Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts

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 .

Saturday, December 12, 2015

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.

Monday, October 19, 2015

New York's Beautiful Fall Celebration of Craft Beer and Harvest Festivals!

Just because Oktoberfest celebrations are now coming to a close, doesn't mean that the fall fun has to end! New York State has a lot of great experiences in store for you this season. Craft beer trails and harvest festivals provide the perfect blend of guided beer tours and tastings, and family fun with a variety of outdoor activities. Choose among a wide array of unique activities; take an extremely creative day tour along the Hudson Valley, visit the Finger Lakes to taste the 2014 "New York State Brewery of the Year" and stay in the area to enjoy over 35 breweries and ciders at the Finger Lakes Beer Festival, attend the 3rd annual Craft Brewers Festival in the historic Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, pick your own apples and pumpkins in Central New York, explore a four story tree house and launch pumpkins, enter a spooky flashlight maze, and spend a day at the "True treasure of the Capital Region." Grab your friends and families and get ready to create some of your most cherished memories this fall season!


                                                                                    Hudson Valley Beer Trail 
(2.1 miles from the Poughkeepsie Amtrak station)
Image Courtesy of The Little Beer Bus
Named one of the "Top 7 beer trails to tour in America," the Hudson Valley Beer Trail has become one of the most highly requested tours among visitors and beer enthusiasts. Take a tour and visit a brewery, find a place for lunch, and even visit a hops farm. If you'd rather someone else do the driving, guided tours of breweries and distilleries are available. The tour features "Westchesters only craft brewery," Captain Lawrence Brewing Co., Blue Collar Brewery conveniently located by the Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station, and Hyde Park Brewing Company where you may enjoy their restaurant, live music, and tap room during your visit, among many others. Experience the trail with themed tours including but not limited to the signature "Take Me to the Brewski" tour, "Brewski Lunch and Learn With the Brewmaster" tour, or get adventurous and create your own themed party! For more information, call (917) 414-7947 or email directly: hvbeertrail@gmail.com.


Finger Lakes Beer Trail
(66.2 miles from Rochester Amtrak station)
Image Courtesy of Finger Lakes Beer Company
Award winning microbreweries and brewpubs in Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes have quickly become a hot post for locals and travelers alike. With remarkable views and impeccable quality, it's no surprise that this trail has become a fan favorite. The trail makes its way through New York States "Best Craft Brewery" at Keuka Brewing Co., stopping at Market Street Brewing Co., just in time for you to experience all around great tastes in the heart of Corning's Historic District, and leaves you gazing at breathtaking views overlooking the Keuka Lake as you enjoy excellent brews at Steuben Brewing Company. For your chance to experience these wonderful breweries and view the full beer trail list, visit Corningfingerlakes.com.


                Finger Lakes Beer Festival
                                      (80.4 miles from the Rochester Amtrak station)


Image Courtesy of Finger Lakes Beer Trail
Extend your stay in the Finger Lakes area to experience one of the biggest events in the region. For one day only, on October 24th, enjoy over 35 New York State breweries and ciders as they join under one roof, accompanied by great food and live music. Receive a complimentary commemorative sampling glass for free tasting at the brewery booths, enjoy delicious regional cuisine, purchase brewery and event merchandise, or a selection of craft beers which will be for sale, and partake in a variety of fun activities including a 32 team corn-hole tournaments, and a stein holding competition. Get your tickets before their gone at Fingerlakesbeertrail.com



Craft New York Brewers Festival
(2.5 miles from the Syracuse Amtrak station)
Image Courtesy of New York State Brewers Association
Taking place on November 7th, the historic Landmark Theatre in Syracuse is hosting the 3rd annual Craft Beer Festival. Bringing together over 50 New York breweries from every region of the state, this festival features up to 130 award winning beers. Pairing great brews with food sampling from local Syracuse restaurants and food vendors, this event is the first of its kind that offers you the opportunity to meet the brewers that make the beer and the owners of the food scene that play such an important role in community. The purchase of a ticket comes equipped with a 5-ounce souvenir tasting glass with which you can enjoy unlimited samples of the various beer present at the event. VIP tickets are available to those who wish to enter earlier and have access to the limited quantity of specialty beers not available to the general public. To purchase your tickets today, visit Thinknydrinkny.com.


