Beat the Heat

Summer is here and the sun is shining! New York is hosting numerous water-based events this summer, offering travelers the opportunity to beat the heat! Explore the shores of New York at these events, all of which are accessible by Amtrak:

Photo Credit: Daily Dose

Hudson River Valley

Dragon Boat Race & Festival (0.9 miles from Poughkeepsie train station): Hang out on the Hudson River on Saturday, July 25 for a day of fun in the sun. While boat races transpire on the water, the Asian Culture Festival will occur on the shore. Games, food and drink, souvenirs, and dancing will be available for attendees. Dip your toes in the river to cool off, and then get back to the land for the cultural celebration.

Plattsburgh

Mayor’s Cup Regatta and Festival (0.5 miles from Plattsburgh Amtrak station): The community of Plattsburgh annually raises funds to host the Mayor’s Cup on Lake Champlain. Occurring July 9 – 12, this event features a boat parade of lights, a traditional regatta, live music, fireworks, and a variety of other family-friendly activities, this event is a great way to spend a day by the water and simultaneously support a local community’s love of fun.

Photo Credit: Canalside Buffalo

Buffalo
Canalside Free Concert Series (0.4 miles from Buffalo-Exchange Street Amtrak station): Buffalo’s waterfront entertainment district, Canalside, will host free concerts every Thursday night through August 20, featuring popular music performers. Admission is free, though VIP tickets are available for purchase by those who are 21 and older. Chill out Buffalo-style and enjoy the ambiance of an evening on the canal. 

Niagara Falls

Canal Fest of the Tonawandas (12.6 miles from Niagara Falls Amtrak station): The Tonawandas dedicate an entire 8 days, July 19 – 26, for this festival honoring the Erie Canal and its impact on our nation’s history. Enjoy fun activities, live entertainment, demonstrations, pageants, food, fireworks, and more at the largest event held along the New York State canal system. Cool off at the canal for one of New York’s top events.

Photo Credit: Denton Publications

Crown Point

French & Indian War Encampment (7.2 miles from Port Henry Amtrak station): Step into history on August 8 – 9 by visiting the Registered National Landmark ruins of Fort Saint Frederick and the British “Crown Point” fort at the Crown Point State Historic Site. Re-enactments and demonstrations will be available for viewing. General admission to the site is free, while entrance to the museum is free for children, $3 for seniors/students, and $4 for adults. Witness this blast from the past on the shores of the Champlain, amongst the Green Mountains and Adirondacks.

From music performances to authentic history, the shores of New York State offer a variety of escapes from the blistering heat of summer. New York hosts events for all ages and interests, so chill out on an Amtrak train ride to get to any of these cool destinations. For more information on other summer events reachable by Amtrak and a 15% discount for Amtrak travel within New York State, visit NewYorkbyRail.com.