Take Amtrak to Celebrate Memorial Day!

Summer is fast approaching, and what better way to kick it off than by celebrating Memorial Day? Enjoy the long weekend while honoring America’s military at these five events throughout New York State.

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Photo by Fleet Week New York

Fleet Week New York (Throughout NYC, accessible from Penn Station) -- Now in its 28th year, Fleet Week New York is scheduled to take place May 25 - May 31. Come join the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services for an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet nearly 4,500 participating Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, and witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.There will be a parade of ships, a BBQ, tours, concerts and more!

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Photo by Darryl Bautista/Poughkeepsie Journal

Hyde Park Memorial Day Parade (6.1 Miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station) -- Enjoy the Memorial Day Parade, May 30, marching from Roosevelt Theater to Town Hall, and commemorate the people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Enjoy entertainment, marching bands, local organizations and much more!

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Photo by Fort Ticonderoga

Memorial Day Weekend at Fort Ticonderoga (1.0 Miles from Ticonderoga Amtrak Station) -- Salute the services of the armed forces of the United States on the grounds where so many soldiers fought and sacrificed. From May 28 - 30, visit Fort Ticonderoga to watch the Fife and Drum Corps, and step back in time to look at the soldiers of the American Revolution. Tour the grounds and historic gardens, experience a musket firing demonstration, and take part in the Witness to History tour at Mount Defiance.

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Photo by Fulton's Memorial Day Salute

Fulton’s 35th Annual Memorial Day Salute (28.2 miles from Syracuse Amtrak Station) -- Visit one of the premier parades in Central New York on May 28; this annual tradition will honor our veterans. The annual parade begins May 28 at 10 am; there will be entertainment, food, rides and games throughout the day. And don’t miss the 9:30 pm fireworks over scenic Lake Neatahwanta.

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Photo by Susan Marie

Star-Spangled Pops (3.4 miles from Buffalo BFX Amtrak Station) -- Watch and listen to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on May 27 - 28, as they’re joined by the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus for a patriotic tradition honoring those who have served our country; a family-friendly event to pay tribute to the American spirit.

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.

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.

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.

Summer Activities for the Whole Family

School’s out for summer! In a few short weeks, kids will get to enjoy the freedom of summer vacation once again. If you’re a parent looking for kid-friendly activities to keep them busy, we recommend visiting some of our favorites, all accessible by Amtrak. Not only will these unique offerings grab your children’s attention, but they’ll also experience the fun of a train ride, perhaps for the first time!

Albany

Established in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art (2.2 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station) is presenting two fun (and educational!) exhibits this summer that appeal to both kids and adults alike. Museum admission ranges from $6 to $10. Children under 6 are free.

Triple Play: Baseball at the Albany Institute Features three exhibitions celebrating America’s passion for baseball: "Baseball: America’s Game," "Play Ball! A History of Baseball in the Capital Region" and "The Clubhouse: Baseball Memorabilia." All three exhibitions feature nationally or regionally significant materials, such as photographs, signed bats and balls, stadium seats, trophies, pennants, jerseys and more! Items were borrowed from regional fans, community collectors and other museums. Exhibit runs through July 26.

Photo Credit: Albany Institute of History & Art

Ancient Egypt This ongoing exhibit has been extended to feature more information and artifacts! Includes Egyptian History and Civilization, the Nile and the Environment, Crafts and Professions, Food and Drink, Gods and Goddesses, Preparing for the Afterlife and the story of Albany’s 3,000 year-old mummy, Ankhefenmut! Visitors can also view a slide presentation highlighting the Albany Mummies’ trip to Albany Medical Center for x-rays and CT scans which revealed new information about their age, gender and occupations!