                                 Critz Farms Fall Harvest Celebration
                                 (25.5 miles from Syracuse Amtrak station)
Image Courtesy of Critz Farm
If you're looking for a place to enjoy the wonderful autumn season in Central New York, look no further than Critz Farms. With ongoing activities, special events, and  festival entertainment taking place every weekend, this event is sure to provide great fun for all ages. View cider pressing demonstrations, explore the farm on wagon rides, get lost in corn mazes, and dine in Critz Cafe where you can indulge in a hot apple fritter. Adults may drop their kids off at the Slide Mountain playground and visit the farm winery and hard cider tasting room. For a complete list of special events including the annual "Gigantic Corn Maze" and the "Giant Hay Bale Climbing Tower," and other activities available on the farm, visit Critzfarms.com.


Image Courtesy of Pumpkin Patch Farm

Pick-a-Pumpkin Patch
(21.3 miles from the Amsterdam Amtrak station)
Each year the farm introduces new events and activities while bringing back old family favorites. Open Monday through Saturday, this farm offers a full day packed with a broad range of activities for the whole family to enjoy. This year at the Pumpkin Patch you can take a hayride to the pick your own farms, race rubber ducks, climb a four story tree house, see farm animals, enjoy delicious cider donuts, watch pumpkins get launched out of a pumpkin cannon, and much more. Don't miss your chance at a fun-filled memorable experience at the Pumpkin Patch. For more information, contact (518) 868-4893.







Fink's Country Farm Festival
(69.5 miles from New York Penn station)
Image Courtesy of Fink's Country Farm
Family owned and operated for over 50 years, Fink's Country Farm is best known for its traditional charm. Join their festival full of hayrides, a 7-acre corn maze, U-pick pumpkins, kiddy train rides, pig races, pumpkin slingshot and much more. The farm, and its activities are entirely handicapped accessible. Explore the Long Island farm stand, filled with fresh local vegetables, fruits, potatoes, corn stalks, holiday decorations, and more. Special events include the "Flashlight Maze," and the "Spookie Flashlight Maze," both only taking place at night time. Open daily Monday through Sunday, a $15 ticket will get you access to a full day of family fun.


Liberty Ridge Fall Festival
(17.6 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak station)
Named a "True treasure of the Capital 
Region," Liberty Ridge Farm offers you 
Image Courtesy of Liberty Ridge Farm
lots of family fun in Schaghticoke, nestled in Rensselaer County. Dive in all of the amazing activities on the farm including the pumpkin patch, cornfield maze, entertaining shows, and feeding the farm animals at "Brad's Barnyard Adventure." Venture through the 12-acre labyrinth of 13 foot high cornstalks, and take a scenic trolley ride along the banks of the Hoosic River. The theme for this years 2015 corn maize is "Fall this year just makes Cents." This fall season, running through the month of October, Liberty Ridge presents their highly requested "Fall FestEVIL." Get lost in the field of horror where the land is heavy with decay, and evil oozes up from the earth. Admission to the attraction includes the farms five haunted attractions, Haunted corn mazes and hayrides, the Psychic Sideshow, and Barnyard activities. A Non-Haunt ticket is available for those under age 10 who wish to enter the Psychic Sideshow and Barnyard. With these many events and attractions, this farm is surely one that's not to be missed. For more information on special events and operating hours, call (518) 664-1515.

New York State houses relaxing getaways for all ages and interest. Take a trip to any of the breweries or farms and start your fall relaxation with a leisurely Amtrak train ride to get you there. For more information on other New York destinations reachable by Amtrak, details on Enterprise locations that offer station pick-up, and a 15% discount for Amtrak travel within New York State, visit NewYorkbyRail.com.