Friday, April 1, 2016

Six Special Spring Festivals

Spring has sprung, and festivals across New York are celebrating! Need another reason to get away for a weekend? Here are a few fun events that you can get to on Amtrak:

Photo by Tony Hisgett
Museum Mile Festival (3.3 Miles from Penn Station) - Now in it's 38th year, the Museum Mile Festival allows visitors free access to an incredible collection of New York's artistic riches. On June 14, walk the officially designated "Museum Mile" on Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 105th streets and experience up to nine museums, live music and the best of the city's cultural happenings!





Photo by Ryan Somma
Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival (6.6 Miles from Penn Station) - A weekend celebration of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture is now entering its 35th year! Sakura Matsuri, Brooklyn Botanic Garden's annual cherry blossom festival, will take place on April 30 through May 1. Considered New York City's rite of spring, and the largest annual event in a U.S. public garden, experience over 60 dynamic music and dance performances, art and horticulture demonstrations, and take part in Hanami, the Japanese tradition of enjoying each moment of the cherry blossom season.

Photo from Historic Hudson Valley
Lightscapes: A Springtime Fantasy Garden Festival (0.8 Miles from Croton-on-Hudson Amtrak Station) - Watch Van Cortlandt Manor spring into life during this wonderful nighttime display. This walk-through land-art experience immerses its visitors in a "dreamland of curiosities," spread throughout the historic Van Cortlandt Manor landscape. This year attendees can "shadow dance " in front of an interactive silhouette wall and experience the brand new Bubble Tunnel. The Lightscapes event takes place over 20 spring evenings from April 29 to May 30, and is perfect for all ages.

Photo from Hudson-Berkshire
Beverage Trail

Hudson-Berkshire Wine and Food Festival (13.4 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station) - Enjoy Hudson Valley regional wineries, distilleries and cideries, specialty foods and more. At the 4th annual Hudson-Berkshire Wine and Food Festival, held on May 28 through 29, you'll taste gourmet cheese and creameries, baked goods, grass fed meats and more, all for sale at the festival. Meet special guest makers and authors, and attend seminars of wine and food pairings, home brewing and cheese making by some of the region's foremost experts.





Photo from Shutterstock
68th Annual Tulip Festival (3.0 Miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station) - An annual spring traditions, the Albany Tulip Festival showcases over 150 different kinds of tulips, fine art exhibits and more in a celebration of Albany's heritages as the oldest Dutch settlement in America. Witness over 100,000 tulip bulbs blossom into a sea of colors with live music and entertainment from nationally acclaimed artists. The festival includes activities for kids, and historic events such as the Scrubbing of State St. and the Tulip Queen Coronation.


Photo from
Rochester Lilac Festival


Rochester Lilac Festival (2.5 Miles from Rochester Amtrak Station) - The Rochester Lilac Festival offers 10 incredible days of non-stop festivities. The largest free festival of its kind in North America, the festival showcases the magnificent gardens, while also presenting live music, vendors and special events such as the Wine Tasting and Farmer's Market, the Lilac Brewfest, the Lilac Parade and more. Each day of the event brings something new to the 155-acre Highland Park.


Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Take Amtrak to Celebrate Maple Weekend!

Photo by NYS Maple

On Maple Weekend, which actually takes place on two weekends, almost 160 maple producers, farms, and sites across New York State host this event to show people how maple syrup is made from the tree and brought to the table. Whether it’s pancake breakfasts, horse and wagon rides, tours of the facilities or sap collecting, there is an event for everyone. And let’s not forget the chance to sample sweet maple syrup! While this event is celebrated across the state, these are just a few sites (which are also open outside of this event) that we recommend taking an Amtrak train to.  


Photo by White Oak Farm
White Oak Farm
(9 Miles from Croton-Harmon Amtrak Station) -- Visit White Oak Farm’s Maple Weekend on March 19-20 and April 2-3 if you love maple syrup! This Maple Weekend event will include a tour, where you learn how maple syrup is made from the tree and put on the table. White Oak Farm also has a sugar-house to explore, a sawmill to tour and on the weekends, a farmers market.

