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<\/p>\n
The Adirondacks<\/h2>\n
Natural splendor abounds in this region of New York State, while offering planners a host of world-class meeting hotels, mountain-top lodges, state-of-the-art conference centers, lakeside retreats and unique off-site venues, all set against the tranquility of mountain village life. In turn, attendees will find much to do in their off time in a changing landscape comprising awe-inspiring mountains, glistening lakes, green valleys and dramatic cliffs. Of special note, the majestic Adirondack Park covers more than 6 million acres and forms the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 states of the U.S.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions are the following:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Named the No. 1 science museum in the country by USA Today, the Wild Center<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Tupper Lake is a 115-acre living laboratory of Earth-friendly sustainable practices. The center\u2019s 54,000-square-foot complex features the latest technologies in renewable energy, many of them adaptable to visitors\u2019 own homes. With its innovative green roof, wood-pellet-fired heating, solar hot-water system and much more, it\u2019s no wonder the facility is the first LEED-Certified museum in New York State.<\/li>\n
- Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0offers a host of fascinating exhibitions and stories about life in the Adirondack region. With over 20 historical and contemporary buildings on 121 acres overlooking Blue Mountain Lake, the open-air campus presents unique offerings including the ADKX Boathouse and trails, the interactive \u201cLife in the Adirondacks\u201d and the newly opened art show, \u201cArtists & Inspiration in the Wild.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Having hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1932 and again in 1980, four historic venues collectively known as the Lake Placid Legacy Sites<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0offer a wide range of attractions:
\n– The Olympic Center includes a conference center, skating rinks, two historic arenas plus the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.
\n– The Jumping Complex has the new Skyride Experience, a pulse gondola with stunning bird\u2019s-eye views of the Adirondack High Peaks, and a front-row seat for actual ski-jumping competitions.
\n– Mt. Van Hoevenberg lets visitors ride the Mountain Coaster, North America\u2019s largest such attraction, plus take luge lessons, watch world-class athletes train and more.
\n– Finally, Whiteface Mountain, just 13 miles from Lake Placid, is one of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks and offers scenic runs for skiers of all levels.<\/li>\n- In Old Forge, a hamlet in the town of Webb in Herkimer County, N.Y., Moose River Farm<\/a><\/strong> makes an ideal site for groups seeking a restful break, team-building opportunities or just plain fun. While visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, what sets this place apart from the pack is the chance to take real live llamas\u00a0<\/span>on a trek against the backdrop of a breathtaking Adirondack landscape. Webb itself is a picturesque town in Adirondack Park, offering lots of shopping, dining and sightseeing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information about The Adirondacks\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.sportstravelmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/10020143\/Capital-Saratoga.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCapital-Saratoga Region<\/h2>\n
The Capital-Saratoga region showcases a diverse array of offerings, with meeting spaces ranging from the niche upscale resort to the flexibility of a large arena. Whether the historic New York State Capital in Albany, thrilling thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs, Broadway-caliber productions at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady or farm tours in scenic Washington County, the area is bristling with activities, while corporate retreats will enjoy meticulously curated concierge options, and conventions and trade shows will find flexible and versatile meeting spaces.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Established in 1836, the New York State Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Albany is a center of art, science and history dedicated to exploring human and natural history. The oldest and largest state museum in the country, the facility offers collections, exhibitions, scholarship, programs, media and publications in science, history, anthropology and art. Its collections rank among the finest in many fields and total more than 16 million scientific specimens and one million cultural objects.<\/li>\n
- In the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is one of America\u2019s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies including the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Saratoga Jazz Festival.<\/li>\n
- Completed in 1875 by noted architect George Post and with what is considered one of the finest 19th-century auditoriums still standing, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. One of the world\u2019s most celebrated concert venues thanks to its beautiful design and excellent acoustics, the hall presents more than 100 shows per year, from classical orchestral to modern jazz, stand-up comedy and more.<\/li>\n
