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:

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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 6^th 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 26^th 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 .

Be the First to See... in NYC

New York City is renowned for its contemporary trends and upscale innovations. Each borough has fun to offer, so dedicate a day or weekend to explore the city and see these new sights for yourself:

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Manhattan:

One World Observatory: Atop the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, sits the One World Observatory. The Observatory provides views of New York City’s most iconic sights, the surrounding waters, and the celebrated skyline. Guests are permitted to explore the three levels of the Observatory. Known for its innovation, inspiration, and magnificent elevator ride to the top of the building, this location hosts private events, so gather your friends to visit the site of the #1 most anticipated venue opening of the year.

Bronx:

High Bridge: New York City’s oldest standing bridge, High Bridge, is now accessible following its restoration and transformation into a park! After being closed for over 40 years, the bridge connecting Washington Heights, Manhattan and Highbridge, Bronx has been reinstated as a means of transportation, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to cross between the two boroughs. The bridge will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Historical plaques are conveniently placed along both sides of the bridge to allow for an enjoyable, informational experience.

New York City Football Club (NYCFC): With 2015 as their inaugural season, the NYCFC professional soccer team now competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), making it MLS’s twentieth expansion club. The NYCFC is comprised of members from the Manchester City Football Club and the New York Yankees, which is an exhilarating combination for MLS fans, as the involvement of renowned teams such as these is sure to amplify the excitement and fandom of the league. This club is the first MLS charter located in New York City and the second in the New York metropolitan area. Currently, the NYCFC plays at Yankee Stadium, but the members plan to have their own stadium built adjacent to Yankee Stadium in the near future. Support your city by cheering for its first ever MLS team and have a great time doing so!

Queens:

Jim Henson Exhibition and Gallery at the Museum of the Moving Image: The nation’s only 

Photo Credit: Museum of the Moving Image

Courtesy of the Jim Henson Legacy

museum devoted to educating its guests on all facets of the moving image will now house the Jim Henson Exhibition and Gallery. This exhibition allows guests to explore Henson’s revolutionary effect on popular culture. The exposition features a selection of objects from the museum’s collection, including historic puppets, costumes, production design material, and licensed merchandise. Also featured are character sketches, storyboards, scripts, behind-the-scenes footage, and educational interactive experiences focused on Henson’s contributions to the evolution of the moving image.

Brooklyn:

Pattern Wizardry at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum: Kids discover the power of patterns at the visiting exhibit, Pattern Wizardry. Children will experience interactive activities such as utilizing special wands to play rhythmic beats, inspecting a 360 degree mirror to investigate the concept of symmetry, creating electronic patterns, and exploring a hands-on object-based exhibit

Photo Credit: Brooklyn Children's Museum

intended to promote children’s sense of congruency between patterns and the way they organize the world on both a personal and global basis. This exhibit can serve as either an educational foundation or extended encouragement for the development of perceptual learning skills by endorsing notions of math and science.

Staten Island:

Fall Exhibits at the Staten Island Museum: The Staten Island Museum is admired for its wide array of subject matter. This autumn, there will be several exhibits on display, relating to the unique history and development of Staten Island.

• Staten Island SEEN: This exhibit outlines Staten Island’s exceptional history and landscape via works by artists of all skill levels. SEEN reflects the essence of Staten Island, displaying views of the natural beauty that originally attracted people to Staten Island as well as the progression to the more urban, contemporary island it is today.
• Opening the Treasure Box: Bringing the World Home: The Treasure Box Gallery features antique art of different eras from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The exhibit commenced in 1912 and has gained a multitude of new pieces since. The oldest piece in the exhibit is an Egyptian statuette, dating back to the second millennium, BCE.
• Remember the Mastodon: Diversity and Preservation: Located in the entrance hall of the historic Building A, a life-size mastodon replica dwells amongst other relics including fossils, preserved specimens, and a historical synopsis of the museum. This exhibit presents information that helps the community to understand the integral significance of environmental science and a healthy environment.
•  From Farm to City: The From Farm to City exhibit embraces the uniqueness of Staten Island by providing peeks into the history of the island, the people who have lived there, and motifs that have proven to be shared realities.

