Survival Tips and Life Hacks You Didn't Know You Needed for Holiday Train Travel!

One of the most daunting tasks during the holiday season is trying to figure out the most efficient way to travel. While trying to avoid the many inconveniences of holiday travel - traffic jams and time delays among many others - the most frustrating realization is that you could have been more prepared. This year, skip the jam - unless it’s going on a biscuit! - hop on a train, and trump the holiday madness. These articles and personal stories share everything you need to know for optimizing your travels during the busy holidays.

Amtrak

...Wants you to arrive relaxed and refreshed with their 10 Thanksgiving travel tips for stress-free travel. Now offering an all new 2+2=FREE deal passengers are allowed 2 50lb bags each. Learn about the special lounge and sleeper car rates and get ready to start capturing amazing memories right on the train.

USATourist

These travel tips give you an inside look on everything provided to you by Amtrak. What’s your style, twin decked coaches or sleeping cars? Sight-seeing on board, or hopping off and exploring natural landscape? Choose from over 500 destinations throughout 46 states across the U.S, and start your holiday off right.

Kaleidoscope Wandering

Joanna, travel enthusiast and veteran of long-distance travel in 3 countries, shares her thoughts on why trains offer the best method of travel. Her best tip: “Appreciate a form of travel that might as well be a lost art.”

Off The Blue Print

If you are looking for tips on how to plan for long-distance travel with Amtrak, this is a great read. Enjoy lingering charm while on board, 100% refund policy, lower fees than airlines, and explore the U.S with the Trails and Rails Program with Amtrak.

Matador Network

Adam Polonski gives you a first-hand look into his experiences while on a 1 month ride on the Amtrak rails. Adam shares all that could go wrong while on your trip and why it’s still the best way to see and learn about America.

Minitime

Traveling with kids? The folks here at Minitime share their 10 tips for smoother family travel. Plus,  Amtrak provides family friendly discounts and entertainment.

Scootaround

Are you using a wheelchair and looking to travel by train this holiday season? Scootaround shares their personal travel solutions on special rates for escorts, priority boarding, mobility vehicle storage and more.

AARP

This article gives great information on the many benefits available to physically challenged travelers. AARP tells you how to plan ahead,, request a rental car and ask for proper medicine storage on the train.

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

Dutchess Wine Trail

(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

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

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.

Image Courtesy of Victory View Vineyard

Upper Hudson Valley Wine Trail

(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.

Image Courtesy of Finger Lakes Wine Center

Canandaigua Wine Trail

(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.

There's Still Time For Fall Fun in the Adirondacks!

As we approach the final weeks of the brisk fall season, you can still find activities and events the whole family can enjoy in the Adirondacks. With more than 100 towns and villages located within the Adirondack Park--the largest park in the lower 48 states--the Adirondacks covers six-million pristine acres of mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys. With a broad range of activities and eight Amtrak stations to choose from, there is no better place to say your farewells to fall.

Image Courtesy of The Hyde Collection

Hyde Collection 

(5.4 miles from Fort Edward Amtrak station)

Located in the small city of Glens Falls, this museum combines Adirondack heritage with a permanent collection of old European and Modern Masters, decorative art and furnishings that spans almost six thousand years from antiquity to the present. The museum is currently featuring their newest exhibition "Heroines" by artist Audrey Flack, a pioneer in Photorealism and a nationally recognized painter, print-maker, and sculptor. The subject of the drawings and prints highlight women neglected or demonized by history and will be running through January 3rd, 2016.

Image Courtesy of Skene Manor

Skene Manor

(0.4 miles from Whitehall Amtrak station)

Built in 1874, this Victorian Gothic-style mansion was built by New York State Supreme Court Judge Joseph H. Potter on Skene Mountain in Whitehall. Today, visitors can enjoy free tours of the historic mansion, have lunch in the Tea Room, and explore the charming gift shop. Join Whitehall's biggest holiday event with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Skene Manor on Saturday, December 12th.

Image Courtesy of Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum

Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum

(1.2 miles from Plattsburgh Amtrak station)

Since their opening in June 2014, the museum has focused on the 40 years of U.S Air Force presence in the region from 1955-1995. The museum features special exhibits and personal memorabilia collections that includes artifacts which they collect, preserve, and maintain in an effort to publicize the significance of our nation's history. 

Image Courtesy of Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm

(3.6 miles from Port Kent Amtrak station)

This two-mile sandstone gorge traversed by the Ausable River has been a public attraction since 1870. The new museum features exhibits of extreme natural events, nostalgic souvenirs, and photography displays. Ausable Chasm is now offering spectacular winter tours where you can view gigantic icicles that tower 150-feet above the Ausable River and descend into the chasm to explore the rock and ice formations.

Image Courtesy of Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area

Wickham Marsh Wildlife Management Area

(1.7 miles from Port Kent Amtrak station)

Covering 862 acres in Chesterfield offers a series of mapped foot trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bird watching, hunting, and fishing. An observation platform atop a 20-feet high ridge provides a 180-degree marsh view. Wickham Marsh offers a chance for visitors with widely diverse interests, from sportsmen to wildlife researcher to nature enthusiast, to pursue their favorite outdoor activities.

