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October 1, 2026
Adirondacks
From City to Coast: My Miss New York Weekend Getaway with New York By Rail
When the bustle of New York City and schoolwork at Columbia get a little hectic, there is nothing like heading upstate and clearing your mind on the Adirondack Coast. My weekend getaway filled with beautiful views, fresh air, and delicious bites in the town of Plattsburgh was an easy adventure thanks to New York By Rail and the Amtrak train.
A person wearing a life jacket and knit hat sits in a red and yellow kayak on a lake, holding a paddle, as Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak. Trees and a cloudy sky fill the background.

I started my journey at the modern Moynihan Train Hall in New York City, conveniently located in Penn Station. I hopped on one of Amtrak’s most scenic lines—the Adirondack—and watched as concrete sidewalks turned to gorgeous fall foliage. Despite the Nor’easter heading for the city, I stepped off the train and was welcomed with rays of sunshine and the perfect fall breeze. From the Albany-Rensselaer station, I rented a car for the drive to the town of Plattsburgh, NY. The road was framed by green leaves shifting to shades of red and orange. It is so magical that just a short ride from the clamor of the city lies peaceful waters and breathtaking natural views. Upon arrival, I checked in at the Holiday Inn Express Plattsburgh, to find the sweetest gift from the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau welcoming me to the area with iconic goodies: freshly picked apples, maple syrup, chocolate, and even some Plattsburgh merch!

DAY ONE

Before I knew it, it was time to get to know the town! What better way than to see the people and their creativity firsthand? The Strand Center for the Arts and downtown murals showcased the community’s vibrant culture and spirit. The Strand’s current exhibition is “Portraits of a Community,” a collection of portraits highlighting local subjects. Each piece showed a deep reverence for the artists’ neighbors and friends and a love for their home.

A person with long dark hair stands in front of a white wall displaying various framed artworks at an art gallery, reminiscent of scenes from Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak.
Two landscape paintings: the top shows a dark, forested scene with a red sun in a gray sky; the bottom evokes the journey as Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak, beneath pink and blue cloud-filled skies.
Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak as she smiles in front of a blue mural adorned with colorful fish and aquatic plants, wearing her crown and sash.

After building up an appetite exploring, I headed to eat at Sip, a colorful restaurant filled with friendly faces and lots of laughter. I ordered a long-time favorite—fried pickles— and enjoyed blackened salmon with rice and seasonal vegetables. The food was the perfect addition to the enjoyable atmosphere and such a yummy first bite of the trip!

With that, it was time to play! I headed to the 1 Up Arcade & Pub for a crazy competitive night of games. After spending plenty of tokens, my commitment was awarded with a crown box filled to the brim with rubber duckies and stuffed animals. I could have stayed playing their vintage pinball and claw machines all night!

Colorful mural reading SIP PLATTSBURGH with sun rays, green vines, and hanging lightbulbs above a staircase and a purple background, reminiscent of Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak’s vibrant journeys.
Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak: A plate with blackened fish on rice, drizzled with white sauce and herbs, plus fried pickles with dipping sauce—delicious flavors await your next rail adventure.
A woman plays a brightly lit Lucky Duck claw machine filled with toy ducks, surrounded by arcade decorations and pinball machines, as Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak.
A woman wearing a Miss New York sash and crown poses in front of arcade pinball machines, smiling at the camera as Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak.

DAY TWO

I started my next day pumped up for an adventurous day embracing Lake Champlain. But first, this journey called for fueling up at Irises Cafe & Wine Bar. The cozy spot is settled in sunny Downtown Plattsburgh and offers hearty breakfast favorites. I started off with chamomile tea and  banana bread with espresso mascarpone on top–it was unreal! The meal only got better with Irises’ specialty eggs benedict. They have truly mastered their balance of sweet and savory dishes, and for someone who loves a bit of both, it was such a treat.

A plate with roasted potato cubes, a side of ketchup, and two eggs Benedict on greens, topped with hollandaise sauce and caramelized onions—just what Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak might enjoy.

My next stop was the Plattsburgh Farmers & Crafters Market. This staple since 2005 features farmers, crafters, food makers, and music lovers of the Champlain Valley and I was quickly overwhelmed by choice. Everything from fresh produce, handmade creams and soaps, to local baked goods, was all at my fingertips—it was truly an exemplary collection of the town’s best. I made sure to pick up some local maple syrup and homemade jam for my friends back at school to try, and to remember this sweet getaway. And my favorite part was being able to meet and converse with so many local creatives and share my journey as Miss New York with them.

Two people stand at a market booth labeled Wine & Maple Syrup. Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak, smiling with a maple leaf bottle, while the other stands behind a table of bottles and an Olde Tyme Winery sign.
Individually wrapped decorated cookies, some shaped like coffee mugs with pumpkins, and others reading COZY season, arranged in rows—a perfect treat for a journey like Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak.
A hand holds a jar labeled Mixed Berry Jam with a handwritten tag as Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak. Other jam jars, sample jars, and crackers sit on a red tablecloth in the background.

Before I knew it, it was time for a quick change at our conveniently located hotel and head out to Point Au Roche State Park. I traded my sweater dress for the more practical leggings and sneakers for our next excursion: kayaking on the calm bays of Lake Champlain.

