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.

Celebrate July 4th at New York's Festivals and Fireworks Shows

The Fourth of July is only two weeks away, and this means family barbecues, fireworks, Revolutionary War re-enactments, and most of all, the celebration of our nation’s independence! Take part in a summertime tradition at one of these New York State Independence Day festivals and fireworks shows, all accessible by Amtrak.

New York City

Photo Credit: Affinia

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular (7.6 miles from Penn Station): On the evening of July 4, Macy’s will light up the skyline of New York City for the 39^th time with its annual Fireworks Spectacular! A tradition since 1977, over 40,000 shells of fireworks are set off from the Brooklyn Bridge and water barges in New York Harbor to a patriotic musical soundtrack. For the best viewing spots, Macy’s recommends Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and all along the east side of Lower Manhattan. Arrive early to snag a good spot for the 9 p.m. show! Admission is free.

Poughkeepsie

Walkway Over the Hudson’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular (0.6 miles from Poughkeepsie Train Station): Enjoy breathtaking fireworks in a unique setting while sitting high above the Hudson River at the Walkway Over the Hudson’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular! Relax and enjoy the view as the fireworks fill up the sky and get reflected in the river below. Ticket holders are admitted to the Walkway at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks will begin between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. Chairs and snacks are welcome! Admission is $12.50 for ages 6 and over. Children 5 and under are free.

Albany

Price Chopper Presents New York State’s Fourth of July Celebration (1.7 miles from Albany Rensselaer Amtrak Station): Since 1976, Price Chopper has presented this annual Albany tradition at Empire State Plaza. The celebration begins at 3 p.m. with a naturalization ceremony, dozens of food and crafts vendors, and children’s activities. Also featuring live music by New Jersey R&B horn band Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. An afternoon and evening of fun and entertainment will culminate with the Empire State Plaza fireworks show at 9:15, dubbed the “best fireworks show in the region.” Admission is free.

Fort Ticonderoga

Photo Credit: Lake Champlain Region

Independence Day Weekend at Fort Ticonderoga (1.1 miles from Ticonderoga Amtrak Station): Partake in the historical side of Independence Day while also having fun on the grounds of Fort Ticonderoga! Highlights include Revolutionary War battle re-enactments and patriotic performances by the Fife & Drum Corps of Fort Ticonderoga, as well as educational family programs. Single-Day and Two-Day admission tickets are available. Prices vary based on age. Take advantage of one of Amtrak’s current discounts: Buy one adult train ticket and get a second ticket for free when traveling on The Adirondack to and from Fort Ticonderoga! For more information, visit Newyorkbyrail.com/Discounts. Fort Ticonderoga also offers a shuttle service to guests arriving on Amtrak to Ticonderoga’s Best Western Plus Inn and Suites and the Fort Ticonderoga museum campus. Shuttle service is free of charge through September 7.

Buffalo

Photo Credit: Buffalo Rising

Canalside Independence Day Celebration (0.4 miles from Buffalo-Exchange Street Amtrak Station): Celebrate Fourth of July on the waterfront in beautiful downtown Buffalo at the Canalside Independence Day Celebration! Enjoy a wide selection of food vendors and live music from the Buffalo Niagara Concert Band, the George Scott Big Band, Big City Horns, and Lance Diamond. Activities for children include puppet shows, arts & crafts, face painting, and caricature art. A performance by Junior ROTC color guard at 9:15 p.m. and a flag folding ceremony at 9:30 p.m. will set the stage for the big fireworks show at 10:15 p.m. over Lake Erie! Admission is free.

Whether your idea of a perfect Fourth of July celebration is spending it with family and friends amongst good food, live music, and fireworks or paying tribute by learning more about the holiday’s history, New York State has something for everyone and Amtrak can get you there! For more information about upcoming events reachable by Amtrak and a 15% discount for Amtrak travel within New York State, visit Newyorkbyrail.com.

Have Some Fun at 2015’s Food and Drink Festivals

Have Some Fun at 2015’s Food and Drink Festivals

Whether you’re a food, beer or wine lover, there are some great offerings out there in the coming months. Food and drink festivals are being held all across New York state, and here are seven that we recommend you to check out! All are accessible via Amtrak’s fine, scenic routes: 

Montreal Beer Fest 

22nd Annual Montreal Beer Fest (takes place at Montreal Convention Center, 0.5 miles from Montreal Amtrak): Beer lovers and professional brewers will commence from June 10-14 this year at the Montreal Beer Festival. Not only will there be beer tastings, but workshops will be held where attendees can learn the art of beer brewing. Founded in 1994, this event is a hallmark of the brewing industry in Quebec and its success has led to similar showcases in Rio de Janeiro and Europe. Admission to the event itself is free, but the samplings of beer go at a rate of one dollar per ounce. 

NYC Bourbon Bash (takes place in multiple locations in NYC, you can get to all of them via Penn Station Amtrak): On June 13, at eight different bars, you can enjoy the best bourbon the Big Apple has to offer hopefully without blacking out! For $65, you can also indulge in great food and rock out to great music. A portion of all the proceeds go to various non-profit and charitable organizations. Tickets are to be ordered online and you must check in from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm sharp. The event goes on until 10:00 pm.

Saratoga Brewfest 

Saratoga Brewfest (located at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 6.6 miles from the Saratoga Springs Amtrak): Also on June 13, the Saratoga Brewfest will showcase some of the best local, regional and national craft beers along with great live music. More than 75 breweries are expected to participate with over 250 brews available to taste in samples. The event will also feature speakers from the craft brew industry. The festivities go on from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm, but VIPs can enjoy from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm. General admission tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door, while VIPs get in for $60. 

