New York Breweries, Craft Beer and Beverage Trails Worth Visiting

This blog has been updated to reflect current information Saranac Matt Brewing Company Central New York Distance from Utica Station (UCA): 1.3 miles The Saranac Matt Brewing Company is a must-see destination in Utica. Located right in Central New York, and under the leadership of the fourth generation of the Matt family, the Saranac Matt Brewing Company serves a vast variety …

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Miss New York in Lake Placid: A Recap

This pretty town in the Adirondacks is an outdoor lovers paradise. By Taryn Delanie Smith, Miss New York 2022​ When I arrived at Moynihan Train Hall on a recent morning, coffee in hand, I was ready for yet another Amtrak adventure as Miss New York! I’d long been told about the many charms of the Adirondacks. I’d seen photos highlighting the beauty of …

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Miss New York’s Visit to Schenectady

By Taryn Delanie Smith, Miss New York 2022​ I’d passed through the quaint, historic town of Schenectady before on my travels as Miss New York. My unique job has taken me across the state via Amtrak for the last six months, and Schenectady has always been a memorable stop on the journey. The historic brick buildings and tidy downtown visible …

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Miss New York’s Albany Adventure

My Charming Fall Getaway To Albany. By Taryn Delanie Smith, Miss New York 2022​ Rich in fall festivities, ceaselessly charming, and rooted in a community that is proud of its important history and unanimous in its dedication to preserving it; Albany is a must-visit for history buffs, true crime junkies and lovers of charming small cities. A Manhattan local myself, …

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Albany: A City of Art

Albany, the capital of New York State and home to history and culture. I had been to Albany once before and was familiar with some of its history and its title as the Capitol of our state, but I was less familiar with its position as a center for art. Some of Albany’s art is more obvious, like the New [...] Continue reading  

Howe Caverns, The Underworld

What is Howe Caverns? Naturally developed approximately six million years ago, Howe Caverns is a magnificent feat of New York State’s nature. Formed by two separate types of limestone, Coeymans and Manlius, the walls of the cave are embedded with the fossils of creatures of the past and prior inhabitants of the land. Howe Caverns was discovered in the early [...] Continue reading  

Happy 50th Anniversary Empire Service!

The Empire Service has not only survived the ups and downs of the last half-century but also become a mainstay among New York rail-travelers. What the future holds for intercity service in Upstate New York is hard to predict, but hopefully, the high-speed rail service will continue to serve the public.

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Discover New York’s Museums with Don Wildman

Greetings, fellow travelers! Thanks for joining me on my sprawling journey to New York’s amazing collection of museums. I’ve embarked – with the generous help of New York By Rail and I Love New York – on a statewide odyssey to explore the astonishing depth and breadth of a distinctive collective community — New York’s museums, learning a few of the remarkable things they have to teach along the way.

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Sampling the Lake George Area

I recently followed a slightly modified version of New York By Rail’s “The Original Vacation.” During the trip I fell down a mountain, screamed, launching 200 feet skyward, and watched fireworks illuminate the sky over the Lake George Area—and that was just the first of three days. With Amtrak and an Enterprise rental car, I was able to visit Lake …

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Great Amtrak Dome Car

This fall, the vintage window-ceilinged Great Amtrak Dome Car offers travelers a chance to enjoy the changing foliage on the Adirondack line. This autumn from September 28 – October 29, Amtrak’s Great Dome Car offers a unique way to travel on the Adirondack line between Albany and Montréal. The dome car has traveled the country, making its way onto the …

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Amber Waves – Craft Beverage Industry in NYS

Craft beers, cider and spirits return to New York State. Think of American alcoholic beverages, and chances are your mind wanders West, to Colorado’s mountains, Kentucky’s pot stills and St. Louis’s breweries—toward endless Midwestern fields of grain. But it wasn’t always that way. In the early 1900s, New York State was a leader in brewing cider and beer and distilling spirits. …

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9 Things to do Around Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and even though it lands on a dreaded Monday this year, there are still plenty of New York State events ready to kick off the summer with a burst of American Spirit! From celebrations of American music and its icons to locally sourced food at top-tier restaurants and breweries, this Memorial Day should be a time to remember!

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9 Ways to Celebrate the Arrival of Spring

With the wacky weather this year, it looks like the warm weather is finally here to stay. Tulips will be seen peeking from the ground and the sun making its way from behind the clouds. It’s time to head outdoors and embrace all this newfound beauty. Fortunately, there are a number of events throughout New York State accessible via Amtrak …

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Baseball Stadiums reachable via Amtrak

Whether you’re a hardcore sports fanatic or someone who is simply looking for a fun outdoor event, baseball games are an exciting experience for the whole family. You’re not tied down to only sitting on the bleachers, however. You may also enjoy some of the other recreational activities offered by the stadiums, or visit the Baseball Hall of Fame in …

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6 Not-To-Miss St. Patrick’s Day Parades

St. Patrick’s Day parades, which once served as a way to comfort homesick Irish immigrants, now attract crowds across cultures, states, and religions. So you don’t have to be Irish to celebrate! Here are six exciting parades across New York State that are all accessible by Amtrak:

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Your March Madness Survival Guide

March is known as a month of “madness.” Luckily, we’re here to help you escape this maddening time of year! New York isn’t totally overwhelmed by the fever of basketball this year, so there’s no shortage of things to distract you from the constant barrage of tournaments! There are many fun, eclectic events this March—all accessible by Amtrak. Get ready to enjoy days filled …

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Meet Marty!

Meet Marty Quinn Winner of the 2015 ESPA Outstanding Customer Service Award Would you select your train route and travel time based on which conductor was onboard that day? If you’ve ever met Amtrak conductor Marty Quinn, it wouldn’t surprise you to learn that he has that effect on his regular passengers. At least a third of the riders on his Albany to …

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