- Swift steeds of the past are the objects of veneration at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame<\/a><\/strong>in Saratoga Springs. Now celebrating its 75th anniversary as a shrine to thoroughbred racing, the museum was the brainchild of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney and fellow well-heeled track aficionados, and today the facility is housed in a handsome 45,000-square-foot edifice directly across from the landmark Saratoga Race Course. Exhibits include historic photographs, paintings, statuary, assorted ephemera, film and more.The entire museum or areas like the Sculpture Gallery and the Hall of Fame Gallery can be rented out for corporate receptions and dinners, nonprofit fundraisers and galas, meetings and seminars.<\/li>\n
- Car lovers will find their motors racing at the Saratoga Automobile Museum<\/a><\/strong>, whose mission is to celebrate the rich history, innovation and cultural impact of the automobile in New York State and beyond. Housed in a beautifully restored vintage 1935 bottling plant, the venue offers a rich roster of ever-changing exhibits ranging from the evolution of racing helmets to the virtues of classic cars like the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. Groups can convene in spaces such as the main hall, able to accommodate up to 300 guests for a reception, and the well-appointed conference room with seating for 25. The museum is located within the 2,500-acre Saratoga Spa State Park, in the heart of historic Saratoga Springs, famous for its legendary thoroughbred track.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information about the Capital-Saratoga region\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.sportstravelmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/10020139\/Catskills.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCatskills<\/h2>\n
A nature lover\u2019s paradise, New York\u2019s Catskills region is a short drive from the New York City\/New Jersey metro area and is convenient to northeastern Pennsylvania, the Capital Region of New York State, Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. The area has a varied selection of event venues, both indoors and out, from modern conference facilities to rustic barns, with many facilities offering myriad team-building options. Attendees also will find a wealth of health and wellness options, along with outdoor activities for boating, hiking, biking and all manner of sports.\u00a0Also known as the Borscht Belt, the Catskills region and it\u2019s beloved resorts were the inspiration and setting for the film Dirty Dancing.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- At the National Register Historic Site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel, N.Y., the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a 1,000-acre campus that includes the Pavilion Stage amphitheater with a seating capacity of 16,000, an intimate 422-seat indoor Event Gallery, the award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods and two studios for creative learning programs for all ages. Concerts, art shows and special events of all kinds take place here on a regular basis, and if you stop to really listen, you can perhaps still hear the fading notes of Jimi Hendrix\u2019s searing version of \u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner.\u201d<\/li>\n
- In the town of Catskill, N.Y., in the early 1800s, a new genre of art \u2014 the works of what would become known as the Hudson River School \u2014\u00a0 was given birth by the painter Thomas Cole, whose beautiful, dreamy landscapes still resonate and bring life to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site<\/strong><\/a>. Here is where Cole lived and worked, and visitors can learn about his profound influence on American culture via exhibits, lectures and special programs. The venue\u2019s gardens and grounds are well worth strolling and afford stunning views of the Catskill Mountains.<\/li>\n
- The Mountaintop Arboretum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a public garden dedicated to displaying and managing native plant species of the Northeastern U.S., in addition to curating a collection of cold-hardy native and exotic trees. Its mountain-top elevation of 2,400 feet at the top of the New York City Watershed creates a unique environment for education, research and the pure enjoyment of the spectacular and historic Catskills landscape. The arboretum\u2019s trails and boardwalks connect 178 acres of plant collections, natural meadows, wetlands, forest and Devonian bedrock \u2014 a natural sanctuary for visitors interested in horticulture, birding, geology, local craftsmanship, hiking and snowshoeing.<\/li>\n
- In Woodstock, N.Y., the\u00a0<\/span>Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild<\/b><\/a> is a vibrant center for arts and crafts, offering an artists-in-residence program for those working in visual arts, photography, ceramics, film making, musical composition and more, a legacy established by the original Byrdcliffe Arts Colony in 1902. The general\u00a0<\/span>public can come to this bucolic setting to take classes and\/or enjoy special events and exhibitions. Several areas can be rented out for private gatherings, including the Byrdcliffe Theater seating up to 100, the 3,000-square-foot Byrdcliffe Barn and the 1,500-square-foot\u00a0<\/span>Kleinert\/James Center with a raised stage and seating for up to 144.<\/li>\n
