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.

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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.

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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.

Explore the Wonders of Fall in Central New York

Photo courtesy of Howe Caverns

As we embark on the autumn season, we slowly remember all of the beauty that it holds; the crispness of the air, the leaves bursting into the many colors of the rainbow, and the tasty fall inspired treats that we've all come to enjoy. There's something about the transition from summer to fall that creates the perfect ambient atmosphere to relax. Winding down from the fast paced craziness of the summer is never an easy task, but a weekend getaway in Central New York will help you embrace the amazing opportunities that fall has to offer -- walk through an underground cave, experience a live theatrical production, visit a National Historic Landmark, enjoy a unique wine slushy, and try your luck at a roulette table! With everything from small towns to big cities, the central region of New York State offers visitors wide variety of experiences!

Howe Caverns:

(29.2 miles from Amsterdam Amtrak station)

If you're looking for a trip that provides the perfect balance of historical value and excitement, look no further than Howe Caverns. Here, you will find the largest cave in the Northeast that is available to the public, with about 160,000 visitors each year. Being the second most-visited natural attraction in New York State, Howe Caverns is the perfect get-away activity for families, couples, and all those who wish to be a little more adventurous. Well-trained guides provide tours uncovering the deep myths of this land which was carved by water throughout millions of years. Visit the Cavern's most recent addition, "Howe High Adventure," featuring a number of seasonal attractions including a four-tower zip line, Sky Trail ropes course, a 26 foot climbing wall, and air jumper. There's also a new 6,000 square foot Gemstone mining building open year-round, allowing for visitors to go gemstone panning for semi-precious minerals. New for 2015, experience the thrill of the haunting adventure that is the Howe Haunted Lantern Tour. Join the exploration of the mysteries and legends of the cave while ghost hosts take you on a special two hour lantern tour.

                                                                                        Rome Capitol Theatre

                                                                                   (1.4 miles from Rome Amtrak station)

Photo Courtesy of Rome Capitol Theatre

Classic theatre and performance fans from all over the world gather to experience the hidden gem of Downtown Rome's historic Capitol Theatre. After undergoing a number of renovations since its opening in 1928, this 1,788 seat performing and visual arts space with its original Möller theatre organ, has become one of Upstate New York's most iconic attractions. The theatre holds over 100 performances a year featuring live theatrical performances, dance programs, classic silent and talking films, and world famous big bands such as Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, and Tommy Dorsey. Maintaining its traditional sconces and chandeliers accompanied by Spanish-Morrocan themed colors, and modernistic geometric designs, this classic theatre provides visitors with a historical and cultural experience.

Old Fort Johnson

(1.3 mile from Amsterdam Amtrak station)

The Old Fort Johnson limestone house, originated in 1749, was the residence of Sir William Johnson. The British Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and hero of the Battles of Lake 

Photo courtesy of Old Fort Johnson

George and Fort Niagara resided in the home throughout the French and Indian War. Today, seasonal tours of this national historic Landmark describe the social, cultural, military and industrial past of the Mohawk Valley. A $4 entry fee will get you inside the home of the British Loyalist, where you may experience a wide array of themed events such as the "Voices of the Past," where a host will lead you through a guided candlelight tour with historic readings from the days of the French and Indian Wars.

Villa Verona Vineyard

(11.5 miles from Rome Amtrak Station)

Photo courtesy of Villa Verona Vineyard

Visit Central New York's premiere winery, Villa Verona Vineyard. The first of its kind in Oneida County, this intimate winery provides visitors with great offerings and quality. The vineyard produces its own Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other blends. Wine tastings are offered daily, Wednesday through Sunday, where guests may enjoy a variety of sweet to dry wines and try a unique wine slushy made from special blends. After a long day of wine tasting, head down to the beautiful gift shop where you will find yourself surrounded by a variety of gifts worth treasuring including hand-painted glassware, clothing apparel, accessories and much more.

