Full Speed Ahead to a Winter Weekend in Saratoga Springs!

While New York State is known for its extravagant holiday blowouts, there is one place in particular which has built its reputation on creating our annual favorites --  Winterfest, Chowderfest, Frozen Springs Classic and the Dance Flurry. If you're looking for a memorable weekend escape, let Amtrak take you to Saratoga Springs for these events and activities.

Winterfest

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Winterfest

(1.5 miles from the Saratoga
 Springs Amtrak station)

Providing you with this years best winter "Thing-to-do" in Saratoga Springs, the Spa City presents its highly-anticipated annual Winterfest. Revel in the spirit of winter with live music, wine tastings, special events, entertainment and of course, Chowderfest. Each year the event draws crowds of people from all across New York State eager to explore local crafts, dabble in beer samplings, and taste a variety of Chowders. Running the week of February 5th through the 14th, the Spa City invites you for a week of endless entertainment.

Chowderfest

(1.5 miles from the Saratoga

 Springs Amtrak station)

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Chowderfest

There is no better way to start off your stay in Spa City than with a cup of chowder at just $1 a cup. Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Featuring more than 90 vendors, including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers, who open their doors to the public and serve hot bowls of chowder to event goers. The event takes place on February 6th, at 11:00 am, where you may pick up a ballot form, taste different soups and chowders (3 oz serving) and vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced at 6:30 pm that day. Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs, as some establishments offer doggy chowder -- sorry cats.

The Dance Flurry

Image Courtesy of the Dance Flurry

(1.6 miles from the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station)

Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a great weekend of dancing, dipping and whirling with thousands of other spirited dancers! In its 28th year, the Flurry Festival in Spa City has engaged thousands in dance and music from all over the world. The weekend long festival draws dancers of all ages, all abilities and all styles of dance. Dancers may participate in a variety of workshops and programs designed for all levels of experience. From waltzes to tango and swing to contra, the Flurry Festival features many styles of dance and draws a yearly attendance of over 5,000 participants. The festival also includes an array of performances, singing, workshops, concerts, jamming, crafts and more.

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Beer Week

Saratoga Beer Week

(1.6 miles from the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station)

Join fellow beer enthusiasts for a five-day city-wide beer celebration. From February 16-20th locals and visitors alike will enjoy quality tastings of local, regional and national brews. Experience the dozens of beer-centered events scheduled and venture around town to the local restaurants, shops, and hotels. Attend the fifth anniversary and see the best of what Saratoga has to offer.

Image Courtesy of the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic

Frozen Springs Classic

(2.6 miles from the Saratoga 

Springs Amtrak Station)

Take the ice from February 12-14th at the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Pond Hockey Tournament. Join other hockey lovers in a weekend of friendly competition and good old-fashioned pond hockey. Come as a team, or be a free agent. The schedule of events and full list of band performances and tournament rules will be posted closer to the date.

Take Amtrak to These Top Five Holiday Events and Traditions!

Winter is here and the celebrations can finally begin! Holiday events, shows, and attractions illuminate the entire City for all to enjoy! New York City is iconic for spreading the holiday spirit and creating long-lasting memories for people everywhere. Here's a list of the top five must see and/or do during the winter in New York City:

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Image Courtesy of Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

(1.2 miles from Penn Station)

The most iconic yearly event in New York City is the traditional Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. Tens of thousands of revelers fill the streets to embrace the iconic tree illuminate Rockefeller Plaza right in the heart of the City. This event has been acclaimed the world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City. Available for viewing from now through early January,  a visit to revel in the tree and all of its beauty is truly a must this winter!

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

(1.2 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of Radio City Christmas Spectacular

This year, give your loved ones a gift that will create new memories to be forever cherished! The legendary Rockettes are back with their unique song-and-dance extravaganza! Showcasing the shows most classic scenes including “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “New York at Christmas” with all new numbers, this show offers a more dynamic and more magical show than ever before.

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

(1.2 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Add to your winter visit with a fun and memorable experience at the World Famous Ice Skating Rink. Located at the base of the Rockefeller Center Tree, the rink is the perfect way to soak in all of the glorious City views. Millions of visitors center their trips to the City around watching skaters take a spin and twirl on the ice below the famous Christmas tree and gilded statue of Prometheus. Don’t stop there - wait in line to experience this glorious event for yourself.