Rochester

“What Were They Thinking?” Strong Museum Exhibit (1.1 miles from Rochester Amtrak Station): Dedicated to some of the oddest toys of all time, this exhibit is sure to incite both laughter and head-scratching! Featured toys include the Daddy Saddle - designed for a child to turn a parent into a human pony, Jarts – barbed lawn darts banned in 1988 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, The Pet Rock and The Big Time Nose Around ring toss – which uses the sharp features of former President Richard Nixon to catch the ring. Exhibit runs through June 30. The Strong Museum houses the world’s largest collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Admission is $13.50 for ages 2 and older; under age 2 and museum members are free.

Saratoga

Photo Credit: Saratoga Balloon & Craft Festival

Saratoga Balloon & Craft Festival (6.6 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak Station): Enjoy

larger-than-life hot air balloons, live music, arts and crafts exhibits and a wide selection of food vendors at the Saratoga Balloon & Craft Festival June 19 – 21 at the Saratoga Fairgrounds! Visitors can watch the whole process as the balloons are inflated, up to when they float off into the sky. Kids will particularly enjoy the special shaped balloons during the evening launches, with names like Pico, Frogg and Dingbat! Admission ranges from $5 to $10, with weekend passes ranging from $5 to $15. There is also the opportunity to take a balloon ride on Friday evening for $249!

Schenectady

It Came From Schenectady – Science Fiction in the Capital Region (7.2 miles from the Schenectady Amtrak Station): Discover the history of science fiction in Schenectady County with this interactive exhibit at the Mabee Farm Historic Site. Older children can experience a bit of astronaut life by trying on a replica of an Apollo EMU spacesuit! Parents can learn about the inspirations behind creations by Kurt Vonnegut and Ray Nelson. The exhibit also features experimental equipment and machinery from GE, original science fiction cover art, hand-made costumes, an interactive studio set, film footage and more! Exhibit runs through September 1. Admission ranges from $5 to $8; SCHS members, children and students with valid I.D. are free.

Get the kids out of the house for a day of fun and make new family memories! Whether your family is in the mood for a quirky, outdoor summer event or an educational, indoor exhibit on a rainy day, Amtrak can get you there! For more information on other events reachable by Amtrak and a 15% discount for Amtrak travel within New York State, visit Newyorkbyrail.com.

All New Discovery Tour

                                                                                                           

Between the winding cave walls awaits an adventure for those of any age, at Howe Caverns. A truly mesmerizing wonder that should be on every families bucket list when visiting Upstate New York. It’s no wonder why Howe Caverns is the second most visited natural site in the entire state of New York.

Traditional Tour - Strap on your favorite pair of walking shoes and prepare for a 90 minuet experience like no other. The traditional tour is perfect for families, since the majority of the trip involves walking through the caverns on a clear and well lit path, alongside the tranquil river. Enter the elevator, set to take you 15 stories underground, into a refreshingly cool abyss. Stroll past the living limestone cave walls, a picturesque journey made possible from over millions of years in the making.

      

           

Signature Rock Discovery Tour -Guests will finally find out the answer to the age old question that has been asked on the Traditional Tour for years, ‘What’s behind the dam doors?’ Howe Caverns is unveiling portions of the caverns that have not been open to public in over 100 years! 

This 2.5 hour exploration, gives guests the opportunity to see firsthand the caverns just as Lester Howe did over one century ago. Travel by boat, on foot and on hands and knees. Highlights of the tour include: The Dam, The Old Boat,The Music Hall, The Pipeline, Tower of Babel, The Haunted Castle, and Signature Rock. Containing over hundreds of initials of past visitors, dating back to 1843. Including the signature of Mr.Howe, and possibly past United States Presidents. 

Unlike the traditional tour, there are no modern conveniences such as lights or walkways (Helmets with headlamps, boots and other necessary gear will be provided, ages 14+).

Celebrate Spring at These Festivals

After a long, cold winter, the temperature is finally rising and the weather is getting beautiful. It's time to head outdoors and celebrate the season. New York is home to tons of events that welcome spring; between the flower festivals and food and drink festivals, there is plenty going on to keep you busy every weekend.


Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival - Buffalo was hit hard by snow this winter, but they're ready for a "springtime blizzard" of cherry blossoms and flowers at the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival. The event takes place from May 2 - 9 in the Japanese Garden in Delaware Park; the focal point is the bright pink cherry trees and admission is free! Events during the week-long celebration include a tea ceremony, a tree planting, traditional Japanese performances and more. Buffalo-Exchange Street Station is 5 miles from Delaware Park.

Hudson Valley Garden Fair - The Hudson Valley Garden Fair is a great event for those with a green thumb- and even those without one! Guests can listen to a lecture on gardening, tour historic gardens, and shop the many plant and garden vendors in attendance on May 2 at Montgomery Place in Red Hook. The garden fair is 7.5 miles from the Rhinecliff-Kingston Amtrak Station.

Photo from Flickr by Liz Lawley

Rochester Lilac Festival - The history of the Rochester Lilac Festival dates back to 1890, but the tradition has remained in place and has continued to grow. From May 8 - 17, go to Highland Park to enjoy 10 days of beautiful spring blooms and live music, as well as art shows and shopping for lilac products and souvenirs. Admission to the festival is free, though a few events, like the wine and chocolate tasting, require guests to purchase tickets. The Lilac Festival is 2.5 miles from Rochester Amtrak Station.

The Albany Tulip Festival - Stroll through Washington Park and admire over 100,000 tulip bulbs in full bloom at The Albany Tulip Festival. The festival takes place on May 9 & 10, and ends with a Mother of the Year Award on Sunday, Mother's Day. Other events include the Tulip Queen Coronation and the Royal Tulip Ball. The festival is free to the public, though the Royal Tulip Ball and the Tulip Queen and Court Luncheon require guests to purchase tickets. The Tulip Festival is 2.5 miles from the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station.

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival - The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival is the oldest and largest food festival in New York City. On May 16 - 17, visit the vendors that line Ninth Avenue between 42nd and 57th Streets, offering samples of food from all over the world. In addition, there are tons of merchants selling jewelry and crafts, as well as international entertainment. The festival is about 1 mile from New York-Penn Station.

Photo from Flickr by Benjamin Golub

Hudson-Berkshire Wine and Food Festival - Head to the Columbia County Fairgrounds on May 23 - 24 for the 3rd Annual Hudson-Berkshire Wine and Food Festival. The $25 admission fee covers your souvenir tasting glass, as well as all of the beer, wine and spirits samples you care to try. For food, there will be meats, cheeses and baked goods for sampling and sale. The festival is 13.2 miles from the Hudson Amtrak Station.


New York is coming alive after a long winter. Head outdoors to one of these great festivals located throughout the state. Take an Amtrak train to these destinations for a fun weekend away, and get there using a discount. For more information about these destinations and other getaway ideas, check out New York By Rail.

Traveling with Kids Made Easier by Amtrak

Road trips. Airports. Weekend getaways. Airplanes. For many, these words are exciting; they make us think of travel and the prospect of adventure. For parents, these words can haunt them. Sure, every family wants to get away and have fun, but getting there can be exhausting. If you're tired of a confined car or waiting at an airport with energetic children, here are a few reasons why you should consider traveling by Amtrak to your next family vacation.

Bathrooms -  Does this scenario sound familiar: You're a few hours into the road trip and one child has to go to the bathroom. You pull over at a rest stop and are back on the road soon. Just a few minutes later, the next child has to go to the bathroom. That's another stop in your journey and precious travel minutes spent. On Amtrak, you and your kids don't have to worry about losing travel time because the restrooms are right in your train car. Plus, Amtrak's bathrooms are way more clean than those you'll find on the road!

Refreshments - Kids need snacks... often. If you travel with kids, you will definitely have to feed them snacks and meals, especially for long-distance trips. On Amtrak, you can visit the cafe car (available on journeys from NYC past Albany) whenever you or your kids have a craving. You're not losing out on travel time by walking to the cafe car, like you would when pulling over the car while driving. 

