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Author: Michele Herrmann

Michele Herrmann is a freelance lifestyle/travel writer who covers different aspects of New York and other destinations. Her bylines include Mental Floss, Forbes, Fifty Grande, Thrillist, and USA Today 10Best.

Two chairs stand on a deck overlooking sweeping views of the Catskill mountains at Wylder Windham
Credit: @wylderhotelwind on Instagram

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for some time away together, a romantic getaway is waiting for you in New York State that can accommodate every type of budget. From a cozy countryside inn to a nostalgic mountainside lodge to an opulent Gilded Age castle, treat your sweet to a dreamy couple’s escape

People ice skating at the Empire State Plaza ice rink

New York doesn’t go into hibernation during wintertime. As temperatures drop and snow falls, the Empire State transforms into a glistening winter wonderland with loads of fun to be had both indoors and out.

A person skis down a tree-lined slope at Hunter Mountain
CREDIT: @NYCARCHITECT ON INSTAGRAM

Learning to ski can stir up some nerves, but New York’s mountains provide a fun and comfortable atmosphere for hitting the slopes.

Colorful foliage dons the trees surrounding a cascading waterfall at the Thain Family Forest at New York Botanical Garden

It’s easy to think of New York City as a concrete jungle, but this region of New York State has many green spaces across its five boroughs that become embellished with colorful fall plumage. The same can be said for Long Island. While its beaches make this a hot summer getaway destination, Long Island gets its fair share of fall foliage across its parks, arboretums, and other public spots. Here is your guide for where to wander amid the leaves and trees across New York City and Long Island. 

Gore Mountain Fall Skyride

During the fall season, New York State is an outdoor playground with many opportunities to take in fall foliage and farm harvests. You can hop on a bike or lace up your hiking shoes to hit trails leading into the woods or waterways

Montauk Point Lighthouse seen at dawn as the sky glows orange
Credit: @roydotschneider on Instagram

Taking a winter train trip from New York City can showcase the very best of the Empire State’s picturesque scenery from inside the window of your cozy railcar. During wintertime, Metro North, Long Island Railroad, and Amtrak all have routes that chug along different parts of New York State, with station stops that can make for a day trip, an overnight stay, or a quick getaway.

An elegant clawfoot tub tucked against a window with a wintry scene of the Catskills at Urban Cowboy
Credit: @littlesherpatravels on Instagram

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the finer things in life or celebrate a special occasion, a luxurious winter getaway is waiting for you in New York State.

Flames shoot out of a welcoming fire pit inside the great porch at the Wildflower Farms resort
Credit: @wildflowerauberge on Instagram

Make 2023 a year of new discoveries in New York State with a host of fresh openings offering plenty of exciting things to see and do. Learn about everything

Audience watches hockey players gathered in a line under spotlights on the ice at the Lake Placid Olympic Center
Credit: Olympic Regional Development Authority

Two-time Olympic host Lake Placid is no stranger to world-class winter sports competition, as this destination will host the Lake Placid 2023 FISU World University Games (January 12-22, 2023). This 11-day event will bring student athletes from around the world to compete

The bells of St. Joseph Cathedral stand amid fall foliage at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo
Credit: @daytrippingroc on Instagram

New York’s cemeteries are the final resting place for a number of famous figures in history. Many of their burial plots are also objects of beauty, with exquisite mausoleums