New York By

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What’s New
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Destinations
YOUR AMTRAK
® TRAVEL GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS FROM NEW YORK CITY TO VERMONT & CANADA
SPECIAL New SECTION York By Rail®
newyorkbyrail.com
Amtrak takes you there:
The the attractions, Travel events, Channel’s
fairs and festivals you
Don don’t want Wildman to miss. Discovers
New York’s Museums
The Dome
Car Returns
Take us on the go!
Scan here to
download our
mobile app.
CONNECTIONS:
Rail/Drive Itineraries
and All Inclusive
Amtrak Packages
Take
Amtrak to
101 Exciting
Events
2016
SPECIAL SECTION: Come Find Your New York — An
Cover live 2014-2.indd 1
guide to the distinctive attractions of the Empire State
4/21/14 4:38:20 PM

Amtrak ® Brings You to
the Hub of Tech Valley
Similar to Hoboken,
NJ or Roosevelt
Island or Long
Island City, the
City of Rensselaer –
home to the nation’s
9th busiest Amtrak
station – possesses
extraordinary
opportunity for the
right developers.
Similar to Hoboken, NJ or
Roosevelt Island or Long Island City,
the City of Rensselaer possesses
extraordinary opportunity for the
right developers. Situated along
the Hudson River with spectacular
views of the NYS Capital City, we’re
home to the nation’s 9th busiest
Amtrak station. With nearly 1 million
passengers traversing the Rensselaer
station per year, the surrounding
properties are prime for related
hospitality, office, residential and
retail development.
We possess an abundance of
“shovel ready” land for development
and an active Port and Industrial area
available for commercial, industrial, or
manufacturing development.
Rensselaer is located at the center
of an employment triangle bounded
by the State Capital, RPI Tech Park and
SUNY East Campus with its related
biotech and biomed incubator space.
With existing cargo rail access and a
rebuilt wharf for shipping, Rensselaer
is ideally positioned for growth in the
decades to come.
Please consider the possibilities
here in Rensselaer for your next
strategic investment and do not
hesitate to contact Charles Moore
at any time at (518) 465-1693 or at
charles.moore@rensselaerny.gov.
THE CITY OF RENSSELAER
62 Washington Street Rensselaer, NY 12144
www.rensselaerny.gov

Contents
2016
PHOTOS: (COVER) © BRUCE BUDRIS; (THIS PAGE) © CHRISTOPHER GOES PHOTOGRAPHY
3 From the President and CEO of Amtrak
5 From the Department of Transportation
Commissioner
6 Train Tales
Information and inspiration for people who love train travel
7 From the Publisher
8 Amtrak Discounts & Rewards
9 Connections: Rail/Drive Itineraries and
All-Inclusive Amtrak Packages
Step-by-step train travel itineraries
19 Amtrak Environmental Initiatives
23 New York City
Where to first? The city’s best bets
Spotlight on Long Island 28
31 Hudson River Valley
What to do, historic and new
Spotlight on Columbia County 38
41 Albany-Rensselaer
Can’t miss sites in the Capital Region
Discover Rensselaer County 45
47 Schenectady
Art, history, and a vibrant downtown
49 Saratoga Springs
Sports, scenery, shopping, and more
Spotlight on Southern Saratoga 53
55 Adirondacks
Northward into nature; what to see and do
57 Under the Dome
Explore New York on the Great Dome Car
58 Vermont
What’s new in the Green Mountain State
61 Central New York
Hands-on history; places to play
65 The Travel Channel’s Don Wildman
Discovers New York’s Museums
75 Syracuse
Entertainment, indoors and out
77 Rochester
Where to play, explore, and eat
79 Buffalo
Feel the “Buffalove” year round!
81 Niagara Falls, NY
Waterfalls, wine trail, winning jackpots, and more
82 Canada
Site highlights in Montreal and Toronto
83 Fun 101
101 events, fairs, and festivals across NYS!
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 1

Amtrak Service
Through New York
Where will Amtrak take you next? Travel through
New York State and beyond via the Empire
Service, on the Adirondack, Maple Leaf,
Ethan Allen Express and Lake Shore
Limited lines.
Your Key to
the Station Services
Below is a description of the symbols you
will see on each of the destination pages.
$ ATM
L
PAID Long Term Parking
G
Sheltered Platform
B
Baggage Help
f PAID Short Term Parking
Station Caretaker
g Checked Baggage Service
a
Payphones
m
Station Staffed
e Enclosed Waiting Area
L FREE Long Term Parking
i FREE Short Term Parking
QT
T
c
Quick-Trak SM Ticket Machine
Restaurant / Snack Bar
Restrooms
m Station Unstaffed
R
Vending
newyorkbyrail.com
MAP CREATED BY ANGELINA T. COLLINS
2 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

From the President and
CEO of Amtrak
Dear WAmtrak Traveler,
riting this column inviting you to explore my home state has always been enjoyable for
me, and this year it takes on added meaning since I will retire as the head of America’s
Railroad ® in a few months. Whether you want to get lost in nature, step back in time in
historic small towns or experience a variety of cultural offerings from Broadway hits to arts
festivals, there’s truly something for every interest and budget in the Empire State.
Amtrak delivers you to the heart of the action, operating approximately 140 daily trains across New York. Many of these run on the busy
Northeast Corridor, but the state-supported Empire Service also offers three daily round-trips east of Niagara Falls, four east of Buffalo, six east of
Schenectady, and 12 south of Albany to New York City. Altogether, Empire Service trains carried nearly 1.6 million customers in Fiscal Year 2015.
In addition, the Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express run along the scenic Hudson River into Canada and Vermont, respectively.
Since Amtrak began operations 45 years ago, it has been engaged in a strong partnership with the State of New York. We are working closely
to enhance the rail network not only for the average 12 million passengers who have passed through New York stations in each of the past few
years, but also for the next generation that will reap the continuing benefits of today’s investments. Joint projects include building and
rehabilitating passenger stations, tracks, signal systems and other infrastructure.
Stations are a prime opportunity to make positive first and last impressions, and so Amtrak, New York State and communities are
working to upgrade facilities. A modern intermodal center will open this spring in Niagara Falls. Next door, a historic customs house has been
rehabilitated for use as a museum. Construction is underway on a new facility in Rochester that will feature retail space, an
underground concourse for accessing trains and improved accessibility for travelers. Work also continues at the Albany-
Rensselaer station to install a fourth track. It will increase station capacity and improve operating flexibility, thereby
leading to better on-time performance. And construction bids were requested earlier this year for a new Schenectady
intermodal facility.
One of the most complex projects is planned for New York Penn Station, where more than 600,000 Amtrak and
commuter rail passenger trips take place every day. This past January, I joined Governor Cuomo to announce a
simultaneous procurement for the redevelopment of Penn Station and the adjacent James A. Farley Post Office
Building. Amtrak supports the governor’s vision for a series of renovations to Penn Station that will decrease congestion,
add more space and improve retail offerings. Concurrently, the Farley Building will be transformed to include Moynihan
Train Hall, which will become the new primary Amtrak boarding location, as well as dynamic mixed-use development.
A modernized and expanded Penn Station is just one component of the larger Gateway Program, a proposed set of strategic rail infrastructure
improvements designed to improve current services and increase track, tunnel, bridge and station capacity that will
allow the doubling of passenger trains running under the Hudson River.
The program includes rebuilding and replacing the damaged components of the existing, century-old Hudson
River tunnel, which was inundated with water during Super Storm Sandy. In order to do so while preserving
existing service, a new two-track tunnel will also be constructed. In late 2015, the states of New York and New
Jersey, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Amtrak agreed to form the Gateway Development Corporation
to implement and fund the construction of the new Hudson River tunnel.
Amtrak is also investing in new equipment for greater reliability and passenger comfort. Skilled workers in Elmira, N.Y., are assembling 130
single-level rail cars that will primarily be used on eastern national network trains. Many of the new baggage cars began to enter service in 2015,
replacing equipment that was more than 50 years old. This year Amtrak will also announce a contract to acquire new technologically advanced
high-speed trainsets for the next generation of Acela Express service. In addition to being faster and lighter, each trainset will have 40 percent more
seats than those currently in use. There will also be 40 percent more trainsets, allowing for increased departures during peak hours.
As evidenced by these many projects, the future of passenger rail in New York State looks as bright as the shining lights of Times Square. This
guide is a great way to find inspiration and helpful information for your travels. I wish you a safe and pleasant journey and hope to see you on board!
Sincerely,
Joseph H. Boardman
President and CEO
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 3

®
2016 • newyorkbyrail.com
New York By Rail
@NewYorkByRail
Publisher
Editor
Art Director
Ad and Promotion
Design
Regional Ad
Director
Connections
Inclusive Train
Packages
Interns
Administration
Thomas Martinelli
publisher@newyorkbyrail.com
Traci L. Suppa
editor@newyorkbyrail.com
Laurie Szostak
design@newyorkbyrail.com
Janet Atkins
adproduction@newyorkbyrail.com
Christine “Desi” Desmoni
desi@newyorkbyrail.com
Josiah Brown
connections@newyorkbyrail.com
Lori Solomon
travelpackages@newyorkbyrail.com
Andrew Frey
Arlie Johansen
Samantha Moffett
Pegeen Wall
pegeen@martinellicustompublishing.com
845.468.0202
2656 South Road • Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845.462.1209 • 845.462.2786 (fax)
The National Passenger Railroad Corporation (Amtrak) and Martinelli Custom Publishing
have attempted to ensure the information contained in this publication is as accurate
as possible. However, services and offers may change after publication. For current
rates, routes, and offers call your travel agent or Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL. NO RESPON-
SIBILITY IS ASSUMED FOR ERRORS, CHANGES, OR OMISSIONS. Corrections are welcome
and should be sent to Martinelli Custom Publishing.
This publication and the contents thereof, are copyrighted © by Amtrak 2016. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or transmitted,
or transposed in any form or by any means without written permission from
Amtrak.
Amtrak, Amtrak Guest Rewards, Adirondack, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Lake
Shore Limited, Maple Leaf, New York by Rail, and Quik-Trak are the service marks of the
National Passenger Railroad Corporation. Capital Corridor is the registered service mark
of the Capital Corridor Joint Powers Authority.
Est. 1887
New York State
HOSPITALITY
&TOURISM
Association
4 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Dear Traveler:
On behalf of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the
New York State Department of Transportation,
welcome to the New York by Rail travel guide.
Traveling by Amtrak train is smart, providing a
comfortable, relaxing ride that is cost-effective and
environmentally sound.
Governor Cuomo knows that a robust transportation system
supports economic development, creates jobs and enhances
mobility for all travelers. That is why passenger rail service on New
York’s Empire Corridor is
getting a major overhaul. From
Manhattan to Albany and
Niagara Falls, rail stations,
tracks and signal systems are
being modernized to improve
your travel experience.
At the same time,
construction is continuing on
a new track at Rensselaer
Station and a second track
between Albany and
Schenectady. Both projects
will further reduce travel
delays and keep train traffic
moving. Signal improvements between Poughkeepsie and
Rensselaer go on line this year, making train service even more
reliable.
New York is a state of opportunity. Guided by a bold vision, it
is rebuilding and modernizing critical infrastructure across the
state to remain competitive and promote economic growth.
Passenger rail service is essential, and today’s investments will
enhance and transform it for the future.
We encourage you to see for yourself. Travel New York by rail
and experience all this great state has to offer. Welcome to the
Empire State and enjoy the train!
The untold true story
of the Witches of Oz
Sincerely,
Matthew J. Driscoll
Commissioner
GershWin TheaTre
222 W 51 st st. (between Broadway and 8 th ave.)
877-250-2929
WickedtheMusical.com
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 5

Train Tales
Information and inspiration for people who
love train travel!
FROM OUR READERS
New York By Rail loves to receive photos that Amtrak passengers
snap along their travels! These make us want to get back on the train
soon:
TRAVELER TIPS
We went to Facebook in search of train travel tips from frequent riders!
There, we joined several Amtrak fan groups, where the conversations
focus on advice and adventure. We asked, and our new friends
answered!
Onboard Comfort and Entertainment
“I always bring snacks, water, a good book, and earplugs. If I'm feeling
social I'll bring cards or a board game to share in the cafe car.”
—Valerie R., Mt. Vernon, WA
“I always bring my chargers, GPS, ear buds, extra batteries for my
mouse, small snacks for between meals when I don't feel like going to
the lounge car, and a few movies for after dark. I can't read on a train.”
—Ed W., Boyertown, PA
“I ship my luggage ahead of time via UPS. It doesn’t save money, but
it is nice not having to lug any luggage around at all.”
—Guy P., Smyrna, TN
What to do near Amtrak stations
“If faced with a layover at Buffalo-Depew (e.g., transferring from the
Maple Leaf to Lake Shore Limited): A) Get your picture taken with the
buffalo out front; and B) Walk or taxi to the Walden Galleria. It’s a nice
mall with a movie theater. Also, en route is the Niagara Hobby & Craft
Mart with a large selection of trains and displays.”
—Daniel L., Little Rock, AR
The Best Views!
“When I take one of the Empire Service trains, I usually get on at
Syracuse and wait for the conductor to tag my ticket. I head for
the cafe car and sit on the right hand side eastbound; left hand side
west bound. There's nothing like a cold beverage and the beautiful
Mohawk and Hudson Valleys to view. Just fascinating.”
—Drew G., Odessa, NY
“Best place for a good view of Niagara Falls on the Maple Leaf is on the
left side when crossing over the Niagara River from the U.S. side to the
Canadian side.”
—Joseph S., Niagara Falls, NY
“The ride from Albany
to New York’s Penn Station
is quite the treat! Sitting
on the right side of the train
is best for Hudson views.
The lighthouses,
the grand old estates, the
castle ruins, West Point…
and the sunsets! Oh, and
one of the most important
reasons my family likes to
travel from ALB-NYP…it’s
RANGERTOWN!”
—Lisa A., Granville, NY
Tell us your Amtrak travel
tip! Send an email to
editor@newyorkbyrail.com.
“My husband is a train enthusiast. We purchased a USA rail pass
and were touring upstate New York. I wanted to see Niagara Falls
because I haven’t been there since I was three (I am 61). I spotted
this rainbow close to Syracuse after a brief rain storm.”
—Carol Ann Aldinger
“I was on the train leaving
from Albany-Rensselaer to Penn
Station when I came upon this
breathtaking view of the bridge
which had me fumbling for
my phone. I was determined
to capture a glimpse of it,
even as the train passed under
the bridge. I remember saying
to myself, ‘Oh, I am going to
miss it,’ but I just kept on
shooting. And boy, am I happy with the result.”
MaryEllen Staten
—Aline Cassinera
“I am currently on
a trip in Niagara
Falls with family,
and this is our first
trip on a train and
to the Falls. What a
beautiful trip by
rail; can’t wait to
experience more.”
—MaryEllen
Staten
“I took this shot of Amtrak 704 at the Poughkeepsie Station last
night.”
—Chris Jones
Got a great
shot to share? Send
your train travel
photos to editor@
newyorkbyrail.
com, and we may
include it in the
2017 issue!
Chris Jones
Carol Ann Aldinger
Aline Cassinera
PHOTOS: (RANGER RIDE) LISA ACKERT; (CLOUDS) CAROL ANN ALDINGER; (BRIDGE) ALINE CASSINERA; (OLD TRAIN TRACK) MARYELLEN STATEN; (TRAIN) CHRIS JONES
6 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

From the Publisher
Two of the main reasons I travel by
train—convenience, and avoiding
highway traffic and airport hassles.
Taking the train directly to the New York
State Fair stop in Syracuse last summer, I
discovered firsthand how Amtrak can be the preferred
way to travel. Boarding a morning train in
Poughkeepsie allowed me to arrive early afternoon at
a special platform that operates only during the 12
days of the Fair each year.
The journey provided majestic views along the
Hudson River, free Wi-Fi, friendly conversation, and
freedom to roam around the train. Without a
four-hour car ride, I was relaxed and ready for a day of fun.
“Amtrak Train Days” was a nice way to start my adventure and
learn more about the Amtrak travel experience. Some of my Fair
favorites included a delicious Gianelli sausage sandwich, the Taste
NY tent, sand sculptures and live music.
arm
Our
to
13th annual
Face
issue of New
Skin
York By Rail provides
Care
an
abundance of getaway ideas to create a lasting memory on board an
Amtrak train. “What’s New, Nearby and Not to Miss” and “Fun
101” provide this year’s suggestions reachable by Amtrak across
New York State, eastern Vermont and Canada. Don’t miss the
Showcasing natural skin and hair care products
for personal, retail and corporate enjoyment.
SOAPS | LOTIONS | CREAMS | SALVES | SCRUBS | BATH SOAKS
PHOTO: TOM MARTINELLI
py as
he
ifference
s what
e don’t
se.
enlarge
Featured
at Mohonk
Mountain
House,
New Paltz,
NY
Dome Car article, and get ready for one of the best
ways to experience the fall foliage season.
Connections is expanded this year to not only
contain “Rail/Drive Getaway Itineraries” but allinclusive
Amtrak packages that can only be booked
through our partner, AKIBA Travel. Based upon
popular theme-oriented getaways—such as history,
culture, food, wine, craft beverages and more—they
are a great way to experience New York State with a
rental car, or with a knowledgeable tour operator
guiding you. Our website contains the full list of
itineraries and packages, so be sure to check them out
throughout the year.
Whatever your preference, get onboard and experience
Amtrak. As always, please remember to share your favorite Amtrak
experiences with us by posting on New York By Rail’s Facebook or
Twitter pages, or by sending us an e-mail. Enjoy the journey!
Regards,
Tom Martinelli
publisher@newyorkbyrail.com
Showcasing Natural Skin and Hair Care Products
for Personal, Retail and Corporate Enjoyment.
SOAPS | LOTIONS | CREAMS | SALVES
SCRUBS | BATH SOAKS
The difference is what we DON’T use
Featured
at Mohonk
Mountain
House,
New Paltz, NY
Farm to F
Showcasing natu
for personal, re
SOAPS | LOTIONS | CR
The
difference
is what
we don’t
use.
HUDSONVALLEYSKINCARE.COM | 800.277.7099
hudsonvalleyskincare.com
800-277-7099
HUDSONVALLEYSKINCARE.COM
800-277-7099
HUDSONVALLEY
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 7

Discounts & Rewards
Savings and Special Offers
for your Amtrak Travel
EVERYDAY DISCOUNTS ▼
SENIORS: Travelers aged 62 and over
receive a 15% discount on the lowest
applicable rail fare on most Amtrak trains.
Valid government-issued I.D. may be
requested as proof of age. Amtrak.com
CHILDREN: Kids aged 2 through 12
receive a 50% discount off most Amtrak
rail fares to all our destinations, all year
long, when accompanied by at least one
person paying an adult rail fare. Up to
two children’s discounts are permitted in
conjunction with each adult traveler.
Amtrak.com
MILITARY: Active-duty military personnel,
their spouses and their dependents, receive a
10% discount off most Amtrak rail fares
anywhere in the U.S. Valid active-duty United
States Armed Forces identification card is
required. Amtrak.com
GROUP AND CONVENTION TRAVEL: Passengers traveling
together in groups of 20 or more. Amtrak.com
MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS ▼
Reservations and any itinerary changes for the following membership
discounts must be made at least three days in advance.
American Automobile Association
AAA members and their immediate family members (spouse and/or
dependent children) are eligible to receive a 10% discount on the lowest
applicable rail fare for Amtrak travel, as part of the Auto Club’s “Show
Your Card and Save” program. AAA.com/Amtrak; 800-763-9900
National Association of Railroad Passengers
Members of the NARP receive a 10% discount off most Amtrak rail fares
to all our destinations, all year long. narprail.org
Veterans Advantage Card
Veterans Advantage members receive a 15% discount off most Amtrak
fares anywhere in the U.S., all year long. veteransadvantage.com
Amtrak Guest Rewards® is a customer loyalty
program, membership is free and allows you to
earn points for your Amtrak travel. The points
you earn are redeemable for free Amtrak travel,
hotel stays, car rentals, retail and entertainment
gift cards, and more. More information:
amtrakguestrewards.com 800-307-5000
on Amtrak travel within New York State on select service routes, and from
New York State to Montreal and St. Lambert, Canada
Valid for travel May 27, 2016 — May 26, 2017
This offer is exclusively available via iloveny.com and amtrak.com
Seats are limited and a 5-day advance reservation is required.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR 15PCT OFF THE REGULAR (FULL) ADULT RAIL FARE. THIS OFFER IS EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT AMTRAK.COM VIA THE I LOVE NY WEBSITE.
THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR SALE BETWEEN 27MAY16-26MAY17 AND VALID FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN 01JUN16–31MAY17. BLACKOUTS APPLY ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: 01JUL16, 04JUL16, 02SEP16,
05SEP16, 10OCT16, 22–23NOV16, 26-28NOV16, 21–24DEC16, 26–30DEC16, 01-02JAN17, 17FEB17, 20FEB17, 13–14APR17, 17APR17, 26MAY17, AND 29MAY17. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
A MINIMUM OF FIVE (5) DAYS PRIOR TO TRAVEL. SEATING IS LIMITED; SEATS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE ON ALL TRAINS AT ALL TIMES. FARES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. UP TO 2 CHILDREN
AGES 2-12 MAY ACCOMPANY EACH ADULT AT HALF FARE. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR TRAVEL ON THE FOLLOWING TRAINS: ADIRONDACK, EMPIRE SERVICE, ETHAN ALLEN EXPRESS, AND MAPLE
LEAF. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR COACH SEATS ONLY; NO BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADES PERMITTED. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR TRAVEL TO/FROM ALL CITIES WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK; ALSO
INCLUDES TRAVEL FROM NEW YORK STATE TO MONTREAL AND ST. LAMBERT, QUEBEC. THIS OFFER IS NOT COMBINABLE WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNT OFFER. IN ADDITION TO THE DISCOUNT
RESTRICTIONS; THIS OFFER IS ALSO SUBJECT TO ANY RESTRICTIONS, BLACKOUTS AND REFUND RULES THAT APPLY TO THE TYPE OF FARE PURCHASED. TRAVEL IS PROHIBITED BETWEEN MON-
TREAL AND ST. LAMBERT, QUEBEC. FARES, ROUTES AND SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ONCE TRAVEL HAS BEGUN; NO CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY ARE PERMITTED.
OTHER RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. AMTRAK, ADIRONDACK, EMPIRE SERVICE, ETHAN ALLEN EXPRESS, AND MAPLE LEAF ARE REGISTERED SERVICE MARKS OF THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PAS-
SENGER CORPORATION.
I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.
This service is supported by funds made available by the New York State Department of Transportation.
PHOTO: © MATT DONNELLY
8 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTO: © JOSEPH MEADE

VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
2 DAY
RAIL/DRIVE
INTINERARY
2 DAY
RAIL/DRIVE
INTINERARY
HUDSON VALLEY CRAFT SPIRITS & WINE
RHINECLIFF OR POUGHKEEPSIE STATION
DAY ONE
• TUTHILLTOWN SPIRITS •
Distills some of America’s most prized spirits, with tours and
tastings of their handmade collection of unique spirits.
tuthilltown.com 845.255.1527
• STOUTRIDGE •
stoutridge.com 845.236.7620
• MINNEWASKA STATE PARK •
parks.ny.gov/parks/127 845.255.0752
Poughkeepsie
845.485.2222
Rhinecliff
845.336.4700
CITY OF HUDSON AND BEYOND
DAY ONE
• DOWNTOWN HUDSON •
After a tasting at
Tuthilltown, head for a
hike through the 20,000+
acres of Minnewaska,
or continue with locallyproduced
wines and
spirits at Stoutridge.
The Rhinecliff
4 Grinnell Street, Rhinecliff, NY 12574
Filled with antique stores, galleries and an array of fine
restaurants, pubs and comfy lodging options.
gotohudson.net
HUDSON STATION
DAY TWO
• HILLROCK DISTILLERY •
• HUDSON VALLEY WINE AND FOOD FEST •
hudsonvalleywinefest.com 845.658.7181
Boutique Country Hotel with luxurious amenities for all its
guests—not to mention an all-day, brasserie-style bar.
therhinecliff.com 845.876.0590
DAY TWO
• WM FARMER AND SONS •
After exploring the city of
Hudson head to WM Farmer
• MAC-HAYDN THEATER •
wmfarmerandsons.com 518.828.1635 and Sons for some “proper
machaydntheatre.org 518.392.9292
drinking” and simple supper,
• HELSINKI HUDSON • or Helsinki for homespun
• AMERICAN GLORY •
seasonally-selected foods.
helsinkihudson.com 518.828.4800 americanglory.com 518.822.1234
WM Farmer and Sons
20 S Front Street, Hudson, NY 12534
Eclectic boarding rooms and suites designed for warm
and comfortable overnight stays.
Tour the production of hand-crafted spirits made with their own
grain and hand bottled at the estate in the Hudson Valley Highlands.
hillrockdistillery.com 518.329.1023
• CLINTON VINEYARDS •
clintonvineyards.com 845.266.5372
Continue your tour at the
100-acre Clinton Vineyards,
or visit the Hudson Valley
Wine & Food Fest on
Sept. 10 & 11 to taste the
best the region has to
offer.
• MARTIN VAN BUREN HISTORIC SITE •
The retirement home and farm of the 8th President of the
United States, Martin Van Buren.
nps.gov/mava 518.758.9689
Download
Today
Following a day of history
treat yourself to amazing
BBQ at American Glory
then visit Mac-Haydn
Theater, the area’s foremost
professional theater .
Download
®
®
PHOTO: (MIDDLE) DANIEL REGION
518.828-5492
wmfarmerandsons.com 518.828.1635
Today