- In the picturesque Northern Catskill village of Hobart, bibliophiles of all stripes flock to Hobart Book village<\/a><\/strong>, where an eclectic collection of fascinating shops features volumes old and new. At Adams\u2019 Books, for example, an array of publications from the 17th through 20th centuries range from the arts and sciences to theology, world history and more. Blenheim Hill Books has the goods on fiction, biography, gardening and women\u2019s studies. Cooks and crafters will enjoy a rummaging through Creative Corner Books, while mystery and science fiction aficionados will have a blast at Quarry Books. There\u2019s much more on offer in Hobart, including art shows and artist\/author receptions, making this a delightful day trip for groups taking a well-deserved break.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information about the Catskill region\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.sportstravelmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/10020139\/Central-NY.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCentral New York<\/h2>\n
\nDiscover Oneida County<\/h3>\n
Nestled in the heart of Central New York, Oneida County offers an unparalleled blend of modern amenities and historical charm. Learn all about this destination’s unique venues and impressive properties by visiting our Oneida County destination spotlight<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nA bucolic destination full of rolling hills, agricultural experiences, Americana-tinged towns and lakeside retreats, the Central New York region encompasses the heart of New York State. The area offers groups of all sizes a scenic setting to stage memorable and successful meetings and events, with uniquely appealing offsite venues and an abundance of outdoor activities.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- In the historic city of Binghamton, the Phelps Mansion Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0was built in 1871 for Sherman David Phelps, an entrepreneur and one-time mayor of the city. The house is decorated with Italian marble floors, black walnut staircases and period lighting fixtures. Also on-site is a sterling collection of art and sculpture. Mansion tours, dance parties, concerts, programs emphasizing local history and more take place under the venue\u2019s grand 14-foot ceilings.<\/li>\n
- The Stanley Center<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a movie palace designed by Thomas Lamb, considered one of the foremost creators of theaters and cinemas in the 20th century. The interior is awash in gorgeous details in a \u201cMexican Baroque\u201d style and seat almost 3,000 patrons. Today this opulent palace is host to shows presented by Broadway Utica, including the likes of 42nd Street and Jersey Boys, as well as performers such as Jackson Browne, Jerry Seinfeld and REO Speedwagon.<\/li>\n
- Attendees will become immersed in the history of America\u2019s National Pastime when they visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Cooperstown. The venue displays a wealth of baseball-related artifacts and exhibits, while honoring those who have excelled in playing, managing and reporting on the sport. Established in 1939, the Hall\u2019s first inductees were Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, all ably represented here by uniforms, balls, box scores and more. The delightful surrounding grounds are just right for a picnic.<\/li>\n
- Located in the center of its namesake campus, the Binghamton University Art Museum<\/a> <\/strong>has a permanent collection of more than 4,500 objects acquired over the past half-century, including works on paper, paintings, sculpture and decorative arts from around the world and spanning some 5,000 years. Among the gems in the permanent collection are \u201cHead of a Male Saint\u201d by El Greco, \u201cAutumn Landscape\u201d by mid-19th century Japanese master Senzan Nagamura and \u201cClaws of God\u201d by Robert Ernst Marx.<\/li>\n
- In Cooperstown, N.Y., the Fenimore Art Museum<\/a><\/strong> stands on land once owned by novelist James Fenimore Cooper and is housed in a gorgeous 1933 mansion built by an heir to the Singer Manufacturing Co. fortune. The facility\u2019s fine art collection celebrates life in early America and includes a folk art collection\u00a0<\/span>that displays the work of self-taught American portrait painters, quilt makers, ship carvers and others. Small groups can meet in cozy garden gazebos, while up to 1,000 guests can be accommodated for tented luncheons or dinners on the lawn.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information about Central New York\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.sportstravelmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/10020140\/Chatuaqua.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChautauqua-Allegheny<\/h2>\n