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central

(1.1 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of Patrick Cashin: Holiday Train
Show at Grand Central

Attend the 14th annual holiday train show presented by the New York Transit Museum through January 21, 2016. This popular exhibition features models of Metro-North, New York Central and subway trains departing from a miniature Grand Central Terminal. The Museum’s store and booths at holiday fairs also provide great gifts for your holiday shopping needs!

Winter Village at Bryant Park

(0.6 miles from Penn Station)

Image Courtesy of Bryant Park Corporation

Enjoy free skating at The Rink, better known as the centerpiece of Bank of America's Winter Village at Bryant Park. This venue attracts thousands to one of New York City's spotlight events. Hosting more than 125 boutique-like shops which offer exquisite gifts - unique apparel, jewelry, decorative goods, local foods, and much more. The European inspired outdoor market features vendors from around the world, and housed in "jewel box" kiosks. After working up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at Celsius, Ice Bites, or Bryant Park Grill.

All Aboard These Holiday-Themed Train Rides to Winter!

As we anticipate the rush of the chilly winter weather, we naturally tend to embrace the comforts of holiday traditions - hot chocolate, warm cookies and cozy pajamas. Holiday classics like the iconic Polar Express make any holiday lover wish they could relive the magic of the story in real life! Railroads throughout New York State have dedicated the last month of each year to helping you capture your favorite memories of the season with holiday-themed train rides. These holiday excursions are the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season with friends and family.

Image Courtesy of the Catskill Mountain Railroad

Catskill Mountain Railroad
(13.0 miles from the Rhinecliff Amtrak station)
Kingston welcomes back the fan favorite Polar Express Train Ride. Enjoy the motion picture soundtrack as you relax comfortably in your pajamas and are whisked away to the North Pole. Be sure to have your ticket in hand because the conductor will be coming around to check it as you are kept full and entertained by your dancing chefs. Enjoy a special sing along as Santa makes his way to greet you with a special gift…only if you “believe.”

Image Courtesy of Saratoga and
North Creek Railway

Saratoga and North Creek Railway
(0.0 miles from Saratoga Springs station)

Enjoy a magical train ride departing from the Saratoga Springs station bound for the "North Pole!" As a live narration of "The Polar Express" is being read, dancing chefs will deliver cookies and hot cocoa which you may enjoy from a limited edition souvenir mug. This festively decorated vintage train car will keep you fully entertained before arriving to meet Santa just outside of the North Pole Village. During the return trip, Santa will make his way to greet each child and present them with a special gift.




Adirondack Scenic Railroad
(66ft from the Utica Amtrak station)

Traveling northbound from the Utica Union Station, you will be accompanied by Santa’s elves while en route to the North Pole. While listening to Liam Neeson’s reading of The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg, you will be left in a magical trance just before arriving to meet Santa. Both children and parents are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Image Courtesy of Cooperstown and
Charlotte Valley Railroad

Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
(46.5 miles from the Utica Amtrak station)
For three special weekends only you can experience the ever so popular Santa Express Trains. The trains are beautifully decorated from the inside out with lights, garland, and ornaments making for a truly magical experience. Parents are requested to provide a small personalized gift for Santa to present to their child. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be entertaining all of the passengers as you bond over holiday music, goodies, and refreshments.  

Medina Railroad Museum
(35.2 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

This one hour long train ride is filled with hot cocoa with whipped cream, warm cookies, and laughs with Santa. Plan to arrive early to pick up your tickets at Will Call…or you’ll be late to pick up Santa at the North Pole! All ticket purchases include admission to the Medina Railroad Museum.

Image Courtesy of Arcade and Attica Railroad

Arcade and Attica Railroad
(35.7 miles from the Buffalo Depew Amtrak station)

Presenting their last Santa Train on December 22^nd, this is one experience you don’t want to miss. Receive a free Elf hat as you board the train and spend the next magical hour and a half with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa’s helpers. Enjoy holiday treats and bring your camera to snap the perfect holiday picture with Santa and his live reindeer. Be sure to grab your Santa goody bag as you exit the train.

Survival Tips and Life Hacks You Didn't Know You Needed for Holiday Train Travel!