Photo by Tibbitts Maple
Tibbitts Maple 
(8.1 Miles from Utica Amtrak Station) -- On March 19-20 and April 2-3, see how pure maple syrup is made. Tibbitts Maple will show you not only how to make syrup, but also how to can it! Let their family tradition become yours. Tibbitts Maple will also be offering maple syrup, maple cream and maple shapes to snack on.

Maple Brook Farm 
(10.8 Miles from Westport Amtrak Station) -- Maple Brook Farm will be participating in New York State’s Maple Weekend this year! On March 19-20 and April 2-3, in cooperation with two neighboring farms, Maple Brook will have samples of maple cream, syrup, candy and yogurt! They will also be hosting pancake breakfasts each of the four days. In addition, there will also be horse-drawn wagon rides, tours of the farm and shows telling the history of maple production.

Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co. 
(10.1 miles from Syracuse Amtrak Station) -- If you have a sweet tooth, Maple Weekend is an event for you. On March 19-20 and April 2-3, Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co. will be participating with a free tour and free samples-- this is not an event to miss. They will be making maple cotton candy and other maple recipes as well. You can take a nice spring walk in their sugar bush, and visit the sugar-house as well!

Photo by Helmer Nature Center
Helmer Nature Center 
(5.2 Miles from Rochester Amtrak Station) -- Helmer Nature Center will be celebrating the maple sugaring season with a pancake breakfast on March 20! Helmer Nature Center is participating in Maple Weekend, which is happening all across New York State. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help collect sap, and stop by the evaporator to watch it cook into maple syrup! There will be crafts, treats and refreshments.

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village 
(18 Miles from Niagara Falls Station) -- Go back in time to the 19th century, and see how trees are tapped for sap! Then watch it cook, and see how it turns into sweet maple syrup. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is participating in New York State’s Maple Weekend this year on April 2-3! Learn how to identify Sugar Maple trees, how to use the tools necessary to tap the trees and get a chance to meet the blacksmith of the tools! Hot cocoa and maple cookies will be served. A pancake breakfast is also included if you make reservations.

Monday, March 7, 2016

Six Places to Celebrate St. Patick's Day in New York

Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day! On March 17, and the days leading up to it, everyone is invited to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland and have a bit of craic (fun), as the Emerald Isle does. Parades and celebrations are being held all over the state, but these are just a few that we recommend taking an Amtrak train to:



Photo from Marine Corps Public Affairs NYC
New York City (1.0 mile from Penn Station) - The St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City is one of the most iconic events in the city and the largest St. Patrick's Day celebration in the world, taking place annually on March 17. The first St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC took place in 1762—over 250 years ago! Participants will march down 5th Avenue between 44th and 79th Street, led by this year's Grand Marshal, Senator George Mitchell. More than 2 million people are expected to attend this year's parade, so wear green and stake out a spot early!



Photo from St. Patrick's Day Parade Buffalo
Buffalo (0.7 miles from Buffalo-Exchange Street Amtrak Station) - Buffalo's United Irish American Association has been hosting the St. Patrick's Day Parade since 1940. The 76th installment of this fun event will take place on Sunday, March 20 on Delaware Avenue. The celebration isn't limited to one day though. There will be live music, dancers and entertainment all weekend, including a traditional Irish Seisiun at Shannon's Pub held on First Thursdays, March 3.




Photo from Syracuse St. Patrick's Day Parade
Syracuse (2.3 miles from Syracuse Station Amtrak Station) - On March 12, celebrate the 34th annual Syracuse St. Patrick's Day Parade—the largest parade in the state outside of New York City. Syracuse puts the winter weather behind it beginning with this celebration, which has been named one of the biggest parades in the United States. The parade goes through Downtown Syracuse at Clinton Square.