Celebrate July 4th at New York's Festivals and Fireworks Shows

The Fourth of July is only two weeks away, and this means family barbecues, fireworks, Revolutionary War re-enactments, and most of all, the celebration of our nation’s independence! Take part in a summertime tradition at one of these New York State Independence Day festivals and fireworks shows, all accessible by Amtrak.

New York City

Photo Credit: Affinia

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular (7.6 miles from Penn Station): On the evening of July 4, Macy’s will light up the skyline of New York City for the 39^th time with its annual Fireworks Spectacular! A tradition since 1977, over 40,000 shells of fireworks are set off from the Brooklyn Bridge and water barges in New York Harbor to a patriotic musical soundtrack. For the best viewing spots, Macy’s recommends Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and all along the east side of Lower Manhattan. Arrive early to snag a good spot for the 9 p.m. show! Admission is free.

Poughkeepsie

Walkway Over the Hudson’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular (0.6 miles from Poughkeepsie Train Station): Enjoy breathtaking fireworks in a unique setting while sitting high above the Hudson River at the Walkway Over the Hudson’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular! Relax and enjoy the view as the fireworks fill up the sky and get reflected in the river below. Ticket holders are admitted to the Walkway at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks will begin between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. Chairs and snacks are welcome! Admission is $12.50 for ages 6 and over. Children 5 and under are free.

Albany

Price Chopper Presents New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration (1.7 miles from Albany Rensselaer Amtrak Station): Since 1976, Price Chopper has presented this annual Albany tradition at Empire State Plaza. The celebration begins at 3 p.m. with a naturalization ceremony, dozens of food and crafts vendors, and children’s activities. Also featuring live music by New Jersey R&B horn band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An afternoon and evening of fun and entertainment will culminate with the Empire State Plaza fireworks show at 9:15, dubbed the “best fireworks show in the region.” Admission is free.

Fort Ticonderoga

Photo Credit: Lake Champlain Region

Independence Day Weekend at Fort Ticonderoga (1.1 miles from Ticonderoga Amtrak Station): Partake in the historical side of Independence Day while also having fun on the grounds of Fort Ticonderoga! Highlights include Revolutionary War battle re-enactments and patriotic performances by the Fife & Drum Corps of Fort Ticonderoga, as well as educational family programs. Single-Day and Two-Day admission tickets are available. Prices vary based on age. Take advantage of one of Amtrak’s current discounts: Buy one adult train ticket and get a second ticket for free when traveling on The Adirondack to and from Fort Ticonderoga! For more information, visit Newyorkbyrail.com/Discounts. Fort Ticonderoga also offers a shuttle service to guests arriving on Amtrak to Ticonderoga’s Best Western Plus Inn and Suites and the Fort Ticonderoga museum campus. Shuttle service is free of charge through September 7.

Buffalo

Photo Credit: Buffalo Rising

Canalside Independence Day Celebration (0.4 miles from Buffalo-Exchange Street Amtrak Station): Celebrate Fourth of July on the waterfront in beautiful downtown Buffalo at the Canalside Independence Day Celebration! Enjoy a wide selection of food vendors and live music from the Buffalo Niagara Concert Band, the George Scott Big Band, Big City Horns, and Lance Diamond. Activities for children include puppet shows, arts & crafts, face painting, and caricature art. A performance by Junior ROTC color guard at 9:15 p.m. and a flag folding ceremony at 9:30 p.m. will set the stage for the big fireworks show at 10:15 p.m. over Lake Erie! Admission is free.

Whether your idea of a perfect Fourth of July celebration is spending it with family and friends amongst good food, live music, and fireworks or paying tribute by learning more about the holiday’s history, New York State has something for everyone and Amtrak can get you there! For more information about upcoming events reachable by Amtrak and a 15% discount for Amtrak travel within New York State, visit Newyorkbyrail.com.

Have Some Fun at 2015’s Food and Drink Festivals

Have Some Fun at 2015’s Food and Drink Festivals

Whether you’re a food, beer or wine lover, there are some great offerings out there in the coming months. Food and drink festivals are being held all across New York state, and here are seven that we recommend you to check out! All are accessible via Amtrak’s fine, scenic routes: 

Montreal Beer Fest 

22nd Annual Montreal Beer Fest (takes place at Montreal Convention Center, 0.5 miles from Montreal Amtrak): Beer lovers and professional brewers will commence from June 10-14 this year at the Montreal Beer Festival. Not only will there be beer tastings, but workshops will be held where attendees can learn the art of beer brewing. Founded in 1994, this event is a hallmark of the brewing industry in Quebec and its success has led to similar showcases in Rio de Janeiro and Europe. Admission to the event itself is free, but the samplings of beer go at a rate of one dollar per ounce. 

