Monday, August 24, 2015

Top College Towns in New York State Reachable Via Amtrak

Top College Towns in New York State Reachable Via Amtrak

New York State has more colleges than any state, according to U.S. News and World Report, many of which are reachable by Amtrak. If you’re heading back to school, or bringing your children to campus, consider taking the train as an alternative to driving.

College towns often offer a lot to do and see both on and off campus. We’ve picked a few here that have unique on-campus attractions, from museums to massive athletic stadiums, and are also close to great places to visit off campus.

Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY  (2.5 miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station): Vassar College is a beautiful campus located in the Historic Hudson Valley. On campus, there is the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center—a free art gallery that includes over 19,000 works of art, and the Powerhouse Theatre—a stage company which hosts productions every summer. For science buffs, there is the A. Scott Warthin Museum of Geology & Natural History, with exhibits of rocks, minerals and fossils.
Off campus, there are plenty of historic sites, including the boyhood home of Franklin D. Roosevelt in nearby Hyde Park and the home of Samuel Morse—inventor of the telegraph. The Bardavon is the oldest theater in New York State, and has housed the performances of several popular singers including Frank Sinatra and John Legend.  Also nearby is the popular Walkway over the Hudson, a pedestrian bridge offering amazing Hudson Valley views.

Eastman School of Music 
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY (2 miles from Rochester Amtrak Station): Rochester was once voted one of the top 10 college towns among mid-size metropolitan areas by USA Today. Visit the campus to see why. The Eastman School of Music houses more than 20 student ensembles that perform throughout the year. 

Also located on campus is the Memorial Art Gallery, known as one of the top art galleries outside of New York City. Off campus, you can cruise the historic Erie Canal, or visit great restaurants, museums, concert venues, and various festivals and arts fairs that are held throughout the year. You can also take advantage of the snowy winters at many ski/snowboarding resorts.  

Kleinhans Music Hall 
SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo, NY (14.5 miles from Buffalo Amtrak Station): The university houses the famed Buffalo Bulls, which according to their website, “turns into a ‘sea of blue’ when fans turn out for Bulls home football games.” In addition to the football games, the Bulls also are known for their track and field and soccer teams. For a good concert or play, you can visit the campus’s Center for the Arts, with several upcoming performances that include Ace Frehley from Kiss and a stand-up set from comedian Chris Hardwick. The musical version of “Legally Blonde” is also expected to hit the stage in November.

Off-campus, there is plenty to do as well. Buffalo has New York’s largest theater community outside of the city, with a collection of over 21 professional theaters that put on shows throughout the year. Kleinhans Music Hall is home to the world-famous Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. There are plenty of architectural sights to marvel at as well, from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin Complex and Graycliff Estate to Frederick Law Olmstead’s Delaware Park.

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY (4.4 miles from Syracuse Amtrak Station):  Home to the famed Syracuse Orange sports teams, the campus is also home to the Syracuse Stage, which houses many live theatre performances throughout the year. There are also plenty of a cappella groups, dance troupes and arts exhibits on campus.  

Off campus are the popular Armory Square and Marshall Street, with entertainment, dining and shopping. Outdoors, you can enjoy the Green Lakes State Park, which has golf courses and trails for wintertime surrounded by two glacial lakes. Destiny USA is the sixth largest shopping center in the country, with more than 260 retail venues along with an indoor go-cart track, a mirror maze, IMAX and RPX movie theaters, a ropes course, and 30+ places to eat.

Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY (1.9 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak Station):
Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum 

Skidmore is located at the heart of Saratoga Springs, a town brimming with history and culture. On-campus venues include the Arthur Zankel Music Center and the Schick Art Gallery, which celebrate the performance and visual arts on campus, respectively.  There is also the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum, which hosts twelve art exhibitions a year curated by both faculty and students.