Amtrak Takes You to the Top Football Teams and Stadiums in New York State!

Whether you like being out on the field, or watching from the sidelines, Amtrak provides an easy train ride to some of New York State’s top professional and major college teams and stadiums. Aside from watching a great game, you can also enjoy some of the other exciting activities that the stadiums 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.

Image Courtesy of ESPN NFL

Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium

(11.2 miles from Buffalo Exchange Amtrak station)

 The Buffalo Bills are a professional American football team based in the Buffalo-Niagara Metropolitan area. They are the only NFL team that plays its home games in New York State. Fun Fact: The Bills fight song used before a big game is “Shout” by the Isley Brothers.

Aside from being the Bills’ home field, this stadium has hosted concerts with world class artists including The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Guns N’ Roses, Bruce Springsteen, and One Direction among many others. Additionally, the stadium has also hosted the Drum Corps International three times.

Image Courtesy of Sports on Earth

Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome

(3.7 miles from Syracuse Amtrak station)

Syracuse Orange is a member of the NCAA Division I conference and plays their games at the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University. Did you know it is the largest domed stadium of any college campus and the largest domed stadium in the Northeastern United States?

                                                                            Stony Brook Seawolves at Kenneth

Image Courtesy of Stony Brook

P. LaValle Stadium

(55.4 miles from Pennsylvania station)

Stony Brook’s mascot is the mythical creature “Wolfie the Seawolf.” The legend of the mascot is said to be that “Wolfie” famously battled and defeated his nemesis “The Great Ginger One” and brought luck to all those who could see him.

Marist Red Foxes at Tenney Stadium

(1.0 miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak station)

Image Courtesy of Marist College

This Pioneer Football League won their 100^th game in their 23^rd year of varsity competition in a 34-31 win over Wagner College, completing their seventh straight winning season.

Image Courtesy of Fordham University

Fordham Rams at Jack Coffey Field

(13.2 miles from Pennsylvania station)

Did you know that the first televised football game was between Fordham and Waynesburg in 1939 in which the Fordham Rams were victorious?

Army Black Knights at Michie Stadium

Image Courtesy of Army West Point

(18.3 miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak station)

The home field for the Army Black Knights overlooks the Hudson River and the Medieval-style campus below, which landed them in the #3 ranked sports venue of the 20^th century in Sports Illustrated.

                                                                                 Ithaca Bombers and Cortland Red 

                                                                            Dragons at Butterfield Stadium

Image Courtesy of Ithaca College

(58.9 miles from Syracuse Amtrak station)

Home to the highly anticipated rivalry between the Cortland Red Dragons and the Ithaca Bombers, the clash of the rivals has been awarded the name “Cortaca,” selling out each game for the last 26 years. The Stadium is widely known for hosting the Cortaca Jug game between the two Division III college football teams in which thousands of fans join to celebrate and support their respective teams.

Image Courtesy of the University at Albany

Albany Great Danes at Bob Ford Field

(9.1 miles from Rensselaer Amtrak station)

Interesting fact: Since 1996, the University at Albany’s practice fields has been handed over to the New York Giants to be used for their Summer Training Camp. The event brings fans and media from all around New York and the United States to Albany.

New York Welcomes the 2015-16 Season of Performing Arts Centers!

New York State is lucky to be the home of countless performing arts centers, providing audiences entertainment and access to thrilling performances like the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and many more that have grown to be iconic fan favorites. With each returning season we are reminded of all of the beauty, joy, and grace that is upheld within the performing arts culture. Consider taking Amtrak for a weekend getaway centered around live orchestrated music, innovative choreography, and more. These performing arts centers are  close to Amtrak stations across the state.

Image Courtesy of the American Ballet Theatre

American Ballet Theatre

(2.2 miles from Penn station)

Join the American Ballet Theatre as it continues its 75th anniversary celebration with its annual two-week engagement for a spectacular Fall Season. The season features exciting all-new choreography under highly acclaimed Mark Morris, as well as Company Premieres of Frederick Ashton's modernistic Monotones I and II, which will be premiered at the Opening Night Gala. The two week celebration of the new season runs through November 1 as the American Ballet Theatre's world-class dancers bring their dramatic artistry and thrilling bravura to such audience favorites as Twyla Tharp's impressively large, The Brahms-Haydn Variations. The fall season is filled with the Company’s diverse repertoire performed by world-class dancers includes the iconic fall favorite, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. For more information on ticket pricing and show times, visit

http://www.abt.org/default.aspx

Image Courtesy of the Brooklyn Center for the Preforming Arts

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts

(10.9 miles from Penn station)

