Lake George Area, A Love Story

Lake George Area, A Love Story Amtrak got me there seamlessly, but my Upstate New York adventure was just beginning. Miss New York Tubing on Bolton Lake! As Miss New York, I have the incredible opportunity to promote the beautiful destinations of our state, and my recent trip to Lake George Area was nothing short of spectacular. Partnering with New …

Continue reading  

Glamping by Train: A Unique Outdoor Experience

Editor’s Note: This blog has been updated in 2024 to include current information Take Amtrak to these popularNew York State glamping sites. By Olivia Abel Ah, camping. The idea of getting away from it all—spending a few days in nature with your loved ones, tromping through the woods, sitting around a campfire, gazing at the stars—is a getaway that appeals …

Continue reading  

New York Breweries, Craft Beer and Beverage Trails Worth Visiting

This blog has been updated to reflect current information Saranac Matt Brewing Company Central New York Distance from Utica Station (UCA): 1.3 miles The Saranac Matt Brewing Company is a must-see destination in Utica. Located right in Central New York, and under the leadership of the fourth generation of the Matt family, the Saranac Matt Brewing Company serves a vast variety …

Continue reading  

Making a Splash at Million Dollar Beach

Nothing says “family vacation” more than Million Dollar Beach! Throw some cold drinks and a picnic lunch in a cooler. Grab a couple of folding chairs, oversized towels, a pail and a shovel. It’s time to check off Million Dollar Beach, and some of the best beaches across NY off your bucket list.

Continue reading  

Outdoor Adventures in the Adirondacks

For those who love to get outside on a getaway, the Adirondacks are a gem. ‘Nothing new about that. As the railroads expanded into the region during the 1800s, the Adirondacks became the preferred summer destination for city dwellers who wished to cool off, breathe fresh air, and escape into nature. Many of the country’s most influential industrial tycoons spent [...] Continue reading  

All Aboard the Polar Express!

Children of all ages can now experience the same Christmas spirit as the children in the animated masterpiece “The Polar Express.” The movie that was inspired by Chris Van Allsburg's classic book has now come to life! These trains offer a lot more than just cocoa, cookies, and Christmas carols, they offer Christmas cheer for the whole family. Across New [...] Continue reading  

The Great Dome Car

While planning a getaway with friends to Montréal for the city’s 375th anniversary, reading about the Great Dome Car’s panoramic views of fall foliage and dramatic cliffs along Lake Champlain and it was time to experience it firsthand.

Continue reading  

Discover New York’s Museums with Don Wildman

Greetings, fellow travelers! Thanks for joining me on my sprawling journey to New York’s amazing collection of museums. I’ve embarked – with the generous help of New York By Rail and I Love New York – on a statewide odyssey to explore the astonishing depth and breadth of a distinctive collective community — New York’s museums, learning a few of the remarkable things they have to teach along the way.

Continue reading  

Sampling the Lake George Area

I recently followed a slightly modified version of New York By Rail’s “The Original Vacation.” During the trip I fell down a mountain, screamed, launching 200 feet skyward, and watched fireworks illuminate the sky over the Lake George Area—and that was just the first of three days. With Amtrak and an Enterprise rental car, I was able to visit Lake …

Continue reading  

Great Amtrak Dome Car

This fall, the vintage window-ceilinged Great Amtrak Dome Car offers travelers a chance to enjoy the changing foliage on the Adirondack line. This autumn from September 28 – October 29, Amtrak’s Great Dome Car offers a unique way to travel on the Adirondack line between Albany and Montréal. The dome car has traveled the country, making its way onto the …

Continue reading  

9 Things to do Around Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and even though it lands on a dreaded Monday this year, there are still plenty of New York State events ready to kick off the summer with a burst of American Spirit! From celebrations of American music and its icons to locally sourced food at top-tier restaurants and breweries, this Memorial Day should be a time to remember!

Continue reading  

Take a Hike Over Lake George

 Cat Mountain is truly a one-of-a-kind hike in the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains of New York. In just three miles, hikers will experience the largest view of Lake George that any hike can show.  This is a perfect hike for the end of the fall season to watch the leaves change colors across the Lake George Valley. There are many places …

Continue reading  

Worth a Visit: The Wild Center in Tupper Lake

It takes a bit of bravery to bounce out onto a giant shamrock spider’s web made of bungee cord; considering that it’s suspended 25 feet above the ground. It’s one of the many thrilling moments we enjoyed at the “Wild Walk” at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake. Another: standing in a ten-foot wide Bald Eagle’s nest, peering over at Whiteface …

Continue reading  

Your March Madness Survival Guide

March is known as a month of “madness.” Luckily, we’re here to help you escape this maddening time of year! New York isn’t totally overwhelmed by the fever of basketball this year, so there’s no shortage of things to distract you from the constant barrage of tournaments! There are many fun, eclectic events this March—all accessible by Amtrak. Get ready to enjoy days filled …

Continue reading  

Amtrak’s “Great Dome” Car Returns!

Ride Amtrak’s “Great Dome” Car This Fall! For a limited time this fall, The Amtrak Great Dome car has returned to New York. This annual tradition allows passengers to see the leaves change, the beautiful bodies of water flow and the major cities of New York all while comfortable in a train car. PHOTO FROM ELEVATION MAP LOGS Amtrak Great Dome …

Continue reading