Rochester (0.6 miles from Rochester Amtrak Station) - Rochester's annual Tops: St. Patrick's Day Parade usually draws about 50,000 people to the event that takes place on East and Main Street. Those wishing to start their Irish weekend early can attend the Rochester American's Irish Night and hockey game, which will include Irish step dancers, bagpipers, children's programs and happy hour with Irish drafts for those 21+.
Photo from Tops: Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade



Photo from Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade on McLean Avenue
Yonkers (2.8 miles from Yonkers Amtrak Station) - In 2014, two historic parades merged to form one giant celebration taking place on McLean Avenue in Yonkers. The 61st Annual Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m. The festivities have been growing each year, so you can expect that this one will be bigger and green than ever.






Photo from Polly/WFRG/TSM
Utica (0.5 miles from Utica Amtrak Station) - Utica's St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 10 a.m. The event has been held since 1978, and in 2008 The Great American Irish Festival took over organizational duties of the parade. Over 2000 people march, and thousands more watch from the sidewalks of Genesee Street. If you attend, don't forget your non-perishables for the parade food drive.



Each of these parades are located close to an Amtrak station, making your travel plans for St. Patrick's Day easy and comfortable. Need another reason to get away for the weekend? Amtrak is running promotions to get you to your St. Patty's Day destination with a discount. If you're looking for more ways to enjoy a weekend in these cities, check out New York By Rail.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Take Amtrak to See the Top Hockey Teams and Arenas in New York State and Further!

Whether you like being out on the ice, or watching from the boards, Amtrak provides you with an easy train ride to some of New York State’s top professional and major college hockey teams and arenas. Aside from watching a great game, you can also enjoy some of the other exciting activities that these arenas have to offer, such as concerts and behind-the-scenes tours.  All of these locations are accessible via Amtrak. Visit New York By Rail for more information and discounts.


(0.0 Miles from Pennsylvania Station)

The New York Rangers are an American professional hockey team based in New York City that competes in the National Hockey League along with three other New York-based teams. Having joined the NHL in 1926, the Rangers are one of the oldest teams in the league, and are considered part of the Original Six, the first group of teams to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Aside from being the Rangers’ home arena, Madison Square Garden hosts the New York Knicks of the NBA, professional wrestling, boxing matches, hundreds of world-class concert series, as well as plays and musicals in The Theater at MSG.

Fun facts: MSG is the oldest and most active major sporting facility in the New York metropolitan area, the oldest arena in the NHL, the second-oldest in the NBA, the fourth-busiest music arena in the world in terms of ticket sales, and is one of the 10 most expensive stadium venues ever built.


 
(6.1 Miles from Pennsylvania Station)

The New York Islanders have left their home since 1972 and have found a new one this season in the heart of Brooklyn.  In its short existence the Barclays Center has already surpassed MSG as the highest-grossing venue in the U.S. for concerts and family show.


With world-class concerts, its new NBA home team the Brooklyn Nets, college basketball games, professional wrestling events, and boxing matches, the Barclays Center is the perfect place to spend an evening out.


 
 
(0.4 Mile from Buffalo Exchange Amtrak Station)

Established in 1970, the Buffalo Sabres are an American professional hockey team that competes in the NHL. Their home since 1996, the First Niagara Center was constructed primarily for the team, seating up to 19,070 fans, making it the largest indoor arena in Western New York.

As well as being the home of the Sabres, FNC is also home to the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League, and a regular stop for major U.S. concert tours such as Garth Brooks, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, and more.


Albany Devils at the Times Union Center
(1.4 Miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station)

The Albany Devils are a professional ice hockey team that compete in the AHL and are an affiliate team of the New Jersey Devils of the NHL.

Their home, the Times Union Center also hosts world class concert series including acts such as Metallica, Green Day, the Grateful Dead, Billy Joel, and their opening show Frank Sinatra. The TUC has also hosted professional wrestling events, as well as the New York State High School Athletic Association’s Wrestling Championships.



