Showing posts with label getaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label getaway. 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.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Sip, Savor, Sniff, and Swirl Through New York State's Finest Beverage Trails!

Whether you enjoy beer, wine or any other libation, you can enjoy it in New York State. These trails offer a wide array of unique activities for you to enjoy while tasting your way through the different regions. Each of these locations is easily accessible by the local Amtrak stations.


Image Courtesy of Millbrook Winery
(14.4 miles or 21.6 miles from Rhinecliff-Kingston Amtrak, depending on which winery you choose to visit first)
The Dutchess Wine Trail connects Clinton Vineyards and Millbrook Vineyards and Winery. Nestled in eastern Dutchess County, this trail leads you past bountiful vineyards, orchards and farms. Along the trail you will find thoroughbred horse farms, woodlands, lakes and streams. Clinton Vineyards was awarded the "Best Wine Produced in the Hudson Valley" for their Jubilee champagne in 2011. Located just 15 minutes away is "Hudson Valley's Flagship Winery," Millbrook Vineyards and Winery. Serving guests with world-class wines, Millbrook has earned acclaim as one of the top wineries in New York State. This trail also offers fine restaurants, country inns, bed and breakfasts and antique shops nearby.



                                                                  Hudson Berkshires
(15.5 miles from Rhinecliff Amtrak station)
Image Courtesy of Furnace Brook Winery
One of the premiere beverage trails in New York State, this trail features handcrafted and award-winning wines, beers, and spirits. The trail, which extends from Southeast of Albany down to Hudson, NY, includes five venues: Brookview Station Winery; Harvest Spirits; Hudson-Chatham Winery; Furnace Brook Winery; and Hudson Valley Distillers. Enjoy “Second Saturdays” on the trail where a $15 Special Trail Passport will allow you entry to all five. The last day of the season for this special event is 
                                                                                   December 12th.



Image Courtesy of Cazenovia Beverage Trail

(26.8 miles from Syracuse Amtrak station)
Visit one of the most beautiful regions in New York State for a unique experience in the countryside at Cazenovia Lake. The Cazenovia Beverage Trail is a collaboration of three craft beverage producers including the Harvest Moon Cidery at Crite Farms, Owera Vineyards, and the Henneberg Brewing Company. These producers promote delicious farm-based, handcrafted beverages, such as wine, hard cider, and beer.  



Image Courtesy of Shawangunk Wine Trail

(11.3 miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak)
Home to 14 diverse wineries, this eighty-mile-long trail is nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River in Ulster and Orange Counties. Here you’ll enjoy an experience rich in history and culture with museums, attractions, local shops, live music and cuisine from locally-sourced ingredients. Start your holiday season on the trail with “Wreath Fineries at the Wineries” where you can enjoy special tastings and receive a free souvenir glass, grapevine wreath, and ornament from each winery.






Image Courtesy of Niagara Landing Wine Cellars
Niagara Wine Trail (17.5 miles from Niagara Falls Amtrak): Spreading across the Niagara, Rochester and Buffalo areas, this wine trail is strategically located near Lake Ontario in a moderate climate, ideal for growing a wide variety of fruit. Along the trail are interesting towns with great restaurants, historic sites and antique shops – all just a short drive to Niagara Falls.



vvv_marquette
Image Courtesy of Victory View Vineyard
(21.4 miles from Fort Edward-Glens Falls Amtrak)
Along this trail, you’ll savor the unique tastes from Washington County, visit “horse racing country” in Saratoga County, and the “Queen of American Lakes” in Warren County. You can try wines from new northern grape vines as well as the old-world classics. Each winery on the trail has its own seasonal hours. With the new Upper Hudson Valley Wine Trail Passport Deal, you may buy one wine tasting at regular price and get a second tasting at
                                                                                      any winery on the trail for free.


wine_06
Image Courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Center

(29.2 miles from Rochester Amtrak)
This wine trail offers a full Finger Lakes experience. In addition to the six world-class wineries and up-and-coming breweries, the trail is surrounded by local attractions, restaurants, hotels, B & B's attractions, shopping, and more. For an afternoon of wine tasting, you can buy the Canandaigua Wine Trail Passport for only $10 from any of the six wineries, each offering its own special discounts for their wines.



