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Author: Emma Frisbie

Emma Frisbie is the Digital Content Coordinator for ILOVENY.com.

A girl and a dog sit at the top of Whiteface Mountain

From magnificent mountain peaks to spectacular city skylines, there’s no place like New York State in the summer! If you’re looking to impress with some amazing photos, we’ve got you covered. Your

Two people biking along the canal where a tour boat floats by

Did you know that the New York State Canal System is the nation’s largest inland waterway? At nearly 200 years old and 524 miles of navigable waterways, including the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals, the canal system has seen it all, transporting much of the nation’s agricultural and industrial products as well as playing a vital role throughout American history. Today, experience the canal for yourself! Paddle through locks and lift bridges, cycle through stunning scenery, cruise on historic vessels, stroll charming main streets, and more. 

A woman in a flowing yellow skirt and white shirt twirls with a red cloth in her hand in front of the backdrop of a red boat and the Statue of Liberty in the distance

From dramatic Shakespeare performances to electric dance celebrations, New York State is home to the world's most renowned art festivals. Attend the northeast’s largest blues event, honor the Chautauqua Institution’s 150th anniversary season, or witness a star-studded film festival, where you may just bump into celebrities like Robert De Niro! What are you waiting for? Your New York artistic adventure awaits!  Photo credit: @balletnepantlaofficial on Instagram. 

A basket of cheese curds from River Rat Cheese
Photo courtesy of River Rat Cheese  

From freshly-caught fried filets and world-famous dressing to luxurious riverside dining and restaurants sporting storied pasts, the Thousand Islands culinary scene is sure to please any palate! Your foodie journeys may lead you to a rooftop with spectacular panoramic views of downtown Oswego or a fishing charter on the St. Lawrence River, catching and preparing your very own shore dinner. Get ready to chow down with this list of everything you have to eat in the Thousand Islands-Seaway.

View of the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse at sunset

There’s nothing like summer in New York! With new attractions, restaurants, exhibits, and hotels opening throughout the state, summer 2024 is sure to be one to remember.

Products on display at Beekman 1802 Mercantile in Sharon Springs, NY.
Credit: Ayesha Thomas

From James Beard nominees and delicious diners to historic bed and breakfasts and contemporary art galleries, New York is filled with amazing LGBTQ-owned businesses. Support the state’s diverse LGBTQ community this Pride month and be sure to add these businesses to your next Empire State getaway!   

Bannerman Castle at sunset

Spend some island time in New York State! Whether you prefer an island with a mysterious history, beachfront ambiance, or an elegant castle fit for royalty, New York’s islands are waiting for you to explore. Unlock an up-close view of Niagara Falls, zoom down a 700-foot oceanside zipline, island camp under the stars, and more, from Long Island to the Thousand Islands. Read on for 23 New York islands to add to your next island-hopping adventure! 

Bright red, white, and blue fireworks decorate the sky over east river
Credit: @clickforthekingdom on Instagram

Festivals, parades, and air shows, oh my! There’s so much to do in New York State this summer. Try delicious new foods, jam out to live music in beautiful outdoor amphitheaters, take a spin on midway rides, celebrate rich culture and community, watch hot air balloons take flight, and more, all season long. Mark your calendars. Here are some Empire State events you don’t want to miss! 

A plate full of buffalo wings with celery and cups of blue cheese

From Buffalo wings and beef on weck to international delicacies and world-famous food festivals, Greater Niagara’s food scene is unlike any other! As a renowned melting pot for diverse dishes and dining experiences, there’s something to please every palate from delicious hidden gems to decadent fine dining. Be sure to bring your appetite because here’s everything you have to eat in Greater Niagara.

Blue ocean waves crest in front of the Montauk Lighthouse
Credit: @saltyvisionz on Instagram

It’s no secret that the Empire State has it all. Just hours away from the city that never sleeps is an abundance of outdoor adventures, pristine white sand beaches, scenic hiking trails, family-friendly amusement parks, idyllic small towns, and more. Whether you’re experiencing the Big Apple for the first time and want to extend your trip or you’re a native New Yorker looking for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 trips you can easily take from New York City this summer.