In Southwestern New York State, the Chautauqua-Allegheny region is brimming with enchanted mountains, tranquil lakes and beautiful vineyards. The Allegheny, Lake Erie and Midway State parks are vast playgrounds dotted with beaches, walking and birding trails, bridle paths and boating possibilitiesThe region is also loaded with cultural attractions, from national museums to eclectic sculpture and art parks. Add some grand four-season resorts with a full complement of meetings infrastructure, and you\u2019ve got a planner\u2019s dream destination.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- With its dramatic lakeside setting and classic architecture making it a National Historic Landmark, the Chautauqua Institution<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a summer center where visitors seek intellectual and spiritual growth via a complete program of arts, education, religion and recreation. A wide array of thoughtful lectures, musical programs and theater productions can be found in the on-site Chautauqua Amphitheater, but the entire property is geared to inspiring guests and attendees with a wide-ranging array of thought-provoking and creative ideas.<\/li>\n
- Home to famed actor, comedian, and producer Lucille Ball, this region enjoys two cultural giants:\u00a0 The\u00a0Lucy Ball Desi Arnaz Museum<\/strong><\/a>in Jamestown celebrates the lives, careers\u00a0and legacies\u00a0of the \u201cFirst Couple of Comedy\u201d and their\u00a0impact on the world. The National Comedy Center<\/a><\/strong> is a cultural institution designated by the U.S. Congress to preserve the story of comedy and its heritage for future generations. The 37,000-square-foot facility offers more than 50 immersive exhibits covering what has made America (and the rest of the world)\u00a0<\/span>laugh, from early vaudeville and innovators like W.C. Fields and Ed Wynn to today\u2019s cutting-edge comics like Bill Burr and Sebastian Maniscalco. Visitors, who enjoy material geared to their own pre-arranged \u201chumor profile,\u201d can also try their hand at stand-up\u00a0<\/span>comedy and creating their own comic strips. The on-site 10,000+ square feet of event space can accommodate up to 450 people.<\/li>\n
- Named for the legendary American naturalist and conservationist, the\u00a0Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History<\/strong><\/a>pays homage to a founder of the 20th-century environmental movement with a colorful changing series of exhibits and programs that challenge visitors to confront environmental issues of regional, national and global concern. Along the way the Jamestown facility inspires visitors to help preserve the Earth\u2019s biodiversity \u2014 with a particular emphasis on the natural area wonders of Western New York.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information on the Chautauqua-Allegheny region\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.sportstravelmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/10020143\/Finger-Lakes.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFinger Lakes<\/h2>\n
The largest region in New York, the Finger Lakes are home to a myriad of lakeside activities, of course, but It\u2019s also the largest wine region in the Eastern U.S. and prime for tasting tours. When it comes to accommodations, the area has more than 100 hotels ranging from a handful of large lakeside resorts to small unique inns, with options to accommodate almost any budget. Featuring two of New York’s largest cities as well as small and quaint Americana towns with award winning main streets, the Finger Lakes are a favorite for planners and event hosts.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Established in 1951 as a gift to the nation for the famed glass company\u2019s 100th anniversary, the Corning Museum of Glass<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0annually welcomes over 300,000 visitors from around the world. Over 50,000 objects representing more than 3,500 years of history are included in the museum\u2019s collection; items range from the portrait of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to contemporary (and most colorful) sculptures.<\/li>\n
- In Canandaigua, New York Kitchen<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and thriving communities by leveraging the stories of agriculture, food and craft beverages to inspire a creative exploration of the bounty of the Empire State. Classes range from pasta making to dessert baking to wine pairings and beyond. The facility\u2019s Tasting Room features 60 different and ever-changing New York State wines, 10 taps highlighting seasonal craft beers, ciders, distilled spirits and nonalcoholic beverages. Groups can sip and savor in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.<\/li>\n
- Spanning almost 600 acres, the Ganondagan State Historic Site<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Victor, N.Y., is the original location of a 17th-century Seneca town whose Native American population lived there more than 350 years ago. Here visitors will find the story of the culture, art, agriculture and government of the Seneca people and how they influenced our modern understanding of equality, democratic government, women\u2019s rights, ecology and natural foods. Attractions include the full-size Seneca Bark Longhouse, furnished to reflect a typical Seneca family from the late 1600s, and the multi-media Seneca Art & Culture Center, which tells the story of Iroquois contributions to art, culture and society.<\/li>\n