2 DAY
RAIL/DRIVE
INTINERARY
• CROSSGATES •
shopcrossgates.com 518.869.9565
ALBANY CRAFT BEVERAGES AND HISTORY
DAY ONE
Promoting the facilities of farm-based craft beverage
producers throughout the county of Albany.
albanycraftbeverages.org
518.828.5492
• ALBANY BEVERAGE TRAIL •
• C.H. EVANS BREWERY •
evansale.com 518.447.9000
ALBANY/RENSSELAER STATION
Taste unique craft brews
along the beverage trail,
then grab a bite at
Crossgates Mall—
featuring over 250 stores
and restaurants, or
check out C.H. Evans.
Morgan State House
393 State Street, Albany, NY 12210
DAY TWO
• ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART •
• MISCI •
misci.org 518.382.7890
• JACK’S OYSTER HOUSE •
jacksoysterhouse.com 518.465.8854
Check out the ‘Ultimate Urban Inn’ just steps away from
restaurants, museums and entertainment. Unique location
near historic Washington Park.
statehouse.com 518.427.6063
Founded in 1791, this institute is one of the oldest museums in
the U.S. and continually features nationally significant collections.
albanyinstitute.org 518.463.4478
Have a fun-filled day of
discovery at the Albany
Institute of History & Art
and MiSci—a museum and
planetarium, then grab
some food at Jack’s Oyster
House.
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Today
®
VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
2 DAY
RAIL/DRIVE
INTINERARY
518.587.0687
SARATOGA SPAS AND CULTURE
DAY ONE
• ROOSEVELT BATHS •
Spa using mineral water from the Lincoln Mineral Spring for
optimal health benefits and a relaxing experience.
gideonputnam.com 518.226.4790
• AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM •
saratogaautomuseum.org 518.587.1935
• MUSEUM OF DANCE •
dancemuseum.org 518.584.2225
Gideon Putnam
24 Gideon Putnam Road,
Saratoga Springs, NY
Have a relaxing day at the
Roosevelt Baths, then head
to two world class museums
right around the corner: The
Automobile Museum and the
Museum of Dance.
SARATOGA STATION
DAY TWO
• DOWNTOWN SARATOGA •
Broadway, the main street through town, was voted one
of the top Main streets in America.
saratogadowntown.com
• CAFFE LENA •
caffelena.org 518.583.0022
• SARATOGA BATTLEFIELD •
nps.gov/sara 518.670.2985
Pavilion Grand
30 Lake Avenue,
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
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Today
Walk through downtown
Saratoga to Caffe Lena,
the oldest coffeehouse in
the U.S., or visit the
Revolutionary War’s turning
point: Saratoga Battlefield.
®
VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
Stay a night at this elegant historical building
in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park.
Located in the heart of downtown Saratoga.
Spacious, state of the art, elegantly appointed rooms and suites.
gideonputnam.com 518.584.3000 paviliongrandhotel.com 518.583.2727

VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
2 DAY
RAIL/DRIVE
INTINERARY
2 DAY
RAIL/DRIVE
INTINERARY
THE CATSKILLS BEVERAGE TRAIL
DAY ONE
• HONEY HOLLOW BREWERY •
The only farm brewery located in Greene County.
Make a reservation H.HollowBrew@gmail.com
• CROSSROADS BREWING COMPANY •
HUDSON STATION
VISIT WESTCHESTER
YONKERS & CROTON-HARMON STATIONS
DAY ONE
DAY TWO
• HISTORIC VILLAGE OF CATSKILL • • CAVE MOUNTAIN BREWERY COMPANY •
• KYKUIT •
• STONE BARNS CENTER FOR
FOOD & AGRICULTURE •
stonebarnscenter.org 914.366.6200
• UNION CHURCH OF POCANTICO HILLS •
After seeing Kykuit, eat
at the Stone Barn farm,
restaurant and educational
center before heading
onto Union Church.
Home of the Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company,
enjoy classic Italian and American cuisine.
honeyhollowbrewery.com 518.966.5560 angelasbistrobrewery.com 518.678.9275
Voted “Best Restaurant in Greene County” and
NEW farm retail store with wine tastings from the
“Best Brewery in the Hudson Valley.”
award winning winery, Hudson-Chatham Winery.
crossroadsbrewingco.com 518.945.BEER hudsonchathamtannersville.com 518.589.4193
Stroll along Main Street and visit local shops,
galleries, antique stores and more.
villageofcatskill.net
In the Historic Village of Catskill with
picturesque views of the Catskill Creek.
For architecture, remarkable gardens, art, history, and
spectacular scenery, a trip to Kykuit is simply amazing.
The County’s first brewery and voted “Best
Brewery” at the Hunter Mtn. Microbrewery Fest.
cavemountainbrewing.com 518.734.9222
calebstreetsinn.com 518.943.0246 hammosbrewpubandlodge.com 518.734.6500
518.828.5492
Yonkers 914.968.1000
Croton-Harmon 914.271.0100
Caleb Street’s Inn
251 Main Street,
Catskill, NY 12414
• Great homebrewed beer in a friendly atmosphere,
paired with comfort food and a warm bed.
DAY TWO
Overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown is one of America’s
Finest Gothic Revival mansions in its own 67 acre park.
hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/kykuit 914.631.8200 lyndhurst.org 914.631.4481
• HILLTOP HANOVER •
hilltophanoverfarm.org 914.962.2368
• CARAMOOR CENTER FOR MUSIC
AND THE ARTS •
ucph.org 914.631.2069 caramoor.org 914.232.1252
Sheraton
600 White Plains Road,
Tarrytown, NY 10591
• ANGELA’S ITALIAN BISTRO & BREWERY •
• HUDSON CHATHAM WINERY TANNERSVILLE •
Hammo’s
Brewpub & Lodge
39 County Route 65,
Hensonville, NY 12439
• LYNDHURST •
Doubletree
455 S Broadway,
Tarrytown, NY 10591
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Today
In one day see a famous
mansion at Lyndhurst, a 187
acre farm with hiking trails at
Hilltop and one of the
nation's top outdoor music
festival sites.
®
®
Download
Today
Offers a fitness facility, indoor pool, spa
and a full-service contemporary American restaurant.
Offers 24/7 rooms and a 24 hour business
center, with an indoor pool, fitness center, sauna and more.
shertontarrytown.com 914.460.2000 doubletree3.hilton.com 914.631.5700

Packages
Coordinated by
Akiba Travel
ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES
For more information visit NewYorkByRail.com or call 518.322.2067
®
VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
• OUTDOOR ADVENTURE ESCAPE •
Catskill and Adirondack Mountains
re you seeking
an amazing
A year-round
outdoor adventure?
New York State has an
abundance of
outstanding opportunities
for the beginner to
advanced enthusiasts
in the Catskill and
Adirondack Mountains.
New York’s mountains
provide a retreat with
amazing views of the
glorious lakes, rippling brooks, state parks and distinctive villages. You can
even escape to a mountain top resort anytime of the year for hiking, skiing,
paddling, zip lining or mountain biking. From the high peaks, fresh lakes,
waterfalls, roaring rivers and ponds, the Adirondack and Catskill mountains are
places of mystery and beauty which has fascinated thrill seekers and
vacationers for decades. Whether it
is world class whitewater rafting,
cycling, paddling or hiking, those
seeking an adventure of a lifetime
will find it in New York State.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Passes to outdoor attractions
that include skiing, zip lining,
whitewater rafting, paddling,
mountain biking etc.
• Amazing views
• Nightlife and shopping
INDIVIDUAL
PACKAGES
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$495
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available Year
Round
GROUP
ADVENTURE
PACKAGES
4–12 PEOPLE
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$635
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available Year
Round
• BREW, WINE AND SPIRITS TOUR •
Upper Hudson Valley-Capital Saratoga Region
Mid Hudson Valley-Dutchess and
Ulster Counties
xperience New
York State like you
Enever have before!
Take our one-of- a-kind
Brewtique tour of the
spectacular Hudson
Valley Region. This tour
is for those with a
discerning palate for
cuisine and unique beverages
and a quest for
adventure. We will take
you to up to 6 select
boutique breweries, wineries and/or distilleries to taste quality beverages
infused with distinct flavors specific to the region. If you select the mid-Hudson
Valley tour, then brace yourself as you walk 212 feet above the Hudson River
along the Walkway Over the Hudson and explore Minewaska State Park, its
sparkling lakes and waterfalls amidst the backdrop of the majestic Catskill
Mountains. You will also have time on your own to discover one of the Valley’s
historic towns, walk the main street and shop, dine and have fun. The upper
Hudson Valley tour is just as exciting, you will experience a behind the scenes
• HEALTH AND WELLNESS GETAWAY •
Saratoga Springs
aratoga has been known
as “The Queen of Spas”
Ssince the mid-18th
century. Long believed to have
restorative powers, “taking the
waters” made Saratoga the
destination of prominent guests
from George Washington to
the robber barons of the
Gilded Age. Whether you
prefer soaking in the water or
drinking it, the different springs
offer different benefits. You won’t just be drinking the famous waters, you’ll also
visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting and see why New York wines are
respected all over the world. After all of these refreshing beverages, you’ll
appreciate a bountiful meal at a Saratoga Springs premier farm to table
restaurant! After a day spent rejuvenating the soul, a
historic inn or premier hotel is the perfect place to rest for
the next day. Come see why
Saratoga is a luxurious reminder of
a more gracious time!
HIGHLIGHTS
• Historic Roosevelt Baths
• Walking tour of the famous
healing waters of Saratoga
• Wine tasting
• Dining at a premier locallyowned
restaurant
• Instructional yoga
• Added health and wellness
themed surprises along the way
• Customized options to enhance your visitor experience
look on how the brews are made,
walk the Victorian streets of
Saratoga Springs, hike through
Saratoga State Park and enjoy
the mineral springs which are
known to possess healing
powers and much more.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Tasting at 5-6 top breweries,
wineries and/or distilleries
• Culinary experiences
• Beautiful State Parks
• Local main street boutique shopping
• Round-trip coach on Amtrak to destination
• Transportation to and from all attractions,
hotels and train station
• 2 nights’ accommodation in a 3-4 star hotel
• Food sampling
• Welcome reception
• 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner
• Fully guided with local experts
AVAILABLIITY
August 12, 13, & 14—Mid Hudson Valley
Oct 7, 8 &, 9—Upper Hudson Valley
Contact for Customized Group Reservations—
Available May–October
INDIVIDUAL
PACKAGES
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$495
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available Year
Round
GUIDED AND
CHAUFFEURED
GROUP HEALTH
AND WELLNESS
GETAWAY
4–12 PEOPLE
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$655
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available Year
Round
GUIDED
CHAUFFEURED
GROUP PACKAGE
6–12 PEOPLE
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$635
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Each tour is a customized experience to suit your interests and needs. Packages include value-added surprises.
Prices and Packages are subject to change due to availability, demand and season. Starting prices may be lower or higher depending on lodging selection,
time of year, day of the week, meals and transportation options. There are options to add on additional days to your package.
Contact us to create a unique tour specifically designed for you!

Packages
Coordinated by
Akiba Travel
ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES
For more information visit NewYorkByRail.com or call 518.322.2067
®
Upper Hudson Valley-Capital Saratoga Region
Mid Hudson Valley-Poughkeepsie and
Rhinebeck
L
• FARM TO TABLE, CULINARY TOUR •
et your taste
buds savor the
gourmet
delicacies of the Mid
and Upper Hudson
Valley. Join us for a
culinary explosion as
we explore farms,
wineries and
breweries nestled in
the foothills of the
Catskills and
Adirondack Mountains.
Along the way, there will be food tastings and a
final meal prepared by a local chef who will
create his/her gastronomic masterpiece, from
locally grown products, just for you.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit three to four local food producers
• Interpretation of the local history
• Welcome reception
• Private dinner prepared by a local chef
• Added surprises along the way
AVAILABLIITY
Scheduled Tour Dates
July 15, 16 & 17—
Mid Hudson Valley
Oct 15, 16 & 17—
Upper Hudson Valley
Contact for Customized Group
Reservations—
Available May–October
• LEGENDARY ERIE CANAL •
GUIDED
CHAUFFERED
GROUP TOURS
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$635
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Capital Region-Albany and Saratoga
iscover America's
most famous and
D influential waterway.
Journey back in time as we
take you to the legendary
Erie Canal. Once
considered the 8th wonder
of the world, this magnificent
waterway is still active
today and more beautiful
than ever. Join us for an
exploration of a lifetime!
You will experience the
splendor, beauty and excitement of this wondrous canal as you visit charming
canal communities, operate a canal lock, explore tug boats and “lock through”
on a cruise boat. Spend time with us as you hear from locals who have unique
stories to tell, view great works of architecture and picturesque landscapes that
have remained intact for hundreds of years.
• ARTS IN NEW YORK’S CAPITAL REGION •
“T
he Arts” in New
York don’t just
mean the bright
lights of Broadway and the
museums of Manhattan—
the art scene in New York’s
Capital Region is as rich as
it is diverse. You can see a
Broadway play at a
beautifully restored
Vaudeville theater, or enjoy
a night with the Philadelphia
Orchestra at their summer home in the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Is jazz more your style? The Saratoga Jazz Festival features two days of the
best jazz in the world with multiple Grammy-nominated artists scheduled for
2016. Maybe you’d like to visit the National Museum of Dance, immerse
yourself in modern art exhibits, or
explore the collections of
Picasso, Degas and Rembrandt.
Make this a truly
memorable group vacation
with luxury options such as
private dining and/or your own
chauffeur. You’ll see why the
Capital Region is a favorite
destination for patrons of the
fine arts! Visit our website for
more art experiences!
HIGHLIGHTS
• Musical, dance or theatrical performance
• Visit one of the area’s premier art museums
for exceptional art and sculpture exhibits
• Fine dining at a locally acclaimed
restaurant
• Arts & culture themed surprises along the
way
• Customized opportunities to enhance your experience,
such as private dining, champagne and a private reception
HIGHLIGHTS
• Tugboat Roundup Festival—one of largest tug
boat festivals in the U.S.
• Cruise “locking through” locks and wine
reception
• Working an actual canal lock
• Saratoga National Historical Park
• Cohoes Falls—second largest falls east of
Colorado
• Local brew tasting
• Fully guided tour with canal experts
• Music, history, culture and much more
SCHEDULED TOUR DATE
SEPT 9, 10 & 11
Contact for customized group
reservations
AVAILABLE
May–October.
Customized tour does not
include Tugboat Roundup
event.
INDIVIDUAL
PACKAGES
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$445
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available Year
Round
Each tour is a customized experience to suit your interests and needs. Packages include value-added surprises.
Prices and Packages are subject to change due to availability, demand and season. Starting prices may be lower or higher depending on lodging selection,
time of year, day of the week, meals and transportation options. There are options to add on additional days to your package.
Contact us to create a unique tour specifically designed for you!
GUIDED
CHAUFFERED
GROUP TOURS
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$635
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available Year
Round
GUIDED
CHAUFFEURED
GROUP PACKAGE
4–12 PEOPLE
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$565
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

Packages
Coordinated by
Akiba Travel
ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES
For more information visit NewYorkByRail.com or call 518.322.2067
®
VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NEWYORKBYRAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION
Capital Region-Albany and Saratoga
“Uncovering the Real Story”
D
iscover the real stories of
New York State and its
history as the hub for the
slave trade and the Underground
Railroad. You will
uncover the truth as we explore
slavery’s checkered past. You
will hear powerful narratives and
walk the paths of those who
sought freedom; and those who
risked their lives helping them.
Along the way, there will be
boutique shopping, boat rides
through canal locks, dining at
locally famous restaurants and
wine tastings. There will also be
hidden surprises throughout the
journey that will make your trip
exciting and
rewarding.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise “locking
through” locks and
wine reception
• Underground
Railroad Safe House
• Path of Solomon
Northup (12 Years a Slave)
• Wine tasting and boutique shopping
• Fully guided tour by experts
• Picturesque landscapes, local stories and immersion
experiences
S
• SLAVERY AND THE UNDERGROUND
RAILROAD •
• EMPIRE STATE TOUR •
Capital Saratoga Region
GUIDED
CHAUFFEURED
GROUP PACKAGE
4–12 PEOPLE
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$565
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
ome historians
believe that the
nickname “The
Empire State”
originated from George
Washington, who
referred to New York as
the “seat of an empire.”
From the early conflicts
for the colonial empire,
to the canals that
helped open the
western frontier, New
York State has earned
its namesake in a
variety of ways. Explore New York’s Capital Region and discover some of the
many ways that New York has contributed to the formation of America’s unique
identity.
Capital Saratoga Region
ould you
ever have
W thought of
Benedict Arnold as
an American hero?
Did you know that
the Battle at
Saratoga was the
one of the most
significant wars in
global history? You
will learn these
answers and
discover other
historical facts as
you journey to the
past by visiting key
Revolutionary War sites in the Capital Saratoga Region. Not only will you visit
the Saratoga National Historical Park and the Saratoga Monument, you’ll also
see General Schuyler’s meticulously
restored home in Schuylerville and
his Georgian mansion in Albany, site
of Alexander Hamilton’s wedding
in 1780. Then take a ride on an
authentic sternwheel paddleboat
along the Champlain Canal and
listen to local history as you “lock
through” canal locks.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Saratoga National Historical
Park
• General Philip Schuyler Mansion
• Canal boat ride through historic locks
HIGHLIGHTS
• Boat ride on the canal
and “locking through”
locks.
• Tour of the Capitol- an
architectural wonder
• Saratoga National
Historical Park—site of
the turning point of the
American Revolution
• Historic Schenectady
Stockade-buildings
dating back to the early 1700s
• REVOLUTIONARY WAR •
INDIVIDUAL
PACKAGES
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$435
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available May–
October
INDIVIDUAL
PACKAGES
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$435
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available March–
November
Each tour is a customized experience to suit your interests and needs. Packages include value-added surprises.
Prices and Packages are subject to change due to availability, demand and season. Starting prices may be lower or higher depending on lodging selection,
time of year, day of the week, meals and transportation options. There are options to add on additional days to your package.
Contact us to create a unique tour specifically designed for you!
GROUP TOURS
4–12 PEOPLE
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$575
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available May–
October
GUIDED
CHAUFFERED
GROUP TOURS
4–12 PEOPLE
2 NIGHTS
3 DAYS
PACKAGES
STARTING AT
$595
PER PACKAGE
PP/DBL
Available March–
November

Where Can Amtrak Take You?
PHOTO: (STATE FAIR) COURTESY TRACI L. SUPPA
VISIT VERMONT! ▼
20% discount on Amtrak travel to Vermont on
the Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express
Valid for travel November 1, 2016–October 31, 2017
*The Visit Vermont 20% Discount is currently active and
has been renewed for 2017.
This offer is exclusively available via
vermontvacation.com
Seats are limited and a 3-day advance
reservation is required.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: THIS OFFER IS EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT
WWW.VERMONTVACATION.COM. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR 20PCT OFF THE
REGULAR (FULL) ADULT RAIL FARE. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR SALE BETWEEN
29OCT16–28OCT17 AND VALID FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN 01NOV16–31OCT17.
BLACKOUTS APPLY ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: 22–23NOV16, 26–28NOV16,
21–24DEC16, 26–30DEC16, 01JAN17–02JAN17, 17FEB17, 20FEB17, 13–14APR17,
17APR17, 26MAY17, 29MAY17, 01SEP17, 04SEP17, AND 09OCT17. ADVANCE RES-
ERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED A MINIMUM OF THREE (3) DAYS PRIOR TO
TRAVEL. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR TRAVEL ON THE VERMONTER AND ETHAN
ALLEN EXPRESS SERVICE. VALID FOR TRAVEL TO CITIES WITHIN THE STATE OF
VERMONT AND RETURN ONLY. SEATING IS LIMITED; SEATS MAY NOT BE AVAIL-
ABLE ON ALL DAYS. FARES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. UP TO 2 CHILDREN
AGES 2-12 MAY ACCOMPANY EACH ADULT AT HALF THE REGULAR (FULL)
ADULT RAIL FARE. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR COACH SEATS ONLY; NO UP-
GRADES PERMITTED. THIS OFFER IS NOT COMBINABLE WITH ANY OTHER DIS-
COUNT OFFER. IN ADDITION TO THE DISCOUNT RESTRICTIONS; THIS OFFER IS
ALSO SUBJECT TO ANY RESTRICTIONS, BLACKOUTS AND REFUND RULES THAT
APPLY TO THE TYPE OF FARE PURCHASED. FARES, ROUTES AND SCHEDULES
ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ONCE TRAVEL HAS BEGUN, NO
CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY ARE PERMITTED. OTHER RESTRICTIONS MAY
APPLY. AMTRAK, VERMONTER AND ETHAN ALLEN EXPRESS ARE REGISTERED
SERVICE MARKS OF THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION.
THE GREAT NEW YORK
STATE FAIR! ▼
KIDS RIDE FREE to the
New York State Fair
Valid for travel August 25–
September 4, 2016
Seats are limited and a 3-day
advance reservation is required.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: THIS OFFER IS
EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT WWW.AMTRAK.
COM. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR SALE BE-
TWEEN 01AUG16- 01SEP16 AND VALID FOR
TRAVEL BETWEEN 25AUG16- 04SEP16. BLACK-
OUT DATE APPLIES ON 02SEP16. ADVANCE
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED A MINI-
MUM OF THREE (3) DAYS PRIOR TO
TRAVEL. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR ONE (1)
FREE CHILD’S RAIL FARE WITH THE PUR-
CHASE OF ONE REGULAR (FULL) ADULT, SE-
NIOR CITIZEN, OR DISABLED ADULT RAIL
FARE. THE FREE CHILD AND PAID ADULT
MUST TRAVEL TOGETHER ON THE SAME ITINERARY. SEATING IS LIMITED; SEATS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE
ON ALL TRAINS AT ALL TIMES. FARES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR COACH
SEATS ONLY; NO BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADES PERMITTED. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR TRAVEL ON THE MA-
PLE LEAF AND THE FOLLOWING SELECT EMPIRE SERVICE TRAINS ONLY: #281, #283, #284 AND #288. THIS
OFFER IS VALID FOR TRAVEL TO THE NEW YORK STATE FAIR STATION STOP AND RETURN ONLY. IN ADDI-
TION TO THE DISCOUNT RESTRICTIONS; THIS OFFER IS ALSO SUBJECT TO ANY RESTRICTIONS, BLACKOUTS,
AND REFUND RULES THAT APPLY TO THE TYPE OF FARE PURCHASED. FARES, ROUTES AND SCHEDULES
ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS OFFER IS NOT COMBINABLE WITH ANY OTHER DIS-
COUNT OFFER. ONCE TRAVEL HAS BEGUN; NO CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY ARE PERMITTED. OTHER RE-
STRICTIONS MAY APPLY. AMTRAK, MAPLE LEAF AND EMPIRE SERVICE ARE REGISTERED SERVICE MARKS OF
THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER CORPORATION.
New York ’s
Ride and Dine
In a Luxury Train Car
Amidst the Legendary
Catskill Mountains
New American Cuisine
NEW AT THE SARATOGA & NORTH CREEK RAILWAY
Departing Saratoga Springs, New York
Running July through October
Lunch and Dinner
11:30am and 6:00pm
Menus highlighting ingredients prized by
establishments embracing the farm-to-table
philosophy, paired with craft beer, wine and
spirits sourced locally – giving guests a true
taste of the Adirondacks.
Reserve Your Table
ThePullmanTable.com
Route 28, Arkville, NY | 800.225.4132 | www.durr.org
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 17