Wifi - You and your kids will love this one: the wifi on Amtrak trains is complimentary! Parents can get work done or download a book onto your eReader while your kids play on tablets or phones. Amtrak's Kids Depot has online games and activities that your little ones can play by themselves or with your help without wasting your wireless plan's data. 

Scenery - The scenery on most road trips is limited to the cars and trucks traveling in the opposite direction. On a plane, all you'll be able to see is the clouds. While on an Amtrak train in New York, you'll chug along the beautiful Hudson River or Lake Champlain. Your kids can search for barges on the river or gaze at the Adirondack Mountains. That scenery is definitely nicer than a highway view!

Traffic- Actually, what traffic? On Amtrak, you'll never have to deal with traffic and the headaches that come with it. All you'll be responsible for is enjoying yourself. You won't hear your kids asking, "Are we there yet?" because they'll be having too much fun! 

Discounts - Children under 2 years old ride for free. Kids ages 2-12 ride at a 50% discount when traveling with an adult over 18 years old. That's right- you get to sit back, relax and enjoy a traffic-less journey and your kids will ride 50% off. It could not get better. There are other discounts available, as well, including the $90 Round-Trip Adirondack deal. 

If the idea of traveling by car or plane with your children is exhausting, then you should consider taking the train to your next family vacation or getaway. Your kids will revel in the fun experience and you get to relax and enjoy your time, not at the wheel of a car. If you need another reason to choose train over plane or automobile, Amtrak offers a 15% discount for train travel within New York. Amtrak stops at tons of family-friendly destinations all over the state. For details about destinations and travel ideas, visit New York By Rail.

Take Amtrak to These Presidential Homes

Many United States presidents have called New York home. Luckily, those homes (and one tomb) have been preserved, allowing us to visit them and get a peek into the lives of the nation's past leaders. In celebration of the upcoming President's Week, here are a few of the presidential homes you can visit in New York. All of them are easily accessed by Amtrak, allowing you to travel comfortably to some great destinations.

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site - This National Historic Site hosts the FDR's home, the Presidential Library and Museum. The property sits on the Hudson River and is nestled in historic Hyde Park, New York. A day spent at the home of FDR will allow you to explore the home where FDR gave some of his famous "fireside chats" in the 1930s and 1940s. President Roosevelt specifically had the home preserved after his death and turned into a National Historic Site. You can roam around the grounds for free, but you'll need a tour guide to enter the home. The site is about 5 miles from Poughkeepsie Train Station, reachable by taxi or "Roosevelt Ride" shuttle service (seasonal).

Photo by John Williams on Flickr

Val-Kill National Historic Site - Val-Kill is the only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady; this home is about 2 miles from the FDR home and was the cottage that Eleanor escaped to for relaxation and where she and a few friends started Val-Kill Industries. Just a short drive from the main home, Val-Kill is secluded, small and surrounded by natural beauty, which Mrs. Roosevelt felt comfortable in. Val-Kill is 6.5 miles from Poughkeepsie Train Station.

Teddy Roosevelt National Birthplace - Visit the reconstructed childhood home of the only president born and raised in New York City. President Roosevelt grew up in a town home in the Gramercy Park area, making it an easy destination from New York City's Penn Station. When visiting, you can view 5 restored rooms as well as artifacts and personal items; one fun exhibit includes a collection of political cartoons. The home is open Tuesday through Saturday and admission is free.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site - Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay on Long Island, was the home of President Teddy Roosevelt until his death in 1916. Unfortunately, the home is undergoing some restoration and will not be open until July 2015. Visitors can still tour the grounds, the Museum and Visitor Center. Sagamore Hill is 3.2 miles from Oyster Bay Train Station on the Long Island Rail Road. Visitors can easily connect to the LIRR from Amtrak at Penn Station.