- Founded by an act of Congress in 1980, the Women\u2019s Rights National Historical Park<\/a><\/strong> is in SenecaFalls, site of the first women\u2019s rights convention held in 1848. Among the attractions on site are the landmarked Elizabeth Cody Stanton House, home of the early proponent of women\u2019s suffrage and equal rights, the Wesleyan Methodist Church, where the conventionwas held, and more. Groups are welcome to meet in the Wesleyan Chapel and outdoor spaces such as Declaration Park and the yard at the Stanton House.<\/li>\n
- The first such venue to dedicate itself solely to the collection of American art (in 1911), the\u00a0<\/span>Everson Museum of Art<\/b> <\/a>in Syracuse, N.Y., is home\u00a0<\/span>to more than 10,000 works, including paintings, sculpture, drawings, video, graphics and ceramics. Exhibits range from the cultural impact of the Erie Canal to guided tours of open studios featuring artists at work. The gateway to the Finger Lakes region In\u00a0<\/span>the heart of New York State, the city of Syracuse offers a wide range of four-season attractions, including scenic parks, year-round festivals, music, historical sites and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information about the Finger Lakes here<\/a> and here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.sportstravelmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/10020140\/NiagaraFallsSP_08_1366.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGreater Niagara<\/h2>\n
In this region of wonders, Niagara Falls is the star, but don\u2019t discount the many gems throughout. Here attendees can enjoy the art and architecture of Buffalo, Letchworth State Park \u2014 aka the \u201cGrand Canyon of the East\u201d, the charm of the historic Erie Canal, or the vast Derien Lake Amusement Park. World-class fishing, boating, skiing and biking abound for active travelers, and sports fans will want to make time for a professional hockey, football or baseball game. Area meetings and conventions take place in myriad hotels and dedicated spaces, along with major convention centers in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The Genesee Country Village & Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0was founded in 1966 with the goal of preserving the architecture of the Genesee Valley region in a recreated historic village, providing context for the telling of New York State and 19th-century American history. The museum now covers 600 acres and includes the Historic Village, the John L. Wehle Gallery and the Genesee Country Nature Center, all of which provide interactive programs, fascinating exhibits and special events.<\/li>\n
- For more than 150 years, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0has collected, conserved and exhibited the art of its time, often working directly with living artists. Along the way, the facility has put together one of the world\u2019s great collections of modern and contemporary art, including early groundbreakers like Degas and Gauguin and on through and beyond the modernists who defined cubism, surrealism and constructivism.<\/li>\n
- Established in 1885 and today the oldest state park in the U.S., Niagara Falls State Park<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is open 365 days a year and provides unparalleled views of the falls along with interactive exhibits, riverfront hiking trails, guided walking tours, the Cave of the Winds (where visitors descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge), boat tours aboard the Maid of the Mist and more.<\/li>\n
- In Batavia, about a 30-minute drive from Buffalo and Rochester, the Holland Land Office Museum<\/a><\/strong> celebrates and teaches about the Holland Purchase lands, a large area in Western New York State comprising eight counties, including Niagara, Geneses, Erie and Allegany, first opened to settlement in 1800. Here, a series of permanent and changing exhibits\u00a0<\/span>brings the early history of the region to life with historic artifacts, films, guest speakers and more. Inside a stone building dating from 1810, the museum has two meeting rooms, the larger of which can seat up to 220 people. Next door is the bucolic Batavia\u00a0<\/span>International Peace Garden.<\/li>\n
- Things truly get wet and wild at the Aquarium of Niagara<\/a><\/strong> in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Exhibits are housed in two buildings: The Main Building features a wide range of sea-going species found around the world, including Humboldt penguins, rescued sea lions and seals, jellyfish and much more. The Great Lakes 360 building\u00a0<\/span>contains unique exhibits depicting the diverse habitats of the Great Lakes ecosystem, with various fish, amphibians, reptiles and insects as the star attractions. A recently renovated event room can host small groups, while the Main Building can be rented\u00a0<\/span>out for corporate and other gatherings of up to 250 guests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information on Greater Niagara\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.sportstravelmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/10020141\/Hudson-Valley.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHudson Valley<\/h2>\n