In town, legendary folk club Caffé Lena once hosted the likes of Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie, and the nearby Saratoga Performing Arts Center is the summer home for the New York City Ballet and has also hosted performances from Yo-Yo Ma and Willie Nelson. Revolutionary War history buffs will enjoy visiting Saratoga National Park, which houses a famed American Revolution battlefield. Museums around the area are dedicated to various topics, from dance to automobiles to horse racing—the signature sport in the city.


SUNY Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, NY (1 mile from Plattsburgh Amtrak Station): SUNY Plattsburgh has many sights both on and off campus. On campus, there is the Plattsburgh State Art Museum is a museum without walls, and it has over 4,600 artifacts on display throughout campus. Also, there is the E. Glenn Glitz Auditorium, which is newly renovated and houses both local and national acts frequently throughout the year.

SUNY Plattsburgh is located in the scenic Adirondack region, which boasts fantastic natural wonders such as Gore Mountain and Lake Placid. The downtown area of Plattsburgh has many shops, restaurants, a bowling alley and two movie theaters. The Strand Center for the Performing Arts showcases the best of the performing arts in the area for a relatively low price. There is also the Battle of Plattsburgh War of 1812 Museum that presents the history of this great town. 

Monday, August 17, 2015

Upcoming Events in the Capitol Region

The Capital Region of New York State, which includes Albany, Renssalaer, and Schenectady, is home to a myriad of attractions. At the area’s historic sites and performing arts venues, you’ll find some great events this fall. Save the date for the events below, and get there via Amtrak! Visit the New York By Rail website for more information on the highlights in and around the Amtrak stations in Albany/Renssalaer and Schenectady.

Tony Bennett at the Palace Theatre (2.4 miles from the Albany Amtrak Station): The legendary singer is going solo this time after a successful run with Lady Gaga on the “Cheek to Cheek Tour.” This time, he will be gracing the equally legendary Palace Theatre, which was built during the Depression and is known for showcasing classic and current films as well as popular musical artists and cultural programs. Bennett will be performing October 16, and tickets go from $59.50-$128.00.

Photo of Harvest Faire 
Harvest Faire at Crailo State Historic Site (.9 miles from the Albany Amtrak Station): This festival is happening on September 12, and it celebrates the colonial heritage of the Hudson Valley with music from the time period, historical reenactors, colonial demonstrations, and much more. It will be held at the site which often hosts programs that are dedicated to the Colonial Dutch life in the Hudson Valley. The event is free, but the museum itself charges a nominal fee. 

Craig Ferguson at the 1823 Troy Savings Bank Music Hall (9.1 miles from the Albany Amtrak Station): On September 27, the former late night host graces the historic stage that often brings entertainers from all walks of life, from jazz artists to folk singers to comedians. As the latter, Ferguson has been touring across the country on his “The New Deal” tour, and the Scotsman is expected to bring his unique brand of comedy out in Albany. Tickets for his show range from $37-$57.

Art Exhibit at Empire State Plaza
The Empire State Plaza at 50 (2.4 miles from Albany Amtrak Station): Get familiar with the culture and history of the Empire State Plaza as well as New York State here in this one-time exhibit that started on July 6 and will be around until September 4 at the New York State Museum. If this particular exhibit does not suit your fancy, you can always check out the museum’s more regular offerings, such as the 1912 Herschell-Spillman Carousel as well as the World Trade Center exhibit.

Schenectady Civic Players Presents: Dracula (.3 miles from Schenectady Amtrak Station): On October 16-18 and 21-25, this adaptation of the classic vampire tale comes to the Capital Region’s oldest community theater, which is having its 88th season this fall. The play mixes humor and heart while staying true to Bram Stoker’s original masterpiece. If this particular play is not your cup of tea, you can always check out some of the theater company’s other offerings, which this year include Broadway hits and avant-garde pieces.


The Three Tenors at Proctors Theatre (.3 miles from Schenectady Amtrak Station): The grand voices Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras take the stage on September 12 at the legendary Proctors’ Theatre, which is still the region’s top destination for showcasing popular musicals and concerts as well as cutting-edge film festivals. Tickets for the event range from only $10-$15. 

