Visiting New York for the Syracuse Nationals?

While you’re here, explore the state!

1) Niagara Falls, NY - 2.5 Hour Drive - Known as the 8th wonder of the world, this is a BUCKET LIST worthy day trip! Take a ride on the Maid of the Mist, walk around the state park or catch a ride on the trolley. The falls looks even more spectacular at night! Find out more HERE

2) Letchworth State Park, NY - 1 Hour 40 Minute Drive - Located in Western New York, the park is roughly 17 miles long, following the course of the Genesee River as it flows north through a deep gorge and over several large waterfalls. It’s often called “The Grand Canyon of the East” and is a must see! Find out more HERE

3) Watkins Glen, NY - 1.5 Hour Drive - It’s the host of NASCAR and Watkins Glen State Park, this small town is bursting with energy at the tip of Seneca Lake! Take a peek at the Watkins Glen Racetrack or walk thru the 19 waterfalls at the park - your day will be full of fun in Watkins Glen! Find out more HERE

4) Canandaigua, NY - 1 Hour Drive - Located just south-east of Rochester, this small town is the heart of the Fingerlakes! Surrounded by Canandaigua Lake, explore the dozens of local wineries / distilleries / breweries, stroll thru Sonnenberg Gardens, or get a spa treatment at The Lake House or Willowbrook. Find out more HERE

5) Alexandria Bay, NY - 1 Hour 40 Minute Drive - Visit this cute town, located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1,000 Islands. Take a ride on an Uncle Sam Boat Cruise that makes a stop at Boldt Castle. Grab a bite to eat & shop after your cruise! Find out more HERE

6) Lake Placid, NY - 3 Hour 40 Minute Drive - This towns charm reaches beyond being an Olympic Winter venue. Packed with outdoor adventures (and shopping & restaurants too), you will not regret a trip up Whiteface Mountain! Find out more HERE

7) Old Forge, NY - 2 Hour Drive - This quaint town is rich in nostalgic Adirondack vibes. Often used as a “base” to explore the Adirondack region, the outdoor activities are endless! Take a ski-lift ride up McCauley Mountain, a trip on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, play one of the many golf courses, or stroll the shops on Route 28! Find out more HERE

8) Lake George, NY - 3 Hour Drive - The home of the Adirondack Nationals, we’re tipping our hat to a beautiful town in the Adirondacks full of shoppes & restaurants! Take a ride on the Minne-Ha-Ha to really soak in the views of Lake George! Find out more HERE

9) Cooperstown, NY - 2 Hour Drive - Nicknamed America’s hometown, this small-town has world-class attractions including the National Baseball Hall of Fame! While you’re there make a stop at Brewery Ommegang for a tour or get some fresh cider from Fly Creek Cider Mill! Find out more HERE

10) New York City, NY - 4 Hour Drive - Full of history & BUCKET LIST items, add NYC to your trip to New York State! Cross items off your list like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, One World Trade Center & more. Find out more HERE

  • Bouckville, NY (an entire town)
  • Eclectic Chic - Oneida, NY
  • Syracuse Antiques - Syracuse, NY
  • Ontario Antique Mall - Canandaigua, NY 
  • Pandora's Barn - Brewerton, NY 
Honorable Mention: Found (Ithaca, NY), Behind the Iron Gates (Syracuse, NY)
  • Turning Stone  - Vernona NY
  • Del Lago - Waterloo, NY
  • Yellow Brick Road - Chittenango, NY
  • Point Place - Bridgeport, NY
  • Vernon Downs - Vernon, NY
  • Dinosaur BBQ - Syracuse, NY
  • Heids - Liverpool, NY
  • Rudy's Lakeside Drive-In - Oswego, NY
  • Doug's Fish Fry - Skaneateles, NY 
  • Tully's Good Times - Syracuse, Cicero, Camillus, NY    
Honorable Mention: Ray Brothers BBQ (Bouckville, NY), The Retreat (Liverpool, NY), Limp Lizard BBQ (Liverpool, NY), Pastabilities (Syracuse, NY)
  • Oneida Lake (Three Mile Bay, Toad Harbor, Muskrat Bay) - Brewerton, NY
  • Lake Ontario - Oswego, NY
  • Salmon River - Redfield/Pulaski, NY
  • Nine Mile Creek - Camillus, NY 
  • Skaneateles Lake (Village pier @ lake's north end) - Skaneateles, NY
1)  Mother's Cupboard - East Syracuse, NY
2) Stella's Diner - Syracuse & Camillus, NY
3) Rise N Shine Diner - Syracuse, NY
4) Brewer's  Union Cafe - Brewerton, NY
5) Travelling Gnome Diner - Bridgeport, NY    
Honorable Mention: The Gem Diner (Syracuse, NY), Eddies (Sylvan Beach, NY)
  • Oswego Speedway - Oswego, NY
  • Fulton Speedway - Fulton, NY
  • Brewerton Speedway - Brewerton, NY
  • Weedsport Speedway - Weedsport, NY
  • Utica-Rome Speedway - Rome, NY

WEDNESDAY

  • Three Rivers - Route 57 in Fulton, NY

THURSDAY

  • Sylvan Beach (East end of Oneida Lake)

FRIDAY

  • Lewis Park - Minoa, NY

SATURDAY

  • Zems Ice Cream - Canastota, NY

® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.