NYC Bourbon Bash (takes place in multiple locations in NYC, you can get to all of them via Penn Station Amtrak): On June 13, at eight different bars, you can enjoy the best bourbon the Big Apple has to offer hopefully without blacking out! For $65, you can also indulge in great food and rock out to great music. A portion of all the proceeds go to various non-profit and charitable organizations. Tickets are to be ordered online and you must check in from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm sharp. The event goes on until 10:00 pm.

Saratoga Brewfest 

Saratoga Brewfest (located at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 6.6 miles from the Saratoga Springs Amtrak): Also on June 13, the Saratoga Brewfest will showcase some of the best local, regional and national craft beers along with great live music. More than 75 breweries are expected to participate with over 250 brews available to taste in samples. The event will also feature speakers from the craft brew industry. The festivities go on from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm, but VIPs can enjoy from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm. General admission tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door, while VIPs get in for $60. 

Empire Brew Fest

World of Beer Empire Brew Fest 2015 (takes place in the Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds, 4.1 miles from the Syracuse Amtrak): For its 2015 outing, going from June 26th to 27th this year, this annual festival returns to Syracuse with more brewers and craft beers to go around. There will also be a Cornhole Tournament and interactive games which will test your knowledge of craft beer in addition to Giant Jenga and Giant Scrabble games for groups of friends to enjoy together! For those who are not big beer connoisseurs, there is a wine festival this year as well attached to the annual festivities. Admission breaks down like this: all day samplings are $35, the pay as you go rate is $10, and the designated driver rate is $5.

Little Falls Cheese Festival (takes place in the historic West End of Little Falls, NY, 21.6 miles from Utica Amtrak): On July 11, the scenic town of Little Falls, NY will host its annual festival showcasing delicious cheeses of all kinds. Plenty of other related products will be on hand as well, including yogurt, artisanal breads, jams and handcrafted cutting boards. Local restaurants will also be participating in a competition for the best pizza, which is the town specialty. Live music will be there, and just added is a one-act mystery play entitled “Where’s the Cheese?” performed by the town’s theater company. Admission is free, and you can call Utica Enterprise for pickup from the station to the event at (315) 736-0002.

Bounty of the Hudson Wine and Food Festival (takes place at Benmarl Winery, 11.2 miles outside the Poughkeepsie Amtrak): From July 25-26, you can sample some of the Hudson Valley Region’s finest wines and produce from local restaurants. All fourteen wineries located in the Shawangunk Wine Trail are participating this year. Along with the wines, visitors can sample local cheese, honey and baked goods while listening to some great live music. Admission is $28 and your ticket will cover the samplings from each of the wineries, the live music, and a souvenir Shawangunk Wine Trail glass. There are bus and taxi services at the station. 

Buffalo Wing Festival 

The National Buffalo Wing Festival (takes place at the Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, .2 miles from the Buffalo-Exchange Street Amtrak Station): This festival is known as the Super Bowl for the chicken wing industry, with total attendance of over 865,000 people and 4.5 million wings served since it began in 2002. This year it will take place from September 5-6. Participating restaurants showcase their wing sauces in a competition for best sauce known as the National Sauce-Off. Other competitions include the United States Buffalo Wing Eating Championship, the Baby Wing Contest, the Amateur Wing Sauce Competition, the XXXHot Wing Eating Contest, and bobbing for wings in a bowl of blue cheese. All weekend there will also be live music and trivia contests. Admission is $5 per day, but children under 8 get in for free. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate.

There’s food and fun for everyone this year! So come on down and dive into some of the best in food and drink that each of these locations has to offer. You can get to each one of them through Amtrak , and as always, you can look into our discounts for additional savings, including our 15% discount courtesy of ILOVENY. For any other inquiries, visit the New York By Rail website.