Amtrak Helps You Travel for Medical Treatment
Julie Jock, an elementary school psychologist from the Plattsburgh area of
upstate New York, was diagnosed with breast cancer last winter. There
were no breast surgeons at her local cancer center, nor plastic surgeons to
perform reconstruction. Her search for care led her to the Dubin Breast
Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
“In February I started traveling for appointments and tests, and I had surgery on March
2nd,” Julie explains. “Following the surgery, I traveled every few weeks for monitoring with
my oncologist and surgeons. Now I am traveling down every three months for appointments.”
Through Amtrak’s Empire Service
Rails to Recovery program, Julie
and members of her family have
been able to take a comfortable train ride
into Penn Station, and at a significant
discount.
“Driving to the city was never a good
option for us. Dealing with the traffic and
parking was not fun. Taking the train is so
much less stressful for my family.”
For families faced with a critical
illness, traveling for specialized medical
care can be a financial and emotional
challenge. Rails to Recovery provides qualifying passengers a Buy
One, Get One Free discount on Amtrak Empire Service trains.
Since 2014, Amtrak has partnered with Albany-based nonprofit
Voices of Hope to facilitate travel for patients who register online with
one of 26 participating agencies, including the American Cancer Society,
American Heart Association, and the Ronald McDonald House of the
Capital Region. Voices of Hope is a consortium of non-profit organizations
located throughout the Capital region that exchanges resources
and ideas in order to bring hope and services to children and families
touched by life-altering conditions.
So far, more than 500 trips have been facilitated through Rails to
Recovery.
Sandy Nardoci, Chair and Co-Founder
of Voices of Hope—and one of many
volunteers running its programs—is
pleased with the results of the collaboration.
“Amtrak has provided a tremendous
opportunity and an invaluable service to
our Voices of Hope families throughout
the Capital Region and across New York
State.”
“Rails to Recovery has not only helped
make travel to NYC less anxiety-provoking,
it has helped us financially,” adds
Julie. “New York City is expensive, and
while I have good health insurance, there have been many out of
pocket costs.”
After receiving treatment and reconstructive surgery, Julie is
now celebrating more than a full year of cancer survivorship. What’s
next? After a 30-year career, she plans to retire in August. “It's time to
go do those things on my bucket list. My husband recently retired,
so I hope we’ll get to travel. I also plan on volunteering and spending
more time with my family.” In the meantime, you’ll find Julie pursuing
her hobbies—yoga, boating, and riding with her husband on his
Harley.
For more information, visit voicesofthecapitalregion.org. Once
registered with Voices of Hope, passengers book travel on Amtrak.com.
RAILS TO RECOVERY ▼
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR ONE (1) FREE COMPANION RAIL FARE
WITH THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) REGULAR (FULL) ADULT RAIL FARE. THIS OFFER IS
EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT WWW.VOICESOFTHECAPITALREGION.ORG. THIS OFFER IS VALID
FOR SALE BETWEEN 28APR16–27APR17 AND VALID FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN 01MAY16–30APR17.
BLACKOUTS APPLY ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: 27MAY16, 30MAY16, 01JUL16, 04JUL16,
02SEP16, 05SEP16, 10OCT16, 22–23NOV16, 26–28NOV16, 21–24DEC16, 26–30DEC16, 01–02JAN17,
17FEB17, 20FEB17, 13-14APR17, AND 17APR17. ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED A
MINIMUM OF THREE (3) DAYS PRIOR TO TRAVEL. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR TRAVEL
WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK ONLY. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR TRAVEL ON THE FOLLOW-
ING TRAINS: ADIRONDACK, EMPIRE SERVICE, ETHAN ALLEN EXPRESS, AND MAPLE LEAF. UP
TO 2 CHILDREN AGES (2-12) MAY ACCOMPANY EACH ADULT AT HALF THE REGULAR (FULL)
ADULT RAIL FARE. THIS OFFER IS VALID FOR COACH SEATS ONLY; NO BUSINESS CLASS UP-
GRADES PERMITTED. SEATING IS LIMITED; SEATS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE ON ALL DAYS.
FARES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. THE FREE COMPANION AND FULL FARE PASSENGER
MUST TRAVEL TOGETHER ON THE SAME ITINERARY AND HAVE TICKETS ISSUED TOGETHER.
THE COMPANION IS SUBJECT TO THE SAME RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS AS THE FULL
FARE PASSENGER. THIS OFFER IS NOT COMBINABLE WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNT OFFER.
IN ADDITION TO THE DISCOUNT RESTRICTIONS; THIS OFFER IS ALSO SUBJECT TO ANY
RESTRICTIONS, BLACKOUTS, AND REFUND RULES THAT APPLY TO THE TYPE OF FARE PUR-
CHASED. FARES, ROUTES AND SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
ONCE TRAVEL HAS BEGUN; NO CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY ARE PERMITTED. OTHER RE-
STRICTIONS MAY APPLY. AMTRAK, ADIRONDACK, MAPLE LEAF, ETHAN ALLEN EXPRESS, AND
EMPIRE SERVICE ARE REGISTERED SERVICE MARKS OF THE NATIONAL RAILROAD PASSENGER
CORPORATION.
PHOTO: (JULIE) COURTESY JULIE JOCK; (TRAIN) © GREGORY GRICE
18 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Amtrak
Sustainability
Initiatives
Amtrak implements practices to
conserve natural resources and
reduce waste, while connecting
31.6 million passengers to more
than 500 destinations.
PHOTO: © MATT DONNELLY
At Amtrak, we are dedicated to operating as a sustainable
business. We also contribute to the country’s long-term
sustainability by providing an energy efficient mode of
transportation. Every time you choose Amtrak to get to
your destination, you create a smaller environmental
impact, because rail travel is a more energy efficient
mode of transportation than travel by air or car on a per-passengermile
basis.
Committed to Corporate Sustainability
Amtrak put its first Sustainability Policy in place in July 2013. However,
our sustainability journey started more than ten years ago as a charter
member of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), when we committed
to reducing emissions from locomotive diesel fuel by 6% between 2003
and 2010 (baseline usage between 1998 and 2001). We exceeded this
goal, and since then have made several other external sustainability
commitments and pledges.
In 2009, Amtrak signed onto the American Public Transportation
Association Sustainability Commitment, establishing a baseline inventory
of various sustainability parameters such as greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, water and energy usage. Amtrak achieved the Bronze level of
this Commitment in 2013 by completing a sustainability inventory,
implementing green initiatives and setting goals for reducing fuel use in
locomotives and electricity at facilities.
Also in 2013, Amtrak began reporting through the Carbon Disclosure
Project (CDP), a program that gathers data on GHG emissions and climate
change initiatives from corporations globally on an annual basis. CDP
scores submissions on transparency as well as performance in these areas.
The scores for Amtrak have increased each year over the past three years
of reporting! In addition, Amtrak became a signatory to the UIC’s Railway
Climate Responsibility Pledge, which is a public demonstration of the
company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and integrating
sustainability into its corporate goals and business practices.
What Can You Do?
In addition to its large-scale corporate efforts, Amtrak makes an impact
through smaller-scale initiatives. As a passenger, you can help Amtrak—
and the environment—in several ways:
1. Reduce the carbon footprint of your rail travel by purchasing
carbon offsets through Amtrak’s partnership with the non-profit
Carbonfund.org. Your donations support projects such as certified
sustainable reforestation and alternative energy projects. See Carbonfund
options below.
2. When you purchase your Amtrak eTicket, it’s not necessary to
print it out. Save paper simply by presenting your eTicket barcode to
the Conductor using your smartphone.
3. Utilize the built-in recycling containers for plastic and glass
bottles and aluminum cans in the café and lounge cars. Your newspapers,
magazines, and other paper can be recycled in the containers
available in most stations.
Did You Know?
Amtrak’s food and beverage services strive for
sustainability! All printed materials use
soy-based inks and are made of recycled
paper, including napkins, cups and hot
beverage sleeves, and carryout trays.
Amtrak’s mechanical and engineering facilities recycle steel
parts, scrap metal, batteries, used oil and more. In one year alone,
Amtrak recycled more than 9,800 tons of steel parts and scrap, 90
tons of wire, 225,000 gallons of used oil, and 300,000 pounds of
paper!
RAIL TRAVEL IS 12 PERCENT MORE EFFICIENT THAN AIR TRAVEL
AND 33 PERCENT MORE EFFICIENT THAN TRAVEL BY CAR, IN TERMS
OF ENERGY [ BTUS/PASSENGER MILE].
Source: US Department of Energy Transportation Energy Data Book (2015)
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 19

Rail Service Improvements
Underway Across New York
News from the New York State Department of Transportation
As you travel New York State in the comfort of an Amtrak
train, you’ll see signs of construction along the route—work
that is improving passenger rail service under the most
significant modernization program in a generation. With
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s leadership and Amtrak’s
help, New York’s Empire and Northeast Corridors are
being upgraded.
The work—more than $942 million in passenger rail improvements—
will shorten trip times, reduce delays and make train travel more reliable,
comfortable and accessible.
“Transportation is a priority for Governor Cuomo, and he fought for
federal funding that is improving passenger rail service, creating jobs
and supporting economic growth,” New York State Department of
Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said. “From Manhattan
to Albany and Niagara Falls, these projects are reducing congestion and
enhancing reliability for both passenger and freight travel.”
Since 2009, more than a dozen projects have won federal funding.
Rail stations, platforms, tracks and signal systems are being rebuilt,
replaced, and modernized. All the projects are scheduled for
completion by 2019 or sooner.
NEW TRAIN STATIONS BEING BUILT
Construction progress continues on four new passenger rail stations in
Manhattan, Schenectady, Rochester, and Niagara Falls. Upgrades to a
fifth—the Buffalo-Depew Station—were completed in December 2012.
Moynihan Station
The Moynihan Station project will turn Manhattan’s landmark Farley U.S.
Post Office building into a monumental train hall, while preserving the
building’s historic exterior. Amtrak passengers boarding at the new,
sky-lit Moynihan Station will have better access to trains, buses, taxis
and bike share services.
The $300 million first phase of construction is scheduled for
completion in the fall of 2016 with the opening of the lower Moynihan
Station concourse. It will give Long Island Railroad, NJ Transit and
Amtrak passengers new access to the west ends of Penn Station’s
platforms—via additional stairways, elevators and escalators—and new
entrances to Penn Station on the west side of Eighth Avenue through
A passenger train pulls into the station in Rensselaer where
NYSDOT is installing a fourth track that will make service faster
and more reliable for the many customers who use it.
Deep excavation occurs at the site of the new Rochester
Intermodal Station. A concourse tunnel is being built to
access a new two-sided, high-level passenger platform.
the Farley Post Office Building. An underground passageway will
connect the new concourse to the 8th Avenue subway station and the
Penn Station concourses east of 8th Avenue.
Schenectady Station
The New York State Department of Transportation and Amtrak kicked
off construction last year on a $13.5 million railroad station in Schenectady.
The project—scheduled for completion in 2018—includes a new station
building, tracks and platforms, as well as improved parking, lighting,
landscaping and walkways leading to a bus station on State Street.
Rochester Station
Significant progress is being made on the construction of a $30 million
Rochester Station, which is scheduled for completion in late 2017. The
1970s station was demolished last year to make room for the new one.
The new station design takes a page from the past with a brick façade,
barrel-vaulted windows, arches, and skylights similar to the former 1914
Bragdon Station. Inside, however, travelers will enjoy a spacious,
modern station with passenger amenities, well-lit concourse, modern
arrival/departure board and an elevator, escalator and stairs to a new
high-level passenger platform that will ease train boarding and
departure. The project also includes new parking areas, landscaping,
lighting, pedestrian walkways and bicycle racks.
PHOTOS: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
20 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Niagara Falls International Transportation Center
The new station at Niagara Falls is scheduled to open in 2016. The
project—lead by the city of Niagara Falls in partnership with New
York State—is part of a $27.4 million redevelopment project that rebuilt
the 1863 Customs House, which will include U.S. Department of
Homeland Security border inspection facilities, retail shops, and an
educational center.
RAILS BEING UPGRADED
Railroad tracks and signals also are being upgraded, expanded and
reconfigured at key locations across the state to reduce congestion, ease
delays and enhance security. Significant construction continues through
2016. Project highlights include:
• A $368 million project scheduled for completion in late 2019 will
build grade-separated tracks dedicated to Amtrak service between Hell
Gate Bridge and Penn Station. The work will help speed passenger
trains through Harold Interlocking in Queens. It is the busiest passenger
rail switch-yard in North America, navigated each weekday by 136
Amtrak trains and 647 commuter trains.
• The $42 million Hudson Line Signal Project is replacing overhead
rail signal cables with a more reliable fiber optic system underground.
This will speed communication with the train dispatch center at
Penn Station and protect the signal system from weather disruptions.
Also, flashers, bells and gates have been installed at 12 highway rail
crossings between Poughkeepsie and Albany for improved safety.
• A $91 million project is constructing a second track and installing a
new signal system from the Livingston Avenue Bridge over the Hudson
River at Albany and Troy to just west of Schenectady Station. This
17-mile section is the worst bottleneck on the Empire Corridor. Amtrak
passenger trains and freight trains share a single track here, allowing
trains to travel only in one direction at a time. Once completed in early
Construction continues on a new Niagara Falls
International Railway Station. The $27 million
facility is set to open in the spring of 2016.
2017, the new track will allow trains to pass each other, rather than wait
for a single rail line to clear.
• A $50 million project at the Albany-Rensselaer Station is updating
tracks, platforms, and the entire signal system there. The work,
scheduled for completion in 2017, adds a fourth passenger track that
will accommodate long trains and let more trains into the station to
ease delays.
• A $23 million project, scheduled for completion in early 2019, will
ease congestion and delays at Syracuse Station by upgrading two side
tracks and increasing train speed limits. The station is very close to
CSXT’s busy DeWitt Freight Yard, which causes conflicts between
passenger and freight trains.
For more information about New York State’s Empire Corridor
projects, please visit DOT’s website at https://www.dot.ny.gov/
programs/high-speed-rail/arra-rail-projects.
GET
SOME
GORGEOUS
VIEWS
See New York City, Connecticut and Hudson Valley sights for less on Metro-North. Our discounted
Getaway deals offer savings on rail fare and admission to popular tours, attractions and events. And
our all-day service to more than 120 stations – including Grand Central Terminal in Midtown
Manhattan – makes getting there easy, safe and reliable. Visit mta.info/mnr/getaways to learn more.
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 21

Now in our
3 rd smash
year!
Stephen Sondheim Theatre 124 West 43rd Street
BeautifulOnBroadway.com
O F F I C I A L A I R L I N E
Photo: Zachary Maxwell Stertz

PHOTOS: (SEAGLASS) GENTL AND HYERS PHOTOGRAPHY; (BOTANIC GARDEN) SARAH SCHMIDT. COURTESY BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN; (EMPIRE STATE BUILIDING) EMPIRE STATE REALTY TRUST
New York City
Where do you even start in New York City? Catch a show?
Take a tour? Grab something to eat? The possibilities are
seemingly endless in the city that never sleeps. Here a few
suggestions to add to your itinerary. The excitement begins
the moment your train arrives in Penn Station.
WHAT’S NEW ▼
The Ellis Island National Museum of
Immigration, located in the main building of
the former immigration station complex, has
opened with new exhibits including The
Peopling of America Center®, The World
Migration Globe, and the American Immigrant
Wall of Honor. libertyellisfoundation.org
From NYP Station: 9.8 mile car to ferry dock
The High Bridge—New York City’s oldest
standing bridge—is open again after more
than 40 years. Explore this 140-foot tall
landmark that connects pedestrians and
bicyclists from Manhattan to the Bronx.
nycgovpark.org
From NYP Station:
8.7 mile car; 30 minute bus or subway
Brooklyn Botanic Garden:
Discovery Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden:
Discovery Garden is a recent addition
to this urban green space, designed as a
place for families to explore plants and
ecosystems through interactive play and
scientific investigations. bbg.og
From NYP Station:
6.7 mile car; 30 minute bus or subway
Following a major renovation, Nintendo
World in Rockefeller Center has reopened
10,000 square feet of dedicated gaming space
over two floors, with new Wii U and Nintendo
3DS demo units, a 15-foot gaming screen and
more. nintendonyc.com
From NYP Station:
1.2 mile car; 12 minute bus or subway
SeaGlass Carousel
The Museum of Food and Drink is New
York’s first museum with exhibits you can eat.
Located in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood,
the MOFAD Lab showcases the culture,
history, science, production and commerce of
food and drink. mofad.org
From NYP Station:
4.9 mile car; 25 minute bus or subway
The SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park is a
new, aquatic-themed ride that imitates an
underwater experience with its stainless-steel
and glass structure on a rotating pavilion.
thebattery.org
From NYP Station:
4.6 mile car; 25 minute bus or subway
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Pennsylvania (NYP)
m B gecaQT
f L T $
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Albany 2.5
NYC > Syracuse 5.25
NYC > Fort Edward/Glens Falls 4.0
NYC > Niagara Falls, NY 8.5
NYC > Rutland, Vermont 5.25
MULTIPLE DAILY DEPARTURES
Adirondack, Empire Service, Ethan Allen
Express, Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf
CONNECTIONS
Direct access to Subways, Buses, LIRR,
New Jersey Transit
Taxi Service
Taxi Stands outside station
Car Rental
212-831-1200
Avis: 800-331-1212
Hertz: 212-486-5065
VISITOR RESOURCES
nycgo.com
WHAT’S NEARBY ▼
The Empire State Building, one of the
city’s most iconic landmarks, has two
observation decks offering panoramic
views day and night. On the 80th floor,
the “Dare to Dream Exhibit” tells this
building’s story since construction began
in 1930. esbnyc.com
From NYP Station: 4.6 mile car;
25 minute bus or subway
America’s largest department store,
Macy’s Herald Square spans an entire
city block and 11 stories. Inside, you can
shop and dine at an array of restaurants.
The holiday windows feature beautiful animated
displays. visitmacyusa.com
Empire State Building
From NYP Station:
.6 mile car; 7 minute walk
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 23

parksouth_nybr_ad.qxp_Layout 1 4/20/16 3:09 PM Page 1
magic starts
with the view
New culinary venues
Covina and o ya
Superb rooftop bar
Vibrant neighborhood
and nightlife
Steps from Penn Station.
124 E 28th Street, NY 10016 212.448.0888 parksouthhotel.com
Situated atop Penn Station, Madison Square Garden is the home of
the NY Knicks and NY Rangers, as well as an arena for concerts, boxing
matches and the circus. Guided tours include VIP areas and locker
rooms. thegarden.com
From NYP Station: 2 minute walk
Hammerstein Ballroom is a unique
place to see a concert, theater production
or comedy show in the Manhattan
Center. Built in 1906 as the Manhattan
Opera House, the space features original
architectural details, like the elaborately
painted ceiling. mcstudios.com
From NYP Station:
.2 mile car; 3 minute walk
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan
Museum of Art has a collection of more than two million works of art
across all times and cultures in three locations. This year, the Fifth
Avenue location showcases several exhibits, including Manus x Machina:
Fashion in an Age of Technology, and Court and Cosmos: The Great Age of
the Seljuqs. metmuseum.org
From NYP Station: 1.8 mile car; 26 minute bus or subway
At “the crossroads of the world,” Times Square covers five blocks of
attractions, theaters, restaurants, and stores. The Times Square Alliance
produces year-round events, including the popular New Year’s Eve ball
drop. timessquarenyc.org
From NYP Station: 0.8 mile car; 9 minute bus or subway
The Metropolitan
Museum of Art
Kitchen Hours
Mon. & Tues.
11am-11pm
Wed. thru Sat.
11am-12 midnight
Sun.
12 noon-11pm
Bar Hours
Mon. thru Sat.
11am-4am
Sun. 12 noon-4am
Great Food...
Reasonable Prices...
Lunch & Dinner Specials Every Day
“ One of the better Irish pubs...
original Irish charm...a relaxed yet
lively ambiance that immediately
sets you at ease.”
- NY Post
402 Eighth Ave. • Corner of 30th St.
1 block from Penn Station
Tel. 212-967-2627
www.mollywee.com
The National September 11 Memorial and Museum focuses on
stories of survival, recovery, and commemoration. Guided tours include
exhibits of salvaged items, structural forms, and personal momentos, as
well as an interactive timeline of the day’s events. 911memorial.org
From NYP Station: 4 mile car; 25 minute bus or subway
The nation’s first public park, Central Park welcomes 43 million
visitors a year, and is the most frequently-visited park in the U.S.
Designed in the 19th century, the 843-acre park has a zoo, gardens,
recreational fields, monuments and landmarks such as Delacorte Theater
and Belvedere Castle. centralparknyc.org
From NYP Station: 1.5 mile car; 14 minute bus or subway
Rockefeller Center is the home to the Museum of Modern Art, NBC
studios, Radio City Music Hall, and the popular winter ice rink and Christmas
tree. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987, the complex
covers 22 acres between 48th and 51st Streets. rockefellercenter.com
From NYP Station: 3.6 mile car; 29 minute bus or subway
New York is best seen on foot, so where to? We
asked Stephen Oddo, Co-Founder of the tour
company Walks of New York, for suggestions.
“Take a food crawl through Greenwich Village!
Start at Morton Street, with doughnuts at
Doughnut Project. Pop into Murray’s Cheese for
cheese samples. Walk to Tacombi on Bleecker Street for tacos.
Cruise over to Hudson Street for a Sweet Corner Bakeshop cookie.
Finish up with gelato at Gansevoort Market.”
PHOTOS: (HIGH LINE, CRUISE) © NYC & COMPANY/MARLEY WHITE; (EMPIRE STATE BUILDING) © NYC & COMPANY/JULIENNE SCHAER
24 | New York By Rail
Amtrak.com

PHOTOS: (GATEWAY) NPS PHOTO; (AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND) COURTESY OF AFRICAN BURIAL GROUND NATIONAL MONUMENT;
(GENERAL GRANT) COURTESY OF GENERAL GRANT NATIONAL MEMORIAL; (HAMILTON GRANGE) COURTESY OF HAMILTON GRANGE NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Gateway National
Recreation Area
Gateway is a vast, 27,000-acre park
made up of several sites in NY and
NJ. Within the boroughs, you can
visit Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge,
Fort Tilden, and Riis Park in
Queens; Floyd Bennett Field and
Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn; and
Great Kills Park, Miller Field and
Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island.
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Parks…in New York City?
Yes, the National Parks Service manages more than 10 properties within Manhattan and the
outer boroughs. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the National Parks Service, let’s take
a look at these can’t-miss sites. To plan your visit, go to: nps.gov/state/ny
The African Burial Ground
National Monument
Rediscovered in 1991, this 6.6-acre burial
ground in lower Manhattan is the final resting
place of both free and enslaved Africans
buried here from the 1690s until 1794.
Governor’s Island National
Monument
An outpost for the U.S. Army from
1794-1966, Governors Island is now a
seasonal venue of art, culture and
performance.
Hamilton Grange
National Memorial
The African Burial Ground
National Monument
Amtrak.com
Castle Clinton National Monument
Built in 1812 to prevent a British invasion, this
fortification now welcomes visitors to the
southern tip of Manhattan.
Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
A gift of friendship from France, and a
universal symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty was
dedicated on October 28, 1886. From 1892-1954, 12 million immigrants
passed through the halls of Ellis Island in search of a better life in America.
Federal Hall National Memorial
George Washington took the oath of office as the first U.S.
President at this site on Wall Street, now a Customs House.
General Grant National Memorial
The largest mausoleum in North America, this is the final resting
place of President Ulysses Simpson Grant and his wife, Julia.
General
Grant
National
Memorial
Hamilton Grange National
Memorial
Revolutionary War hero, controversial
Founding Father, and George
Washington's right-hand man, Alexander Hamilton built his country
home on his Harlem estate, now Saint Nicholas Park.
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
This historic tenement, with its cramped living spaces, was home to an
estimated 7,000 people from over 20 nations from 1863-1935. Tours
describe the immigrant experience.
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
National Historic Site
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President, was
the only U.S. president born in New York City.
He was raised in this townhouse at 28 East
20th Street.
New York By Rail | 25

A NEW
BROADWAY
MUSICAL
BAKED FROM
THE HEART
PHOTO BY PAMELA HANSON
What’s That?
Bannerman's Castle
Have you ever looked out the train window at an intriguing
structure or beautiful natural landmark and wondered what it is?
We have, too. These are some of a few you’ll see along the
Amtrak routes in New York State. Now you know!
WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COM
BROOKS ATKINSON THEATRE, 256 W. 47 TH ST.
“
DAZZLING, SASSY & UPLIFTING! ”
TIME OUT LONDON
Sunnyside, the former home of Washington Irving, can be seen north
of Yonkers. Irving, the author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip
Van Winkle,” settled here in the 1830s. Now a historic house museum,
Historic Hudson Valley operates tours May–November. hudsonvalley.org
Bannerman’s Castle sits on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, north
of Croton-Harmon. The structure is named after Francis Bannerman VI,
a munitions dealer who bought the rocky island in 1900 as a storage
facility. Though it’s currently being restored, you can take a walking tour
May–October. bannermancastle.org
FEATURING 16 ORIGINAL SONGS BY
CYNDI LAUPER
BROADWAY’S TONY ® AND GRAMMY ® -WINNING
BEST MUSICAL
KINKYBOOTSTHEMUSICAL.COM
Erie Canal Locks E14 and E15 can be seen halfway between Utica and
Amsterdam. Located in Canajoharie and Fort Plain, these locks rest on
the Mohawk River, which served an important role in 19th century
transportation of goods through New York State. canals.ny.gov
Although you probably won’t see “Champ” in Lake Champlain as
you ride through Port Henry, it’s worth craning your neck for a glimpse
of the mystical lake creature. There’s been 300+ reported sightings—
and some blurry photos—of what’s thought to be a surviving relative
of the Plesiosaur. The village holds “Champ Day” this year on July 17.
porthenrymoriah.com/events
—Arlie Johansen
Sunnyside
PHOTOS: (BANNERMAN CASTLE) COURTESY AMTRAK; (SUNNYSIDE) © KAREN M. SHARMAN
26 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTOS: THE PENNSY
worth a visit:
The Pennsy
There’s an exciting new option near Penn Station
for all of us serious eaters. The Pennsy, a food hall
located at 2 Penn Plaza—at the corner of 33rd
Street and 7th Avenue—is a great place to sit and
enjoy a sandwich, or grab one to go. But not just any
sandwich. How about a mozzarella and Calabrian chili aioli
on an olive baguette from Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, or
a fontina and black truffle honey grilled cheese from
Mario by Mary?
A selection of culinary celebrities have opened new
locations at The Pennsy, including Chef Marc Forgione’s
Lobster Press and Chef
Franklin Becker’s The
Little Beet. The vegan Cinnamon
Snail, a top-rated
food truck, has its first
stationary outpost here.
You can sit and stay
awhile, as the 8,000 sq.
foot space includes an
indoor dining lounge with
sofas, communal and
high top tables, as well as
an outdoor patio space
for the warmer months.
Just looking for liquid
The Pennsy
refreshment? Get your java fix at La Colombe
Coffee Roasters, or something stronger at The
Bar at The Pennsy, where cocktails, wine and
beers include brands from across New York
State.
The Pennsy is open every day; Monday
through Saturday 11:00am–11:00pm, and
Sunday 11:00am–8:00pm.
TIP: Pick up lunch or dinner “to-go.” Don’t
forget extra napkins!
—TS
Just a few steps
from Penn
Station...
With a convenient location at Eighth Avenue and 34th Street, The New Yorker Hotel puts you in a New
York state of mind from the moment you arrive. Settle into your suite and take advantage of numerous
amenities, including complimentary WiFi, a new 24-hour fitness center, HDTV and 24/7 dining.
For more information, please visit us online at www.newyorkerhotel.com or call 800.764.4680.
481 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 27

Meet Marty!
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 Toronto
routes know him by name,
or by the colorful stories he
tells about Tomato Pie and
other local highlights of the towns along the way.
A former law enforcement officer and assistant chief of the
Frankfort Police Department, Marty began working with Amtrak
eight years ago. His assistant conductor, Tim Boomhower, started
just 30 seconds later, giving Marty the slightest edge on seniority!
Marty, a winner of the 2015 ESPA (Empire State Passengers
Association) Outstanding Customer Service Award, loves his job,
which involves much more than just taking tickets. We asked Marty
a few questions about what it’s like working as an Amtrak
conductor.
Q:
A:
Marty, what do you enjoy most about your job?
This is the best job I’ve ever had in my entire life. It’s
interacting with passengers, answering questions, helping
families. I’ve been asked about becoming an engineer, but my
personality is with the people.
Q:
A:
What was your best day on the job?
My partner and I helped save a man’s life last summer.
He had a massive heart attack, and with two doctors
onboard and the Amtrak defibrillator, we kept him alive. We
worked with the dispatcher and the engineer and were able to
stop the train in Ilion to get him to the hospital.
Q:
A:
What would you like people to know about your job?
Some people don’t understand that the conductor is in
charge of the train. We don’t actually drive the train. We tell
the engineers when to go and when to stop. Every train has a
conductor and an assistant conductor. Tim and I have worked
together for years and developed a great friendship. We even have
our own system of hand signals that I learned through law
enforcement.
Q:
A:
Besides recommending the Tomato Pie in Utica, what
else do you tell your passengers about?
I’ll point out where they can see bald eagles on the Mohawk
River and on Lake Onondaga near Syracuse, the snow-covered
southern Adirondack mountains in the winter, or where the
rock climbers are in Little Falls in the summer.
Q:
A:
What else should we know about you, Marty?
I’ve been married to my beautiful wife, Betty, for 32 years,
and she travels with me quite often. Also, I can ride a
unicycle.
—Traci Suppa
sponsored content
Long Island
Just outside New York City you’ll find some of the
top-rated ocean beaches in the country and the
quaint seaside villages of the world-famous Hamptons.
Easily accessible via the Long Island Rail Road (the
nation’s largest commuter railroad) from the Amtrak stop in
Penn Station; most hotels will pick you up at a Long Island
Rail Road train station, but call ahead. Or you can rent a
car, or take the Hampton Jitney from NYC to several
destinations on Long Island.
How about a horseback ride on the beach at sunset or a
bicycling trip through the glamorous Wine Country? You
could set out on a fishing adventure, hike to the top of a
lighthouse, or enjoy dining at a harbor side restaurant.
If adventure is what you crave,
you’ll find kayaking, surfing
lessons, sky-diving and so much
more. Or venture out on a hike
through a 300 year old Sunken
Forest located just behind the
beach dunes of Fire Island.
Or for a more relaxing adventure:
take a sailing lesson aboard a private sail boat. And the
avid golf traveler will find miles and miles of fairways on
some of the most challenging golf courses.
Like history? Visit sites connected with George Washington’s
‘Culper’ Spy Ring. Visit the homes of past presidents,
poets and artists, including President Theodore Roosevelt,
Poet Walt Whitman and Artists Jackson Pollock and Lee
Krasner. Or tour the mansions of Long Island’s Gold Coast
era, depicted in The Great Gatsby.
There’s lots of fun for kids too. From a children’s museum,
aviation museum, and maritime museums to the
world-class aquarium, wildlife parks, game farms and one
of the top-rated water parks in the country.
Long Island, NY is waiting to be explored. Book your trip
at www.discoverlongisland.com/Sea or call 877-386-6654,
ext. 235 for a free Travel Guide.
PHOTO: (MARTY) MARTY QUINN PHOTOS: (BEACH) LONG ISLAND CVB; (BIKES) DANIEL FIORE/LICVB
28 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Long Island, New York
Explore our museums, cultural attractions and historic landmarks.
Free Travel Guide at: DiscoverLongIsland.com/History
O say can you sea.
Escape to
Escape to
LONG ISLAND’S
LONG NORTH
ISLAND’S
NORTH
FORK
FORK
BEACHES | FARMS | VINEYARDS | HISTORY
BEACHES | FARMS | VINEYARDS | HISTORY
BEACHES
FARMS
VINEYARDS
HISTORY
GONORTHFORK.ORG
GONORTHFORK.ORG
Catch a wave. Ride the wind. Put the top
down and breathe in the fresh air. Book
your trip at: DiscoverLongIsland.com/Sea.
Walk Through Time! Eastville Community Historical Society’s
Walking Tour in Sag Harbor is available for phones or tablets.
Go to www.sagharborpartnership.org for a FREE DOWNLOAD!
#LIRR
GET
CARRIED
AWAY
LIRR GETAWAYS
Want to see everything New York has to offer? Schedule a side trip out of the city! Long Island Rail Road Getaway
deals offer discounted rail fare and admission to unforgettable destinations like wine tours, beaches, lighthouses,
historic villages, outlets, water parks and more. Visit mta.info/lirr/getaways to plan your trip today.
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 29

Explore America’s first vacation destination;
take the journey and awaken to adventure.
GreatNorthernCatskills.com/attractions
800-355-CATS
Take the route that leads into the mountains of Henry
Hudson and his game of nine pins, to the waterfalls and crags
that inspired the pioneering artists of the Hudson River
School. Explore close to home, a place where the culture is
vibrant and lively, where traditions come alive and beckon
from the pages of history, and where microbreweries, music
festivals, gourmet burgers, and as-far-as-the-eye-can see
views are all part of the experience.

