Plan a New York State Getaway

From the beaches of Long Island, to the high peaks of the Adirondacks, to thundering Niagara Falls.

There is so much to do – like exploring island castles in the Thousand Islands, fly fishing in The Catskills, or sipping wine in the Finger Lakes and craft beer in Central New York.

Experience thoroughbred racing in Saratoga, historic estates in the Hudson Valley and world-class performances in Chautauqua.

All this and the greatest city in the world. Make memories on a New York State getaway you’ll love.

Small Ship Cruising Done Differently

Founded in 1966 in Warren, Rhode Island, Blount Small Ship Adventures offers a winning combination – travel in small numbers to unique destinations, with a personal approach. Operating a fleet of two innovative, expedition-style ships, each vessel comfortably carries up to 84 guests.

Different by design, Blount’s vessels provide a casual, friendly atmosphere and can visit ports and navigate waterways inaccessible to larger ships. From historians to nature lovers, Blount offers a cruise for every type of traveler.

Featured Cruises

Ranging from 4 to 16 days in length, Blount cruises through North America’s greatest waterways including the Great Lakes, Erie Canal, Saint Lawrence River, Coastal New England, the Canadian Maritimes and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. In addition, the cruise line’s 2019 winter season will be spent cruising Belize and Panama.

Islands of New England, 7 Days

Summer cruising in New England is unparalleled. Discover charming coastlines and preserved Main Streets as you island-hop like yachtsmen through Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Newport.

New England Islands Escape, 4 Days

Enjoy the perfect weekend getaway visiting Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Newport. Unpack just once and avoid the hassle of booking overpriced hotels and island ferries for a quick and easy summer escape.

Historic Massachusetts Sampler, 8 Days

Cruise to the many quaint ports of Massachusetts, rich in revolutionary heritage and modern-day charm. New England’s historic past comes alive on this seacoast itinerary. Join BSSA on July 1, 2018 during a spirited Independence Day themed cruise round trip from Boston!

Maine and New Brunswick, 10 Days

Set sail up the coast of Maine to New Brunswick where whale watching, crisp air, and endless miles of rocky ocean coastline awaits. Along the way, you’ll see more trees than people – and maybe as many lobsters and lighthouses, too!

New York to Montreal, 14 Days

Journey through historic canals, lakes, rivers, and bays previously only accessible by private yacht. Traverse the narrow locks and low bridges of the Erie Canal along this signature itinerary.

Panama Canal & the Islands, 12 days

Visit the “Whole Panama,” transiting the full length of the canal and experiencing both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of this remarkable country.

Belize and Roatan, 12 days

This itinerary is for the snorkeler, swimmer and nature lover. Experience the Blount bow landing on remote cays, miles away from other boats. Adventure the spectacular Honduran Islands of Roatan and Utila, where emerald waters crest onto white sand beaches.

To learn more about Blount Small Ship Adventures cruise offerings, visit blountadventure.com/cruises for more information or call 1-888-245-0049 and speak with a cruise specialist today!

Lake George Area

Endless sunny days and warm summer nights mean it’s time to head to the Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks. Discover a getaway jam-packed with outdoor fun, unforgettable activities, fantastic restaurants and more.

Burrow your toes deep into the sand on the shores of Lake George for a day or spend your entire vacation lounging on the beach. Rather be on the water? Rent a boat and discover the gorgeous shorelines and hidden coves. Choose a peaceful spot on the water and fish for a feisty bass or a massive lake trout. If hiking is more your style, you can explore miles of trails located only minutes from the hotels and restaurants of quaint Adirondack towns.

Stay in a lakefront resort that offers every luxury imaginable or hide away at a bed & breakfast bordered by a forest of towering pines. Campers can sleep under the stars at a tranquil island campsite or enjoy rustic living and endless amenities at an RV campground.

Travelers looking for some excitement are sure to find it on the roller coasters and water rides at Six Flags Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, while those who prefer a slower pace will enjoy strolling the sidewalks of downtown shopping districts throughout the region.