Brooklyn Center announces its 2015-16 season of music, dance, theatre, and family programming reflecting the multicultural diversity of Brooklyn. Director of Brooklyn Center says of this season “From Sinatra and The Beatles to classical ballet and step dancing, the 61st season at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate the best of classic and contemporary arts and culture with world class artists.” Among the many new productions, this season features Dance Theatre in Westchester’s The Colonial Nutcracker, Moscow festival Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, and Step Afrika! The season presents outstanding performance arts and arts education programs that are reflective of Brooklyn’s diverse communities at affordable prices. Join the annual attendance of over 70,000 as they expose themselves to new cultures and ideas. For more details, visit the site at http://www.brooklyncenter.org/index

Image Courtesy of Proctors Theatre

Proctors Theatre

(0.2 miles from Schenectady Amtrak station)

After undergoing many renovations to prevent the theatre from being shut down, Proctors has proven its value to the community and gained momentum, becoming the motivating factor for the revitalization of downtown Schenectady. Over the past decade, Proctors has expanded, making it possible to accommodate large Broadway productions, giant screen films, local performers, and ever-growing audiences from around the country. This season provides ample opportunity to combine thrilling entertainment with education with the many shows in the Key Private Bank Broadway Series. Featuring some of the most highly acclaimed shows on Broadway including Once, Matilda The Musical, and Disney’s The Lion King, Proctors Theatre provides guests with a truly memorable experience. Check the site for detailed information at http://www.proctors.org/content/broadway-shows

Image Courtesy of Palace Theatre

Palace Arts Theatre

(1.9 miles from Albany Amtrak station)

This theatre is a grand cultural and entertainment facility in the heart of downtown Albany. It stands as the sole survivor of the Great Depression period in the area, and continues making history with a widely diverse offering of popular acts and cultural events. Home to the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the theatre stage has been grace with artists as diverse as the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Tony Bennett, along with performers from the world-class ballet, Broadway, family and children’s theatrical productions, city-sponsored events and much more. With a variety of theatrical productions, this season highlights the fan favorite with a twist, the Moscow Ballets spectacular rendition, Great Russian Nutcracker. Receiving rave reviews from the New York Times as a “Knock out,” experience the wonder of Christmas with larger than-life puppets, and life-sized Matrushka Dolls. For more information, be sure to visit http://palacealbany.com/

Image Courtesy of Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

(2.5 miles from Saratoga Springs Amtrak station)

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center hosts the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra in an acoustically ideal amphitheatre in the heart of Spa State Park. Named the centerpiece of cultural and performing arts throughout upstate New York, Hudson Valley, Vermont, and Canada among many others, the center presents superior chamber music, jazz, rock and pop concerts, opera, and Saratoga Wine & Food Festival; and oversees the National Museum of Dance. The 25,000 capacity performing arts venue is surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs which have set the stage for world class experiences for generations. The new season introduces the launch of the artistic future and innovative programming, along with once-in-a-lifetime special events, and honorary world premieres by New York City Ballet’s Resident Choreographer, Justin Peck, and internationally acclaimed composer, Michael Torke. Ringing in this winter season, tickets to the annual Nutcracker Tea will be sold beginning October 26th. The highly anticipated family-friendly celebration features a traditional English Christmas tea and excerpts from The Nutcracker ballet performed by the Northeast Ballet Company. For ticket and show time information, visit http://www.spac.org/whats-spac-nutcracker-tea

Image Courtesy of Eastman Theatre

Eastman Theatre

(0.8 miles from Rochester Amtrak station)

For years, the Eastman Theatre has looked forward to each new season, maintaining its high standard of artistic excellence, unique tradition of musical versatility, and deep commitment to educational and community engagement. Presenting up to 130 concerts a year, and serving over 150,000 at a wide variety of events throughout the region, the venue has been praised as the premiere cultural organization in the area promoting creativity and innovation. This season brings about many new shows, both classic and modern, theatrical productions new to the program, and the venues famous philharmonic orchestra. The theatre spotlights several thrilling shows including Disney in Concert: Tale as Old as Time, Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score of the enchanting holiday favorite, the Nutcracker, and Cirque Musica, the “Greatest show on earth” with the world’s top circus performers. This venue is the top spot for amazing performances paired with the sonic thrills of some of the most beloved orchestral music in the repertoire. Further details may be found at http://www.rpo.org/s_1/s_288/2015-16_Subscriptions/

Image Courtesy of Paramount Theatre

Paramount Theatre

(0.1 miles from Rutland Amtrak station)

The fully restored and historic Paramount theatre has marked its role as one of Vermont’s oldest arts, cultural, and educational venues, establishing itself as a significant and valuable community resource. Built in 1912 by George T. Chaffee, this theatre offers guests both a cultural experience, and entertainment with classic and modern movies, theatrical shows, and live musical performances. This season, the theatre provides guests with a wide variety of opportunities for entertainment. Among the shows being presented are the 20th annual extraordinary performances of the regions finest collection of amateur talent, The Really Big Show XX, the iconic duo, The Indigo Girls, and James Levine’s rendition of Wagner’s early masterpiece, Tannhauser, which depicts the story of a knights internal battle between true love and passion. More information on special events may be found at http://www.paramountvt.org/events-calendar/

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.