(10.7 Miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station)
The Rensselaer Engineers are a collegiate men’s and women’s ice hockey program that represent the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the NCAA Division I level.  

The Houston Field House, the nation’s third-oldest hockey rink, and second-oldest in the ECAC Hockey League, has hosted major touring acts such as The Offspring, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Marilyn Manson, and more in addition to Engineers’ games.


Fun Fact: The Rensselaer Engineers women’s ice hockey program made NCAA history after defeating the Quinnipiac Bobcats, 2-1 after five overtimes, marking the longest game in NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey history.



Utica Comets at the Utica Memorial Auditorium
(0.6 Mile from Utica Amtrak Station)

Founded in 1932, the Utica Comets are a professional ice hockey team competing in the AHL and are an affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. 
 
Affectionately known as “The AUD” by local residents, the Utica Memorial Auditorium also hosts the Utica College Pioneers’ men’s and women’s basketball games, The Skating Club of Utica, The Jr. Comets Youth Hockey Program, and several high school varsity ice hockey teams in addition to Utica Comets’ hockey games.
 
Fun Facts: “The Aud” was one of the first stadiums to have telescopic bleacher seats, and was voted number eight in Complex Magazine’s “10 Coolest Hockey Rinks in the World.”



(4.1 Miles from Syracuse Amtrak Station)

The Syracuse Crunch are an American professional ice hockey team that competes in the American Hockey League, and are currently the primary development team for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL.  Their home, the War Memorial at Oncenter, is also a prominent concert venue of its region, hosting acts such as KISS, Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead, and Aerosmith, as well as professional wrestling events.

Fun Fact: The Oncenter was the first arena to host a WWF professional wrestling “In Your House” pay-per-view event in 1995.


Rochester Americans at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
(1.1 Miles from Rochester Amtrak Station)

Colloquially known as the “Amerks,” the Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team that compete in the AHL and are an owned and operated affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres.  They are the fourth-oldest franchise in the AHL, recently celebrating their 60th anniversary during the 2015-2016 season.

The Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial, in addition to hosting “Amerks” games, is home to the Rochester Razorbacks of the Premiere Basketball League, and the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League. The BCA also presents world class artists such as Phish, Lil Wayne, and R. Kelly, as well as professional wrestling events.




Fun Fact: The Rolling Stones once played a concert at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial that lasted only 7 minutes on November 1, 1965.


Montrèal Canadiens at Centre Bell
(0.3 Mile from Montrèal Gare Centrale Amtrak Station)
 
Founded in 1909, this Canadian professional hockey team, and Original Six league member is the longest continuously operating professional ice hockey team worldwide, and the only existing NHL club to predate the founding of the NHL. The Montrèal Canadiens have earned the most league championships of any NHL team, with 24 Stanley Cup wins throughout their 107-year history.

In addition to being the home of the Canadiens, Centre Bell, the largest hockey arena in the world, hosts basketball games, major concert tours, theatrical events, hemicycle legislation debates, and was the venue of the first Ultimate Fighting Championship Mixed martial Arts event


(0.2 Mile from Toronto Union Amtrak Station)
 
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a Canadian professional hockey team competing in the NHL and one of the Original Six league members.  The Air Canada Centre, their home since 1999, is also home to the Toronto Raptors of the NBA and the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League, as well as the host of major North American concert tours.

Fun Facts: The Toronto Maple Leafs have an estimated worth of US$1.3 billion, making the Leafs the most valuable franchise in the NHL, followed by the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens. In 2015, they were ranked by Forbes as the 37th most valuable sports team in the world, and were the only NHL team to be in the top 50. The Air Canada Centre is the largest arena in Canada.


(2.6 Miles from Toronto Union Amtrak Station)

The Toronto Marlies are a Canadian professional ice hockey team competing in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. They are the major rival of the Rochester Americans.