One of the most daunting tasks during the holiday season is trying to figure out the most efficient way to travel. While trying to avoid the many inconveniences of holiday travel - traffic jams and time delays among many others - the most frustrating realization is that you could have been more prepared. This year, skip the jam - unless it’s going on a biscuit! - hop on a train, and trump the holiday madness. These articles and personal stories share everything you need to know for optimizing your travels during the busy holidays.

Amtrak

...Wants you to arrive relaxed and refreshed with their 10 Thanksgiving travel tips for stress-free travel. Now offering an all new 2+2=FREE deal passengers are allowed 2 50lb bags each. Learn about the special lounge and sleeper car rates and get ready to start capturing amazing memories right on the train.

USATourist

These travel tips give you an inside look on everything provided to you by Amtrak. What’s your style, twin decked coaches or sleeping cars? Sight-seeing on board, or hopping off and exploring natural landscape? Choose from over 500 destinations throughout 46 states across the U.S, and start your holiday off right.

Kaleidoscope Wandering

Joanna, travel enthusiast and veteran of long-distance travel in 3 countries, shares her thoughts on why trains offer the best method of travel. Her best tip: “Appreciate a form of travel that might as well be a lost art.”

Off The Blue Print

If you are looking for tips on how to plan for long-distance travel with Amtrak, this is a great read. Enjoy lingering charm while on board, 100% refund policy, lower fees than airlines, and explore the U.S with the Trails and Rails Program with Amtrak.

Matador Network

Adam Polonski gives you a first-hand look into his experiences while on a 1 month ride on the Amtrak rails. Adam shares all that could go wrong while on your trip and why it’s still the best way to see and learn about America.

Minitime

Traveling with kids? The folks here at Minitime share their 10 tips for smoother family travel. Plus,  Amtrak provides family friendly discounts and entertainment.

Scootaround

Are you using a wheelchair and looking to travel by train this holiday season? Scootaround shares their personal travel solutions on special rates for escorts, priority boarding, mobility vehicle storage and more.

AARP

This article gives great information on the many benefits available to physically challenged travelers. AARP tells you how to plan ahead,, request a rental car and ask for proper medicine storage on the train.

Sip, Savor, Sniff, and Swirl Through New York State's Finest Beverage Trails!

Whether you enjoy beer, wine or any other libation, you can enjoy it in New York State. These trails offer a wide array of unique activities for you to enjoy while tasting your way through the different regions. Each of these locations is easily accessible by the local Amtrak stations.

Image Courtesy of Millbrook Winery

Dutchess Wine Trail

(14.4 miles or 21.6 miles from Rhinecliff-Kingston Amtrak, depending on which winery you choose to visit first)

The Dutchess Wine Trail connects Clinton Vineyards and Millbrook Vineyards and Winery. Nestled in eastern Dutchess County, this trail leads you past bountiful vineyards, orchards and farms. Along the trail you will find thoroughbred horse farms, woodlands, lakes and streams. Clinton Vineyards was awarded the "Best Wine Produced in the Hudson Valley" for their Jubilee champagne in 2011. Located just 15 minutes away is "Hudson Valley's Flagship Winery," Millbrook Vineyards and Winery. Serving guests with world-class wines, Millbrook has earned acclaim as one of the top wineries in New York State. This trail also offers fine restaurants, country inns, bed and breakfasts and antique shops nearby.

                                                                  Hudson Berkshires

(15.5 miles from Rhinecliff Amtrak station)

Image Courtesy of Furnace Brook Winery

One of the premiere beverage trails in New York State, this trail features handcrafted and award-winning wines, beers, and spirits. The trail, which extends from Southeast of Albany down to Hudson, NY, includes five venues: Brookview Station Winery; Harvest Spirits; Hudson-Chatham Winery; Furnace Brook Winery; and Hudson Valley Distillers. Enjoy “Second Saturdays” on the trail where a $15 Special Trail Passport will allow you entry to all five. The last day of the season for this special event is 

                                                                                   December 12th.

Image Courtesy of Cazenovia Beverage Trail

Cazenovia Beverage Trail

(26.8 miles from Syracuse Amtrak station)

Visit one of the most beautiful regions in New York State for a unique experience in the countryside at Cazenovia Lake. The Cazenovia Beverage Trail is a collaboration of three craft beverage producers including the Harvest Moon Cidery at Crite Farms, Owera Vineyards, and the Henneberg Brewing Company. These producers promote delicious farm-based, handcrafted beverages, such as wine, hard cider, and beer.  

