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

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Fall Fun Getaways at 7 Craft Breweries & Distilleries


The Catskills Beverage Trail.
from Connections: Two-Day Rail Drive Itineraries
More than the home of a historic village and picturesque views, the Catskills have their very own beverage trail. Visit Honey Hollow, the only farm brewery in Greene County, Crossroads voted "Best Restaurant in Greene County" or enjoy tastings at Hudson-Chatham winery. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Catskill Creek and stay a night at Caleb Street's Inn, or enjoy some more craft beverages at Hammo's Brewpub & Lodge-paired with comfort food and a warm bed. Enjoy the next day continuing down the beverage trail or exploring the historic village of Catskill.

Photo from Hillock Estate Distillery


Hillrock Estate Distillery
(22.0 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station)
Turning grain into gold since 2011," Hillock Estate Distillery is one of the world's few distilleries that floor malts its own naturally grown grain and hand-crafts fine spirits traditionally in small batches on the estate. On Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 12 to 5 p.m. the estate will be celebrating their annual Fall Open House with farm and distillery tours, tastings, sales and bottle signings from Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell.





Photo from Adirondack Distilling Co.




Adirondack Distilling Co.
(1.1 Miles from Utica Amtrak Station)
A doctor, lawyer and a political consultant walk into a bar... Sure, it sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it was actually the start of something special. With a shared loved of spirits—vodka in particular, the owners and distillers at Adirondack Distilling Co. began in 2011 using a state-of-the-art custom-crafted copper still from Germany, and a proven distilling process, quickly becoming Central new York's latest gem.

Photo from Ausable Brewing Co.





Ausable Brewing Co.
(3.4 Miles from Port Kent Amtrak Station)
The first true farm brewery in the Adirondack Park, Ausable Brewing Co. offers seasonal and limited edition beers and sodas. Sample beers like Plowman's Lunch, North Country Common, Face Cord and Full Cord IPAs, using locally-sourced ingredients from across the region and their 140-acre farm. Their tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday in the afternoon.







Photo from Flying Bison Brewing Co.

Flying Bison Brewing Co.
(1.5 Miles from Buffalo-Exchange Amtrak Station)
From award-winning brewer, Tim Herzog, comes Flying Bison Brewing—the first standalone brewery in the City of Buffalo since 1972. Returning to the brewery on September 10, 2016, is the annual Bisonfest: Oktoberfest at Flying Bison Brewery. Enjoy the smell of sauerkraut, bratwurst, pretzels and malty beers as their aromas fill the air. The sound of the alpenhorn heralds the coming of autumn and invites you to eat, drink and be merry. $25 gets you a plate full of German food, three hours of music, a new Bisonfest souvenir mug and three drink tickets to fill it with.



Photo from Cirka Distilleries


Cirka Distilleries
(4.6 Miles from Montreal Amtrak Station)
The first grain to bottle artisanal micro-distillery open to the public in Montreal, Cirka uses local grains and sustainable practices to create their quality non-GMO craft Vodka and Gin Wild. Visit for a tour, private group bookings and tastings at their location in the heart of Montreal, or at close to four dozen bars across the city!








Photo from Hop'n Moose Brewing Co.


Hop'n Moose Brewing Co. 
(0.3 Miles from Rutland Amtrak Station)
A little over two years old, Hop'n Moose Brewing is the first and only brewery in Rutland, VT. With unique hand crafted ales and lagers, amazing wood fired pizzas and a family friendly menu—complete with a Kid's menu, wine list and full bar. Beginning on September 12, 2016 visitors will be able try Hop'n Moose's unique brews  any day of the week when the brewpub's doors open 7 days a week and begin weekly Monday specials!

Friday, May 6, 2016

12 Gardens to Visit this Spring and Summer

Spring has sprung, and the season has brought along some of the most beautiful flower gardens in New York State. We’ve gathered a list of seasonal gardens you can visit on Amtrak this spring and summer, as well as one-two day premiere garden events.

Seasonal Spring & Summer Gardens


New York Botanical Garden (8.8 Miles from New Rochelle Amtrak Station) -- Visit the New York Botanical Garden. In late spring  you’ll see tulips, roses, peonies and azaleas. Early summer brings along violets, lilies, even more roses, hydrangeas and more!


Photo by Vanderbilt Garden
Vanderbilt Mansion NHS Gardens (6.9 Miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station) -- The beautiful gardens consist yearly of over 4000 annual blooms, 2000 perennials and hundreds of roses. Fountains, a reflecting pool, statues and shady arbors are also a part of the garden.


Locust Grove (2.6 Miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station) -- Overlooking the Hudson River, this estate contains trees, rolling hills, and vistas. Influenced by the Romantic period, the half-acre ornamental garden contains peonies, collections of heirloom dahlias, and annual and perennial flowers.
Photo by Schenectady Rose

Schenectady Central Park Rose Garden (2.3 miles from Schenectady Amtrak Station) -- Central Park Rose Garden sits right in the center of Schenectady, and has been a favorite place for strolling, photography, and hosting events for 50+ years. Features include 4,000 rose bushes, a tiered center fountain, babbling brook and spring pond.


Photo by Fort Ticonderoga
Landis Arboretum (19.1 Miles from Amsterdam Amtrak Station) -- Landis is an arboretum and public garden incorporating hundreds of acres. In the summer and early fall you can expect to see ornamental trees, perennial gardens, old growth forests, and more.


King’s Garden at Fort Ticonderoga (1.0 Mile from Ticonderoga Amtrak Station) -- Explore one of the oldest cultivated landscapes in America. After taking in all the color of the 20th century garden, be sure to get rooted in the history of this land by seeing their other five gardens of horticulture at Ticonderoga.


Photo by Monroe County
Highland Park (3.1 Miles from Rochester Amtrak Station) -- Rochester’s Highland Park contains 150 acres of nature to explore. Gardens include 1,200 lilac shrubs, a Japanese Maple collection, sweet-smelling magnolias, azaleas, mountain laurel and andromeda and more.


Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens (5.8 Miles from BFX Amtrak Station) -- Experience beautiful gardens year round at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. For outdoor exhibits, such as the Rose Garden, the Peach Garden, the Children’s Garden, and the Healing Garden, May through October is the best time to visit.



One-Two Day Events


Photo by Garden Conservancy
Garden of Vivian & Ed Merrin (8.5 Miles from Croton-on-Hudson Amtrak Station) -- As a part of Garden Conservancy’s Open Days event, Garden of Vivian & Ed Merrin will be open to the public for two days this summer. On June 26 and July 24 stop and see peonies, orchids, hibiscus and more.


Hudson Hood (0.7 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station) -- As a part of Garden Conservancy’s Open Days event, Hudson Hood will be open to the public on June 4, 2016. Features include a century-old tulip tree; topiaries of holly, boxwood, spruce and more.

Photo by © D. Zinteck, Photographics 2.
Yaddo Garden (3.3 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak) -- A rose and a rock garden make up Yaddo. Docent-led tours begin at 11:00 a.m. starting Saturday and Sunday the weekend of June 18, 2016; Tuesdays during the season starting July 26 (no tour on 8/28); ending Sunday, September 4.

Garden Walk Buffalo (1.1 Miles from BFX Station) -- Go for a stroll on America’s largest garden tour, with self-guided walks through 300+ gardens on July 30-31. This free tour has been a summer staple of Buffalo for many years.

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.