Hungry? Flavorful experiences await at quiet restaurants in Chestertown or North Creek, and Lake George and Bolton Landing’s waterfront restaurants are great for taking in the scenery and enjoying the local brews.

The region also hosts several annual events, including the Americade Motorcycle Rally, Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, Adirondack Nationals Car Show and Adirondack Balloon Festival.

Summer is here. Pack your bathing suits, fishing rods, bicycles and hiking boots, and hit the road!

Pioneer your vacation today by calling 518-761-6366 or clicking here.

Cattaraugus County 

 Now is your chance to get outside to watch nature blossom in Cattaraugus County, the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York. Easily accessible by major highways and just one hour South of Buffalo and one hour East of Erie, the county enjoys beautiful natural landscapes of tree-lined rolling hills, wide open spaces and attractions that are family-oriented and affordable.

The two sections of Allegany State Park, Red House and Quaker, offer nature and adventure tourism for those seeking to explore the great outdoors. Take to any of the trail systems for hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. Offering a total of 348 cabins, 38 cottages, an additional 3 campgrounds areas inside the park, and several group camps, it is accommodating to any size group.

 Rock City Park lets visitors discover 80 feet tall rocks that have been left over from the ice age with hiking trails that lead under, around and sometimes through these magnificent rocks.

At Griffis Sculpture Park, nature combines with art. Hike along the trail to come upon over 250 enormous sculptures that you can climb on!

Plan your attack through a series of platforms and “bridges” where the challenge is to figure out how to get to the next platform at Sky High Adventure Park. Most courses include a zipline ride, and some have more than one.

Or slow down and enjoy a simpler way of life along the Western side of Cattaraugus County, home to NY’s Amish Trail.

Start planning your trip to the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York.  For free information on any of these activities or events, or to request a free Activities Guide, call 1-800-331-0543 or click here.

Sullivan Catskills

Since the 19th-century visitors have flocked to the Sullivan Catskills for the fresh air, clean water, cool summer breezes, snowy winter slopes and year-round spectacular scenery. Hundreds of hotels and resorts grew, helping the area to form a reputation for hospitality.

The Beaverkill, Willowemoc and Delaware River have always been a draw for anglers from all over the world. And in 1969, half a million visitors came to Bethel for three days of peace, love, and music at the Woodstock Music and Art Festival.

The Sullivan Catskills environment is still pure and easily accessible. Resorts now include a family-centric hotel and golf center, a destination spa and a major casino entertainment complex. Smaller B&B’s, cottages and boutique lodging options are attracting singles, couples and families alike to relax and revitalize.

Local farms provide fresh fare to restaurants and wineries, and microbrews and distilleries are raising everyone’s spirits.

There’s something for everything season. Throughout the year Woodstock nation brings their families back to a world-class entertainment and education center at the preserved concert site. In the fall, eagles soar over colorful foliage on the Delaware Scenic Byway. And every April the trout become cooperative on opening day.

Whether you want to kick back or kick it up, you’ll find fun, fresh air and friends in the Sullivan Catskills.

For more information and a free travel guide, click here.

Discover Long Island

Seven bridges and two tunnels connect the city of New York to its beachfront backyard, Long Island.

A year-round destination, the 120-mile-long fish-shaped island is abuzz with its sparkling beaches, iconic sites, quaint downtowns, world-renowned wine country and famed Hamptons. Whether you’re into scenic waterfront restaurants or blooming lavender fields, Long Island has something for every vacationer.

Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy some of the best farm-to-table fare from the area’s bountiful farmlands and surrounding waters. From seaside shacks with a view to top-rated restaurants led by renowned chefs, the Long Island food scene has so much to offer.

Adventure seekers can climb to the top of the many storied lighthouses or venture out on a hike through the 300-year-old Sunken Forest, a rare natural formation in Fire Island. World-class golf courses, surfing hot spots and ultimate fishing are just a few of the open-air activities available to visitors.

Rated by Wine Enthusiast as one of the ‘Top 10 Wine Regions’ in the world, Long Island’s beverage scene is booming with over 70 vineyards and breweries that are utilizing locally-grown ingredients to create the perfect sip.