Hudson River Valley
There are many sides to the Hudson River Valley. It’s home
to history, an enclave of art and culture, a drink-and-dine
destination, and an outdoor playground hundreds of miles
long. There are several ways to get there via Amtrak, with
stations in Yonkers, Croton-Harmon, New Rochelle,
Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, and Hudson.
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Yonkers (YNY)*
me c a f L
CONNECTIONS Bus service, taxi on call
Car Rental Enterprise: 914-968-1000
Croton-Harmon (CRT)*
me QT af L T
CONNECTIONS Bus service, taxi on call
Car Rental
Enterprise: 914-271-0100
Hertz: 914-948-1016
Poughkeepsie (POU)*
me c QT f L T $
PHOTOS: (FLYING) COURTESY IFLY WESTCHESTER; (THOMAS COLE’S OLD STUDIO, CATSKILL NY) COURTESY THOMAS COLE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE; (SPLASHDOWN) COURTESY SPLASHDOWN
iFly Westchester
WHAT’S NEW ▼
iFly Westchester, the New York area's only
indoor skydiving center, replicates the
experience of skydiving on a smooth cushion
of air. Tall vertical wind tunnels create the ideal
conditions that allow you to fly with the help
of certified instructors. iflyworld.com
From YNY Station: 6.2 miles car
The Thomas Cole National Historic Site,
former Catskill residence of the 19th century
artist and founder of the Hudson River School,
opens the New Studio this summer. It—along
with the 1815 Main House, the 1839 Old
Studio, and the gardens—are open to the
public. thomascole.org
From HUD Station: 5.2 miles car
Thomas Cole National
Historic Site
Splashdown Beach
Water Park
At SplashDown Beach Water Park in
Fishkill, the new Arctic Mammoth is one of
the biggest family raft rides in the northeast,
standing nearly six stories tall and 600 feet
long. It’s one of several thrill rides and familyfriendly
attractions, including a Monster Wave
Pool, Shipwreck Lagoon, and the Croc Creek
Wavy Lazy River. splashdownbeach.com
From POU Station: 12 miles car
The Columbia County Historical Society
Museum & Library celebrates its Centennial
this year with special events and exhibits. In
addition to its own gallery collections, the
Society operates three Kinderhook historic
sites, including the National Historic Landmark
Luykas Van Alen House. cchsny.org
From HUD Station: 13 miles car
New York By Rail | 31
CONNECTIONS Bus service, taxi at station
Car Rental
Enterprise: 845-485-2222
Hertz: 845-462-6160
Rhinecliff-Kingston (RHI)
m e c QT aB i
L R
CONNECTIONS Taxi on call
Car Rental
Enterprise: 845-336-4700
Hertz: 845-339-7036
Hudson (HUD)
mecQTaB i
L TR
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Hudson 2.0
Hudson > Syracuse 3.15
CONNECTIONS Bus service, taxi on call
Car Rental
Enterprise: 518-828-5492
MULTIPLE DAILY DEPARTURES
Adirondack, Empire Service, Ethan Allen
Express and Maple Leaf
New Rochelle (NRO)*
me c QTaf
DAILY DEPARTURES
Northeast Regional Service
offers station pickup from
all stations listed
*Yonkers, Croton-Harmon, Pough keepsie, and New
Rochelle stations are owned and operated by the
Metro-North Commuter Rail road, which serves the
Hudson Valley Region from Poughkeepsie to New
York City’s Grand Central Terminal. Amtrak trains
serve Yonkers, Croton-Harmon and Poughkeepsie
stations along the Empire Service route. For
information on the Metro-North Commuter
Railroad contact 1-800-METRO-INFO.
VISITOR RESOURCES
travelhudsonvalley.org

... a world of adventure.
Places to Stay: Resorts, Lodges and Campgrounds.
Things to Do: Shopping, Golfing, Rock Climbing,
Fishing, Craft Beverage Tasting, Dining and more.
To Book Your Stay in Ulster County,
visit UlsterCountyAlive.com today.
Hudson Valley/Catskill Regions
WHAT’S NEARBY ▼
The Hudson River Museum presents exhibits on history, science and
regional heritage. In the 2,500-square foot Andrus Planetarium, ten
shows rotate through the week. On view this summer: Tongue in Cheek:
The Inflatable Art of Jimmy Kuehnle. hrm.org
From YNY Station: 1.5 miles car; 14 minute bus
Fun by day or night, the New Roc City entertainment complex has an
IMAX theater, go-kart track, bowling alley, mini golf, billiards, an
amusement arcade, and the Sling Shot
roof-top thrill ride. newroccity.com
From NRO Station:
0.6 miles car; 4 minute walk
The 508-acre Croton Point Park is
open year-round. Visit the Nature Center
with local flora and fauna exhibits. Enjoy
camping, hiking, fishing, birdwatching,
and swimming at the beach.
parks.westchestergov.com/crotonpoint-park
From CRT Station: 1.4 miles car
Walk, bike, or skate the Walkway Over
the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. The
1.28-mile span connecting Poughkeepsie to Highland is also 212 feet
above the Hudson River, offering amazing valley views. walkway.org
From POU Station: .5 miles car; 9 minute walk
Hudson River Museum
New Roc City
PHOTOS: (SUNBURST, OVERLOOKING MUSEUM ATRIUM) COURTESY THE HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM; (NEW ROC CITY) COURTESY NEW ROCK CITY; (WALKWAY) FRED SCHAEFFER
Walkway Over the Hudson
32 | New York By Rail

for
meet
outdoor
me
adventure
in Westchester
North County Trailway, Yorktown Heights, NY
Hike, bike and discover
the beauty of Westchester
Westchester, in the Hudson Valley, is a great location for outdoor adventure
with an extensive trail system that offers scenic views, terrain for every fitness
level and plenty of spots to rest and reflect on the county’s natural beauty. And
with acclaimed cultural institutions, vibrant art and culture, irresistible shopping,
thrilling entertainment, top notch farm to table dining and accommodations for
every taste and budget, it’s easy to turn a walk in the woods into an amazing
weekend getaway.
Meet and explore Westchester County at VisitWestchesterNY.com
#MeetMeWC

Explore
The Hudson Valley
Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
The Culinary Institute of America
In about an hour, you could be a world away, enjoying Dutchess County’s
800 square miles of breathtaking vistas; fascinating historic and cultural sites;
family-friendly activities; and artisanal food and wine offerings. Take Amtrak®
to Poughkeepsie or Rhinecliff, and take advantage of what’s nearby.
DistinctlyDutchess
dutchesstourism.com/travel-itineraries
34 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Ferncliff Forest
Rhinebeck’s number one free attraction,
offering an amazing view of Hudson
Valley from our Observation Tower.
Enjoy hiking, picnics, camping or just
walk your dog in our wonderful 200
acre Forest Preserve.
Open all year
68 Mount Rutsen Rd., Rhinebeck, NY
845-876-3196 for additional information
ferncliffforest.org
PHOTOS: (FDR) COURTESY FDR PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM; (JOHNSTON HOUSE) FRIENDS OF HISTORIC KINGSTON; (ZOLZER) DAVID SPAGNOLO
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
Van Cortlandt Manor was the home of a prominent patriot family
following the American Revolution. Tours include the stone manor
house with its colonial and federal period furnishings, the brick ferry
house, and heritage gardens. hudsonvalley.org
In Hyde Park, the Home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt National
Historic Site includes the 32nd U.S. President’s home, as well as the
presidential library and museum. Visitors can take guided tours and
explore the gardens. Top Cottage, FDR’s retreat, is located at the
property’s edge. nps.gov/hofr
In Kingston’s Stockade
National Historic District,
first settled in 1652, you’ll find
American architecture
spanning four centuries.
Walking tours highlight the
1777 Senate House—the first
capital of New York—and 21
pre-Revolutionary War
houses. fohk.org
Hudson Athens Lighthouse, accessible from Henry Hudson
Riverfront Park, is the northern-most lighthouse on the River. Tour
guides tell the story of the keepers who operated the light from 1874
through the 1940’s. hudsonathenslighthouse.org
Amtrak.com
From CRT Station: 0.5 miles car; 9 minute walk
From POU Station: 5.7 miles car
From RHI Station: 14.3 miles car
From HUD Station: 1.4 miles car
From HUD Station: 1.4 miles car
Johnston
House,
Kingston
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
National Historic Site
We asked Rick Zolzer, Vice President of the Hudson
Valley Renegades minor league baseball team, about
his favorite regional spots. You’ll hear “Zolz” announcing
from the broadcast booth at every Renegades game!
“A great local trip for my family is to Marist
College for a football game in the fall, or a basketball game in the
winter. They are both reasonably priced, clean, safe and familyfriendly
facilities. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday in the fall—
when the leaves turn colors on this quaint little campus—along
with a little tailgating before a Division 1 football game. The
atmosphere in the McCann Center is always high energy and fun!”
JK Boat Rentals
Come indulge in scenic Lake Mahopac
• 18Ft Aurora Manitou Pontoon
Boat Available for Rental
• Boating instructions given on
premises
• Charter from MacDonald
Marine
1 Marina Drive, Lake Mahopac NY 10541
(845) 628-2111
17th Annual
Hudson River Valley
Every weekend in September
Walk, hike, paddle, bike, and tour
the Hudson River Valley
HudsonRiverValleyRamble.com
New York By Rail | 35

hudson
City of Re-imagined
Charm
I
reclined in my comfy seat, watching the sun rise over the upstate New York countryside, a steaming
cup of coffee and my computer on the tray table in front of me. The scenery danced like an
inspirational backdrop as my train crossed the state to my destination, Hudson.
Making my way to the cafe car, I spotted four travelers happily playing Monopoly. I asked them
where they were from, getting an answer I didn’t expect.
“Turkey! We work in Buffalo at the new Marriott Harbor Center. We’re all interns there. We’re
going to New York City.”
“Who’s winning?” I asked. Three players pointed to the fourth, a smirking young man in the back right
corner.
Later that morning, I sat down with Conductor Robert Ploss, who summed up why people like me love
to ride the train. "Here on Amtrak, people have a chance to interact, maybe come back to the cafe car,
where they can get work done, or play a game. You get people from all walks of life coming together.”
And he was right.
After arriving at the classic Hudson station, I made my way up the hill to Warren Street, a historic but
dynamic mile and a half of independently owned shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. I was
completely surprised by this stretch that boasted the high-end shopping and dining experience of New
York City, while maintaining an intimate, small town feel. I took in the artistic ambiance, popping in to
shop after shop. One was the Jeff Bailey Gallery.
“I used to have a gallery in New York City, but it’s great to be in Hudson because there are so many
great restaurants, galleries, things to do,” Jeff told me. “It’s so close to everything. It’s just a beautiful
place. It’s one of the best examples of beautifully preserved architecture, with stores, galleries and
restaurants to match.”
After a day of shopping and browsing, I stepped into Spotty Dog Books and Ale, a genius combination
of a bookstore and a bar. I wanted to stay there all night, perusing the bookshelves with a chilled
adult beverage in hand. My stomach grumbling, I stopped at Swoon, a fine dining Mecca featuring
incredible oysters and one of the best steaks I’d ever had.
After a day of exploring, I spent the night at the marvelous Country Squire Bed and Breakfast, where
owner Paul Barrett’s attention to detail and comfort was surpassed only by his genuine spirit.
“What makes living here so nice is we’re a city but we may very well be a town or a village,” Paul said.
“There is a closeness and a sense of intimacy here, and it’s felt by people in the community and the many
people who visit. There is a whole arts energy that pervades everything, which is what makes living here
so special.”
Too soon, it was time to head home. I settled in my Amtrak seat overcome with feelings about my
city adventure. It was a place where an adventure was only steps away, all the time. On any given
weekend, anyone can hop on a train and travel to a place where creative souls unite, doing their part to
maintain and grow an oasis of arts and culture.
Whatever your love, whatever your taste, your passion, your palate, Hudson’s re-imagined charm has
something in store for you.
Arian David Horbovetz is a Rochester-based professional photographer and blogger who writes
about his statewide train travels on theurbanphoenix.com.
PHOTOS: ARIAN HORBOVETZ
36 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Explore
OLANA
VISIT TODAY!
Just 5 miles from Hudson AMTRAK ® station
Hudson, New York
518.828.0135
www.olana.org
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 37

Hudson, NY | 518-828-4181
MYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.COM
Farm To Table Soul Food and
organic live muSic Served daily
helsinkihudson.com
405 columbia St Hudson ny
518.828.4800
PHOTO: TURNQUIST PHOTOGRAPHICS INC
sponsored content
A Weekend in
Columbia County
Aregion of history, natural beauty, and a plethora of
activities, Columbia County—just a two hour
train ride from New York City’s Penn Station—is
the perfect place for a weekend getaway. With
Amtrak you will be carried a world away from
the big city, straight into the serenity that sits east of the
scenic Hudson River.
Upon entering the historic Hudson Station, visitors can
walk a few blocks to the Information Center at the Columbia
County Chamber of Commerce to get ideas for what to
do, where to eat and where to stay during their weekend
escape.
From there, art lovers can head over to the Olana State
Historic Site, one of the few intact studio and estate-complexes
in the U.S., and
Olana State Historic Site
home to founder of the
Hudson River School of
Art, Frederic Edwin
Church. Visitors can
tour the historic house,
view exhibitions at the
Evelyn and Maurice
Sharp Gallery or explore
the beautiful surrounding landscape via carriage drives. Or,
visit Columbia-Greene Community College, located near
the banks of the Hudson River and bordered by the Catskill
Mountains. This SUNY institution offers concerts, plays,
lectures and other community programming at the Arts
Center Theater.
For those interested in hand-crafted spirits, visit Hillrock
Distillery. Crowned by a meticulously restored 1806
Georgian house, Hillrock Distillery overlooks rolling barley
and rye fields and the distant Berkshire Mountains. Take a
tour of the production line for their hand-crafted spirits,
made with their own floor malted grains, craft distilled in
copper pots, aged in fine oak and hand-bottled at the estate
in the Hudson Valley Highlands. Finish the tour in the
estate’s tasting room for samplings of some fine whiskey.
Looking for afternoon entertainment? Just a short scenic
ride north, in the quaint village of Chatham is the Mac-
Haydn Theater, the area's foremost professional musical
theater, presenting new productions of classic and contem-
38 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTOS: (WILLIAM FARMER & SONS) COURESTY WM. FARMER & SONS; (AMERICAN GLORY) COURTESY AMERICAN GLORY
porary musicals in an intimate 350-seat theater-in-theround
setting. Catch the best of Broadway and beyond with
professional performers and fan-favorite comedy, dance and
songs.
After an entertaining day of Columbia County culture
and history, it’s time for dinner! Foodies love American
Glory Restaurant, specializing in wood-smoked barbecue
and classic American
American Glory BBQ
comfort foods from
cornbread and ribs, to
Kentucky bourbon
and prohibition-style
cocktails. Housed in a
masterfully renovated
red brick fire- house,
this restaurant boasts a
rich history, as well as
the compelling aroma of real American barbecue.
Guests can also head to Helsinki Hudson. This beautifully
renovated 1863 industrial building offers creative,
homespun, seasonally-selected foods. It’s also home to Club
Helsinki, a performance venue featuring nationally acclaimed
touring artists, and it triples as an event space
perfect for all of your celebratory needs.
Rather have a more laid-back evening? Visit Wm. Farmer
and Sons Barroom and Boarding. This one-of-a-kind
establishment offers the institutions of “proper drinking,”
simple suppers and selfless service with craft cocktails and
farm-fresh meals. Eclectic boarding rooms and suites are
also available. Designed for quirky, yet warm and comfortable
overnight stays, each room’s distinctive character offers
guests a rare experience when staying in Hudson—all
within a two minute walk from Hudson Amtrak and perfect
for early departures.
If one visit to Columbia County is not enough, residential
and commercial properties are
available for sale throughout the
area. If you decide to become a
“CC” resident, call
Peggy Lampman Real Estate,
celebrating 30 years of service, or
Beach & Bartolo, “the way home
Wm. Farmer and Sons in Columbia County.”
For adventurous travelers
looking to venture beyond downtown Hudson, Enterprise
rental cars will pick you up at the Hudson Train Station and
take you to your rental. Travelers can utilize the ILOVENY
15% off discount for trips throughout the state on Amtrak
trains.
—Andrew Frey
AMAZING HOMES WITH GREAT VIEWS
just 2 hours away from NYC on Amtrak
2016-03-01_NYByRail.indd 1
beachandbartolo.com
518-392-2700
Professional musical theatre is just
a short, scenic drive away!
1925 Route 203, Chatham, NY 12037
(518) 392-9292
www.maChaYdNtheatRe.oRg
Visitor Information Center
1 North Front St, Hudson, NY
A 5 Minute Walk from Amtrak ®
www.columbiachamber-ny.com
2/29/16 5:49 PM
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 39

Discover Albany.
With twelve daily trains from
New York City and more than
400 years of history and culture,
Albany is the perfect destination
for your next great getaway. Visit
www.albany.org to begin your
amazing discovery.
ALBANY’S
PREFERRED LODGING
FREE hotel shuttle to
Amtrak® Train Station
ALBANY is an ideal destination to visit by train. Whether your visit is
for business, leisure or a special event, our hotel is conveniently located,
family friendly and the perfect spot for you.
FREE SHUTTLE • COMPLIMENTARY INTERNET • LOUNGE
IN-ROOM AMENITIES • FITNESS CENTER • POOL & JACUZZI
on-site bank, Starbucks and multiple restaurants
albanymedicalcenter.hgi.com
62 NEW SCOTLAND AVE., ALBANY | 518 396-3500
NYbyRailAd_ 2015_StateHouse_338-414_v2.pdf 1 3/10/15 12:13 PM
“ must visit in downtown lbany”
Located on Historic State Street
- Now named “Jack’s Oyster House Way”
Experience the
Very Best Albany
has to Offer
UNIQUE LOCATION ON
HISTORIC WASHINGTON PARK
Just steps
away ■ Restaurants
from:
■ Museums
■ Entertainment
Family
owned and operated
since 1913.
Open for Lunch & Dinner
365 days/year
38-44 State Street 518-465-8854 Free Parking
www.jacksoysterhouse.com
For reservations call:
888-427-6063
Office 518-427-6063
WWW.STATEHOUSE.COM
Voted “Best in the Capital/Saratoga Region”
40 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTOS: (SYMPHONY) GARY GOLD PHOTOGRAPHY; (TROY BICENTENNIAL) COLLECTION OF RENSSELAER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY; (ALBANY) COURTESY I LOVE NEW YORK
Albany-Rensselaer
Albany—New York’s capital city—grew from a small Dutch
settlement into a destination for fans of history, arts and
culture, cuisine, and fun events. Just across the Hudson River,
Rensselaer County blends the past and present in a more
rural setting.
WHAT’S NEW ▼
For the City of Troy Bicentennial, several
events will celebrate the “Collar City,” nicknamed
for its historic shirt collar factories.
Among these, the Rensselaer County Historical
Society presents an exhibit, Visions of Troy: 200
Years a City, in the Joseph B. Carr Building
downtown. rchsonline.org
From ALB Station: 8.9 miles car
Druthers Brewing Co. has opened its
second location, this time in a 1901 Albany
warehouse building. This 18,000 square foot,
30 barrel brewery and brew pub produces
more than ten different hand-crafted beers on
premise. druthersbrewing.com
Amtrak.com
From ALB Station:
3.1 miles car; 21 minute bus
City of Troy
Bicentennial
Dutch Apple Cruises provide narrated
tours on the Hudson River and through the
Troy lock. The 2016 tour season begins
April 30 and will feature
special cruises on Mother’s
Day and the 4th of July.
dutchapplecruises.com
From ALB Station:
1.9 miles car; 19 minute bus
The Albany Symphony is
a Grammy Award-winning,
full size professional
orchestra that performs
in Albany and Troy. The
2016-17 season will feature
world famous cellist Yo-Yo
Ma, Beethoven’s 9th
Symphony, a weekend of
Mozart and Bach, the
popular American Music
Festival, and more.
albanysymphony.com
From ALB Station:
2.3 miles car; 11 minute bus
The Capital Repertory Theatre is an
award-wining professional theater in the heart
of downtown Albany. Its 36th season will
include: A Night with Janis Joplin, Outside
Mullingar, Camelot, Reluctant Wingman, An
Iliad, and Beautiful—The Carole King Musical.
capitalrep.org
From ALB Station:
1.8 miles car; 10 minute bus
Albany Symphony
New York State
Capitol
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Albany-Rensselaer (ALB)
m B gecaQT
if L T $
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Albany 2.5
Albany > Niagara 5.75
Albany > Montreal 7.5
MULTIPLE DAILY DEPARTURES
Adirondack, Empire Service, Ethan Allen
Express, Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf
CONNECTIONS
Bus Service
Routes 114 and 214 both connect to
Empire State Plaza and downtown Albany.
CDTA route guides are available at ticket
counters
Taxi Service On Call
Car Rental
Offers station car rentals on-site:
518-472-1111
Hertz: 518-434-6911
VISITOR RESOURCES
albany.org and renscotourism.com
WHAT’S NEARBY ▼
The New York State Capitol, built by
hand of solid masonry, has been the
state’s government seat since the 1890s.
It houses the New York State Legislature,
the Hall of Governors and state history
exhibits. Tours are offered Monday
through Friday, and now on the second
Saturday of each month. ogs.ny.gov
From ALB Station:
2.2 miles car; 27 minute bus
New York By Rail | 41

“Understanding our world having fun together!”
“Understanding “Understanding our our world world & having having fun fun together!” together!”
celebrate. explore. inspire.
15 15 Nott 15 Nott Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady | | 518-382-7890
| M-Sat: 9AM-5PM www.miSci.org
| Sun: 12PM-5PM | www.miSci.org
The Capital Region’s Premier Shopping,
Dining and Entertainment Destination
Visit us at www.shopcrossgates.com
Untitled-2 1
4/20/2016 4:32:22 PM
42 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