Empire Brew Fest

World of Beer Empire Brew Fest 2015 (takes place in the Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds, 4.1 miles from the Syracuse Amtrak): For its 2015 outing, going from June 26th to 27th this year, this annual festival returns to Syracuse with more brewers and craft beers to go around. There will also be a Cornhole Tournament and interactive games which will test your knowledge of craft beer in addition to Giant Jenga and Giant Scrabble games for groups of friends to enjoy together! For those who are not big beer connoisseurs, there is a wine festival this year as well attached to the annual festivities. Admission breaks down like this: all day samplings are $35, the pay as you go rate is $10, and the designated driver rate is $5.

Little Falls Cheese Festival (takes place in the historic West End of Little Falls, NY, 21.6 miles from Utica Amtrak): On July 11, the scenic town of Little Falls, NY will host its annual festival showcasing delicious cheeses of all kinds. Plenty of other related products will be on hand as well, including yogurt, artisanal breads, jams and handcrafted cutting boards. Local restaurants will also be participating in a competition for the best pizza, which is the town specialty. Live music will be there, and just added is a one-act mystery play entitled “Where’s the Cheese?” performed by the town’s theater company. Admission is free, and you can call Utica Enterprise for pickup from the station to the event at (315) 736-0002.

Bounty of the Hudson Wine and Food Festival (takes place at Benmarl Winery, 11.2 miles outside the Poughkeepsie Amtrak): From July 25-26, you can sample some of the Hudson Valley Region’s finest wines and produce from local restaurants. All fourteen wineries located in the Shawangunk Wine Trail are participating this year. Along with the wines, visitors can sample local cheese, honey and baked goods while listening to some great live music. Admission is $28 and your ticket will cover the samplings from each of the wineries, the live music, and a souvenir Shawangunk Wine Trail glass. There are bus and taxi services at the station. 

Buffalo Wing Festival 

The National Buffalo Wing Festival (takes place at the Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, .2 miles from the Buffalo-Exchange Street Amtrak Station): This festival is known as the Super Bowl for the chicken wing industry, with total attendance of over 865,000 people and 4.5 million wings served since it began in 2002. This year it will take place from September 5-6. Participating restaurants showcase their wing sauces in a competition for best sauce known as the National Sauce-Off. Other competitions include the United States Buffalo Wing Eating Championship, the Baby Wing Contest, the Amateur Wing Sauce Competition, the XXXHot Wing Eating Contest, and bobbing for wings in a bowl of blue cheese. All weekend there will also be live music and trivia contests. Admission is $5 per day, but children under 8 get in for free. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate.

There’s food and fun for everyone this year! So come on down and dive into some of the best in food and drink that each of these locations has to offer. You can get to each one of them through Amtrak , and as always, you can look into our discounts for additional savings, including our 15% discount courtesy of ILOVENY. For any other inquiries, visit the New York By Rail website.

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.

New York State Outdoor Music Festivals

Memorial Day has just marked the official start of summer. That means now is the time for summer vacations and getaways! New York State is known for great outdoor music festivals in unique settings and here are a few we recommend that are accessible by a relaxing ride on Amtrak:

38th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival (2.5 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak Station): Located in the cultural core of upstate New York, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) will host this year's festival on June 27 – 28. SPAC is renowned for its acoustic quality and unique atmosphere. Seven performances will occur in the SPAC Amphitheatre, whilst performances proceed simultaneously on the Gazebo Stage. Admission ranges from $60 - $85. Guests are recommended to reserve a hotel room beforehand.

Lake George Elvis Festival (19.5 miles from Fort Edward-Glens Falls Amtrak Station): For the twelfth consecutive year, the Village of Lake George will host one of North America’s largest Elvis Festivals. Five days of entertainment will ensue on May 28 with a free concert on the shore of the lake and will feature the world’s foremost tributes to the King of Rock-n-Roll, a Classic Car parade, Elvis-themed cruises on the lake, and an “Elvis meets the Beatles” segment. Celebrate the influential life and music of Elvis Presley upon the picturesque backdrop of Lake George.  

Photo Credit: New York State Festivals

Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival (1.0 mile from Rochester Amtrak Station): Last year’s festival witnessed attendance of nearly 200,000 guests. The 2015 XRIJF, occurring from June 19 – 27, is one of the nation’s most anticipated music festivals of the year. XRIJF will present over 150 artists at more than 20 different venues, totaling 324 concerts. 95 of the included shows are free of cost.

The Governors Ball (7.5 miles from New York Penn Station): For a festival that has thought of everything, take a trip to Randall’s Island for the 2015 Governors Ball, June 5-7. Headliners this year include Drake, the Black Keys, Deadmau5, Florence and the Machine, Lana Del Rey, Bjork, My Morning Jacket, and Ryan Adams. Other non-music entertainment is also available. Single-day tickets are $120 and a 3-Day General Admission is $275.

Photo Credit: Nature Calendar

Clearwater Festival (2.2 miles from Croton-Harmon Station): Contribute to the health of the Hudson River and have a great time doing so by attending Pete Seeger’s festival at Croton Park on June 20 – 21. Since the 1960s, this festival has entertained guests with storytelling, dance, educational workshops, boat rides, food, community, and music. This year will mark the one-year anniversary of the loss of the festival’s inspirational founder, so help his dream live on and enjoy live entertainment whilst contributing to the betterment of the Hudson River and supporting Clearwater’s environmental research. Prices vary depending upon days of attendance.

Music festivals are an exciting way to experience New York’s culture and scenery, and Amtrak can take you to them. Start your summer getaway by sitting back and enjoying the train ride to your destination. For more information on other summer getaways reachable by Amtrak and a 15% discount for Amtrak travel within New York State, visit New York By Rail.

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.