New York by Rail: Insights and Inspirations

A peregrine falcon perched on a snow-covered pine branch near the Amtrak line in New York. The text reads, BIRD WATCHING ON THE RAIL LINE. The background features frosty branches against a winter landscape.

Bird Watching Along the Rail Line: A Nature Lover’s Guide

Jack Ballard January 29, 2026

Editor’s Note: New York by Rail updated this July 2024 blog experience to include current information. From backyards and river estuaries to skyscrapers and city parks, they ...

Two women smiling and sitting next to each other on a train, one holding a colorful booklet, both in collared shirts. They're ready to explore Upstate New York, surrounded by grey train seats and the sleek train interior ceiling.

Exploring New York State by Amtrak: Albany to NYC on a Mother-Daughter Adventure: Part 2

Hope Henchey November 20, 2025

Exploring New York State by Amtrak: Albany to NYC on a Mother-Daughter Adventure: Part 2 From historic museums and charming downtowns to scenic bridges and ...

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and a striped shirt smiles while sitting at a table on a train, ready to explore Upstate New York. Out the window, a calm lake and green hills appear under a partly cloudy sky.

Mother & Daughter Travel to Upstate New York via Amtrak: Part 1

Hope Henchey November 13, 2025

A Mother-Daughter Adventure Through Upstate New York by Amtrak: Part 1 From New York City’s iconic sights to the historic charm of Schenectady, Troy, and ...

A smiling woman, Lauren Norris, crowned Miss New York in Lake George, wearing a maroon dress, sash, and black boots stands on a boat with sparkling water and vibrant autumn trees and houses in the background.

Miss New York’s Fall Weekend in the Lake George Area

Lauren Norris November 4, 2025

All Aboard for Autumn: Miss New York’s Dream Weekend in the Lake George Area Ghost tours, golden foliage, lake cruises, and small-town charm — see ...

Walkway Over the Hudson: A Great Day Trip

Andrew Frey September 4, 2025

As a former resident of the Hudson Valley and current resident of New York City, the longing for days of bucolic serenity are encountered more ...

A smiling woman, crowned Syracuse Miss New York, wearing a sash and dress, sits on a brown horse inside a stable with wooden beams and metal railings. Other people and stable equipment are visible in the background.

A Summer Escape to Syracuse: Fairs, Canals and even Elephants!

Cassie Donegan August 28, 2025

A Summer Escape to Syracuse: Fairs, Canals and even Elephants! Newly crowned Miss New York, Cassie Donegan, enjoys a summer escape in Syracuse, New York. ...

New York State Fair: A Fantastic Day in Syracuse

Tom Martinelli August 14, 2025

The Great New York State Fair: A Fantastic Day in Syracuse Editor’s Note: This blog has been updated in 2025 to include current information. First ...

A woman with short brown hair and a striped shirt smiles while taking a selfie on a bridge without a car in sight. The sky is mostly cloudy, and traffic cones line the empty pedestrian path.

How I Visited Four Cities in New York In One Day Without A Car

Hope Henchey August 7, 2025

How I Visited Four Cities in New York In One Day Without A Car I recently visited four cities in New York State in only ...

Conductors: Why I Love My Job

Rebecca D'Ambrosio July 22, 2025

Conductors: Why I Love My Job Meet four of Amtrak’s newest—and most talented—leaders. Let’s get to know some of the incredible conductors happily on their ...