Within 10 counties lining both sides of the Hudson River from just north of New York City to Albany and Rensselaer, the Hudson Valley is famous for its historic landmarks, outdoor sculpture parks, exclusive retreats and a justly celebrated culinary scene. Midway up the region, Ulster County alone is a favorite with nature lovers thanks to 250,000 unspoiled acres encompassing some 35 mountain peaks, 350 miles of hiking trails and a full roster of activities including hiking, biking and kayaking, along with challenging play on any of 12 golf courses. The county\u2019s wide choice of meeting facilities can handle groups of from 10 to 1,000, with accommodations in every price range.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- In Hyde Park, the Culinary Institute of America<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is not only a world-class teaching institution through which future star chefs learn their craft, it\u2019s also a unique foodie destination for groups of all stripes. Visitors can explore the beautiful campus, participate in interactive demonstrations that delve into the science of taste, mingle with the students and enjoy delicious food at six student-run outlets.<\/li>\n
- The Hudson River Maritime Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Kingston features hundreds of items relating to the mighty river and its history, including works of art and historic vessels. Visitors also can sail on a 100% solar-powered tour boat that cruises the river as well as the Rondout Creek; enjoy absorbing lectures and film series hosted by noted authors, historians and maritime experts; and even take classes on crafts such as chair caning, furniture restoration and woodworking.<\/li>\n
- Planners seeking a truly immersive experience for their groups should consider the Garrison Institute<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in the hamlet of Garrison in Putnam County, directly across the river from West Point. With a contemplative atmosphere ideal for retreats of all kinds, the institute specializes in \u201cresilience training\u201d for health care providers, social workers, first responders and others who offer service to those in need, with a secular focus on the inter-connectedness of all people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information on the Hudson Valley\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.sportstravelmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/10020141\/Long-Island.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLong Island<\/h2>\n
Long Island \u2014 New York\u2019s summertime playground \u2014 is studded with world-renowned beaches, historical lighthouses, premier golf courses, Gatsby-era Gold Coast mansions, award-winning vineyards and a wide variety of culinary outlets. A year-round destination easily reached by air, rail or road; this destination will delight attendees with its laid back pace while still in easy reach of New York City. For event planners, the island also is home to more than 1.5 million square feet of meeting space and over 18,000 hotel rooms.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Celebrating Long Island\u2019s rich heritage in flying and space exploration, the Cradle of Aviation Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Garden City has more than 75 air and space craft in eight galleries chronicling more than 100 years of achievement in escaping the Earth\u2019s gravity. A spectacular setting for corporate functions, the venue also has an immersive full-dome planetarium offering powerful virtual-reality experiences, and a gift shop with unique offerings such as Grumman T-shirts and custom WWII dog tags.<\/li>\n
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is the former home of John S. Phipps, a businessman and heir to a family fortune earned alongside Andrew Carnegie. Completed in 1906, this Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes. The Westbury House, furnished with fine English antiques and decorative arts, offers a changing roster of events including museum exhibitions, classic car shows, lectures and gardening classes.<\/li>\n
- In the North Shore town of Riverhead, the Long Island Aquarium<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is themed around the Lost City of Atlantis and features a total of more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, including a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere and butterflies from all over the world. Groups can even snorkel with tropical fish from around the world or get into a cage and submerge to visit a shark exhibit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information about Long Island\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.sportstravelmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/10020142\/NYC_73_1366.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNew York City<\/h2>\n
There\u2019s a never-ending plethora of things to see and do in the Big Apple, and for meeting planners, ever more infrastructure to host groups of all sizes. The city is expected to add some 6,000 new hotel rooms by the end of 2025, while the Javits Center recently completed an expansion that added 1.2 million square feet of state-of-the-art event space. From historical landmarks to cutting-edge culture, entertainment, food, sports and more, New York City retains its ranking as one of the world\u2019s top destinations.<\/p>\n
