RIB FESTIVAL - 7/28-7/30. Head to the Buffalo Rib Festival, a 3-day food & music festival featuring award-winning NY State rib vendors, cold beer and live music. More on lodging. STOP: Empire Service to Buffalo + walk (10 min.).

THE GREAT AMERICAN IRISH FESTIVAL - 7/28-7/30. Tap into your heritage and get ready to dance with 3 days of traditional music, bag pipes, beer, food and dance workshops at this festival, just outside of Utica. More on lodging. STOP: Empire Service to Utica + cab (15 min.).

SANGRIA FESTIVAL - 8/12. Spend the day at Hudson-Chatham Winery in Ghent, NY for the Sangria Festival! Enjoy unique and fruity sangria, local food trucks, tarot card readings, henna tattoos and more all day long. More on lodging. STOP: Empire Service to Hudson + car rental at station (20 min.).

EXPLORE COOPERSTOWN PACKAGES - Whether you're looking for a quaint B&B or a luxurious resort for your overnight stay, Cooperstown in Central New York has it all! The Bayside Inn & Marina offers vacation packages fit for foodies, craft beer drinkers, history buffs, nature lovers, sports fans and more. Plan your visit around the Farmer's Museum and experience life on a farm and visit their Women's Rights exhibit! STOP: Empire Service to Albany + rental car at the station (75 min.).

TRANQUILITY & BREWS - Plan your escape to Central New York for a uniquely upscale, private, waterside B&B stay at the Inn by the Mill, whose 1835 stone grist mill that was once part of the Underground Railroad. Enjoy the tranquility of cascading waterfalls and extensive gardens and get out and explore the region's vast Brew Central craft beverage trail! Plan around local treasure Brewery Ommegang's Brew Fest at the Utica Zoo on 8/5. STOP: Empire Service to Albany + rental car at the station (75 min.).