When Memorial Day comes around each May, the excitement is palpable. Summer is here and our lists of plans and dreams for the warm months ahead bounce from pool parties to vacations to summer Fridays to sandy beaches and BBQs with friends. But the true meaning of the holiday is sometimes buried by the summer season kick-off. This Memorial Day, take some extra time to remember those who have selflessly served their nation, those whose lives have been lost. New York State is rich with the history of soldiers fighting for their country, soldiers fallen, battles won and lost. The monuments, memorials and especially cemeteries tell amazing stories of strength and bravery. While you're spending long summer weekends eating, drinking, relaxing and playing in the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, the Finger Lakes, etc., spend a warm afternoon walking through one of the many cemeteries or memorials open to the public, inviting nature lovers, history buffs and deep thinkers to wander in and explore the past. Check out the list below: Youngs Memorial Cemetery in Long Island, a steep, lush, grassy hill, was the final resting place of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt. At certain times of year, when the grand maples have lost their leaves, you can look out at the glistening waves of Oyster Bay while standing beside T.R.'s grave. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, NY (Hudson Valley Region) was established in 1847 by Washington Irving. In addition to Irving, many other notable figures are buried across the 100 acres in Westchester County, such as William Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Walter Chrysler, and many more. Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, NY (Capital-Saratoga Region) is a place to honor loved ones, contemplate nature, explore art and architecture, and discover the rich history of Upstate New York. Founded in 1848, Oakwood is one
When Memorial Day comes around each May, the excitement is palpable. Summer is here and our lists of plans and dreams for the warm months ahead bounce from pool parties to vacations to summer Fridays to sandy beaches and BBQs with friends. But the true meaning of the holiday is sometimes buried by the summer season kick-off. This Memorial Day, take some extra time to remember those who have selflessly served their nation, those whose
From quick trips to the Hudson Valley to a leisurely road trip far upstate, the options are endless around here when it comes to finding beautiful vineyards and amazing wine. Particularly this time of year, these weekend getaways are filled with sunshine, surrounded by colorful blossoms, and doused in rich, local wine. The perfect relaxing, yet adventurous (and oh-so-delicious) escape awaits! Of course, don't forget to bring along a designated driver if you're partaking in the wine tasting fun. With Father's Day on the horizon, all you EscapeMakers have the perfect excuse for a wine weekend escape! Check out some of our favorites below. Treat yourself to a weekend in the Finger Lakes Region and cruise along the famous Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which has been around for 30+ years. The trail is the first organized and longest running wine trail, comprised of 16 members including 15 wineries, a cidery, meadery and four distilleries. These wineries have won over 5,000 national and international medals and six Governor’s Cups. See breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls, and the rolling vineyards all weekend long. Stay for the weekend and check out one of the local inns or B&Bs in the bustling Ithaca, NY area. Mark your calendar for our upcoming Farms & Wineries Weekend in the Hudson Valley! Bring your mom, dad, sweetie or friends up to Dutchess County via Metro-North Railroad on Saturday, June 9th or Sunday, June 10th for a day filled with wine, farm fresh eats, and beautiful views! On this tour, you can select your own farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles. Take in the warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap
From quick trips to the Hudson Valley to a leisurely road trip far upstate, the options are endless around here when it comes to finding beautiful vineyards and amazing wine. Particularly this time of year, these weekend getaways are filled with sunshine, surrounded by colorful blossoms, and doused in rich, local wine. The perfect relaxing, yet adventurous (and oh-so-delicious) escape awaits! Of course, don’t forget to bring along a designated driver if you’re partaking in