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Baseball Sites in New York That You Can Reach Via Amtrak!

Baseball Sites in New York That You Can Reach Via Amtrak!

Whether you’re a Yankee Fan, Mets Fan, Minor League Team buff or just a baseball fan in general, New York State has a grand slam of options for you to enjoy. Outside of just watching a great game, you can also enjoy some of the other exciting activities that the stadiums have to offer, or pay a visit to the Cooperstown Hall of Fame to check out some excellent baseball memorabilia. All of these locations are accessible via Amtrak and as always, you can visit New York By Rail for more information and discounts.

Coca-Cola Field  (0.2 miles away from Buffalo Amtrak station): Home to the Buffalo Bisons, Coca-Cola field is one of the largest minor league baseball parks with cutting-edge technology and luxurious, major league-style suites for enjoying the game. Look forward to upcoming games against the Syracuse Chiefs and Rochester Red Wings, as well as the Fan Appreciation Night on Septmeber 2nd during the Bisons’ last regular season home game against the Chiefs, where there will also be great giveaways and fireworks for the whole family! For that particular event, you can get $1.00 off your ticket if you buy it before September 2nd.
Frontier Field  (0.8 miles away from Rochester Amtrak station): The home of the Rochester Red Wings has a family section which can be reserved upon request for the whole family, along with great promotions each day that include free food on Mondays and fireworks on Fridays and Saturdays. You can also look around the Frontier Field Walk of Fame, which showcases names of the fans, players, management and others who have made the Red Wings popular out in Rochester. You can order tickets online, via the phone at (585) 423-WING (9464) or at the box office.

NBT Bank Stadium (0.4 miles away from Syracuse Amtrak station): Here at the home of the Syracuse Chiefs, families can enjoy great promotions including fireworks every Friday, Family Sundays where kids under 12 are admitted for free and get to run the bases after the game ends, and the upcoming Family Night on August 14th sponsored by Lockheed Martin. You can buy tickets by calling (315) 474-7833 or at the box office.
Joseph L. Bruno Stadium  (7.3 miles from Albany Amtrak station): Known by fans as the “Joe,” this stadium houses the Tri-City Valley Cats, and is chock full of fun for the whole family. Free parking is very much available here, and for the kids there is the Kids Zone over at the Third Base Concourse. You can enjoy the game in many ways, including at the Top of the Hill Bar and Grill or in one of the ten luxury suites. Also check out special events like Sunday Fundays and fireworks on select days. Tours of the stadium are also available through September, and must be set up at the front office. Order tickets online.
Hudson Valley Renegades 
Dutchess Stadium  (13.7 miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak station): The home of the Hudson Valley Renegades has post game fireworks on select days this year, which you can enjoy along with a great game! There are many fun themed events and activities for kids during the games as well. You can take the Dutchess County LOOP bus to and from the stadium—via route B. Tickets available online, via email at tickets@hvrenegades.com, or via phone at 845-838-0094. 
Richmond County Bank Ballpark (17.6 miles from Penn Station Amtrak):  Promotional events here at the home of the Staten Island Yankees include post game fireworks and Big Money Monday, where fans have the chance to win prizes and money. To get to all the action from Penn Station, you can take a ride on the famed Staten Island Ferry, which you can access via the 1. The ferry ride is only 25 minutes and is completely free of charge. It departs every 15 minutes on weekdays from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM; every 20 minutes from 7:00 PM-8:00 PM; and thereafter every 30 minutes. On weekends, the ferry departs every 30 minutes until 7:00 PM and every 60 minutes thereafter. For tickets, you can call (718)720-9265 x3.
MCU Park (16.1 miles from Penn Station Amtrak): The home of the Brooklyn Cyclones has promotional events galore, including a pre-game Celebrity Softball game on August 19th, Latin Music Night on September 5th, and of course posts game fireworks on select days. To get there, you can take either the D train, F train, N train, or Q train to the Coney Island/Stillwell Avenue and you can even choose to spend the day in Coney Island before heading to the game at night. You can buy tickets online or at 718-449-8497.
Yankee Stadium (10.3 miles from Yonkers Amtrak station): With Mark Texeira’s great comeback and Alex Rodriguez’s return, the Yankees are at the top of their game this season; the best since 2009. In addition to the game, you can also take a tour of the stadium. Special offers include student discounts and discounts for kids ages 14 and under. To get there, you can also take the Croton-Harmon (30.8 miles) and Poughkeepsie (73.8 miles) Amtrak stations, each of which allows you to take the Yankee train directly to the stadium shortly afterwards.
Citi Field (10.4 miles from Penn Station Amtrak): The New York Mets are doing their best since 2008 with a new and improved lineup, and you can enjoy their impressive comeback along with great promos such as Free Shirt Fridays, Super Saturdays (which often feature great concerts and fireworks shows) and Family Sundays.
Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame (74.3 miles from Albany Amtrak station): The official hall of fame for baseball in America has everything the ultimate baseball fan could want, from exhibits dedicated to the history of baseball to special exhibits dedicated to legends such as Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron to a photography exhibit showcasing the special relationship between photographs and America’s pastime. For families, there are visitor experiences that include batting cages for kids who want to see if they can compete with the best of them, as well as the Sandlot Kids Clubhouse designed for kids ages 12 and under. Admission info is available online. And don’t fret about the distance between the Amtrak and the Hall of Fame. Car rental service is available through Enterprise in the Albany Amtrak station.