                                                                   Adirondack Coast Wine Trail
                                                                           (2.8 miles from Plattsburgh Amtrak)
Image Courtesy of Adirondack Coast Wine Trail
This newly-created wine trail has received rave reviews from guests who have experienced the combination of stunning views and delicious flavors of the Adirondack Coast. This December, the trail will host a Holiday Open House when visitors can enjoy great deals on wines, hard cider and gifts while visiting all the wineries along the trail.


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.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Campgrounds Near Amtrak Stations

Without distractions from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, camping offers a great way to spend quality bonding time with your friends and family. Take a relaxing train ride to initiate your escape from the stress of the work week and visit any of these five campgrounds, all reachable by Amtrak:


Photo Credit: Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort
4626 State Route 28, Herkimer, NY 13350
(17.0 miles from Utica Amtrak Station):
                Bordering the West Canadian Creek, this beautiful facility offers a guaranteed memorable experience with activities for all ages. Guests have come to love the easy accessibility to the creek for its world class trout fishing, tubing, kayaking, and other recreational activities that are right on the property. From the deluxe tent sites, to camping cabins, to their exclusive themed specialty lodges including the “Astronomy Lodge” and the “Robotics Lodge,” this resort offers a variety of unique living experiences. Of the 155 sites that the resort has to offer, many are water-side, and all are stocked with amenities. The RV sites come fully equipped with water, electric, sewer, fire rings, Wi-Fi, and a picnic table. The tent sites also include fire rings, a picnic table, and Wi-Fi. If you’re not one for traveling with company and savor your solitude, Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort also offers the cozy, one room “Camping Cabin.” These cabins are perfect for those looking to take in all of the sights and activities that the Herkimer area has to offer at their own leisure.
                This facility is sure to provide great fun and adventure for all, featuring an organic vegetable garden, dog park, three on site dining options with delivery available, and the World Famous Herkimer Diamond Mines. Located directly across from the KOA, the Mines are home to the incredible quartz crystals, which were faceted by nature, half a billion years ago. Join as hundreds gather and form a collective hunt to find one of these beautiful stones.
                Though many activities are offered right on the campsite, they are not limited to the resort itself. The facility encourages guests to explore beyond the property to fully experience the gems of Herkimer. Just minutes from the facility lies the Historic Erie Canal, where many watch as Lock 18, a “liquid elevator,” raises and lowers vessels over 20 feet. One may also enjoy a cruise departing from Gems along the Mohawk, a unique shopping venue, or cherishing your heroes at Cooperstown’s Baseball Hall of Fame.
                Check online for scheduling of local attractions and special events which include treasure hunts, pig roasts, and the “Camper Choice Awards.”



Photo Credit: Branches of Niagara Campground and Resort
2659 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072 (9.8 miles from Niagara Falls Amtrak station):
                Situated merely 10 minutes from American Falls State Park and the border of Canada, the Branches of Niagara Campground and Resort offers 70 acres of natural beauty, including a picturesque 8-acre lake. For a more luxurious stay, there are 15 log cabin rentals available, as well as 80 spacious campsites for RVs and tents. These grounds contain fun for everyone, featuring an activity center, a bathhouse, recreation facilities, 24-hour security, a heated swimming pool, a pavilion, and a playground. Each site offers a picnic table, fire ring, and close proximity to the main bathhouse. Handicap and private bathrooms are also available. Laundry facilities are located on-site, as well as a pavilion for group use, a dump station free to guests, a propane-filling station, and a general store.
                Branches of Niagara takes care to ensure an entertaining time for every member of the family. Recreational fishing, canoe and kayak rentals, a heated swimming pool, zip-line rides, and nature walks are available for guests. For the little ones, there is a playground where games such as bocce ball, volleyball, tetherball, horseshoes, half-court basketball, giant tic-tac-toe, and checkerboard games occur. A daily activities program is offered, which, depending upon the day, may include arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, face painting, zip-line rides, sports, game time, and wagon rides.
Weekend activities designed to encourage familial bonding are also an option and include events such as family outdoor movie night, special nature shows, Saturday night games, and non-denominational chapel services on Sunday mornings. Special nature shows are exhibited on Saturday evenings, generally, displaying reptiles, bugs, birds, and other animals. Also be sure to check the website for scheduling of “Special Weekends,” which feature events such as the “Light the Night Weekend” and the “Pumpkin Harvest Weekend.”