New York State Outdoor Music Festivals

Memorial Day has just marked the official start of summer. That means now is the time for summer vacations and getaways! New York State is known for great outdoor music festivals in unique settings and here are a few we recommend that are accessible by a relaxing ride on Amtrak:

38th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival (2.5 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak Station): Located in the cultural core of upstate New York, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will host this year's festival on June 27 – 28. SPAC is renowned for its acoustic quality and unique atmosphere. Seven performances will occur in the SPAC Amphitheatre, whilst performances proceed simultaneously on the Gazebo Stage. Admission ranges from $60 - $85. Guests are recommended to reserve a hotel room beforehand.

Lake George Elvis Festival (19.5 miles from Fort Edward-Glens Falls Amtrak Station): For the twelfth consecutive year, the Village of Lake George will host one of North America’s largest Elvis Festivals. Five days of entertainment will ensue on May 28 with a free concert on the shore of the lake and will feature the world’s foremost tributes to the King of Rock-n-Roll, a Classic Car parade, Elvis-themed cruises on the lake, and an “Elvis meets the Beatles” segment. Celebrate the influential life and music of Elvis Presley upon the picturesque backdrop of Lake George.  

Photo Credit: New York State Festivals

Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival (1.0 mile from Rochester Amtrak Station): Last year’s festival witnessed attendance of nearly 200,000 guests. The 2015 XRIJF, occurring from June 19 – 27, is one of the nation’s most anticipated music festivals of the year. XRIJF will present over 150 artists at more than 20 different venues, totaling 324 concerts. 95 of the included shows are free of cost.

The Governors Ball (7.5 miles from New York Penn Station): For a festival that has thought of everything, take a trip to Randall’s Island for the 2015 Governors Ball, June 5-7. Headliners this year include Drake, the Black Keys, Deadmau5, Florence and the Machine, Lana Del Rey, Bjork, My Morning Jacket, and Ryan Adams. Other non-music entertainment is also available. Single-day tickets are $120 and a 3-Day General Admission is $275.

Photo Credit: Nature Calendar

Clearwater Festival (2.2 miles from Croton-Harmon Station): Contribute to the health of the Hudson River and have a great time doing so by attending Pete Seeger’s festival at Croton Park on June 20 – 21. Since the 1960s, this festival has entertained guests with storytelling, dance, educational workshops, boat rides, food, community, and music. This year will mark the one-year anniversary of the loss of the festival’s inspirational founder, so help his dream live on and enjoy live entertainment whilst contributing to the betterment of the Hudson River and supporting Clearwater’s environmental research. Prices vary depending upon days of attendance.

Music festivals are an exciting way to experience New York’s culture and scenery, and Amtrak can take you to them. Start your summer getaway by sitting back and enjoying the train ride to your destination. For more information on other summer getaways reachable by Amtrak and a 15% discount for Amtrak travel within New York State, visit New York By Rail.

6 Places to Celebrate St. Patrick'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:

Wee little Irish step dancers march down 5th Avenue.
Photo credit: Diana Robinson

New York City (1 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. Patty's Day Parade in NYC took place in 1762- over 250 years ago! Participants march down 5th Avenue between 44th and 79th streets, led by this year's Grand Marshal, Cardinal Timothy Dolan. More than 2 million people are expected to attend this year's parade, so wear green and stake out a spot early!

 Buffalo (.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 75th installment of this fun event will take place on Sunday, March 15 on Delaware Avenue. The celebration isn't limited to one day, though. There will be live music, dancers and entertainment all weekend. On the actual holiday, which falls on a Tuesday, there is a traditional Irish breakfast.

Photo credit: Diana Robinson

Syracuse (2.3 miles from Syracuse Station Amtrak Station) - The theme of the the 33rd annual Syracuse St. Patrick's Day Parade is "March Into Spring." The city hopes to put the harsh winter weather behind them 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 (.6 miles from Rochester Amtrak Station) - Rochester's annual St. Patrick's Day parade usually draws about 50,000 people to the event that takes place on East and Main Streets. Those wishing to start the 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+.

Yonkers (2.8 miles from Yonkers Amtrak Station) - Last year, 2 historic parades merged to form one, giant parade taking place on McLean Avenue in Yonkers. This year's 60th Annual Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place on Saturday, March 21 at 1 p.m. The festivities have been growing each year and you can expect that this one will be bigger and greener than ever.

Photo credit: Diana Robinson

Utica (.5 miles from Utica Amtrak Station) - Utica's St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 14 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 is 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 a weekend? Amtrak is running tons of 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.