History buffs can travel back in time visiting homes of past presidents, poets, and artists, including President Theodore Roosevelt and Poet Walt Whitman. World-class museums and Gatsby-style mansions highlight a bygone era.

Home to famous landmarks such as Belmont Park, Oheka Castle and the Montauk Lighthouse, Long Island is a destination that is no stranger to the spotlight.

Discover Long Island today. For more information, click here.

Tour the Finger Lakes / Cayuga County

With eight lakes and the Erie Canal, Cayuga County has more freshwater coastline than any other county in New York State. From the Great Lake Ontario to tiny Lake Como, water experiences such as swimming, boating and fishing abound.

Cayuga County is famous for its fresh fruit, herbs, vegetables and dairy products. Many of the restaurants feature seasonal menus with the freshest and finest quality products from local farms. Paired with a local wine, beer or cider, you are sure to have a memorable meal.

Music, theatre and fine arts make up the rich culture and lifestyle of the area. From the Tiffany windows at Willard Chapel to musical theater at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, arts and culture come alive in Cayuga County.

The scenery ranks as one of the top reasons visitors come to Cayuga County. Crystal clear lakes, rolling farmlands and breathtaking sunsets, make it the “beauty queen” of the Finger Lakes.

For more information, click here.

Discover History and Adventure Along the Erie Canal in Montgomery County

In the early 19th century, before highways and railroads dominated, the Erie Canal helped to make New York City the commercial center of the nation. Today, while preserving the canal’s history in the low bridges and locks that you can spot along the corridor, the surrounding region has evolved into a charming destination.

From Albany to Buffalo, 500 miles of interconnected waterways and trails lead to quaint downtown areas, museums, historical sites, boating, dining and more.

For your next day trip or weekend road trip, discover all there is to see and do along the Erie Canal in Montgomery County.

Parks and activities

Follow the path of the canal on the Erie Canalway Trail, which has 300 miles of multiple use trails for cycling and hiking. Campsites are scattered through the canal system. You can rent a kayak at several locations along the trail as well.

Or bring your boat for a cruise throughout the canal; launches are available at many points across New York State. The Erie Canal also runs near several rivers and waterways, with access to fishing spots and paddling.

Take in the scenery on the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook pedestrian bridge, which spans 500 feet over the Mohawk River.

Erie Canal Locks

The Erie Canal is famous for its lock system, which raises and lowers the level of the water so ships can pass through smoothly. There are 35 locks total in the canal, with many of the original 19^th century locks nearby.

Stroll down to the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site and view multiple eras of canal history, including a section of the original Erie Canal from 1825 and stone locks built in the 1840s. The largest structure is the remains of the Schoharie Aqueduct, which was built in 1841 to carry canal boats. Six of the original 14 stone arches are still standing.

Hiking, biking and walking are available at Schoharie Crossing along towpath trails, as well as a boat launch. Check out the Visitor Center for a trail map and an exhibit on local Erie Canal history.

History and museums

Not only is the Erie Canal itself a major part of history, it is adjacent to many museums and historical sites throughout the state.

The Arkell Museum in Canajoharie hosts works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and many more artists, as well as prints and paintings of the Erie Canal and nearby Mohawk River. There are special exhibitions throughout the year.

Step into colonial times at Old Fort Johnson. Sir William Johnson built this fortified stone house on the banks of the Mohawk River in 1749.The Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park is also hotbed of history.

More to explore

Take a tour of one of the upstate New York State wineries or visit the restaurants that dot the landscape in every city. There are also plenty of spots to have a lovely picnic at several parks alongside the waterfront.

Jam out at the free concerts all summer long at Riverlink Park in Amsterdam or see a movie under the stars at the El Rancho Drive-In in Palatine Bridge, open April to October. Like fresh produce and locally grown food? Stop by one of the area’s many farms and farm stands.

Sports fans can watch the Amsterdam Mohawks play college-level baseball in June and July.

This may sound like a lot of things to do, but it is only a small slice of the many activities available along every stop on the Erie Canal.

For more information, click here.