The state park was the perfect combination of green hiking trails, crisp blue waters, and open skies. The Adirondack Coast is the epitome of peace. Paddling out on the calm lake, where water stretched for miles, made me feel like I was the only person in the world. I keep reflecting back on the beautiful duality of New York, where you can feel like one in a million in the city, and one with nature all in the same state. The gentle autumn winds helped push my kayak along as I explored the intricate rock faces and small beaches in the area. As someone who loves staying #MissAmericaFit in creative ways, this was the perfect energy booster while enjoying the great outdoors!

After docking our kayaks, it was time to explore more on land. Just a short drive away is the historic former Air Force Base with two jets you can walk right up to. It was so cool to stand under Plattsburgh history–the planes are even bigger than you can imagine! The historic grounds included serene walking paths where we stretched our legs and explored the town’s past.

Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak, then paddles a kayak on a calm lake under a dramatic sky with thick clouds, forested shoreline visible in the distance.
A person walks near a large jet plane with two rear-facing engines, standing on an outdoor display area under a partly cloudy sky as Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak.

I freshened up back at the hotel and got ready for a delicious dinner at Latitude 44, a bistro overflowing with local charm and  impeccable craftsmanship in every dish. I enjoyed the Short Rib Poutine and their Summer Corn and Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto. After a long day in the fall air, this was the perfect way to warm up and relax. I leaned into the fall vibes even more after dinner at Adirondack Fox Brewing, where I enjoyed a hot cocoa and a competitive game of chess (guess who won!!). This spot’s ambience combining warm lighting, fox memorabilia, and cozy couches was my ideal place to wind down for the night. The owners were so kind and even gave me a tour of the brewery side and shared the history behind their family business! The night was full of kindness and great drinks.

A white plate of creamy corn risotto topped with crumbled cheese, with a few sauce dots around the rim—just what Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak might savor. Fries are visible in the background.
A chessboard with white pieces, a blue ring on a1, and a paper cup of coffee on the left side, all on a brown tabletop—like Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak, it’s poised for adventure.
A woman sits on a dark leather couch holding a cup, wearing black and a hat. Behind her, a lamp glows, and a chalkboard reads FOX HILL GANG—Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak ambiance.
Several large stainless steel tanks and kegs fill this brightly lit brewery, a stop Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak might enjoy while discovering the city’s vibrant industrial spaces.

DAY THREE

I could not believe that my trip had almost come to a close.

I woke up bright and early, starting off with—you guessed it‚—a pumpkin spice latte from Chapter One Coffee & Tea. If you’ve ever wanted autumn in a cup, I’ve found it for you! They source from local vendors and make their own homemade syrups, and trust me, you can truly taste the quality.

Two cups of coffee with whipped cream sit on a wooden table near a sugar dispenser and honey bottle, as Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak in the cozy café background.
A woman wearing a Miss New York sash stands smiling in front of a window reading Chapter One Coffee & Tea, as Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak. She’s casually dressed and wearing a hat.
Woman wearing a navy hat, knit sweater, and MISS sash sips from a white to-go coffee cup, looking to the side while outdoors—Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak.
A smiling woman wearing a Miss sash and black cap holds bread and snacks in a café with a Buy Local Adirondack Harvest Member sign, as Miss New York Explores Albany NY by Amtrak.

Just a short walk away from Chapter One is the North Country Co-op. This community-owned natural foods market supports local farmers and artisans, and sustainable practices. It was a colorful display of so many different products from across the region. If you want to support your local makers, this is the way to do it. There’s everything from specialty snacks to all the daily needs. I put together a snack bag to try and re-live my trip on my train ride home including nuts, fresh bread, all-natural juice, and Lake Champlain dark chocolate—all of my favorite bites! I also indulged at the In the Mix Bakeshop for a sweet treat. Picture fresh out of the oven, raspberry croissants and chocolate chip cookies, and that one-of-a-kind bakery-fresh scent.

I could not have ended my Adirondack weekend getaway without one of the most iconic fall activities: apple picking! Rulfs Orchard had it all: acres of apple trees, shiny orange pumpkins and mouthwatering cider donuts. I grabbed a quick breakfast from their market and was fueled up for my journey back to NYC. And despite the weather turning a little grey, the scenery was as vibrant as ever. I strolled through the rows of trees, picking a bag of juicy honeycrisp apples to bring home–a homemade apple pie is definitely on the way from me!

A woman wearing a Miss New York sash, a blue cap, and jeans smiles while holding apples in an orchard as Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak.

The Adirondack Coast gave me not only a fun-filled weekend, but a deeper appreciation for the serenity in the outdoors, the beauty in slowing down in nature and the magic of a local community’s people, food, and culture. This retreat from the busyness of the city was the perfect reminder for me and all New York residents to explore more of the state. Find a new spot for yourself in nature,  take a break from studying over the weekend, or clear your mind amongst the beauty of the coast—it’s all right here!

With New York By Rail and Amtrak, a weekend getaway like mine is easier than ever! Plan your trip now, with a few clicks, a train ticket can carry you to your next adventure.

A young woman wearing a Miss New York sash smiles with one arm raised, standing by a lake with colorful autumn trees as Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak.

Take Amtrak to the Adirondack Coast

There are several ways to get to the Adirondack Coast via Amtrak. Take the daily Adirondack train to the Plattsburgh Station from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station. The train ride is approximately 7 hours, 45 minutes.

You can also take Amtrak to the Albany-Rensselaer Station and pick up your reserved Enterprise Rent-a-Car right at the Albany-Rensselaer Station. Click here to reserve your car or call Enterprise’s Albany office at 518-427-3893 using the #NYTRAIN discount. It’s an approximately 3-hour drive to Plattsburgh from the Albany-Rensselaer station.

Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save 15% discount!