for your next BFF getaway. From surfing on Long Island to laughing at the National Comedy Center to rock climbing in the Hudson Valley, these budget-friendly plans are sure to make it out of the group chat. Check out these 11 unforgettable and affordable friends getaways in New York State. 

Credit: @senecalakewine on Instagram

It’s not everywhere that you can experience so many diverse wine regions all in one state! Sip, swirl, and relax in New York, home to over 35,000 acres of wine country and the nation’s third-largest wine-producing state. From Long Island’s superb reds and sprawling farmland vineyards to the Finger Lakes’ internationally-acclaimed whites and dazzling lakeside views, New York’s wine regions are waiting for you to explore! Here’s how to make the most of your time in Empire State wine country. 

Tucked along the Hudson River, where nature meets art, you’ll find Cold Spring. Once a vital artillery center during the American Civil War, this river town has blossomed into an idyllic village where local restaurants and Main Street boutiques greet Hudson Highlands hikers as well as culture lovers from nearby New York City. For a dive into the beauty of the Hudson Valley, here is your 48-hour guide to Cold Spring.

How many main streets in New York have you shopped? With unique architecture, beautiful window displays, and business-lined sidewalks, the state boasts some of the best main streets for shopping. From classic souvenirs and high-end clothes…

Bye bye, snow boots and winter coat! We’ve been over the cold weather for a minute, and now it’s time to celebrate spring. New York State is about to blossom with lively activities and festivals, memorable exhibits, and natural beauty returning to its most vibrant state.

New York is home to many well-known, world-class attractions. But it’s also a state filled with hidden gems that don’t attract big crowds—waterfalls, hiking trails, and lakes that you can have practically all to yourself! Check out these outdoor destinations (as well as additional opportunities to get close to nature) that will expand your knowledge of New York State while allowing for safe recreation.

From July 19–20, 1848, a group of 300 women and 42 men came together in Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls for the first-ever women's rights convention in the U.S. They began laying the groundwork for what would lead to women's suffrage in New York in 1917, three years before the nation followed. It has been over 100 years since​ the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. The Wesleyan Chapel stands at the corner of Fall and Mynderse streets, anchoring a charming strip in a Finger Lakes town that makes for a perfect weekend getaway.