USS Slater
Troy
Waterfront
Farmers
Market
PHOTOS: (SHIP) MIKE CAREY; (MARKET) COURTESY RENSSELAER COUNTY TOURISM; (GALLERY) ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY & ART; (MUSIC HALL) RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY
Crailo State Historic Site tells the story
of Colonial Dutch life in the Hudson Valley
through guided museum tours and programs.
The exhibit A Dishonorable Trade tells the
story of the Dutch slave trade in Albany.
Tours begin May 11.
facebook.com/CrailoStateHistoricSite
From ALB Station: .9 miles car;
16 minute walk; 16 minute bus
The Empire State Plaza Ice Rink gives you
the chance to skate in front of the Capitol from
December through early March. Admission is
free; just rent skates or bring your own.
winter.empirestateplaza.org
From ALB Station:
2.1 miles car; 22 minute bus
The USS Slater, the only remaining WWII
American destroyer escort afloat, is now a
floating museum moored in Albany. Tours
offered from April to November describe the
ship’s role in protecting convoys in the North
Atlantic and Pacific. ussslater.org
From ALB Station:
1.9 miles car; 18 minute bus
Built in 1931, the Palace Performing Arts
Center is Albany’s sole surviving theater built
during the Depression. Today the restored
landmark presents live music and theater,
classic movies, ballet, and other cultural
programs. palacealbany.com
From ALB Station:
2.4 miles car; 15 minute bus
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
This summer, the Tri City Valley Cats
celebrate their 15th anniversary at the minor
league Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy,
beginning with a June 17 season opener. The
ValleyCats will host 38 regular season home
games as they defend a streak of four straight
Stedler Division titles. tcvalleycats.com
From ALB Station: 7.2 miles car
At the New York State Museum, science,
anthropology, education and art exhibits tell
the story of the state’s cultural and natural
history. Popular displays include the World
Trade Center exhibit, Birds of New York, the
Cohoes mastodon, and the operational 1912
Herschell-Spillman carousel. nysm.nysed.gov
From ALB Station:
2.4 miles car; 15 minute bus
For 17 years, the Troy Waterfront
Farmers Market has taken
place every Saturday, year round—
in the Troy Atrium during the
winter, and on River Street May
through October. More than 70
local food growers, bakers, chefs
and artisans offer fresh goods.
troymarket.org
A National Historic Landmark, the Troy
Savings Bank Music Hall presents
orchestra, jazz, comedy shows and more.
Formerly a bank building, it has excellent
acoustics, a hand-crank chandelier, and an
1882 organ. troymusichall.org
From ALB Station: 9.1 miles car
The Capital District Transportation
Authority (CDTA) provides bus service
throughout the Capital Region from
Albany-Rensselaer, Troy, Saratoga
Springs and Schenectady—including
stops at Amtrak stations. Visit
CDTA.org for schedules and fares.
Troy Savings Bank
Music Hall
From ALB Station: 8.9 miles car
Ancient Egyptian Gallery,
Albany Institute of History & Art
The Albany Institute of
History and Art, established in
1791, is one of the oldest museums
in the U.S. Among its collections
of Hudson Valley art and artifacts
from the 17th century to present
day are two current exhibits:
Masterworks: 225 Years of
Collecting and Abraham Lincoln:
The Albany Connections.
albanyinstitute.org
From ALB Station:
2.2 miles car; 28 minute bus
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 43

life looks good from here...
Visions of Troy:
200 Years a City
1816-2016
Feb. 26 to Dec. 17, 2016
Second & State Sts.
Troy, NY 12180
518.273.0038
troymusichall.org
Where Legendary Artists & World Famous Acoustics Unite!
57 2nd Street
Troy, NY 12180
518-272-7232
RCHSonline.org
Theatre • Music • Art
www.slca-ctp.org
May 28-29, 2016
Crailo State Historic Site
The Museum of the colonial Dutch in the Hudson Valley
Featuring:
A Dishonorable
Trade special exhibit
Mid-May—October
hourly tours begin at
11:00am
(518) 463-8738
minutes from the Rensselaer
Train Station
www.nysparks.com www.facebook.com/CrailoStateHistoricSite
www.renscotourism.com
Minor League Baseball
in the Capital Region!
2016 SEASON: JUNE 17 - SEPTEMBER 3
518-629-CATS
r County... Rensselaer County... Rensselaer County... Rensselaer County... Rensselaer Coun
54 | New York by Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTOS: (TRI-CITY VALLEY CATS, TROY WATERFRONT, CRAILO HARVEST FAIRE) RENSSELAER COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Discover the Many Treasures of ...
Beautiful Rensselaer County!
From biking, hiking,
kayaking and swimming
to cross country
skiing and snow
shoeing, we’ve got you
covered with miles of trails,
nature preserves and three
state parks.
Buying local takes on a
new twist with fresh local
products offered year round
at the Troy Waterfront
Farmers Market. Pick your
own, farmers markets and
farm stands abound during the summer and early fall.
Summer highlights include free concert offerings
throughout the county. Troy’s Rockin’ on the River concert
series runs every Wednesday from mid-June to mid-August
and provides the perfect start to a fun evening in Troy.
Explore Troy the last Friday of every month at Troy Night
out with special programs and discounts in our unique
boutiques and enjoy the culinary excellence at our many
restaurants.
Nothing says summer like a baseball game with the
Tri-City Valley Cats from June to September. Feeling nostalgic?
Catch a movie under the stars and one of Rensselaer
County’s two drive-in theaters.
If rich and historic heritage is what you are seeking, then
Rensselaer County is the place to be! Explore Crailo State
A sampling of Rensselaer County Events—visit www.renscotourism.com or
like us on Facebook—www.Facebook.com/RensselaerCountyTourism
January:
• Twelfth Night, Crailo
State Historic Site
• Winter Festival,
Grafton Lakes State
Park
Brown’s Brewing
PHOTO: CHARLIE SAMUELS
March:
• Collar City Kilt Fest, Troy
• Capital District Garden & Flower Show, Troy
April:
• Daffodil Brunch, Oakwood Cemetery
• Collar City Craft Fest, The Arts Center of the
Capital Region
May:
• Troy Waterfront Farmers Market moves outdoors
through October
• Mother’s Day Open House, Knickerbocker Mansion
sponsored content
June:
• Flag Day Parade, Troy
• Troy River Fest, downtown Troy
• Opening Day, Tri-City Valley Cats, Troy
July:
• Pig Out, downtown Troy
• Summer Festival, Knickerbocker Mansion
Tri-City Valley Cats
Historic Site’s widely acclaimed
exhibit, “A Dishonorable
Trade: Human Trafficking
in the Dutch Atlantic World.”
See a mansion in restoration
when you visit the Knickerbocker
Mansion. Bring history
alive with interactive programs
at the Rensselaer County
Historical Society (RCHS).
Discover Rensselaer County
rich and diverse history
through a special exhibit at
RCHS for the County’s 225th
Anniversary in June & July. Celebrate Troy’s Bicentennial
with events throughout the city and a retrospective of Troy at
RCHS through December 2016.
For those who prefer the arts, Rensselaer County boasts
many art venues with the world renowned, acoustically
perfect Troy Savings Bank Music Hall where you can enjoy
an evening of music, comedy and more in an intimate
setting. A mixture of architecture and performance arts can
be found at the EMPAC center on the RPI Campus. Looking
for alternative arts? Check out the Sanctuary for Independent
Media in Troy. Award winning productions can be
seen at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts or the Sage
Theater Institute. Bring out the artist in you with a class,
family activities and exhibits at The Arts Center of the
Capital Region.
Troy
Waterfront
Farmers
Market
August:
• Run for the Roses
• 5K, Grafton Lakes State Park
• Taste of Sand Lake, Sand
Lake Center for the Arts
September:
• Schaghticoke Fair, Schaghticoke
• Uncle Sam Day Parade, Lansingburgh
• Harvest Faire, Crailo State Historic Site
Crailo Harvest Faire
October:
• Goold Orchards Apple Festival & Craft Show
• Chowderfest, downtown Troy
December:
• Rensselaer County Historical Society’s Green Show
• Troy Victorian Stroll, downtown Troy
• St. Nicholas Day Open House, Crailo State
Historic Site
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 45

Explore the
CAPITAL
SARATOGA
Enjoy ovation-worthy theater,
concerts, wineries, craft breweries,
horse racing, culinary delights and
rich local history. It’s all here, just a
train ride north of New York City.
Visit Capital-Saratoga.com
46 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Schenectady
The “Electric City” in New York’s Capital region has one of the
largest collections of colonial houses in the U.S. The revitalized
downtown district, located a block from the Amtrak station, is
home to an exciting arts, entertainment, and culinary scene.
Procters Theatre
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Schenectady (SDY)
m B g e c a
QT f i L R
MULTIPLE DAILY DEPARTURES
Adirondack, Empire Service, Ethan
Allen Express, Lake Shore Limited and
Maple Leaf
CONNECTIONS
Buses Within 3 blocks of station
Taxi Service On Call
Car Rental
offers station pickup: 518-374-7890
VISITOR RESOURCES
visitschenectady.com
PHOTOS: (PROCTORS) PROCTORS; (AIRCRAFT) TERRY OLMSTED; (GARDEN) ROSE GARDEN RESTORATION COMMITTEE
WHAT’S NEW ▼
Upcoming shows at Proctors Theatre, a
beautifully-restored venue built in 1926, include
a mix of Broadway touring musicals (An
American in Paris), concerts (Celtic Woman: The
Destiny Tour), and exciting special events (Pretty
Much the Best Comedy Show). proctors.org
From SDY Station: 1 block walk
The Museum of Innovation and Science,
a.k.a. “miSci,” has opened the Challenger
Learning Center, a hands-on science, technology,
engineering and math experience, in a
completely renovated wing. Programs based on
NASA astronaut training allow you to participate
in simulated space missions. miSci.org
From SDY Station: 5 minute walk
The Mabee Farm Historic Site will host
several special events this year, including Celtic
Heritage Day in June, CanalFest in July, and an
Arts & Crafts Festival in August. In addition to
rotating exhibits, the permanent collection
includes “The Erie Impact: Changing
Agriculture in the Mohawk River Valley.”
schenectadyhistorical.org
From SDY Station: 12 minute drive
WHATS NEARBY ▼
Downtown Schenectady is the city’s
hub of history and culture, connecting shops,
art galleries, museums, restaurants, parks, and
colleges. Explore the pedestrian marketplace
on Jay Street, site of the Sunday Schenectady
Greenmarket, or stroll along the Mohawk
River at sunset in Riverfront Park.
visitschenectady.com
From SDY Station: .2 mile car;
5 minute walk; 5 minute bus
The Stockade Historic District is a
collection of 17th through 20th century
homes, businesses and churches, including the
Schenectady Civic Players community theater.
Take an audio walking tour through this
neighborhood, continuously inhabited for
300+ years. historicstockade.org
From SDY Station: .5 mile car
Open year round, Central Park is known for
its formal rose garden with 300 varieties and
4,000 bushes surrounding the tiered center
fountain. Free summer concerts are performed
at the Music Haven amphitheater.
schenectadyrose.org
From SDY Station: 2.6 mile car
Empire State
Aerosciences
Museum
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
At the Empire State Aerosciences
Museum, you can view restored
Douglas, Grumman, McDonnell, and
Northrop aircraft; hands-on exhibits such
as the Simulated Reality Vehicle; an Amelia
Earhart Exhibit; and several other displays
of aviation memorabilia and artifacts.
esam.org
From SDY Station:
3.8 mile car; 18 minute bus
Union College—renowned as the first
architecturally-designed campus in
America—is home to the 16-sided Nott
Memorial, a National Historic Landmark.
The campus also features the Mandeville
Gallery and Memorial Chapel, known for
its superb acoustics for the chamber music
series. Walking tour maps are available at
the admissions office. union.edu
From SDY Station: .7 mile car;
14 minute walk; 13 minute bus
At the Wolf Hollow Brewing Company,
a local craft brewery in Glenville,
take an onsite brewery tour, relax and enjoy
a cold, hand-crafted ale, IPA, or stout
in the tasting room, or dine in the BBQ
restaurant. wolfhollowbrewing.com
From SDY Station: 9.5 miles car
Central Park Rose Garden
New York By Rail | 47

Saratoga, NY
From our famous mineral springs and world class horse racing, to great
golf, polo, a fun arts scene and national historic sites, it’s all waiting
here for you. Plus so many places to eat, drink and make merry. Choose
from lovely country inns, bed and breakfasts, full service resorts, or your
favorite chain hotel. You’ll find us so very accommodating.
Everything but ordinary.
1-800-526-8970 • ilovesaratoga.us
48 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTOS: (DANCE) AAADT’S RACHAEL MCLAREN AND JAMAR ROBERTS IN PAUL TAYLOR’S PIAZZOLA CALDERA. PHOTO BY PAUL KOLNIK;
(RACING MUSEUM) COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING AND HALL OF FAME; (PULLMAN TRAIN) GREG KLINGLER
Saratoga Springs
Equally rich in historic, cultural, and recreational attractions,
Saratoga Springs is best known for world class horse racing
and its network of natural mineral springs. Make sure your
getaway also includes golf, shopping and dining!
WHAT’S NEW ▼
The Saratoga North Creek
Railway will launch a new farm-totable
dining experience, The Pullman
Table Dinner Train. Menus featuring
locally-sourced gourmet food and
wine will be served on the threehour
excursions in the refurbished
1950s dome car. sncrr.com
From SAR Station:
Located at SAR station
The Saratoga Performing Arts
Center (SPAC) celebrates its 50th
anniversary this year with special
programming, including world
premieres by City Ballet’s Resident
Choreographer Justin Peck and
composer Michael Torke. Other shows
include Dixie Chicks, Mumford & Sons,
Steely Dan, and the Alvin Ailey
American Dance Theater. spac.org
From SAR Station: 2.5 miles car
The Frances Young Tang
Teaching Museum and Art
Gallery at Skidmore College
commemorates its 15th anniversary
with new contemporary art exhibitions,
including Liz Collins—Energy Field; Borrowed
Light: Selections from the Jack Shear
Collection; and Pattern/System/Network.
skidmore.edu/tang
From SAR Station:
2.1 miles car; 39 minute bus
The Saratoga Casino and Raceway
will open a new 117-room, four-star hotel on
the property this summer with an indoor
resort pool and spa. The 75-year old venue is
home to more than 1,700 slot machines and
electronic games, as well as a harness raceway.
saratogacasino.com
From SAR Station: 3.6 miles car
National Museum of Racing
The Alvin Ailey American Dance
Theater performs July 8-9 as part of
the SPAC 50th anniversary season.
Historic Brown’s Beach Resort on Saratoga
Lake has re-introduced public swimming
and recreation. In addition to the sandy beach,
there’s Dock Brown’s restaurant, The Nest
Inn, and a marina with boat launch.
brownsbeachresort.com
From SAR Station: 9.9 miles car
WHAT’S NEARBY ▼
Saratoga Springs Downtown is a
year-round walkable destination for dining,
shopping, and nightlife. During the day,
explore boutiques, bookstores, and cafes. At
night, bars, restaurants, and theaters bring life
to Lake Avenue, Broadway, and surrounding
streets. saratogadowntown.com
From SAR Station: 1.7 miles car; 32 minute bus
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Saratoga Springs (SAR)
m B ecai L
T $ R
DAILY DEPARTURES
Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express
CONNECTIONS
Bus Service
Hourly bus for an 8-minute trip to or
from downtown Saratoga
Taxi service on call
Car Rental
offers station pickup: 518-587-0687
Hertz: 518-884-8504
CDTA connects Saratoga and the entire
area with destinations including:
Downtown, Saratoga Race Course,
Saratoga Casino & Raceway, Saratoga
Springs Train Station, Skidmore College,
and more cdta.org
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Saratoga 3.75
VISITOR RESOURCES
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
ilovesaratoga.us
Saratoga Convention & Visitors Bureau
saratoga.org
At the National Museum of Racing,
the history of thoroughbred racing is on
display through art, photography and
memorabilia. Exhibits this year include the
Treasures of the Vault and Hall of Fame
Heroes. racingmuseum.org
From SAR Station:
2.3 miles car; 20 minute bus
The Saratoga Automobile Museum
not only hosts several car shows every
year, it’s also home to a collection of
New York-manufactured cars. Exhibits this
year include Real Steel—Stories of
Automotive Archaeology and Luxury
Automobiles Through The Ages.
saratogaautomuseum.org
From SAR Station: 2.3 miles car
The National Museum of Dance is the
only museum in the U.S. dedicated entirely to
this art form. Visit the Children's Wing or the
Hall of Fame, and check out exhibits like
Making Art Dance. dancemuseum.org
From SAR Station: 2 miles car; 31 minute bus
Amtrak.com New York By Rail | 49
Saratoga North Creek Railway
Pullman Dining Car

The perfect New York City escape and the sophistication
of Saratoga Springs, just a short train ride away!
30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs,
New York 12866
(518) 583-2727
www.paviliongrandhotel.com
Plan your escape today and experience something new! Sophistication. Functionality. The perfect
“lifestyle hotel.” Enjoy one of the big city’s favorite destinations. Just a short train ride from NYC and
you’ll find yourself nestled within walking distance to everything historic downtown Saratoga has to offer.
Begin your stay with a French macaron at Saratoga’s favorite French Patisserie, melt your cares away at
downtown’s favorite spa or enjoy the area’s newest dining concept soon to open, all located on site. Private yet
vibrant with activity, your journey starts and ends with the style and ease you deserve.
Discover more at www.paviliongrandhotel.com and see for yourself a hotel that is simply...like no other.
LUXURY SUITES • FRENCH PATISSERIE • SPA • RESTAURANT • WEDDINGS • CORPORATE EVENTS
50 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Saratogo Race Course
Discover Saratoga’s official mobile
app for your next meeting!
2,000+
Hotel Rooms
155,000
square feet
of flexible
conference
space
A four season
destination with
popular annual
events and
entertainment
World famous
horse racing,
polo and
equine events
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
Since 1863, the Saratoga Race Course has welcomed thousands of
spectators every year for the 40-day horseracing season, highlighted by
the Summer Stakes, which includes the famous Whitney Stakes and
Travers Stakes. nyra.com/saratoga
National
museums,
vibrant arts
district and
performing
arts venues
Charming walkable
downtown with
unique restaurants,
shops, boutiques
and galleries
DOWNLOAD
DOWNLOAD
HANDHELD VISITORS
GUIDE TO ATTRACTIONS
AND ENTERTAINMENT
AROUND SARATOGA, NY
From SAR Station: 2.6 miles car; 25 minute bus
The Ulysses S. Grant Cottage was home to the 18th U.S. president
during his final days in 1885. In addition to tours, the site hosts annual
events including a Remembrance Day, family days, and a “Porch Chat”
series of history lectures and portrayals. grantcottage.org
From SAR Station: 9 miles car; 28 minute bus
In 1777, the Saratoga National Historical Park was the site where
American forces defeated and forced a British army to surrender during
the War of Independence. Take a self-guided tour of the battlefield, visit
the Saratoga Monument or Schuyler House. nps.gov/sara
From SAR Station: 16.3 miles car
The Great Sacandaga Lake is a popular spot in the summer for events
and recreation, including swimming, boating and fishing. The winter
months bring snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Restaurants,
shops, and attractions surround the lake. visitsacandaga.com
518.584.1531 • DiscoverSaratoga.org/app
Explore
Saratoga
Museums
New York By Rail ad.pdf 1 3/29/14 10:42 AM
From SAR Station: 23 miles car
Great Sacandaga Lake
PHOTOS: (RACE COURSE) COURTESY I LOVE NY; (SNOWMOBILING) TK
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 51

Things To Do In Saratoga Springs
By Jaclyn Einis
Twenty
The Roosevelt Bathhouse
minutes on
Amtrak’s Adirondack
line. That’s all it takes
to feel completely
removed from the
city. Another three or
so hours of rambling along the
Hudson, and Manhattan’s a faint
memory. Lawn jockeys stand guard
on wraparound porches, flanked by
flowerpots and rocking chairs. This
is Saratoga Springs, “The City in the
Country.” Its main stretch boasts a
solid roster of restaurants; a handful
of lively bars, a CVS and a Ben and
Jerry’s, but calling it a city still
seems a stretch. It feels like more of
a town; one bustling with culture
(both artistic and horseracing) and
the quaint calm that only the
country can bring.
Saratoga’s population more than
triples during the summer racing
season, and with good reason, but
if crowds aren’t your thing, off-peak
offers plenty to see and do, plus a few sweet ways of doing very little.
THE SPA
Before it became a racing destination, the city’s natural mineral springs
gave it the moniker “Spa City.” The Roosevelt Bathhouse (Franklin D.
Roosevelt was one of the health retreat’s strongest supporters) has operated
as a spa since the 1930’s, with original bathtubs and tiling to boot.
Now part of the Gideon Putnam Resort, the Roosevelt Spa carries in
quality what it lacks in frills.
The mineral treatments will leave you feeling smooth and lithe; even
a little effervescent. The mineral water is naturally freezing, so it’s mixed
with a bit of hot fresh water to make it just warm enough for comfort.
Don’t be thrown off by the rusty color; the iron-filled water oxidizes
upon contact with the air.
THE SPRINGS
You can also sip on mineral water from the more socially acceptable
spouts that pop up all over town. Most are housed under small
Saratoga Spa Golf
pavilions, though some lay low as lone, unmarked spigots. The water we
tried tasted only a little better than it smelled (a pungent, sulfur stench),
but each spring has its own flavor profile so you might want to make a
detoxifying mineral-crawl of your morning stroll. Or get the full-body
treatment outside of the spa by visiting The Victoria Pool or Peerless
Pool.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The Roosevelt Baths, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and
Saratoga Spa Golf are all part of Saratoga Spa State Park. You’ll want to
crane your neck to see the pines towering above the park’s manicured
lawn, but it’s the forest that kept us busy. We took the Hemlock Path, a
peaceful trail of wetlands forest and fields just over a mile long, noted
for its blue butterflies. For the most direct walk to the path from the
park’s center, take Gideon Putnam road to Route 9, cross onto Crescent
Ave, and look for the path on your left.
ARTS & CULTURE
The culturally curious
have plenty of museums
to hop between in
Saratoga, each with
impressive children’s
“edutainment” areas.
The National Museum of
Racing and Hall of Fame
gives visitors a look at
horse racing history, the
anatomy of a racehorse
The Saratoga
Automobile
Museum
plus jockey training and fashion. The National Museum of Dance and
Hall of Fame and notoriously haunted Saratoga Springs History Museum
also bring historical fashion into focus. The Saratoga Automobile
Museum houses some of the world’s hottest engines in a converted
bottling plant.
This excerpted article originally appeared on offMetro.com, a
travel resource on the best car-free getaways from the city.
PHOTOS: (SPA) DELAWARE NORTH; (GOLF) COURTESY SARATOGA SPA GOLF; (RACECAR) SARATOGA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
52 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Tech Valley
www.southernsaratoga.org
Live Play Work
sponsored content
Spotlight:
Southern Saratoga
No matter how you get here—train, water, or
highway—southern Saratoga County is an ideal
place to live, play and work. Any of southern
Saratoga County’s towns, villages and hamlets
(Ballston Lake, Ballston Spa, Burnt Hills, Charlton,
Clifton Park, Crescent, Halfmoon, Jonesville, Malta, Mechanicville,
Milton, Rexford, Round Lake, Schuylerville, Stillwater,
Vischer Ferry, and Waterford) or the nearby town of Glenville
offer a wonderful, relaxed lifestyle.
Southern Saratoga County features everything from shopping
malls and restaurants to orchards, produce, dairy and
horse farms. Outdoor recreation possibilities abound, as the
region is surrounded on three sides by the historic Erie and
Champlain canals, providing a unique and historic waterway
experience.
Ballston Spa Carshow
Public parks are sprinkled
throughout the area, and
walking/bicycle trails wind
their way along scenic
byways. The twin towns of
Clifton Park and Halfmoon
feature some of the most
interesting trails and historic sites, such as the Vischer Ferry
General Store, built in 1787 and still serving customers today!
Those seeking employment will find businesses large and
small, anchored by Momentive Performance Materials in
Waterford (momentive.com), the GLOBALFOUNDRIES
semiconductor manufacturing facility in Malta (globalfoundries.com),
and nearby GE in Schenectady (ge.com).
GE is a tremendous partner with the Chamber of Southern
Saratoga County and colleges and universities such as
Adirondack, Hudson Valley or Schenectady Community
Colleges, RPI, Sage College, Skidmore College, the University
at Albany and more.
If you are considering relocating to our area, building a
second home or satellite office for your business, we can put
you in touch with capable real estate professionals who are
intimately familiar with our area. The same is true for any
manufacturing company with interest in locating here. Call
us today!
RESOURCES: Southernsaratoga.org* Northway-Exit 9
Information Center (just north of Exit 9 on the I-87
Northway, northbound side). 518-371-3763
Amtrak.com
The Erie Canalway
Experience
Explore the canals/scenic waterways on a journey
through history, nature, arts & adventure in NY’s Capital
Region. Visit local farms, see modern innovation and
experience our past, present and future!
For more information: 518-406-8610 or
admin@mohawktowpath.org
www.mohawktowpath.org
New York By Rail | 53

NY’s Largest
Winter Ski Resort
2537’ Vertical, 15 Lifts, 109 Trails
Located in the beautiful Adirondacks
Summer and fall rail packages for scenic
gondola rides, hiking, and educational programs.
(518) 251-2411 North Creek, NY GoreMountain.com
54 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

The Adirondacks
Your adventure in the Adirondacks—a vast region covering
six million acres—begins by selecting one of more than
100 friendly towns and villages in which to stay. Jump off
from there—into a cool lake, down a ski slope, or through
a museum! Choose from eight Amtrak stations, from
Fort Edward to Rouses Point.
Six Flags
Great Escape
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Fort Edward-Glens Falls
(FED)*
m ai L
Whitehall (WHL)
m eai L
Ticonderoga (FTC)
m ei L
Port Henry (POH)
m ei L
Westport (WSP)
m ecai L
Port Kent (PRK)
m Gai L
Plattsburgh (PLB)
m ecai L
PHOTOS: (RIDE) COURTESY SIXFLAGSGREATESCAPE.COM; (ROGERS ISLAND) COURTESY ROGERS ISLAND VISITORS CENTER
WHAT’S NEW ▼
Six Flags Great Escape introduces a new
thrill ride this year: the Greezed Lightnin’ roller
coaster features a seven-story, 360° loop. The
park has more than 135 rides, shows and
attractions in all, as well as the seasonal
waterpark, Splashwater Kingdom.
sixflags.com/greatescape
From FED Station: 17 miles car
The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls—a
museum of Adirondack heritage combined
with European decorative art and furnishings—
undergoes renovations this year that will
reopen the Whitney-Renz Gallery as additional
art display space. hydecollection.org
From FED Station: 5.4 miles car
It’s 1777 again! Fort
Ticonderoga is the only
U.S. historic site that tells a
new story every year. Staff
will interpret American
soldiers during the first half
of the season, until the
British capture on July 5.
After that, British soldiers will
be portrayed. Tours, walking
trails, demonstrations.
fortticonderoga.org
From FTC Station:
1 mile car
The Depot Theatre, housed at the historic
Westport train station, has an entertaining
38th season main stage line-up. Shows will
include: Shout!—The Mod Musical, Outside
Mullingar, Murder for Two, and The Glass
Menagerie. depottheatre.org
From WSP Station: 1 minute walk
WHAT’S NEARBY ▼
Skene Manor, a Victorian Gothic-style
mansion, was built in 1874 by NYS Supreme
Court Judge Joseph H. Potter. Today, visitors
can enjoy tours of the historic mansion and
lunch in the tea room. skenemanor.org
From PRK Station: .5 miles car; 10 minute walk
Rogers Island Visitors Center
Rouses Point (RSP)
m ai L
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Fort Edward 4.0
Albany > Fort Edward 1.25
Fort Edward > Ticonderoga 1.0
Ticonderoga > Rouses Point 2.5
*AMTRAK Train-Catcher Service. Daily bus
connections to and from Fort Edward train
station, as far as the Village of Lake George.
Call (518) 792-1085 for reservations at least
48 hours before arrival.
CONNECTIONS
Car Rental
offers station pickup:
Fort Edward: 518-745-5020
Plattsburgh: 518-566-0190
DAILY DEPARTURES The Adirondack
VISITOR RESOURCES
visitadirondacks.com and
lakestolocks.com
Exhibits at the Rogers Island
Visitors Center include archaeological
remains from an early Native American
settlement, as well as artifacts from the
French and Indian War and the Revolutionary
years, when Fort Edward was
the third largest city in colonial North
America. rogersisland.org
From FED Station:
.7 miles car; 14 minute walk
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 55