Photo by Mike Steele on Flickr

General Grant National Memorial - While not a presidential home, Grant's Tomb is a memorial to the Union's commanding general who brought the Civil War to a close, and became a very successful American president. Upon their deaths, he and his wife were buried in the largest mausoleum on the continent, located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The mausoleum also contains exhibits about the president and a Visitor's Center, where you can frequently hear talks about the man on the $50 bill. The tomb is easily accessed by Subway from New York City's Penn Station. 

This President's Week, visit some of America's richest history right in New York. These homes and Grant's Tomb are an interactive and exciting way to learn about history and get a peek into the lives of some of the United States' greatest leaders. If you're looking for another reason to go, Amtrak is offering 15% off select service routes in New York with 5-day advance booking. While traveling on a comfortable Amtrak train, you can sit back, relax and spend some time reading up on the president whose home you'll be visiting. For more information on destinations and travel ideas, visit New York By Rail. 

6 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in New York City

Hey lovebirds! It's almost Valentine's Day- do you have plans yet? If you want to make this year extra special, hop on an Amtrak train and take the scenic ride into New York City's Penn Station for a day trip or the weekend. The Big Apple will definitely provide a Valentine's Day to remember. Not sure how to spend your day? Here are a few suggestions for February 14.

Times Square - If you're the kind of couple that wants the world to know all about your love, head straight for Times Square, where couples will be getting married, renewing their vows and proposing to one another at the Love in Times Square event. While all wedding ceremony slots are filled, there's no stopping you from looking on and joining in festivities as thousands celebrate love!

View from the Top of the Rock by Andres Moreira on Flickr

Cruise - A romantic dinner is a staple of most Valentine's Day celebrations, but there are far more options than you may realize, and there's no reason to limit your options to the land. Any short cruises take passengers to the East and Hudson Rivers. Some provide cocktails and appetizers while others are full, sit-down dinners. All offer incredible views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty and tours generally leave from Chelsea Piers. Book tickets ahead of time, as these boat cruises are popular!

Top of the Rock - You may have walked the streets of New York, but if you've never been to the top of New York City, specifically to the top of Rockefeller Center, you should absolutely get tickets for this Valentine's Day. Musicians Lincoln Cleary and Joelle Lurie will be performing from 7-9:00 p.m. as part of the Starlight Music Series. You and your partner can purchase champagne or wine as you enjoy 360 degrees of Manhattan skyline.

Tours - Tours are becoming huge in New York City, and I'm not talking about the kind that bring you around on an open top, red bus. Food and drink walking tours are a fun way to see some of the best places in the city. The possibilities are endless; you can find tours for chocolate, cupcakes, Italian food, wine, dessert, beer and cheese, among many others. Pick a food item that you and your loved one enjoy and spend the day indulging in the best that New York City offers!

One of Leger's works currently on display.

Central Park -  We've all seen them, but how many of us have taken a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park? It's typical New York romance, with you and your lover able to snuggle under a cozy blanket while being led around to see the sights of New York. A relatively inexpensive outing, a horse-drawn carriage ride can be a quick date activity that will be romantic and memorable.

The Met - The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most popular museums, and for good reason. The museum holds an extensive collection of permanent paintings, sculptures and artifacts. The Met also constantly hosts incredible limited-time exhibits, like Cubism, which is closing on February 16. This exhibits features works by Picasso, Gris, Leger and Braque. Valentine's Day weekend is a great opportunity to see this exhibit before it leaves New York.


A day or weekend in New York City is great for lovebirds this Valentine's Day. All of these date ideas are either close to Amtrak's Penn Station or are accessible by New York City's Subway. Still not convinced to head into Manhattan? Amtrak offers a 15% discount for any train trip within New York State. Valentine's Day should be a wonderful day for couples; let Amtrak bring you to New York City while you sit back and relax on a comfortable train with your partner. For more information about travel destinations, see New York By Rail.