In addition to Marlies games, Ricoh Stadium is used for agricultural displays, trade shows, concerts that include The Who, Genesis, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and more, as well as hosting professional wrestling events.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Get Ready for March Madness!

“March Madness” is right around the corner, but we’re talking about more than just basketball. We’re already planning late winter getaways on Amtrak to fun events, shows and yes, sports games. New York State is lucky to be the home of many diverse events, which are all easily accessible through Amtrak, so enjoy this variety of history, hot rods, hoops, hops, Hollywood, and more!

Image courtesy of Queens World Film Festival
Queens World Film Festival -- March 15-20, 2016
(5.6 MILES FROM PENNSYLVANIA STATION)
This film festival will screen between 80 to 100 films-- including narratives, documentaries, LGBTQ, animated and family films! The festival will be taking place at the Museum of Moving Image, as well as other theatre locations all around Queens. In its 6th year, Queens World Film Festival prides itself on providing a worthwhile experience for filmmakers and film-goers, so along with screening events there will be talk-backs, networking opportunities and access to the press. For additional information, visit queensworldfilmfestival.com


MAAC Basketball Championships -- March 3-7, 2016
(1.4 MILES FROM ALBANY-RENSSELAER STATION)
Get ready for some basketball, because that's what March has in store! New York and surrounding area colleges are competing in men and women’s basketball championships for the MAAC this year in Albany, at the Times Union Center. For more information on ticket pricing and game times, visit timesunioncenter-albany.com

1775 British Garrison Weekend: Living History Event -- March 19, 2016
(1.0 MILE FROM TICONDEROGA AMTRAK STATION)
Image Courtesy of Fort Ticonderoga
Experience Fort Ticonderoga on the eve of the American Revolution as British soldiers and their families live in this peacetime fort on the frontier! What was it like to live during this time? Discover how the British Army was both prepared and unprepared to fight for control of this Key to the Continent! For additional information, visit fortticonderoga.org

Glens Falls Brewfest -- March 19, 2016
(6.0 MILES FROM FORT EDWARDS AMTRAK STATION)
Tastings from over 50 craft beer and ale brewers including local and regional favorites, food and entertainment. Have some fun while supporting the Adirondack Theatre Festival and the Feeder Canal Alliance, as proceeds help benefit these local charities. Perhaps you’ll even discover your new favorite beer! For additional information, visit glensfallsbrewfest.org .

March Meatball Madness -- March 6, 2016
(0.6 MILE FROM UTICA AMTRAK STATION)
Come taste and vote for your favorite meatballs from the Utica area’s finest restaurants! Also enjoy musical entertainment, raffles and tons of food. Coffee, desserts, meat and cheese taste samplings, gourmet flavored popcorn will be available. Be sure to catch the exciting Meatball Eating Contest as well! If you are at least 18 years of age and you think you have a shot at becoming Utica’s Meatball Eating Champion, visit theabrahamhouse.org for more information.


Image courtesy of Cavalcade of Cars
Greater Syracuse Antiques Expo -- March 12-13, 2016
(0.0 MILES FROM SYRACUSE AMTRAK)
Love antiques? Check out this great antiques show featuring over 200 vendors with everything from primitives to vintage to jewelry. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it at the Greater Syracuse Antiques Expo, which is now entering its 26th year! For additional details, visit allmanpromotions.com

23rd Annual Cavalcade of Cars -- March 4-6, 2016
(11.5 MILES FROM BUFFALO AMTRAK STATION)
Come see hundreds of hot rods, customs, classics, race-prepared vehicles and motorcycles! This year at the Fairgounds Events Center, Cavalcade of Cars will have live music, a tribute to George Barris’s Batmobile, the car from the movie Christine, auto-related vendors, and an “Old S’cool Review”room. For more information regarding this event, visit cavalcadeofcars.com .