The Iron Center Museum documents Port Henry’s
history as the largest pre-war producer of iron ore in
the U.S. Originally a laboratory for testing iron ore, it’s
now part of the Railroad and Mining Heritage Park.
porthenrymoriah.com
From POH Station: 1 minute walk
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
Ausable Chasm, the “Grand Canyon of the
Adirondacks,” is a two-mile sandstone gorge
traversed by Ausable River. Activities include walking
trails, tubing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and a
museum. ausablechasm.com
From PRK Station: 3.1 miles car
With 1.25 miles of shoreline, Plattsburgh City
Beach is one of the largest freshwater beaches in
the U.S. Rent a stand-up paddleboard, explore nature
trails, join a game of beach volleyball or just enjoy
Lake Champlain views. plattsburghrecreation.com
From PLB Station: 3.1 miles car
The Alice T. Miner Museum in Chazy is a step
back to the age of Colonial Revival. Guided tours of
the historic rooms highlight art, housewares, and
furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, along
with letters from American presidents.
minermuseum.org
From RSP Station: 10.3 miles car
worth a visit:
The Wild Center in Tupper Lake
It takes a bit of bravery to
bounce out onto a giant
shamrock spider’s web made of
bungee cord; considering that
it’s suspended 25 feet above
ground. It’s one of many thrilling
moments we enjoyed at the new
“Wild Walk” at the Wild Center in
Tupper Lake. Another: standing in a
ten-foot wide Bald Eagle’s nest,
peering over at Whiteface
Mountain.
These unique experiences are
all part of the design of this $5.5
million, one-of-a-kind outdoor
installation. A network of elevated
boardwalks, platforms, and 1,250+
feet of walkway connect eight
stations, including a 40-foot tall
tree trunk and a bear’s den. Try
the Twig Tree House or The Snag,
Wild Walk at the
Wild Center
where hands-on activities show what life is like for Adirondack forest creatures. On your
way out, observe up to 72 bird species seeking sustenance in Feeder Alley.
Wild Walk is open spring through fall. Leave time for the Wild Center’s indoor exhibits,
the butterfly gardens, and outdoor trails.
TIP: Rent a car from Enterprise at the Plattsburgh Amtrak station!
—TS
PHOTO: COURTESY WILD CENTER
56 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Under the DOME
It’s a popular annual tradition, along
one of the most scenic train routes in
America. As the fall leaves begin
to change color in New York’s
northernmost towns, Amtrak
returns its Great Dome Car
to service for a limited run
on the Adirondack line.
PHOTO: KEVIN BURKHOLDER
THE DOME CAR EXPERIENCE.
The Great Dome car offers a unique
way to travel during the fall months, taking you
between Albany and Montreal. With upper level windows
on all sides and overhead, you have panoramic views of the
changing foliage, complemented by Lake Champlain views.
Providing a more in-depth experience, volunteers from the
National Park Service Trails and Rails program are aboard select
trips to offer narration and commentary. The program is entering
its 16th year.
MEET THE VOLUNTEERS. For the past four years, Nelson
Carpenter has been one of those green-shirted volunteers. “I’ve
always been a rail fan, beginning very early when I often accompanied
my father, an Amtrak brakeman, on trips through New York
State,” he says. “The railroad was in my blood.”
Volunteers have to take training sessions, and be able to put in
a full day on the rails. But most of all, they need to enjoy meeting
people.
Nelson certainly does. “I enjoy it all; the train trip itself, my
fellow volunteers, and especially meeting so many folks, often
from distant lands, who are excited about their travels. On virtually
every trip I’ve met at least one Australian and many, many Brits.”
Joe LaLumia coordinates the 45 Trails and Rails volunteers for
the Adirondack and Maple Leaf lines. He says there are at least
two on each trip, ready to share information on geographical
points of interest, history, flora and fauna, and even the train itself.
SCENERY + STORIES. Nelson, Joe, and the other volunteers all
bring their own individual narrative styles based on their personal
knowledge. For Nelson, it’s military history and tactics that color
his discussions on the Battles of Saratoga, Lake Champlain, and
Amtrak.com
Ticonderoga. He
always talks about
Benedict Arnold.
“Many don’t know the whole story about
General Arnold,” he says. “At the Battle of Saratoga,
often called the turning point in the war, he led the soldiers to
victory, notwithstanding the fact he was shot in the leg during
battle. Many believe that had Arnold died that day, he’d be
honored instead of remembered as a traitor.”
Often, he will point out wildlife, especially the bald eagles.
Sometimes, the views speak for themselves, especially when the
train circles the narrow cliffs on the northern portion of the journey.
ABOUT THE GREAT DOME CAR. Car number 10031—also known
as the Great Dome Car—is the only remaining dome car in Amtrak
service. It was built in 1955 by the Budd Company for the Great
Northern Railway, with car number 1391 and name “Ocean View.”
Amtrak took ownership of it in 1971, giving it the number 9361.
Following renovations in 1985, it was renumbered 9300, and
used in daily service on the Amtrak Auto Train through 1994. It was
further refurbished in 1999, renumbered to 10031, and has since
been used in various Amtrak services, including the Pacific
Surfliners and other charters and excursions.
Fall 2016 dates for the Dome Car service on the Adirondack
line will be announced this summer on Amtrak.com.
—Traci Suppa
New York By Rail | 57

newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Rutland (RUD)
me c a i L R
Castleton (CNV)
me c i L
Killington (KLT)
Thruway bus service to ski resorts
Vermont (see travel discount on page 8)
Going to the Green Mountain State? Amtrak connects you to
12 towns via the Ethan Allen Express or Vermonter lines! Here
are some can’t miss activities and attractions close to the stations.
Quechee State Park
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Rutland 5.25
Albany > Rutland 2.75
DAILY DEPARTURES Ethan Allen Express
CONNECTIONS
Taxi Service On Call
Car Rental
offers station pickup: 802-773-0855
Hertz: 802-775-3353
Thrifty: 802-773-5901
Brattleboro (BRA)
me i L
Claremont, NH (CLA)
m i L
Bellows Falls (BLF)
me i L
Windsor, VT (WNM)
me i L
White River Junction (WRJ)
me i L
Randolph (RPH)
m i L
WHAT’S NEW ▼
The Adventure Center at Killington has given
the resort ten new fair-weather attractions,
including the SkyeRide, Skye ropes course,
Terra-Maze, disc golf, and Snowshed scenic lift
ride. Book Amtrak to the KLT station, and
Gramps Shuttle will transport you to the
Killington Grand Hotel. killington.com
From RUD Station:
16.3 miles car; 39 minute bus
Burlington Segway Tours allow you to
see more of the city than you could on foot.
Narrated one- or two-hour tours begin with
training, followed by visits to the waterfront
and Battery Park for Adirondack Mountain
views. burlingtonsegways.com
The Chaffee Art Center features a gallery
showcasing artwork by Rutland-area artists.
The Center offers art classes for all ages, and
hosts spring and fall “Art in the Park” Fine Art
& Craft Festivals. chaffeeartcenter.org
From RUD Station: 0.5 miles car;
10 minute walk; 9 minute bus
The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center
showcases works by regional and international
artists. Upcoming exhibits include: flow-
MOTION: Michael Sacca; Wishing for the Moon:
Karen Gaudette; and Visions from the Edge:
An Exploration of Outsider Art.
brattleboromuseum.org
From BRA Station: 1 minute walk
PHOTOS: (QUECHEE STATE PARK) COURTESY QUECHEE STATE PARK; (BRATTLEBORO MUSEUM) COURTESY BRATTLEBORO MUSEUM
Montpelier (MPR)
m i L
Waterbury-Stowe (WAB)
me i L
Essex Junction (Burlington) (ESX)
me i L
St. Albans (SAB)
me c i L
DAILY DEPARTURES Vermonter
CONNECTIONS
Taxi Service On Call
Car Rental
offers station pickup: 866-502-1260
Hertz: 800-654-3131
Thrifty: 800-847-4389
VISITOR RESOURCES
vermontvacation.com
From ESX Station: 7.5 miles car
The new Hermit Thrush Brewery
produces Belgian-inspired ales using
“green” technologies. Brewery tours are
offered on Friday and Saturday. The tasting
room and art gallery are open year-round.
hermitthrushbrewery.com
WHATS NEARBY ▼
The American Precision Museum
preserves the heritage of the mechanical arts.
Housed in the original Robbins & Lawrence
Armory, it holds the country’s largest
collection of historically significant machine
tools, and the Machine Tool Hall of Fame.
americanprecision.org
58 | New York By Rail
From BRA Station: 0.3 miles car;
7 minute walk; 8 minute bus
From WMN Station:
0.5 miles car; 10 minute walk
Brattleboro Museum &
Art Center

WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
In the smallest U.S. capital city, the Vermont State House is one of the
oldest and best preserved state capitols, dating back 150 years. Free
guided tours are offered year-round of the Greek Revival structure, topped
by a distinctive gold leaf dome. vtstatehousefriends.org
From MPR Station: 1.8 miles car
Quechee State Park in Hartford is home to Quechee Gorge, “Vermont’s
Little Grand Canyon.” At 165 feet, it’s the deepest gorge in the state,
formed by glacial activity 13,000 years ago. It can be viewed from the U.S.
Route 4 Bridge and from trails on both sides. vtstateparks.com
From WRJ Station: 6.4 miles car
The Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory gives 30-minute guided tours
year-round that demonstrate the ice cream manufacturing process, and
end with a free sample. Outside, visitors can stroll through the Flavor
Graveyard of retired flavors. benjerry.com
From WAB Station: 1.9 miles car; 23 minute bus
Middlebury: Much More Than the College
By Malerie Yolen-Cohen
Hermit Thrush Brewery
PHOTOS: (BEER) COURTESY HERMIT THRUSH BREWERY; (NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MORGAN HORSE, OTTER CREEK BREWING, SHELDON MUSEUM) MALERIE YOLEN-COHEN
WHY GO: Most people come to Middlebury for the liberal arts college
of the same name. But another college—and a certain kind of horse—
are also prominent features of this tidy town. The origin of the sturdy
but graceful Morgan Horse can be traced to Middlebury, and the University
of Vermont maintains one of the best “attractions” in the state—the
Morgan Horse Farm—two miles out of town. But Middlebury is also
becoming known for a variety of beverages—from wine to beer to
spirits—and even hard cider,
with tasting rooms just minutes
apart. So, come to Middlebury
for the college and horses, stay
for the food and drink.
VISIT: National Museum of the
Morgan Horse. This little brick
and mortar establishment in
downtown Middlebury
celebrates the Morgan horse in
many forms; paintings, sketches,
periodicals and sculptures. Pop in to this small storefront spot for a look
after you’ve visited the farm.
DO: The Middlebury Tasting Trail. It’s only five miles end to end, so
you can easily sip the fruits of vine, tree and earth in one afternoon.
Establishments are open Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Begin at the
Lincoln Peak Vineyard, which grows all of its own grapes and has won
awards for its Red Marquette. Next, head to Woodchuck Cider House,
the cidery that brought the world Gumption. You’ll never buy another
bottle of Kahlua again after sipping Appalachian Gap Distillery’s
Otter Creek
Brewing
National
Museum of the
Morgan Horse
Kaffevan (that lists among
other ingredients, “magic.”)
Follow the Gap with the
Otter—or Otter Creek
Brewing, the most commercial
on this list. Finish up at
Drop-In Brewing—an outpost
of the American Brewer’s
Guild’s brewing school.
TOUR: Sheldon Museum. The
1829 Judd-Harris House was built
by “two guys in the marble
business” next to Middlebury’s
marble quarry. It became a
rooming house, and then a brothel,
before former boarder Henry
Sheldon
Sheldon bought the place and
Museum
started to collect things. In 1882
Sheldon chartered the building as a museum—making it the “Oldest
Community Based Museum in the Country,” and it is now known for its
architecture, its six black marble fireplaces and a beloved garden.
EAT: Storm Café. Sit outside on the deck that hangs over the river near
the falls. The café has been a local “farm-to-table” favorite for years.
Locals also love Two Brothers—a lively pub on the edge of Middlebury
College campus, Jessica’s at Swift House for upscale dining, and
American Flatbread for pizza.
Malerie Yolen-Cohen is co-publisher of Getaway Mavens, a travel site
describing some of the best offbeat escapes in the Northeast.
We asked Kim Knox Beckius, Yankee Magazine
Contributing Editor and About.com New England
Travel Expert, to recommend an off-the-beatenpath
attraction to visit on our next trip to Vermont.
“There’s one place in Vermont where you can
see snow all year long—and truly appreciate this
frozen phenomenon. Inside the Old Red Mill in Jericho, the Jericho
Historical Society displays some of the 5,000+ photographs
snapped through a microscope by ingenious Vermonter Wilson A.
Bentley. In 1885, this local farmer became the first person to
photograph an individual snowflake. Admission is free to examine
the original scientific evidence that proves: No two are alike.”
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 59

Oneonta
Cooperstown
Milford
17
80
166
166
Fort Plain
Canajoharie
29
145
Cobleskill
22
28
145
145
23
Schoharie
Middleburgh
27
24
26
25A
25
24
23
Underground worlds
at Howe Caverns
Glimmerglass Festival
Savor
Brewery Ommegang,
part of Brew Central
Discover
The history of baseball
in Cooperstown
Stone Fort Days at
the Old Stone Fort
Drive to adventure!
Hop on the train at Penn Station, then hop off in Albany-Rensselaer –
just over two hours north – to pick up your Enterprise car. Then drive
west on scenic, uncrowded roads to discover natural wonders and
charming villages, scenic beauty and stellar museums, farm-fresh
foods plus distilleries, wineries and breweries.
Spend a few days and leave with a lifetime of memories.
Otsego&
7
Schoharie Counties
IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF NEW YORK STATE
Richfield Springs
28
GLIMMERGLASS
FESTIVAL
28 80
BREWERY OMMEGANG
For more on Howe Caverns and other Schoharie County destinations, visit upstatevacations.com/rail
28
33
Springfield
Center
88
7
80
Cherry
Valley
NATIONAL BASEBALL
HALL OF FAME
For more on the National Baseball Hall of Fame and other Otsego County destinations, visit thisiscooperstown.com/rail
5S
10
Explore
Sharon Springs
10
88
90
7
30
5S
HOWE CAVERNS
30
30
5S
Duanesburg
OLD STONE FORT
7
88
20
Board Amtrak®
at Penn Station
and ride north to
Albany-Rensselaer.
87
Pick up your Enterprise
rental car right in the
Amtrak® station.
Then drive west on
I-90, I-88 or on the
Route 20 Scenic Byway.
890
90
20
90
87
87
Albany
787
90

Central New York
Central New York offers a getaway full of variety—historic
sites, outdoor adventures, sports and gaming attractions, and a
locally-grown culinary scene. Not to mention a year-round
calendar of exciting events! Your starting point: the Amtrak
stations in Amsterdam, Utica, and Rome.
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Amsterdam (AMS)
m ecai L
Utica (UCA)
m B gecaQT
i L TR$
Rome (ROM)
m ecai L
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Amsterdam 3.5
Amsterdam > Utica 1.0
Albany > Rome 1.9
DAILY DEPARTURES
Empire Service, Maple Leaf, Lake Shore
Limited to Utica
PHOTOS: (GOLF COURSE) COURTESY TURNING STONE RESORT & CASINO; (WINE) COURTESY MOHAWK VALLEY WINERY; (TRAIN) COURTESY TRACI SUPPA
Turning Stone Resort Casino Golf Course
WHAT’S NEW ▼
This year, Fort Stanwix National Monument
celebrates the 40th anniversary of its
reconstruction as a national monument, and
also commemorates the 100th anniversary of
the National Parks Service. Step into the Visitor
Center, walk the trails, and observe demonstrations
of 18th century military life. nps.gov/fost
From ROM Station: 1.3 miles car
Turning Stone Resort Casino, home to
three premier golf courses, will host the 49th
PGA Professional National Championship,
June 26-29. An Oneida Indian Nation property,
the resort also features four hotels, two spas,
and a 1,200-square foot gaming floor.
turningstone.com
From ROM Station: 11.1 miles car
Mohawk Valley
Winery
Opening this summer, the Mohawk Valley
Gateway Overlook is a pedestrian bridge
and park over the Mohawk River that will
reconnect Amsterdam’s south side neighborhoods
and Erie Canalway Trail with the north
side’s Riverlink Park and the city’s downtown.
amsterdamrecreation.com
From AMS Station: 2.5 miles car
The Munson Williams Proctor Arts
Institute will be the only venue for a special
exhibition, The World through His Lens: Steve
McCurry Photographs. More than 60 large-scale
photos by renowned National Geographic
photographer Steve McCurry are on view
June–December. mwpai.org
From UCA Station: 1.0 mile car
An “urban winery,” Mohawk Valley Winery
has opened in Utica, offering hand-crafted reds,
whites, blush and specialty selections. Meet the
wine makers, view the tank room, visit the tasting
room for a flight of five, or enjoy happy hour
at the wine bar. mohawkvalleywinery.com
From UCA Station: 1.5 miles car
WHAT’S NEARBY ▼
The Walter Elwood Museum of the
Mohawk Valley, the city’s only local history
museum, contains a collection of 25,000 artifacts
showcasing Amsterdam’s past through
natural history, industrial, Victorian, and multicultural
exhibits. walterelwoodmuseum.org
From AMS Station: 2.1 miles car
CONNECTIONS
Taxi Service On Call
Bus Service
Chenango Valley Bus Lines, Inc.
from Utica to Colgate University,
Hamilton College, Norwich and
Binghamton (twice daily)
607-722-7553
Car Rental
offers station pickup:
Amsterdam: 518-843-8535
Utica: 315-736-0002
Rome: 315-337-6000
Hertz: 800-654-3131
VISITOR RESOURCES
VisitCentralNewYork.com
Adirondack
Scenic Railroad
The Adirondack Scenic Railroad
departs on several scenic excursions from
the Utica station. This year’s calendar
includes several “Beer and Wine Train” and
“Soda Fountain Lunch Trains,” the Family
Halloween Train in October, and the Polar
Express in November and December.
adirondackrr.com
From UCA Station: Located at UCA station
New York By Rail | 61

- to -
MONTGOMERY
COUNTY NY
Chenango County
Connect with Amtrak and
make Chenango your next destination
• Enjoy Family Friendly Spring and Summer Events
• Hike or Bike 6,600+ Acres of Public Wilderness
• Soak in the Sights of the Scenic Mohawk River
Your journey begins on Amtrak® to
Amsterdam, then rent a car with Enterprise.
For discounted rates call 518.843.8535
and reference account #NYTRAIN when
making a reservation.
MONTGOMERY
COUNTY NY
visitmontgomerycountyny.com
62 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Erie Canal Cruises offers daily seasonal sightseeing cruises through
Lock 18 at Jacksonburg. The 90-minute narrated cruises on the Mohawk
River run May through October. eriecanalcruises.com
From UCA Station: 14.1 miles car
The Griffiss International Sculpture Garden in Rome is an
impressive outdoor collection of public works in various media. Of the
20+ modern pieces on display, several are interactive, some offer seating
as part of the design, and others are lit using solar power.
sculpturespace.org/sculpturepark
From ROM Station: 3.9 miles car
PHOTOS: (DIAMOND MINE) TRACI SUPPA; (HOWE CAVERNS) COURTESY HOWE CAVERNS
Old Fort Johnson, an intact 1749 limestone house, was the residence
of Sir William Johnson during the French and Indian War. Today,
seasonal tours of this National Historic Landmark describe the social,
cultural, military and industrial past of the Mohawk Valley.
oldfortjohnson.org
From AMS Station: 1.2 miles car
Built in 1928, the historic Capitol Theatre is a 1,788-seat performing
and visual arts space with its original Möller theater organ. There are
more than 100 shows per year, including silent and classic movies, live
theatrical productions, musical concerts, and dance. romecapitol.com
From ROM Station: 1.4 miles car
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
Open year round, the Utica Zoo is home to 200 animals representing
85 species from around the world, including zebras, monkeys, red
pandas, wolves, and alligators. Family favorites include the children's
petting zoo, camel feedings, and sea lion shows. uticazoo.org
From UCA Station: 2.3 miles car
At the Herkimer Diamond Mines, you can prospect for 500-million
year old quartz crystals, and keep what you find. The diamond-like
geometrical gemstones rate 7.5 on a hardness scale, and can measure
between one to eight inches long. herkimerdiamond.com
From UCA Station: 17 miles car
We met Captain Jerry Gertz at the helm of
Lil’ Diamond II, one of the vessels operating
with Erie Canal Cruises, Inc. He gave us a great
recommendation for an afternoon activity.
“My personal favorite central New York escape
is the Herkimer Diamond Mines. This familyfriendly
environment provides a great hunt to find naturallyfaceted
crystals that don’t exist anywhere else on Earth. Those
beauties were created near 500 million years ago, and I got to keep
all that I found! The museum and shop are full of rock specimens
from all over the world; it’s an awesome display.”
worth a visit:
Howe Caverns
The further we descended, the larger my
daughter’s eyes grew in anticipation. She had never explored an underground cave in all
her eight years, and the experience was high on her precocious bucket list.
The 90-minute guided tour of Howe Caverns, the largest show cave in the northeast
U.S., begins in an elevator, which brings you 156 feet below ground to the dim, chilly space—
loud with the sound of rushing water.
Discovered in 1842 by farmer Lester Howe, Howe Caverns is an extensive cave system with a
lake running through it. We followed the paved pathway through the massive, dramatically lit
boulders and flowstone formations. We maneuvered single-file through the Winding Way, a
narrow, 300-foot long limestone corridor. We longed to touch the stone surfaces, but—because
they’re still growing—were asked not to. There are two pieces of the smooth, glossy calcite on
display which visitors are allowed to feel; the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Praying Hands.
Our whole family learned new things that day, like how different minerals such as iron,
manganese and copper change the color appearance of the calcite growing underground, and
how to remember the difference between stalactites and stalagmites.
The grand finale of the tour was the quarter-mile boat ride on the shallow River Venus. At the
end of the journey, they turn off the lights and let you experience a moment of total darkness to
which your eyes cannot adjust.
While the cave tour is open year-round, if you go between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you
can also enjoy the Howe High Adventure attractions above ground. They include a 900-foot
long zip line, the Sky Trail ropes course, rock wall, air jumper, and downhill rides in the 12-foot
inflatable H2OGO balls.
TIP: Rent a car from Enterprise at the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station, or request the Howe
Caverns shuttle service if you stay overnight at the Howe Caverns Motel.
—TS
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 63

DESTINATION
BREWCENTRALNY.COM
Tourism
Tap into the craft, talent and pride of America’s Craft Brew
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Oneida County producers put out premier beverages, put on must-attend events
and call Central New York’s best brew communities, like Utica, New York, home.
Get a taste and plan your getaway at brewcentralny.com
See Why Howe Caverns
Is New York State’s
Second Most Visited Natural Attraction!
Specialty Tours
Lantern Tour
Adventure Tour
Signature Rock Discovery Tour
Family Flashlight Tour
Explore the Largest
Show Cave in the Northeast
Open Year-Round Seasonal Hours
90 Minute Traditional Tour and
Underground Boat Ride
Gemstone Mining and Geode Cutting
Ask About Our Popular Tour & Stay
Overnight Package
Call for information on transportation from:
Schenectady and Albany (Rensselaer) Train Stations
5 Outdoor Attractions In-Season
HoweCaverns.com • 518.296.8900
64 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Discover
New York’s
Museums
with Don Wildman
Host of Travel Channel's
Mysteries at the Museum
By train,road or foot –
a world of wonders awaits!
Don Wildman at Olana State Historic Site
in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Special Supplement to
New York By Rail
NY MUSEUMS BY RAIL 1

