I LOVE NEW YORK’s “Fall Harvest & Foodie Fest” Shows The Greatness Of New York State & Plenty More

When people talk about “going to New York,” odds are that they are referring to New York City, or Manhattan more specifically. As a person who has lived in New York for most of his life, I will admit to doing that plenty. But since having moved back to Long Island — to the ever-glorious Long Beach — I have begun to realize that there is plenty more to New York than “the city.” Simply put, from Niagara Falls to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York features 11 beautiful vacation regions.

On July 18th, I LOVE NEW YORK hosted a Fall Harvest & Foodie Fest at the Central Park Zoo. Representatives from various regions of New York were present to share the latest tourism updates in addition to bringing along local chefs and beverage purveyors from across the state. For example, Syracuse’s representatives brought representatives from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que — which many people do not realize originated within the Syracuse area — and Beak & Skiff, the maker of 1911 Hard Cider.

Featured from the Catskills region was the Crossroads Brewery, as known for its craft beers. The Finger Lakes showcased Apple Country Spirits, which paired wonderfully with candy and caramel apples from Wayne County. Long Island’s own Riverhead Ciderhouse had a popular table, as overseen by cidermaster Will Loughlin. Rochester covered a lot of ground with Hedonist Chocolate and the award-winning Black Button Distilling. The Capital-Saratoga area’s Riverside Maple Farm offered samples of some of the best maple syrup I have tasted, which paired well with offerings from Oligan Distilling, the Albany Distilling Company and Nine Pin Cider. Also present were representatives from Hemlock Hill Farm, the Natural Farm Brewery, Beekman 1802, Valcour Brewing, and the Taconic Distillery, ensuring that no one left the Central Park Zoo hungry or thirsty. Meanwhile, Central New York’s LUMA Projection Arts Festival was also represented, adding arts to the overall equation.

Beyond last week’s event, I LOVE NEW YORK also unveiled a list of exciting upcoming fall hotel openings. As autumn’s vibrant colors spread and harvest festivals kick into gear, New York State becomes an ideal location for weekend and weeklong getaways alike. Said New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi: “The fall foliage provides a stunning backdrop for food, craft beverages, music festivals, outdoor adventures and urban explorations. From a wilderness lodge with experienced guides for backcountry adventures, to a European-style castle, our accommodations are one-of-a-kind destinations. Start planning your fall getaway now to find what you love in New York State.” Below are some of the New York State hotel highlights revealed by Levi and team.

Adirondacks

Home2 Suites by Hilton Queensbury Glens Fall in Queensbury is a pet-friendly hotel for pets up to 50 pounds). It has 92 studio and one-bedroom units equipped with kitchens and free Wi-Fi. There’s also a heated indoor pool, patio with fire pit, fitness center, laundry, complimentary breakfast and business services.

Capital-Saratoga

Tru by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall in Guilderland is scheduled to open in October next to Crossgates Mall. It will include a swimming pool, fitness center and outdoor sport court along with the brand’s four-zoned lobby for work, dining, lounging and socializing.

The Catskills

The Eastwind Hotel & Bar in Windham is a 1920s bunkhouse turned boutique hotel. It features a sauna, fire pits and 19 accommodations options. These include three glamping cabins—wooden A-frames with a full-wall window affording stunning views. All are outfitted with queen beds in Frette linens, wildlife journals, a fire pit for grilling and access to a private bathroom. Bikes, backpacks, rain boots, snowshoes and other sports equipment are provided.

Central New York

Amsterdam Castle in Amsterdam wows guests as they enter its 100-foot long Grand Hall with its 44-foot high ceiling and suits of armor lining the walls as though awaiting their knights. Designed by renowned 19th century Victorian architect Isaac G. Perry in the style of a European castle, this former armory is now a 23-room boutique inn that feels like a cross between a museum and a five-star hotel.

Chautauqua-Allegheny

The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron offers upscale lakeside lodgings, where guests can relax around indoor and outdoor pools, work out in the fitness center and savor the scenery at the Lakeview Grill. Located in the hometown of comedienne Lucille Ball, the $33 million, 135-room hotel also has a ballroom with banquet space for up to 300 guests.

Finger Lakes

Owego’s Parkview Inn in Owego first opened more than 150 years ago and is on New York State’s Haunted History Trail for paranormal spirit activity. Owners Beth and Mark Johnson — who have been operating the Dugan House Restaurant & Pub in the historic building since 2011 — are adding 14 historically-authentic rooms, slated to open in this fall. The Inn faces a gorgeous park along the riverfront.

Hudson Valley

The Wick Hotel in Hudson is a 55-room boutique hotel located on the site of a former candle and soap factory. A Tribute Portfolio property, it combines historic elements like clawfoot bathtubs, high ceilings and original hardwood floor with modern flair. Its rooftop event space affords sweeping views of the Hudson Valley. Guests also have use of a 24/7 fitness center and electric car plugs.

Long Island

East Hampton’s Journey East Hampton features secluded cottages and 22 newly redesigned rooms, all outfitted with Frette linens and towels. There’s also an outdoor pool and a welcoming lobby lounge. Its Great Lawn is a perfect spot for picnics and s’mores around the fire pit.

New York City

citizenM Bowery in Manhattan is a moderately-priced design hotel with colorful decor and ample public space for lounging and socializing. It’s also an original in terms of construction; the 20-story hotel was assembled from 210 prefab units, but you’d never guess that based on its luxurious touches like high-pressure rain showers, wall-to-wall windows and XL king-size beds.

Thousand Islands – Seaway

The Tailwater Lodge in Altmar is adding 46 rooms, nearly doubling the capacity of the lodge, and upgrading existing rooms. The expansion also includes a full-service spa, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, fitness center and game room. It has an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge.

For more on the latest and greatest developments of the Empire State, please visit www.iloveny.com.

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Tags: Beer, Catskills, Central Park, I LOVE NEW YORK, Long Island, Lucille Ball, New York, Spirits

About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."