Among the city\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The landmark Apollo Theater<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Harlem has been a celebrated stage for Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora since 1934. Over its 90-year history, the venue\u2019s stage has seen the likes of Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, the Nicholas Brothers, Bill \u201cBojangles\u201d Robinson, Bessie Smith and countless others. The venue also sponsors tomorrow\u2019s stars through an education program that emphasizes the power of the preforming arts.<\/li>\n
- More than just a place for borrowing books, the New York Public Library<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on Fifth Avenue and West 42nd Street offers a wide range of activities in the heart of Manhattan. Author talks and conversations, exhibitions, and arts and crafts programs are just part of a very busy calendar. A magnificent structure, the library opened in 1911 on the site of an old reservoir with ornate detailing in its marble facade and the famous pair of stone lions \u2014 nicknamed Patience and Fortitude by locals \u2014 flanking the entrance.<\/li>\n
- In the Corona neighborhood in the borough of Queens, the New York Hall of Science<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0features some 450 exhibits, workshops and activities that help explain science, technology, engineering and math. Housed in one of the few remaining structures from the 1964-65 New York World\u2019s Fair, the center today serves more than a half million students, teachers and families a year and also serves as an ideal site for meetings, conferences and special events in spaces such as the 7,000-square-foot Great Hall and 4,000-square-foot Anthony Viscusi Gallery.<\/li>\n
- Founded in 1923, the Museum of the City of New York<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a repository of Big Apple history located on Fifth Avenue between East 103 and 104 streets, directly across from Central Park. Recent exhibits have included displays of graffiti-based art, original art deco postcards, the amazingly detailed Stettheimer Dollhouse and actual sets used in movies taking place in New York. The museum also can host corporate events, fund raisers and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Discover more information about New York City\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n1000 Islands<\/h2>\n
The region known as 1,000 Islands is bisected by the United States-Canada border and enjoys all the benefits of the water activities on the St. Lawrence Seaway and its many tributaries. . Here is a remarkable mixture of woodlands, islands and flowing waters, known for some of the best boating and fishing in the world, not to mention a host of cultural repositories. For planners, the area offers a variety of scenic meeting, conference and convention venues, from waterfront resorts in villages such as Clayton, Sackets Harbor and Alexandria Bay to national-brand hotels in Watertown.<\/p>\n
Among the region\u2019s many attractions:<\/p>\n
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- For an offbeat day\u2019s excursion, a visit to Boldt Castle<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on the St. Lawrence River will reward visitors with a beautiful six-story structure begun in 1900 as a gift for millionaire George Boldt\u2019s wife, who died during the construction, which was then halted by the grieving husband. Finally completed and opened to the public in the 1970s, the castle rivals any of its counterparts in Europe and is accessible by tour boat, water taxi and private watercraft.<\/li>\n
- In Ogdensburg, the Frederic Remington Art Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0displays the largest collection of the great American Western painter\u2019s work in the world in a landmark structure in which Remington lived from 1810-1816 (his widow later resided there until her death in 1918). Here are found paintings, sculptures, drawings, bronze castings and other works celebrating the colorful if often harsh lives of the cowboys, soldiers and Native Americans who lived and worked in and around the Great Plains of the U.S.<\/li>\n
- On a peninsula surrounded by the St. Lawrence River, the picturesque town of Clayton is home to the Clayton Opera House<\/strong><\/a>, a renowned year-round cultural institution for the presentation of the performing arts. A Nationally Registered Historic Place, the venue dates from the early 1900s and began life as a vaudeville house. Today the hall hosts comedians, choirs, orchestras, themed shows and more, with the beautiful river just steps away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- In Ogdensburg, the Frederic Remington Art Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0displays the largest collection of the great American Western painter\u2019s work in the world in a landmark structure in which Remington lived from 1810-1816 (his widow later resided there until her death in 1918). Here are found paintings, sculptures, drawings, bronze castings and other works celebrating the colorful if often harsh lives of the cowboys, soldiers and Native Americans who lived and worked in and around the Great Plains of the U.S.<\/li>\n