Image Courtesy of Shawangunk Wine Trail

Shawangunk Wine Trail

(11.3 miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak)

Home to 14 diverse wineries, this eighty-mile-long trail is nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River in Ulster and Orange Counties. Here you’ll enjoy an experience rich in history and culture with museums, attractions, local shops, live music and cuisine from locally-sourced ingredients. Start your holiday season on the trail with “Wreath Fineries at the Wineries” where you can enjoy special tastings and receive a free souvenir glass, grapevine wreath, and ornament from each winery.

Image Courtesy of Niagara Landing Wine Cellars

Niagara Wine Trail (17.5 miles from Niagara Falls Amtrak): Spreading across the Niagara, Rochester and Buffalo areas, this wine trail is strategically located near Lake Ontario in a moderate climate, ideal for growing a wide variety of fruit. Along the trail are interesting towns with great restaurants, historic sites and antique shops – all just a short drive to Niagara Falls.

Image Courtesy of Victory View Vineyard

Upper Hudson Valley Wine Trail

(21.4 miles from Fort Edward-Glens Falls Amtrak)

Along this trail, you’ll savor the unique tastes from Washington County, visit “horse racing country” in Saratoga County, and the “Queen of American Lakes” in Warren County. You can try wines from new northern grape vines as well as the old-world classics. Each winery on the trail has its own seasonal hours. With the new Upper Hudson Valley Wine Trail Passport Deal, you may buy one wine tasting at regular price and get a second tasting at

                                                                                      any winery on the trail for free.

Image Courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Center

Canandaigua Wine Trail

(29.2 miles from Rochester Amtrak)

This wine trail offers a full Finger Lakes experience. In addition to the six world-class wineries and up-and-coming breweries, the trail is surrounded by local attractions, restaurants, hotels, B & B's attractions, shopping, and more. For an afternoon of wine tasting, you can buy the Canandaigua Wine Trail Passport for only $10 from any of the six wineries, each offering its own special discounts for their wines.

                                                                   Adirondack Coast Wine Trail

                                                                           (2.8 miles from Plattsburgh Amtrak)

Image Courtesy of Adirondack Coast Wine Trail

This newly-created wine trail has received rave reviews from guests who have experienced the combination of stunning views and delicious flavors of the Adirondack Coast. This December, the trail will host a Holiday Open House when visitors can enjoy great deals on wines, hard cider and gifts while visiting all the wineries along the trail.

There's Still Time For Fall Fun in the Adirondacks!

As we approach the final weeks of the brisk fall season, you can still find activities and events the whole family can enjoy in the Adirondacks. With more than 100 towns and villages located within the Adirondack Park--the largest park in the lower 48 states--the Adirondacks covers six-million pristine acres of mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys. With a broad range of activities and eight Amtrak stations to choose from, there is no better place to say your farewells to fall.

Image Courtesy of The Hyde Collection

Hyde Collection 

(5.4 miles from Fort Edward Amtrak station)

Located in the small city of Glens Falls, this museum combines Adirondack heritage with a permanent collection of old European and Modern Masters, decorative art and furnishings that spans almost six thousand years from antiquity to the present. The museum is currently featuring their newest exhibition "Heroines" by artist Audrey Flack, a pioneer in Photorealism and a nationally recognized painter, print-maker, and sculptor. The subject of the drawings and prints highlight women neglected or demonized by history and will be running through January 3rd, 2016.

Image Courtesy of Skene Manor

Skene Manor

(0.4 miles from Whitehall Amtrak station)

Built in 1874, this Victorian Gothic-style mansion was built by New York State Supreme Court Judge Joseph H. Potter on Skene Mountain in Whitehall. Today, visitors can enjoy free tours of the historic mansion, have lunch in the Tea Room, and explore the charming gift shop. Join Whitehall's biggest holiday event with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Skene Manor on Saturday, December 12th.