2501 Northline Rd, Galway, NY 12074 (14.8 miles from Schenectady Amtrak station):
                This campground’s main aspiration is to supply wholesome relaxation for all guests. Friendly and family-oriented McConchie’s provides 180 large, grassy campsites, which are surrounded by multiple amenities, including fire rings, picnic tables, propane, a Laundromat, free hot showers, an enclosed pavilion, a camp store, ice, firewood, and a dump station. McConchie’s is also pet-friendly, so bring all members of your family for a relaxing getaway!
                On-site, guests can enjoy a swimming pool, fishing, planned activities, basketball, horseshoes, volleyball, softball, bocce ball, a game room, and playgrounds. Located a car ride away, the exciting Saratoga Springs is a plausible day-trip for anyone looking to explore the area.

Photo Credit: Facebook of Moreau Lake State Park
605 Old Saratoga Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831 (8.6 miles from Fort Edward-Glens Falls Amtrak station):
                This state park is all about the atmosphere. The quiet, secluded campgrounds overlook Moreau Lake, which is located amongst hardwood forests, pine stands, and rocky ridges. Trees shield the picnic areas and pavilion with shade and provide the perfect spot to chill out. There are two pavilions available to reserve on a daily basis.
Moreau Lake State Park offers fun year-round. During the summer, lounge on the beach under an umbrella or rent fishing gear and connect with nature. In the winter months, snowshoes are available for rent daily. Vacation rentals are located on the beach road and include a refrigerator, stove, dishes and utensils, a screened porch, bathroom with shower, pillows, and an inviting fireplace.
A highlight of this animal-friendly park is the Moreau Lake Bird Conservation Areas (BCA). These grounds foster Neotropical migratory songbirds during spring and autumn migrations, as well as acting as a wintering site for the Bald Eagle. Aside from rare birds, household pets are also welcome, contingent upon proof of a current rabies vaccination.
Check online for upcoming events hosted by Moreau Lake State Park.

Photo Credit: Rip Van Winkle Campground
149 Blue Mountain Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477 (18.9 miles from Rhinebeck Amtrak station):
Located in the eminent Catskill Mountains of Saugerties, lies 160 acres of woodland comprising the Rip Van Winkle Campground. Each of the 170 level campsites includes a fire ring, scenic forestry, a picnic table, and easy-to-read, reflective site numbers. Full service hook-up sites are available for use and include water, electric (30/50 amp), a sewer hook-up, cable, and internet. Group sites with additional amenities are also available. Located throughout the campgrounds, there are flush toilets, public water supplies, hot water showers with individual dressing rooms, and a laundry room. For guests’ convenience, the grounds contain a General Store, complimentary morning coffee, a propane-filling station, firewood, and a public phone.
With a mile of frontage on Plattekill Creek, koi ponds, and a stocked bass pond, the fun to be had is endless! Also available for amusement are nine Fun Zones, featuring attractions such as a swimming hole, a spiral slide, and giant checkers. There are also many activities and events to attend in Saugerties, “one of America’s coolest small towns,” and the surrounding Hudson Valley region.

999 Lake Rd, Webster, NY 14582 (13.4 miles from Rochester Amtrak station):
                Positioned along the shore of Lake Ontario, this 550-acre campground offers a genuine camping experience. Aside from the campsites available, there are also 5 enclosed lodges able to accommodate 36 – 100 people. Most lodges include picnic tables, wood-burning stoves, and grills. The “White House Lodge” features a full kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, stove-top, oven, and folding tables and chairs. There are also 8 open-air shelters, which include picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms.
                Official recreational areas consist of a fishing pier, a multi-use athletic field, tennis/pickleball courts, a youth camping area, and a family campground. Webster Park is, however, a recreational area in and of itself, offering activities such as bird watching; camping; cross-country skiing; fishing; geo-caching; hiking or running; kayaking and canoeing; lodges and shelter for rent; multi-use athletic fields; orienteering; pickleball; a playground; sledding; snowshoeing; tennis; access to the creek and lake via a pier; and picnic tables.

New York State houses relaxing getaways for all ages and interests. Take a trip to any of these campgrounds and start your relaxation early 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.