- More than just a place for borrowing books, the New York Public Library<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on Fifth Avenue and West 42nd Street offers a wide range of activities in the heart of Manhattan. Author talks and conversations, exhibitions, and arts and crafts programs are just part of a very busy calendar. A magnificent structure, the library opened in 1911 on the site of an old reservoir with ornate detailing in its marble facade and the famous pair of stone lions \u2014 nicknamed Patience and Fortitude by locals \u2014 flanking the entrance.<\/li>\n
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is the former home of John S. Phipps, a businessman and heir to a family fortune earned alongside Andrew Carnegie. Completed in 1906, this Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes. The Westbury House, furnished with fine English antiques and decorative arts, offers a changing roster of events including museum exhibitions, classic car shows, lectures and gardening classes.<\/li>\n
- The Hudson River Maritime Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in Kingston features hundreds of items relating to the mighty river and its history, including works of art and historic vessels. Visitors also can sail on a 100% solar-powered tour boat that cruises the river as well as the Rondout Creek; enjoy absorbing lectures and film series hosted by noted authors, historians and maritime experts; and even take classes on crafts such as chair caning, furniture restoration and woodworking.<\/li>\n
- For more than 150 years, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0has collected, conserved and exhibited the art of its time, often working directly with living artists. Along the way, the facility has put together one of the world\u2019s great collections of modern and contemporary art, including early groundbreakers like Degas and Gauguin and on through and beyond the modernists who defined cubism, surrealism and constructivism.<\/li>\n
- In Canandaigua, New York Kitchen<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and thriving communities by leveraging the stories of agriculture, food and craft beverages to inspire a creative exploration of the bounty of the Empire State. Classes range from pasta making to dessert baking to wine pairings and beyond. The facility\u2019s Tasting Room features 60 different and ever-changing New York State wines, 10 taps highlighting seasonal craft beers, ciders, distilled spirits and nonalcoholic beverages. Groups can sip and savor in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.<\/li>\n
- Home to famed actor, comedian, and producer Lucille Ball, this region enjoys two cultural giants:\u00a0 The\u00a0Lucy Ball Desi Arnaz Museum<\/strong><\/a>in Jamestown celebrates the lives, careers\u00a0and legacies\u00a0of the \u201cFirst Couple of Comedy\u201d and their\u00a0impact on the world. The National Comedy Center<\/a><\/strong> is a cultural institution designated by the U.S. Congress to preserve the story of comedy and its heritage for future generations. The 37,000-square-foot facility offers more than 50 immersive exhibits covering what has made America (and the rest of the world)\u00a0<\/span>laugh, from early vaudeville and innovators like W.C. Fields and Ed Wynn to today\u2019s cutting-edge comics like Bill Burr and Sebastian Maniscalco. Visitors, who enjoy material geared to their own pre-arranged \u201chumor profile,\u201d can also try their hand at stand-up\u00a0<\/span>comedy and creating their own comic strips. The on-site 10,000+ square feet of event space can accommodate up to 450 people.<\/li>\n
- The Stanley Center<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a movie palace designed by Thomas Lamb, considered one of the foremost creators of theaters and cinemas in the 20th century. The interior is awash in gorgeous details in a \u201cMexican Baroque\u201d style and seat almost 3,000 patrons. Today this opulent palace is host to shows presented by Broadway Utica, including the likes of 42nd Street and Jersey Boys, as well as performers such as Jackson Browne, Jerry Seinfeld and REO Speedwagon.<\/li>\n
- In the town of Catskill, N.Y., in the early 1800s, a new genre of art \u2014 the works of what would become known as the Hudson River School \u2014\u00a0 was given birth by the painter Thomas Cole, whose beautiful, dreamy landscapes still resonate and bring life to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site<\/strong><\/a>. Here is where Cole lived and worked, and visitors can learn about his profound influence on American culture via exhibits, lectures and special programs. The venue\u2019s gardens and grounds are well worth strolling and afford stunning views of the Catskill Mountains.<\/li>\n
- In the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is one of America\u2019s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies including the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Saratoga Jazz Festival.<\/li>\n
- Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0offers a host of fascinating exhibitions and stories about life in the Adirondack region. With over 20 historical and contemporary buildings on 121 acres overlooking Blue Mountain Lake, the open-air campus presents unique offerings including the ADKX Boathouse and trails, the interactive \u201cLife in the Adirondacks\u201d and the newly opened art show, \u201cArtists & Inspiration in the Wild.\u201d<\/li>\n