Image Courtesy of Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum

Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum

(1.2 miles from Plattsburgh Amtrak station)

Since their opening in June 2014, the museum has focused on the 40 years of U.S Air Force presence in the region from 1955-1995. The museum features special exhibits and personal memorabilia collections that includes artifacts which they collect, preserve, and maintain in an effort to publicize the significance of our nation's history. 

Image Courtesy of Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm

(3.6 miles from Port Kent Amtrak station)

This two-mile sandstone gorge traversed by the Ausable River has been a public attraction since 1870. The new museum features exhibits of extreme natural events, nostalgic souvenirs, and photography displays. Ausable Chasm is now offering spectacular winter tours where you can view gigantic icicles that tower 150-feet above the Ausable River and descend into the chasm to explore the rock and ice formations.

Image Courtesy of Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area

(1.7 miles from Port Kent Amtrak station)

Covering 862 acres in Chesterfield offers a series of mapped foot trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching, hunting, and fishing. An observation platform atop a 20-feet high ridge provides a 180-degree marsh view. Wickham Marsh offers a chance for visitors with widely diverse interests, from sportsmen to wildlife researcher to nature enthusiast, to pursue their favorite outdoor activities.

Amtrak Takes You to the Top Football Teams and Stadiums in New York State!

Whether you like being out on the field, or watching from the sidelines, Amtrak provides an easy train ride to some of New York State’s top professional and major college teams and stadiums. Aside from watching a great game, you can also enjoy some of the other exciting activities that the stadiums 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.

Image Courtesy of ESPN NFL

Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium

(11.2 miles from Buffalo Exchange Amtrak station)

 The Buffalo Bills are a professional American football team based in the Buffalo-Niagara Metropolitan area. They are the only NFL team that plays its home games in New York State. Fun Fact: The Bills fight song used before a big game is “Shout” by the Isley Brothers.

Aside from being the Bills’ home field, this stadium has hosted concerts with world class artists including The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Guns N’ Roses, Bruce Springsteen, and One Direction among many others. Additionally, the stadium has also hosted the Drum Corps International three times.

Image Courtesy of Sports on Earth

Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome

(3.7 miles from Syracuse Amtrak station)

Syracuse Orange is a member of the NCAA Division I conference and plays their games at the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University. Did you know it is the largest domed stadium of any college campus and the largest domed stadium in the Northeastern United States?

                                                                            Stony Brook Seawolves at Kenneth

Image Courtesy of Stony Brook

P. LaValle Stadium

(55.4 miles from Pennsylvania station)

Stony Brook’s mascot is the mythical creature “Wolfie the Seawolf.” The legend of the mascot is said to be that “Wolfie” famously battled and defeated his nemesis “The Great Ginger One” and brought luck to all those who could see him.

Marist Red Foxes at Tenney Stadium

(1.0 miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak station)

Image Courtesy of Marist College

This Pioneer Football League won their 100^th game in their 23^rd year of varsity competition in a 34-31 win over Wagner College, completing their seventh straight winning season.

Image Courtesy of Fordham University

Fordham Rams at Jack Coffey Field

(13.2 miles from Pennsylvania station)

Did you know that the first televised football game was between Fordham and Waynesburg in 1939 in which the Fordham Rams were victorious?

Army Black Knights at Michie Stadium

Image Courtesy of Army West Point

(18.3 miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak station)

The home field for the Army Black Knights overlooks the Hudson River and the Medieval-style campus below, which landed them in the #3 ranked sports venue of the 20^th century in Sports Illustrated.

                                                                                 Ithaca Bombers and Cortland Red 

                                                                            Dragons at Butterfield Stadium

Image Courtesy of Ithaca College

(58.9 miles from Syracuse Amtrak station)

Home to the highly anticipated rivalry between the Cortland Red Dragons and the Ithaca Bombers, the clash of the rivals has been awarded the name “Cortaca,” selling out each game for the last 26 years. The Stadium is widely known for hosting the Cortaca Jug game between the two Division III college football teams in which thousands of fans join to celebrate and support their respective teams.

Image Courtesy of the University at Albany

Albany Great Danes at Bob Ford Field

(9.1 miles from Rensselaer Amtrak station)

Interesting fact: Since 1996, the University at Albany’s practice fields has been handed over to the New York Giants to be used for their Summer Training Camp. The event brings fans and media from all around New York and the United States to Albany.