Monday, August 3, 2015

The Lincoln Connection

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, ILOVENY and New York's Path Through History have teamed up to expose visitors to events and historic sites throughout New York State that directly relate to Lincoln's life and era. 


A Flag for the Ages: Abraham Lincoln and the New York State Capitol (2.2 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station): On August 6 and September 3, the New York State Capitol Building in Albany will host this exhibition, highlighting the 16th president's historic connections to New York State, his 1861 visit to the State Capitol, as well as his laying in state at the Old New York State Capitol on April 26, 1865.

This exhibition will also showcase the national flag placed around the bier upon which Lincoln's casket was rested. Artifacts will be on display that explore Lincoln's death and funeral more closely, and New York State's contribution to the Civil War will also be noted.

Civil War Artifacts Exhibit (1.6 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak station): Now through December 31, explore the New York State Military Museum's sizable collection of authentic civil war artifacts. Highlights include a civil war canon, soldiers' uniforms, and the A.C. Redwood painting, “Red-Legged Devils at Gettysburg.”

The Lincoln Depot Museum (8.1 miles from Croton-Harmon Amtrak station) currently hosts two different collections of vintage Lincoln items and photos:
  • The Brian D. Caplan Collection: Containing over one hundred artifacts, images, and trinkets – including vintage campaign buttons from Lincoln's presidential runs, lockets, and hand carved pipes in Lincoln's likeness.

The Grant Cottage State Historic Site (9.4 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak station), home of Lincoln's Commanding General, Ulysses S. Grant, will also host several educational programs in August and September:
  • Grant and his Saratoga Connections: 1865-1885: On August 19, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, in collaboration with Friends of Grant Cottage, will present an informative PowerPoint program exploring Ulysses S. Grant's connections with the people and places of Saratoga, through a selection of stories and pictures.
  • You Are There: April 9, 1865: On September 12, experience the surrender at Appomattox through an old-fashioned radio broadcast. This radio re-enactment and dramatization is based on reports of the actual event, with musical selections by the 77th NY Regimental Balladeers, sound effects, reporter coverage, and appearances by notable historical characters.

For more historical, Lincoln-related events and information on a 15% discount for Amtrak travelers within New York State, visit Newyorkbyrail.com.

Visit iloveny.com/lincoln to learn more about this special commemoration and plan your family's next historical experience! #iloveny #Lincoln150