How to Visit
a Museum
Visiting a museum is not rocket
science—unless it’s a space
museum—but after making a
career of being a die-hard
museum booster, I have some
insights to share:
• Think of a museum as a
human place. Despite all the
glass-encased objects,
despite all the fancy signage,
it is people who make
museums. Those people are
only as eager to tell their
stories as you are to hear
them.
• Be an active museumgoer,
not a passive one. Visit with
deliberate purpose and
intention. Do you want to
know more about
pterodactyls or to finally
understand Cubism? Decide
to learn.
• Talk to the guards! Those
folks stand in those galleries
all day; ask them what their
favorite painting is, you might
be surprised.
• When visiting a museum,
especially for the first time,
check its website for building
layouts, current exhibitions
and events. Prepare your
spirit to be fed before the
meal is served. It makes a
real difference.
• Museums are multifaceted—they
collect,
preserve, research and
exhibit— but the average
visitor only takes advantage
of the exhibits! If you reach
out to museum personnel—
say, an expert in Egyptian
mummies—via email
(addresses are usually
available on the website)
they might show up to
answer your questions in
person. That’d be cool, right?
• Wear comfortable shoes. It
seems obvious...but you’ll be
walking and standing a lot.
Protect your soles! (Same
goes for comfy clothing.)
• Utilize the benches in the
galleries. Sit down and allow
your mind to wander.
Meditation is good!
• Eat in the café upon arrival;
you’ll have more energy and
it’ll give you a chance to finetune
your visit.
• Carry very little into the
galleries, check everything
you can. Free your hands and
free your mind.
Discovering New York’s Museums
The Rockwell Museum's first conceptual
sculpture is a bronze tumbleweed by
American artist Bale Creek Allen. It was
created by taking actual Texas tumbleweed,
casting it in bronze, and finishing
it with a dark red patina.
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 this collective community, and along the way
learn a few of the remarkable things it has to teach.
As host of Travel Channel’s long-running
Mysteries at the Museum, I have a vested interest in this
realm. The show, presently in its tenth season,
chronicles the heroic histories and twisted tales behind
artifacts and relics displayed in galleries all over the
planet. The success of this program proves that
Americans—even cable television viewers—are deeply
intrigued by the archived treasures found in museums.
Nationwide, there were 850 million visits to museums
last year alone! Museums are a huge part of our lives!
As a New York resident, I’m continually floored by
this place—from art and culture to industry and tech,
New York State is where America first found her feet as
a world power. To learn how this all happened, you’ll want to visit a museum—and
New York has plenty to go around.
According to the Museum Association of New York,
there are more than 2,000 art, history, science and
children’s museums in the state, not to mention zoos,
botanical gardens and historic houses. From the
Manhattan glamour of The Met to the sporting
legends of Cooperstown to the rustic dignity of Grant’s
Cottage in Saratoga Springs, museums and heritage
sites capture and reveal the magnificent, multi-cultural
history and character of New York. You could spend a
lifetime seeing them all, and more museums would
be rising in your wake. I’m telling you, there’s so
much to see across New York State's 11 diverse
vacation regions, the list is truly endless and so
During
WWII,
while
confined in a
German
internment camp,
GIs made this
primitive bat from a
tree limb. See it at the
Baseball Hall of Fame in
Cooperstown.
In 1778, General George Washington
ordered construction of an iron chain
across the Hudson River at West Point to
block passage of British war ships. The
massive chain, made of 1,200 links of
wrought iron, stretched 1,700 feet in
length, weighed sixty-five tons, and took
forty men a total of four days to install.
See it at the Albany Institute of History
and Art.
are the adventures that await you. There’s
magic in museums: they hold objects and experiences that will excite,
challenge, and enlighten you and your family.
So, all aboard the Museum Express for a journey to new and
different states of mind right here in the State of New York.
–Don Wildman
2 • iloveny.com NY MUSEUMS BY RAIL

photo: keiko niwa / tenement museum
The Tenement Museum of New
York provides an essential
perspective on America’s immigrant
history. If you dip from the
European gene pool, it’s pretty
likely some relative in your past
spent time in what was New York’s
teeming Lower East Side. For outof-towners,
the museum demonstrates
how so many millions
suffered tough conditions just to be
American. For New Yorkers, it’s a
way to understand how tenement
structures became such a staple of
city architecture. tenement.org
photo: chris devers / creative commons
New York
CITY
The big museums—the Met,
MOMA, the Whitney, et
al—are wonderfully
absorbing, but nowadays I
more often head for the
smaller places that I’ve
missed.
1.1 miles from Penn Stn.
The Queens Museum in Flushing
Meadows is a NYC-must, if for no
other reason than to see the
Panorama of the City of New York, a
gigantic, 3-D mapping of municipal
geography. This massive exhibition
was created for the 1964 World’s
Fair and features a dawn-to-dusk
lighting scheme and landing
airplanes, as well as the opportunity
to adopt your own piece of island
real estate for a $50 donation. What
a bargain! queensmuseum.org
The New York Botanical Garden
is a Bronx classic. Calvert Vaux and
the Olmsteds—the designers who
created Central Park—laid out this
verdant, 250-acre landscape 125-
years ago on behalf of botanist
Nathaniel Lord Britton, who believed
New York should have its own
version of London’s Royal Botanic
Gardens. Indeed, the grandeur and
elegance of the buildings and
esplanades transport you to a more
graceful era. But walk in the oldgrowth
forest, a last vestige of virgin
east coast wood land, to experience
what the wilder ness was like before
Gotham was born. nybg.org
58 minute subway ride from Penn Stn.
The Louis Armstrong House
Museum is the place to begin your
Satchmo education. Armstrong was
one of the fundamental artists of
American jazz. Take the short
subway ride from Grand Central to
visit the home in Flushing, Queens
where he lived and died. It’s packed
with memorabilia that helps in the
understanding of this influential
trumpeter and the great music he
created. LouisArmstrongHouse.org
31 minute subway ride from Penn Stn. 36 minute subway ride from Penn Stn.
photo: library of congress
long island
Sagamore Hill National Historic
Site sits upon a grassy rise near the
beaches of Oyster Bay. Home to one
of my real heroes—26th President
Theodore Roosevelt—it’s an elegant
yet understated Victorian structure
that remains in much the state that
Roosevelt left it when, in 1919, he
died in the upstairs guest room. TR’s
legend has grown larger-than-life
during the last century so it’s
refreshing to walk through this
comfortable home, sensing the
simpler man behind the myth. Yes,
there is much that is iconic: dozens
of animal-skin rugs, trophy heads,
and elephant tusks, gifts from heads
of state and historical memorabilia,
but even more impressive is the
poignant and bookish truth of the
man. TR was an astonishing reader
and writer, a devoted husband and
father, and an American patriot.
nysm.nysed.gov
35.6 mi. from Penn Stn.; 55 min. via
LIRR; 5.4 mi. from Syosset LIRR Stn.
photo: mick hales / new york botanical garden
The Cradle of Aviation Museum
in Garden City, Long Island
celebrates man’s glorious but
turbulent journey to the skies and
beyond, and com memo rates the
burgeoning aviation industry that
once flourished on Long Island,
develop ing much of the fundamental
technology that made modern flight
possible. The guides are enthused,
the exhibits fascinating. And I had no
idea that the Apollo Lunar Modules
were constructed twenty minutes
away in Bethpage! The Cradle of
Aviation displays the LM-13, slated
for Apollo 19. For a moon-child like
me, who watched in awe as Neil
Armstrong first stepped onto the
lunar surface in 1969...what a thrill.
cradleofaviation.org
26.2 mi. from Penn Stn.; 45 min. via
LIRR; 2.0 mi. from Garden City LIRR Stn.
Long Island’s Historic Gold
Coast Mansions were created by
the wealthy industrialists of the
early 20th century and were
immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s
The Great Gatsby. Tour grand
estates like Oheka Castle in
Huntington, Chelsea Mansion in East
Norwich, Coe Hall and Planting
Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay and
Falaise in Sands Point.
historiclongisland.com
33.9 mi. from Penn Station; 55 min. via
LIRR; 4.5 mi. from Garden City LIRR Stn.
Coe Hall
NY MUSEUMS BY RAIL 3

Hudson Valley and The CATSKILLS
Thomas Cole National Historic
Site marks the sylvan spot where
the master of the Hudson River
School of painters lived and worked
throughout his brief lifetime. Back in
1840, Cole first journeyed to the
upstate wilderness and began
painting his visions of nature as a
spiritual allegory. Cole influenced
younger artists like Frederic Edwin
Church, Jasper Cropsey and dozens
more who, in time, coalesced into
what is now known as the Hudson
River School. Visitors today can tour
the home, see the art, stroll the
gardens and take in the spectacular
views of the Catskill Mountains. The
museum has just reconstructed
Cole’s self-designed New Studio, and
a new exhibit there features the
artist’s lesser known architectural
endeavors. thomascole.org
5.1miles from Hudson Stn.
Olana State Historic Site
(pictured on the cover) is a short
drive away, across the Rip Van Winkle
Bridge and through the town of
Catskill. Olana, where Cole’s student
Frederic Edwin Church flourished, is
simply one of the most remarkable
historic homes in the nation. Inspired
by their travels through the Middle
East, the Churches designed a
thrilling showcase of Persian and
Ottoman influences. It is appro priately
poised over the sweeping view,
the kind that inspired the art that
afforded him such prosperity.
olana.org
5.1miles from Hudson Stn.
Francis Lehman Loeb Art Center
in Poughkeepsie is on the campus of
Vassar College, the first university in
the nation to include an art museum
as part of its original plan. The
36,000 square foot facility includes
over 19,000 paintings, sculptures,
photgraphs, textiles, glass works,
ceramic wares and more, from
ancient to modern times. The
collection includes masterworks
from Hudson River School painters
as well as contemporary artists like
Georgia O’Keefe, Matisse, Pablo
Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
fflac.vassar.edu
3.2 miles from Poughkeepsie Stn.
I enrolled myself in a weekend-long art history course that
only the Hudson Valley and Catskills could provide and,
what’s best, I never had to take a test. The art scene is
remarkably varied, with sites and exhibitions that land
you in nearly every era of American art and design.
Thomas Cole’s A View of the Two Lakes and Mountain House, Catskill Mountains, Morning
Dia: Beacon in Beacon is the place to sign up
for a dose of the avant-garde. Opened in 2005,
in a reclaimed Nabisco box factory, the 36,000
square feet of gallery space is perfectly suited
to the monumental art-pieces within, spanning
from the 1960s to the present. Dia:Beacon
calls itself a “daylight museum” thanks to
copious natural light provided by more than
34,000-square-feet of skylights and broad
spans between supporting columns. The
museum has significant holdings of Warhol
and features guided tours, gallery talks and
more. diaart.org/sites/main/beacon
11.4 miles from Rhinecliff Stn.
Storm King Art Center, in New Windsor, takes the prize for sheer size and
scope. Its 700-acres of woods, meadows and riverbank comprise an
unsurpassed outdoor museum for sculptures whose dimensions daunt and
dazzle. Don’t miss the meandering Wall by Andy Goldsworthy—you’ll never
view masonry the same way again. stormking.org
25.0 miles from Poughkeepsie Stn.
The Hudson River Maritime
Museum, located on the Rondout
waterfront in Kingston,
commemorates the days when
shipping—via oceans, rivers and
canals—was the mode of delivery
for nearly all of the goods that kept
people alive. The Hudson River was,
of course, the major conduit of
commerce for New York City,
delivering food, fuel and, well,
everything else. This compact and
colorful museum drops anchor in the
deep end of Hudson Valley shipping,
hosting exhibits on just about every
aspect of our maritime heritage. Kids
will love the Mathilda, a 1898 steam
tug berthed outside the museum, at
water’s edge! hrmm.org
11.4 miles from Rhinecliff Stn.
The Museum at Bethel Woods in
Bethel is dedicated to making the
lessons and ideals of the tumultuous
decade of the Sixties relevant and
accessible. The famous Woodstock
Music & Art Fair didn’t take place
anywhere close to the town called
Woodstock. It happened on a dairy
farm in Bethel, sixty miles from
Woodstock, when a previously
arranged venue there fell through.
The museum is situated on the
property of that very farm and uses
the legend of Woodstock as a
jumping off point to explore the
broader context of an era that
dramatically altered American
society in all sorts of ways. The
award-winning Main Exhibit—
“Woodstock and The Sixties”—offers
21 short films, interactive exhibits
and lots of interesting artifacts to tell
its story. The museum is part of the
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a
concert venue that operates
throughout the summer. Best way to
go? Tour the museum and take in a
concert! bethelwoodscenter.org
69.9 miles from Poughkeepsie Stn.
photo: courtesy bethel woods center for the arts
4 • iloveny.com NY MUSEUMS BY RAIL

capital / saratoga
Though it’s not, strictly
speaking, a museum, the
New York State Capitol
Building is a bona fide
historic site with museumquality
exhibits on many
aspects of New York State
history. Every first-time
traveler to the Capital Region
owes it to him or herself to
include a visit. Completed in 1899, it’s a spectacular sight, the architectural
star of New York’s Gilded Age, the Camelot Castle of the Empire State. It’s
now fully open for tours on which you can walk the majestic paneled hallways
and carved staircases and view the many historic artifacts on display.
ogs.ny.gov/esp/ct/tours/Capitol.asp
1.8 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Stn.
photo: courtesy albany institute of history and art
The Albany Institute of History &
Art, a few blocks away from the
Capitol, is one of America’s oldest
museums. The Institute’s elegant and
studied collection documents the rise
of the Capital and Upper Hudson
Valley regions, their political and
cultural identities, and reveals how
much of the epic story of modern
America— from smudgy jewel in the
colonial crown to dominant
mercantile power house—begins in
upstate New York, right here on the
Hudson River. There are even two
mummies with a fascinating history
of how they ended up in New York’s
Capital District. albanyinstitute.org
The New York State Museum,
just a 10-minute walk from the
Capitol across the 98-acre, whitemarbled
expanse of Empire State
Plaza—thank you, Nelson
Rockefeller—is an even more
ambitious repository of NY artifacts
and archives. Its exhibits trace the
natural and cultural origins of the
state. You could spend hours here in
the towering exhibition halls. Make
sure you don’t miss the 9-11
artifacts, the collection of antique
fire trucks and subways, the
dioramas of NY birds, an eons-old
mastodon and a ride on the centuryold
carousel. nysm.nysed.gov
2.3 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Stn. 2.3 miles from Albany-Rensselaer Stn.
photo: wadester16/creative commons
photo: peter d./creative commons
THE Adirondacks
The Wild Center in Tupper Lake is a dynamo of a museum that seeks to
draw people closer to understanding their natural environment. Opened just
ten years ago, The Wild Center has already made a huge impact. Through
immersion in the rich environment of the Adirondacks—there are nature
trails all over the 81-acre property—visitors young and old are afforded the
chance to ponder their inevitable footprint. This summer bring the kids to the
Wild Walk for an adventure in the treetops! wildcenter.org
62.8 miles from Westport Stn.
The Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake started out as a logging
camp, built by Tyler Merwin in 1874. When tourism became popular, Merwin
built a hotel that eventually was acquired by the Adirondack Historical
Association. In 1957 they founded this fine museum to document the region’s
history and heighten awareness of its fragile ecosystem. For a paddler like me,
this is a bit of heaven; the guide boat display alone makes the heart thump
harder. But you’ll also get a strong sense of how Adirondack-style came to
mean adventure to so many generations--and how those Adirondack chairs
got invented. The museum campus includes many buildings and exhibits and
overlooks Blue Mountain Lake far below. I challenge you to step on the deck
and not let out an audible gasp. adkmuseum.org
65.4 miles from Port Henry Stn.
photo: darren mcgee/nysded
Right in Saratoga Springs, the New York State Military Museum
commemorates the service of New York military units from the Revolution to
the Civil War to modern day battlegrounds. Most visitors will want to head
north to the Saratoga National Historic Site where, in 1777, the British
General John Burgoyne surrendered his sword in
what historians call “The Turning Point of the
American Revolution.” Don’t miss the chance to
climb to the top of the nearby Saratoga
Monument for a birds-eye view of the area—and
Fort Ticonderoga has guarded the
water passage between Lakes
Champlain and George since the
French and Indian War. The 2000
acre site hosts an amazing array of
demonstrations, exhibits, events and
tours. There are sumptuous gardens,
hiking trails, canoes for rent and
even a six-acre corn maze for the kid
in all of us. fortticonderoga.org
some excellent and unexpected cardio.
nps.gov/sara 1.6 miles from Saratoga Springs Stn. 1.0 miles from Fort Ticonderoga Stn.
NY MUSEUMS BY RAIL 5

Thousand Islands-Seaway
central new york
York State Historical Association, with
fabulous examples of fine art—
including Hudson River School
canvases, and folk art just full of
imagination. The museum’s Thaw
Collection—one of the nation’s
leading exhibits of American Indian
art and artifacts— amply demonstrates
the aesthetic power of
American Indian art through the
beauty and artistry of more than 800
objects. fenimoreartmuseum.org
75.6 miles from Albany-Renssalaer Stn.
Boldt Castle, on Heart Island, near Alexandria Bay, was begun as an act of
love and abandoned in the wake of tragedy. In 1900, George Boldt, the
millionaire proprietor of NYC’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, wanted to build a
summer palace for his beloved wife, Louise. Hundreds of craftsmen labored
to construct the six-story, 120 room castle—complete with tunnels, a
powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, towers and a dove cote—but
construction was abruptly halted in 1904, after Louise’s sudden death. The
heart broken Boldt never returned to the island, and the castle and grounds
deteriorated for almost 75 years. (Boldt did go on to make Thousand Islands
salad dressing famous when, after sampling it in the region, he put it on the
menu of his famous NYC hotel.) Now, with the restoration of castle,
outbuildings and grounds, it makes for a magnifi cent visit, and you can even
rent it for your wedding. boldtcastle.com 98.6 miles from Syracuse Stn.
When I was eleven, my father and I
walked through the National
Baseball Hall of Fame and
Museum in Cooperstown. Being a
young fan, I was awed by the place
but what I really loved was that my
father felt exactly the same way. That
day, we spent more time on his
enshrined heroes than mine. It was
the first time I ever saw my father as
a former boy, just like me. Over the
years, the Hall has been reconceived
as a more colorful, modern museum
experience. But standing in the
admission line, I watched four
different fathers wrangling eight
excited kids all dressed in their
hometown uniforms. It seemed to
me not much has changed. Baseball
still binds the generations—in so
many ways, the Hall of Fame is the
glue. baseballhall.org
74.5 miles from Albany-Renssalaer Stn.
The Farmers’ Museum, across the
street from the Fenimore, is a place
where a family can easily spend a full
afternoon immersed in the life of a
19th-century working farm and
historical village, complete with a
County Fair and the glorious Empire
State Carousel. Demonstrations,
livestock and a treasure trove of
historical objects help make the rural
life real. farmersmuseum.org
75.7 miles from Albany-Renssalaer Stn.
photo: zach winnie
The Frederic Remington Art
Museum, in Ogdensburg, pairs a
sumptuous early 19th century
house—think wood paneling and
Tiffany chandeliers—with an
extensive collection of works by the
enduringly popular painter of iconic
images of the American west. Based
on the collection of Eva Remington,
the artist’s widow, not only does the
museum have a broad selection of
paintings, drawings and bronzes,
there are many personal items—
sketchbooks, notes, photographs and
even the cigars in Remington’s
pocket before he died—that provide
a unique insight into both man and
artist. fredericremington.org
The Antique Boat Museum in
Clayton makes visitors wonder if
there is anything more elegant than
a vintage, wooden watercraft. What
expresses the free spirit of the region
better than a sleek mahogany
runabout? You’ll be thrilled by this
beautiful collection of classics and,
weather permitting, can ride the
river aboard the “Miss Thousand
Islands” or ply the oars of a
traditional Saint Lawrence skiff. This
is one of those must-sees in New
York. The museum is a serious and
satisfying education in the origins of
freshwater boating. The Antique
Boat Show in August supplies the
perfect reason to go! abm.org
The Fenimore Art Museum, on
the site of author James Fenimore
Cooper’s early 19th century farmhouse
in Cooperstown, houses the
impressive collections of the New
Fort Stanwix National
Monument, in Rome, is an
important relic of several colonial
wars. Designed in the shape of a
four-pointed star, the fort was
constructed by the British in 1762
and reconstructed in 1974. It’s like a
time machine, seeing the military
arms, clothing, hardware, Indian
artifacts and furnishings from the
French and Indian War and the
American Revolutionary War periods
that take you back in history.
nps.gov/fost
119.0 miles from Rome Stn. 89.3 miles from Syracuse Stn. 1.4 miles from Rome Station
6 • iloveny.com NY MUSEUMS BY RAIL

finger lakes
Corning Museum of Glass, in
Corning, is one of the most
extraordinary institutions in the
nation. Architecturally stunning,
artistically sophisticated and truly
engaging, this museum makes utterly
transparent the indispensable role
glass has played in our civilization.
More than a dozen galleries
illuminate the 35-century long history
of glassmaking, and the Contemporary
Art + Design Wing, opened in
2015, features breathtaking exhibits
by some of the edgiest artists in the
medium. But this is also a museum
that works, in a practical sense. The
several “Hot Shops” on the grounds
are dynamic, entertaining studios
where glassblowers fashion original
pieces for audiences of all ages. Book ahead on the website for a chance to
“Make Your Own Glass.” I can hardly wait for next Christmas when I hang my
new, fab glass ornament. I blew it!! cmog.org 105.4 miles from Rochester Stn.
greater niagara
To be honest, when I first visited Buffalo’s Albright-Knox Art Gallery, I
wasn’t expecting too much. I was so wrong. Opened in 1905 and sited in
Fredrick Olmsted’s Delaware Park, this majestic, neo-classic structure harkens
back to Buffalo’s 19th century history as America’s industrial powerhouse.
One visit to this proud repository of European and American art, both
traditional and avant-garde, demonstrates that great things are, indeed, still
happening in Buffalo. Be sure to take in lunch at the AK Café. The food’s
delicious—though you’ll have to venture further into town for those famous
Buffalo wings. albrightknox.org 6.0 miles from Buffalo-Exchange Station
photo: david pape via Flickr CC
The Rockwell Museum houses an impressive
collection of art and artifacts— over 3,000 pieces—
including 19th-century Native American artifacts,
great paintings and bronzes of the American West,
illustrations and works on paper. You’ll also find
artistic works from post-war America, photography
and arms and armor. The original collection, amassed by local business
owners Bob and Hertha Rockwell, focused on the American West but, forty
years later, the museum has expanded its purview to the entirety of the
American experience. rockwellmuseum.org 93.4 miles from Rochester Stn.
photo: tony delgrosso photo: courtesy rockwell museum
The Women’s Rights National Historical Park, in Seneca Falls, was the
1848 site of the nation’s first women’s rights convention, where it was
shockingly declared that “woman is man’s equal.” Visit the Elizabeth Cady
Stanton House here, then follow the Votes for Women History Trail west to
Rochester, where The National Susan B. Anthony House takes you into the
private world of this public woman. nps.gov/wori 4.1 miles from Rochester Stn.
The Strong | National Museum of Play in Rochester, with
exhibitions like Pinball Playfields, American Comic Book
Heroes and Toys Hall of Fame, make for a museum that’s full
of goofy, childlike fun—but with a scholarly side too for those
who take play seriously. Talk about a museum that’s great for
kids, but even I had to sidle up to the Sesame Street stoop—and swoon. Ah,
youth! museumofplay.org
1.1 miles from Rochester Stn.
The Eastman Museum in Rochester is an absolute must
for anyone who loves taking (or looking at) photographs and
movies. On the grandiose estate of George Eastman, the
man who made Kodak a household word, in a restored,
Colonial Revival masterpiece of a house with glorious
gardens, is a leading museum of the industry, craft and art of
photography and cinema. It’s home to the personal
collections of Cecil B. DeMille and Martin Scorsese, and the archives of the
Technicolor Corporation. Try to schedule your visit around a film screening at
the on-site Dryden Theater! eastman.org 2.0 miles from Rochester Stn.
photo: courtesy eastman museum
The Buffalo Museum of Science,
which been around since 1929, has
seen a lot of changes over the last
five years. As its permanent exhibit
spaces have been transformed into
highly interactive and immersive
science studios, this classic has
boosted itself into the 21st century.
This is a bountiful museum, with all
the prerequisites of a solid science
center covered and a large helping
of hands-on exhibitions to engage
kids for hours. sciencebuff.org
3.5 miles from Buffalo-Exchange Stn.
Old Fort Niagara, in Youngstown,
protects the mouth of its name sake river
at the point it meets Lake Ontario. One
of the oldest forts in the US, it saw
combat in the French and Indian War.
Today, you can visit original 17th century
buildings and see a host of exhibits,
frequent battle reenactments and
demonstrations. Did I mention the
spectacular view? oldfortniagara.org
12.9 miles from Niagara Falls Station
Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural
legacy looms large over our nation
and perhaps nowhere as strongly as
in the Greater Niagara region.
Darwin D. Martin House in
Buffalo’s Parkside East historic
district, built between 1904 and
1907, was one of his boldest and
largest residential schemes. You now
can visit the restored house and
view its custom furniture and many
remarkable glass panels. See this
building; it’s the Wright move to
make! darwinmartinhouse.org
5.3 miles from Buffalo-Exchange Stn.
NY MUSEUMS BY RAIL 7
photo: anthony sokolik via Flickr CC
photo: courtesy darwin d. martin house
photo: courtesy niagara usa1

Plan Your New York State
Museum Getaway with
I Love New York
Chautauqua-allegheny
The museums profiled in this publication represent
just a small sample of the many hundreds more
waiting to be explored all across New York State.
You can find out more detailed travel information on
getting to New York’s museums—including nearby
activities, attractions and options for lodging and
dining—at iloveny.com.
History lovers will delight in New York’s Path Through
History initiative, showcasing the state’s unparalleled
network of museums, historic sites and cultural
institutions. Thirteen themes have been developed—
including civil rights, the Revolutionary War, presidential
history, sports history, natural history and more—to
help you discover the events of the past and learn how
they reverberate today. Go to iloveny.com/
paththroughhistory for a list of special history events
(including the annual Path Through History Weekend
held every summer), a personal itinerary trip builder
and more.
You can also put every
square mile of New York
State in your pocket with
the I Love New York mobile
app. It’s available for
download from the Apple
Store and Google Play.
Find out more at
iloveny.com/mobile.
The Roger Tory Peterson
Institute of Natural History in
Jamestown preserves the vast
archival holdings of the worldrenowned
naturalist, ornithologist
and conservationist. In 1934,
Peterson published his wildly
popular A Field Guide to The Birds,
and set the standard for the modern
field manual. I’m not a birdwatcher
yet even I have two RTP guides on
my bookshelf. In the course of his
long career, Peterson received nearly
every award available to naturalists
but the best evidence of his
passionate love for nature are his
remarkable bird and botanical
paintings, many of which are on
display. The Institute hosts a
revolving series of natural history
exhibits, and the beautiful museum
and peaceful, hike-friendly grounds
alone are worth a visit. rtpi.org
69.4 miles from Buffalo Station
photo: gene wilburn via Flickr CC
“Lucy I’m home!!” I exclaimed—
entering the lobby of the Lucy Desi
Museum & Center for Comedy, a
shrine to the comedic joys of Lucille
Ball and Desi Arnaz—and nobody
blinked. Must happen a dozen times
a day. I’m one of the countless
Americans raised on I Love Lucy
reruns—but while I am well-versed
on her Vitameatavegamin routine
and have done my own imitation of
the candy assembly line, I knew very
little about the comedy genius
herself—for instance, that she was
raised here in Jamestown, NY—or
that her Cuban-born husband and
partner, Desi Arnaz, fled Cuba after
Batista’s 1933 revolution. Here, you
can wander through a mockup, in
full living color, of the famous
apartment where Lucy and Desi
shared many an adventure with their
befuddled neighbors, Fred and Ethel.
There is also an annual Comedy Fest
every summer that pulls in headliners
like Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno
and Lewis Black. A national comedy
center, indeed! lucy-desi.com
70.1 miles from Buffalo Station
There’s something evocative about lighthouses, the way their bright beams
pierce the darkness. Since 1826, there has been a lighthouse on the shores of
Lake Erie, near Dunkirk Harbor.
Today, the Dunkirk Lighthouse
and Veteran’s Park Museum
(rebuilt in 1876) still serves on active
duty, guiding ships—or, at least,
pleasure boats—to safety. Climb the
spiral stairway to the upper
observation level for a great look at
how great a Great Lake really is! The
small military museum honors those
who served in the Armed Services
and the grounds are great for
picnics. dunkirklighthouse.com
47.3 miles from Buffalo Station
photo: Brian Hubbard via Flickr CC
8 • iloveny.com NY MUSEUMS BY RAIL