Turning Stone Resort Casino

(10.2 miles from Rome Amtrak station)

Located just 1.7 miles west of Villa Verona Winery, the Turning Stone Resort Casino is a world-class resort owned and operated by the Oneida Indian Nation. Whether you like to spin the wheel, deal the deck, or roll the dice, Turning Stone Resort Casino brings to the table a broad range of your favorite games. In addition to 120,000 square feet of gaming, guests enjoy the abundant amenities including the Skanka Spa, five golf courses, eleven specifically themed nightlife venues and twelve dining lounges. The resort

Photo courtesy of Turning Stone Resort Casino

holds live entertainment and events in an intimate 800 seat cabaret style showroom. The venue hosts everything from chart topping singers and stand-up comedians to full scale musical productions. For the 2015 fall season, Turning Stone welcomes their 4th annual, "3 Nights of Horror." Guests, ghosts, ghouls, and goblins won't want to miss their chance at winning over $10,000 in cash prizes for three nights only.

There is no better way to spend the brisk fall season than by hopping on a train and going on an adventure. Amtrak knows just how to get you to your destination. Need another reason to get away for a weekend? Amtrak is running tons of promotions to make your travel needs easier including their Enterprise deal, where you may earn 50 Amtrak Guest Rewards points per day each time you rent, or redeem your current points for a free car rental. For more ways to enjoy a weekend in these cities, check out New York By Rail.

The Lincoln Connection

To commemorate the 150^th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, ILOVENY and New York's Path Through History have teamed up to expose visitors to events and historic sites throughout New York State that directly relate to Lincoln's life and era. 

A Flag for the Ages: Abraham Lincoln and the New York State Capitol (2.2 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station): On August 6 and September 3, the New York State Capitol Building in Albany will host this exhibition, highlighting the 16^th president's historic connections to New York State, his 1861 visit to the State Capitol, as well as his laying in state at the Old New York State Capitol on April 26, 1865.

This exhibition will also showcase the national flag placed around the bier upon which Lincoln's casket was rested. Artifacts will be on display that explore Lincoln's death and funeral more closely, and New York State's contribution to the Civil War will also be noted.

Civil War Artifacts Exhibit (1.6 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak station): Now through December 31, explore the New York State Military Museum's sizable collection of authentic civil war artifacts. Highlights include a civil war canon, soldiers' uniforms, and the A.C. Redwood painting, “Red-Legged Devils at Gettysburg.”

The Lincoln Depot Museum (8.1 miles from Croton-Harmon Amtrak station) currently hosts two different collections of vintage Lincoln items and photos:

• The Brian D. Caplan Collection: Containing over one hundred artifacts, images, and trinkets – including vintage campaign buttons from Lincoln's presidential runs, lockets, and hand carved pipes in Lincoln's likeness.

• Lincoln and New York: The Indispensable Relationship: Explores Lincoln's ties to the town of Peekskill, as well as the role New Yorkers played in Lincoln's two elections. Artifacts on display include rare maps, photos, and a Lincoln signed order.

The Grant Cottage State Historic Site (9.4 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak station), home of Lincoln's Commanding General, Ulysses S. Grant, will also host several educational programs in August and September:

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  Grant and his Saratoga Connections: 1865-1885: On August 19, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, in collaboration with Friends of Grant Cottage, will present an informative PowerPoint program exploring Ulysses S. Grant's connections with the people and places of Saratoga, through a selection of stories and pictures.

• You Are There: April 9, 1865: On September 12, experience the surrender at Appomattox through an old-fashioned radio broadcast. This radio re-enactment and dramatization is based on reports of the actual event, with musical selections by the 77^th NY Regimental Balladeers, sound effects, reporter coverage, and appearances by notable historical characters.

For more historical, Lincoln-related events and information on a 15% discount for Amtrak travelers within New York State, visit Newyorkbyrail.com.

Visit iloveny.com/lincoln to learn more about this special commemoration and plan your family's next historical experience! #iloveny #Lincoln150

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.

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.