PHOTO: I LOVE NY
Farm-Fresh
Flavors of Central
New York
In central New York, a day on the farm is an experience for the whole
family. Farm stands, farmer’s markets, and U-pick farms provide a local
source for fresh produce, as well as a firsthand look at where our food
comes from.
What’s good when? Strawberries in the spring, peaches in the summer,
apples and pumpkins in the fall, along with a wide variety of other organic
fruits and vegetables. Visiting one of these farms, however, means more
than just buying a bushel of apples.
Farm markets often offer the delicious bounty of on-site bakeries, and
you’ll probably smell the apple cider donuts the minute you walk in. You’ll
see shelves stocked with locally-made cheese, honey, maple syrup, jams and
other condiments. Others have nurseries and greenhouses, so you can get
what you need for your own garden.
A great time to visit is in the fall, when many farms become “agritourism”
attractions offering corn mazes, hay rides, petting zoos, cider-making
demonstrations, and more.
Amtrak.com
Here’s a sampling of fun farms throughout central New York.
For more information to plan your trip, visit cnyfresh.com
Abbott Farms,
Baldwinsville
abbottfarms.com
From SYR Station
Brick House Acres,
Frankfort
brickhouseacres.com
From UCA Station
Candella’s Farm &
Greenhouse, Marcy
candellasfarm.com
From UCA Station
Conbeer’s Farm,
Fonda
conbeersfarm.com
From AMS Station
Critz Farms,
Cazenovia
critzfarms.com
From SYR Station
Heywood’s Blueberries
& Greenhouses, Remsen
heywoodsblueberries.com
From ROM Station
North Star Orchards,
Westmoreland
northstarorchards.com
From ROM Station
Our Farm, Manlius
our-farm.squarespace.com
From SYR Station
Pritchards Highland Farm,
Lee Center
https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Pritchards-Highland-Farm/
196596470362370
From UCA Station
Roger’s Family Orchard,
Johnstown
facebook.com/rogersfamilyorchard
From AMS Station
New York By Rail | 73

What’s
your
thing?
shopping, sports...
fried dough?
the great new york
state fair
the nation’s first and oldest state fair
August 25 - September 5, 2016
NYSFair.org facebook.com/NYSFair
book A Room!
www.hiexpress.com/syracuseny
p: 315-454-0999
hotel Shuttle available
connecting regional
Transportation center
& Destiny usa
5418 south bay rd., North Syracuse, ny 13212
DO YOUR THING
#DOYOURTHING
@VisitSyracuse
FIND OUT MORE visitsyracuse.com
and ask us about enterprise rent-a-car pickups!
/SyracuseNY
@VisitSyracuse

Syracuse
Home to Syracuse University, part of the Finger Lakes
region, and a stop along the Erie Canal. Syracuse is all this,
and more, with history, arts and culture, outdoor recreation,
and shopping and dining experiences.
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Syracuse (SYR)
m B gecaQT
if L T $
New York State Fair (NYF)*
Available August 25–September 4, 2016
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Syracuse 5.25
Albany > Syracuse 2.75
Syracuse > Buffalo 2.25
MULTIPLE DAILY DEPARTURES
Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and
Maple Leaf
PHOTOS: (AMPITHEATER) COURTESY LAKEVIEW AMPHITHEATER; (ERIE CANAL) CANAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK STATE; (ZOO) ROSAMOND GIFFORD ZOO
WHAT’S NEW ▼
The Skä•noñh—Great Law of Peace
Center is a new Native American museum
that lets visitors experience the culture of the
Haudenosaunee people. Exhibits portray the
Skä•noñh creation story, and their contributions
to the U.S. Constitution and women’s
suffrage. skanonhcenter.org
From SYR Station: 2.6 miles car
Lakeview Amphitheater is central New
York’s newest destination to see the biggest
stars in an outdoor music venue. There’s
seating for up to 17,500, and a spacious lawn
perfect for enjoying performances under the
stars. lakeviewamphitheatre.com
From SYR Station: 4.7 miles car
Branch, a new winery at Destiny USA, has
opened as a satellite location of Bellangelo,
a Seneca Lake winery. Try Finger Lakes wines
in the New York State craft beverage parlor,
and visit the farm-to-table mercantile.
bellangelo.com
From SYR Station: 0.4 miles car; 8 minute walk
Lakeview Amphitheater
WHATS NEARBY ▼
Destiny USA is the sixth largest shopping
center in the U.S., with 2.4 million square
feet of entertainment and dining options,
and 260 retailers. Family fun includes indoor
go-kart racing, laser-tag, WonderWorks, and
a suspended rope climbing course.
destinyUSA.com
From SYR Station: 0.7 miles car; 12 minute walk
The Armory Square district of downtown
Syracuse is a true example of urban renaissance.
Originally settled in 1804, this National
Historic District is now known for unique shopping,
luxury dining, and vibrant nightlife.
armorysquareofsyracuse.com
From SYR Station: 2.5 miles car
The history of the Erie Canal Museum is
told in the original 1850 building where canal
boats were weighed. Learn about this 363-mile
engineering marvel by exploring a full-size
replica canal boat and other exhibits.
eriecanalmuseum.org
From SYR Station: 2.4 miles car
CONNECTIONS
Bus Service
Multiple daily runs to Oswego, Fulton,
Auburn, Skaneateles and Marcellus by
CENTRO buses. 315-442-3400
Schedules at: centro.org
Car Rental
offers station pickup: 315-423-0022
Hertz: 800-654-3131
VISITOR RESOURCES
visitsyracuse.org
*This service is ONLY available during the New
York State Fair.
Founded in 1914, the Rosamond
Gifford Zoo is home to more than 700
animals, including the recent additions of
a lion, bison, and red wolf. In addition to
43 acres of outdoor habitats along the
wildlife trail, there are indoor exhibits with
nocturnal animals, birds, and marine life.
rosamondgiffordzoo.org
From SYR Station: 4.6 miles car
Designed by I.M. Pei, the Everson
Museum of Art has an extensive
collection of ceramics, an art video
collection, paintings by American artists,
and more than 200 sculptures. Upcoming
exhibits include Responsive Eyes and
Majestic Mountain | Shining Sea.
everson.org
From SYR Station: 2.8 miles car
Erie Canal Museum
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
Onondaga Lake Park, the “The Central Park
of Central New York,” features the Salt Museum,
the Griffin Visitor Center with shuffleboard,
bocce and volleyball courts, a 16,000-square
foot skate park, four trails, dog parks, and a
giant playground. onondagacountyparks.com
From SYR Station: 3.1 miles car
Rosamond
Gifford Zoo
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 75

GREAT NIGHTLIFE
ROCHESTER SKYLINE
GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM
GENESEE COUNTRY VILLAGE
& MUSEUM
#1 Family Travel
Destination in
the U.S.
FamilyFun magazine
THE STRONG MUSEUM
WORLD–CLASS DANCE
Spectacular
Reasons
to Make
GREAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Rochester
TORONTO
Lake
Ontario
★
NIAGARA
ERIE
FALLS
CANAL the Base of
Lake
Erie
FINGER LAKES
A
CORNING
Agreat overnight base when traveling
is really important. Choose Rochester and
you’ll have a wide variety of lodging
and famous attractions within minutes of
where you sleep!
Cruise the Erie Canal. Explore the
International Museum of Photography
and Film at George Eastman’s mansion.
Step into the wonder of the National
Museum of Play at The Strong. Marvel
at the work of Susan B. Anthony as you
tour her home.
There’s rich heritage to experience, quaint
villages to explore and astounding entertainment
at the end of day. Regionally, tour
Finger Lakes wine country, take a side trip
to Niagara Falls, and visit the Grand Canyon
of the East at Letchworth State Park.
The perfect place and a perfect base!
Your Visit!
ROCHESTER MUSEUM
& SCIENCE CENTER
SEABREEZE PARK
NY by Rail (Amtrak)
3.3056 x 4.444 (1/4 vertical)
Pub date: May 2016
PDF due: 04/22/16
TheStrong_NYAmtrakAd_3.3056x4.4444_May2016_042216_FINAL.indd 1
Rochester, NY
museumofplay.org
4/22/16 1:34 PM
FOR OUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, CONTACT:
1.800.677.7282 visitrochester.com
® NYSDED, used w/permission.
76 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTOS: (GEORGE EASTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM; (BUTTERFLY) COURTESY THE STRONG, ROCHESTER, NEW YORK.; (SCIENCE CENTER) GERRY IUPPA;
(SUSAN B. ANTHONY) COURTESY THE NATIONAL SUSAN B. ANTHONY MUSEUM & HOUSE, ROCHESTER, NY. WWW.SUSANBANTHONYHOUSE.ORG
Rochester
This vibrant city in the Finger Lakes region loves to celebrate—
you’ll always find a festival or special event! Make time to visit
a museum, shop, play outdoors, and enjoy a great meal.
WHAT’S NEW ▼
The George Eastman
House International
Museum of Photography
& Film commemorates the
100th anniversary of the
National Park Service with a
new exhibit: Photography and
America’s National Parks. The world’s oldest
photography museum contains 400,000+
photographs. eastmanhouse.org
New and upcoming exhibits at The
Strong include Rockets, Robots, and Ray
Guns featuring imaginative universes of
science-fiction classics; Dinosaurs: Land of
Fire and Ice; and America at Play, a permanent
exhibit that explores more than 300 years
of how Americans have played.
museumofplay.org
The Strong
Dancing Wings
Butterfly Garden
From ROC Station:
1.9 miles car; 24 minute bus
From ROC Station: 1.1 miles car;
20 minute walk; 20 minute bus
At the Seneca Park Zoo, two African
elephants, Moki and Chana, recently joined
long-time residents Genny C and Lilac. The
four are the only African elephants in New
York. The Zoo, a Rochester tradition since the
1890’s, is home to more than 90 species;
including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians,
fish and arachnids. senecaparkzoo.org
From ROC Station:
3.8 miles car; 32 minute bus
George Eastman House
International Museum of
Photography & Film
WHATS NEARBY ▼
Rochester’s East End is a vibrant
neighborhood with cultural institutions like
the Eastman School of Music and the
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, galleries,
museums, restaurants, bars, and entertainment
venues. rochesterseastend.com
From ROC Station: .5 miles car;
11 minute walk; 11 minute bus
The Genesee Brewing Company, one of
America’s largest and oldest breweries, has
transformed into a beer destination with
interactive exhibits, tours and tastings, and a
restaurant. Enjoy the view of the Genesee
River and High Falls from the rooftop terrace.
geneseebrewhouse.com
From ROC Station:
.5 miles car; 9 minute walk; 9 minute bus
The High Falls Visitors Center and
Museum explores Rochester’s history
through interpretive displays, photographs,
and artifacts. From this 19th-century
Waterworks Building, you have a great view of
landmark High Falls; 97-feet tall and 200-feet
wide. cityofrochester.gov/highfallsmuseum
Rochester Museum
and Science Center
From ROC Station:
.7 miles car; 12 minute walk; 12 minute bus
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Rochester (ROC)
m B g e c a
i L R QT
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Rochester 6.5
Albany > Rochester 4.75
Rochester > Buffalo 1.0
MULTIPLE DAILY DEPARTURES
Empire Service, Maple Leaf and
Lake Shore Limited
CONNECTIONS
Taxi Service On Call
Car Rental
offers station pickup: 585-359-8900
Hertz: 585-328-3702
VISITOR RESOURCES
visitrochester.com
National Susan B. Anthony
Museum & House
The Rochester Public Market, open
since 1905, has been voted one of the
best public markets in the United States.
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, up
to 300 vendors offer produce, baked
goods, specialty and general merchandise.
cityofrochester.gov/publicmarket
From ROC Station:
1.3 miles car; 21 minute bus
The Rochester Museum and Science
Center has three floors of hands-on
educational exhibits that focus on natural
science, local cultural heritage, space, and
technology. Catch a star show at the
Strasenburgh Planetarium, or explore the
gardens outside in the Cumming Nature
Center. rmsc.org
From ROC Station:
1.5 miles car; 21 minute bus
The National Susan B. Anthony
Museum & House shares the story of
America’s champion of suffrage, abolition,
temperance and equality, and her lifelong
struggle to gain voting rights for women.
susanbanthonyhouse.org
From ROC Station:
1.6 miles car; 19 minute bus
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 77

78 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

Buffalo
Feel the “Buffalove” year-round! Experience Buffalo’s
renaissance with a wealth of winter-related attractions,
while summer brings a busy festival season.
City of Light
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Buffalo-Depew (BUF)
m B g e c a i
L R QT
Buffalo-Exchange
Street (BFX)
(Downtown: not open for all
departures)
mecaif
L R
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Buffalo 7.25
Albany > Buffalo 5.0
Buffalo > Toronto 5.0
PHOTOS: (CITY OF LIGHT) JOE CASCIO; (SILO CITY WATERBIKES) JIM SCHWABEL; (QUEEN CITY ROLLER GIRLS) RENE T. VAN EE
WHAT’S NEW ▼
RiverWorks, a year-round riverside entertainment
complex, features two outdoor rinks,
restaurant, brewery, and a roller derby
rink—home to the Queen City Roller Girls.
buffaloriverworks.com
The “City of Light”—a giant new art
installation—features nightly light shows on the
historic Connecting Terminal grain elevator
using five colorful layers of light, 80-feet tall.
canalsidebuffalo.com/grainelevatorg
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin
House, from the architect’s Prairie Period, has
unveiled a new educational center in the
basement as part of a $50 million restoration.
darwinmartinhouse.org
Silo City Waterbikes
From BFX Station:
1.2 miles car; 14 minute bus
From BFX Station: .4 miles car;
8 minute walk; 8 minute bus
From BFX Station:
5.4 miles car; 31 minute bus
WHAT’S NEARBY ▼
Coca-Cola Field is home to the Buffalo Bisons,
the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Holding 17,600 spectators, it’s among the largest
minor league stadiums in the U.S. The 2016
season runs April 7-September 5. milb.com
From BFX Station:
.2 miles car; 5 minute walk
At the Buffalo and Erie County Naval &
Military Park, tour a decommissioned U.S.
Naval cruiser, submarine and destroyer.
buffalonavalpark.org
From BFX Station:
.4 miles car; 7 minute walk
With four local restaurants, Duff’s is a popular
spot for the city’s signature chicken wings. The
Depew location proudly served President
Obama in 2010. duffswings.com
From BFX Station: .8 miles car;
15 minute walk; 14 minute bus
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
The HARBORCENTER on the waterfront has
two NHL regulation ice rinks, shopping, and a
sports bar with a 38-foot tall TV screen.
harborcenter.com
From BFX Station: .2 miles car;
4 minute walk; 3 minute bus
DAILY DEPARTURES
Empire Service and Maple Leaf
Lake Shore Limited stops at Depew
CONNECTIONS
Taxi Service Available
Bus Service
Thruway buses from Exchange Street to
Dunkirk, Fredonia, and Jamestown
NFTA city/suburban bus stops at
station
Car Rental
offers station pickup
for Depew: 716-565-5400
for Downtown: 716-884-6666
Hertz: 800-654-3131
Avis: 800-831-2847
VISITOR RESOURCES
visitbuffaloniagara.com
Choose a Silo City tour through the old
riverside granaries to see Buffalo’s history
as one of the world’s largest grain ports.
Explore Buffalo guides you on foot, bus,
bike, or kayak. explorebuffalo.org
RiverWorks
From BFX Station:
2 miles car; 16 minute walk
The Albright-Knox Art Gallery showcases
outstanding works by cutting edge contemporary
and modern artists. Open since 1862,
it’s among the country's oldest public arts
institutions. albrightknox.org
From BFX Station:
6.4 miles car; 35 minute walk
Amtrak.com New York By Rail | 79

Ad-NewYorkByRail-halfpg 4/1/15 5:14 PM Page 1
W O N D E R
H I S T O R Y
explore
Experience the rush
of the Falls and
much more!
Explore a natural Wonder of the
World in a region overflowing with
adventure. Get inspired by
powerful experiences and create
memorable moments in
Niagara USA
E X P L O R E
A D V E N T U R E
For planning your memorable moment
visit Niagara-USA.com
At Niagara Fall State Park, you don’t
just see the Falls. You hear them, feel
them and immerse yourself in wonder.
Only here can you get closer than you
ever imagined, making this moment
impossible to forget.
Experience all 5 park attractions
and save up to 29% with the
Discovery Pass.
Walk in the Footsteps of History
Old Fort Niagara
Youngstown, NY
(716)745-7611
www.oldfortniagara.org
NiagaraFallsStatePark.com
“LOW BRIDGE, EVERYBODY DOWN!”
Come aboard and sing the song, you’ll live the tale as you ride along. Relax & enjoy a
narrated cruise on the historic Erie Canal and experience going through the engineering
marvel of Locks 34 & 35. Just 1/2 hour from Niagara Falls, Buffalo & Darien Lake!
Reservations Recommended
1-800-378-0352 • www.LockportLocks.com
210 Market Street, Lockport, NY 14094
80 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTOS: (NIAGARA BELLE) WHIRLPOOL JET BOAT TOURS; (CARROUSEL) HERSCHELL CARROUSEL FACTORY MUSEUM; (FORT NIAGARA) COURTESY OLD FORT NIAGARA
Niagara Falls
On your next visit to the Niagara region, spend time at the
majestic falls, but also make time to check out the shopping,
gaming, and culinary scene. Explore local history throughout
Lewiston, Lockport, and North Tonawanda.
Niagara Sunset Cruises
WHAT’S NEW ▼
Niagara Sunset Cruises have launched
narrated excursions on the Niagara Belle, a
New Orleans-style paddle wheeler. Cruise
down lower Niagara River, through Queenston
and Niagara on the Lake, to the mouth of Lake
Ontario. niagarasunsetcruises.com
From NFL Station: 9.6 miles car
The Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA
have recently undergone a massive renovation
and expansion. With more than 200 designer
brands, such as Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Perry
Ellis, and Michael Kors, it’s a major shopping
destination. fashionoutletsniagara.com
From NFL Station:
4.5 miles car; 38 minute bus
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
The Herschell Carrousel Factory
Museum in North Tonawanda has opened its
newest exhibit, the Kiddieland Testing Park,
re-creating 1950s-era rides with cars, fire
engines, and helicopters. The museum also
offers rides on two vintage carousels.
carrouselmuseum.org
From NFL Station: 13.5 miles car
WHATS NEARBY ▼
From April to November, Maid of the Mist
offers boat tours of the American and
Canadian falls. Feel the mist and hear the roar
of 600,000 gallons of water on an unforgettable
30-minute ride. maidofthemist.com
From NFL Station:
1.9 miles car; 18 minute bus
Atop the Observation Tower in
Niagara Falls State Park, enjoy
panoramic views of the Niagara
Gorge and the American and
Canadian falls from 282 feet above.
niagarafallsstatepark.com
From NFL Station:
2.1 miles car; 19 minute bus
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Niagara Falls, NY (NFL)
m ecai L R
(Note: not open for all departures)
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Niagara Falls 8.5
Albany > Niagara Falls 5.75
Niagara Falls > Toronto 2.75
DAILY DEPARTURES
Empire Service and Maple Leaf
CONNECTIONS
Taxi Service On Call
Car Rental
offers station pickup: 716-298-1000
Budget: 716-298-4329
VISITOR RESOURCES
niagara-usa.com
The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
offers 4,000 slots, 100+ table games, ten
restaurants, and a four-diamond hotel
experience. Upcoming entertainment
includes Jackson Browne and championship
boxing. senecaniagaracasino.com
From NFL Station:
1.9 miles car; 18 minute bus
Youngstown’s Old Fort Niagara has
stood at the entrance to the Niagara
River since 1726. The site, interpreted
through living history programs, explores
the stories of Native Americans, French,
British and American soldiers.
oldfortniagara.org
From NFL Station: 13.0 miles car
The Niagara Wine Trail USA includes
22 wineries offering tours and tastings.
This grape-growing region has a unique
micro-climate, producing a diverse
selection of wines, meads and ciders.
niagarawinetrail.org
Mileage varies by location
Old Fort Niagara
The seasonal Cave of the Winds
tour brings you to the Hurricane
Deck, mere feet from the thundering
waters of Bridal Veil Falls.
niagarafallsstatepark.com
From NFL Station:
2.7 miles car; 26 minute bus
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 81

newyorkbyrail.com
STATION SERVICES
Toronto, ON: (TWO)
me caf L T
CONNECTIONS
Bus, rail and taxi stand at station
Car Rental
offers station pickup: 416-425-3777
Hertz: 800-263-0600
National: 416-364-4191
Oakville, ON: (OKL)
meia
Aldershot, ON: (AST)
me c i L R
Grimsby, ON: (GMS)
m
St. Catherines, ON: (SCA)
me c i R
Niagara Falls, ON: (NFS)
me i R
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Toronto 12.5
Albany > Toronto 9.45
Buffalo > Toronto 4.45
DAILY DEPARTURES Maple Leaf
Montreal, QC: (MTR)
m B e caf L T
CONNECTIONS
Underground metro and bus station via
pedestrian passageway
Taxi Service Available
Car Rental
Hertz: 514-937-1717
St. Lambert, QC: (SLO)
me c a i L R
TRAVEL TIMES
HOURS
NYC > Montreal 11.0
Albany > Montreal 7.25
DAILY DEPARTURES Adirondack
VISITOR RESOURCES
seetorontonow.com
tourisme-montreal.org
82 | New York By Rail
Canada
At the end of the Adirondack line lies Canada’s cultural capital of
Montréal. The Maple Leaf line transports you to the multinational
metropolis of Toronto. Here are highlights of both.
WHAT’S NEW ▼
This May in Montréal, a new observatory
space—Au Sommet Place Ville
Marie—opens atop an iconic building,
offering extraordinary downtown views
(ausommetplacevillemarie.com). Get a
different view riding the new MTL
Zipline over the St-Laurent River
(mtlzipline.com). On ground, an interactive
historical art installation, Montréal en
Histoires—Cité Mémoire features 20
tableaux using innovative 3D projections
(montrealenhistoires.com).
Toronto welcomes 150+ top players in the NHL this September for the 2016 World Cup of
Hockey (nhl.com). The Toronto Zoo recently welcomed the birth of the first giant panda cubs
born in Canada, as well as polar bear and lion cubs (torontozoo.com). At the Eaton Centre,
Canada’s first Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom stores open this year (cfshops.com).
WHAT’S NEARBY ▼
In Montréal, the train station is located adjacent the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
(cathedralecatholiquedemontreal.org). Hockey fans flock to nearby Centre Bell, home of the
Montréal Canadiens and the Hall of Fame exhibits (centrebell.ca). The station is part of the
Underground City, connected to miles of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
In Toronto, Union Station is connected to downtown via the subterranean
PATH system and footbridges. Within a ten-minute walk you’ll reach CN Tower—
the world’s tallest structure (cntower.ca), as well as Ripley’s Aquarium of
Canada (ripleyaquariums.com). South of that is Harborfront Centre, an arts
and entertainment venue (harbourfrontcentre.com).
Pointe-à-Callière,
Montréal Museum
of Archaeology
and History
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼
Montréal's history can be appreciated in Old Montréal, where the Notre-Dame
Basilica has stood as a Gothic Revival masterpiece since 1824 (notre-damebasilica.
ca). The Pointe-à-Callière museum of archeology and history takes visitors from
the 14th century to present day via multimedia technology (pacmusee.qc.ca).
Toronto observes several anniversaries this year, including the Toronto Blue
Jays 40th Season (toronto.bluejays.mlb.com), and the 100th for the Toronto
Maple Leafs (nhl.com). It’s also the 10th anniversary of the global multi-arts Luminato Festival
(luminatofestival.com), and the 20th Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, the
world’s largest photography event (scotiabankcontactphoto.com).
CROSS BORDER TRAVEL ▼
Documentation Required: If you are crossing the border by land or sea, including on Amtrak trains and Thruway services, you
must have one secure Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document that proves both citizenship and identity.
For United States citizens 16 or over, this document must be one of the following: passport, passport card, trusted traveler
card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST), enhanced driver’s license, merchant mariner document, US military ID with military orders, or
form I-827 (American Indian card).
For Canadian citizens, this document must be one of the following: passport, trusted traveler card, or enhanced driver’s
license. For citizens of other countries, a passport, and in many cases a visa, are required. A passenger 15 and younger who
does not have one of the above may present a copy of his or her birth certificate only.
For the most current and further information and to determine what is required for your particular situation (including permanent
residents and others not mentioned above), contact the appropriate US or Canadian government agencies prior to travel.
An Amtrak brochure with additional details, “Important Information on Crossing the Border between the United States and
Canada,” is available. Ask for it from an Amtrak agent.
Other Details: Passengers under 18 not traveling with both parents require a letter from any parent not present giving
permission to cross the border. If one parent is deceased, bringing a copy of the death certificate will minimize questioning
and delay at the border. Children under 18 may not cross the US-Canadian border unaccompanied.
Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada will require your date of birth, your country of citizenship, and your identification information.
This will be entered into your reservation record and provided to border authorities. If you do not provide this information we
are unable to accept payment or issue your ticket. Admission into either country is solely at the discretion of border authorities,
and possession of required documentation and the provision of required information in no way guarantees entry. Neither
Amtrak nor VIA Rail Canada nor any other carrier is in any way liable if you are denied entry or removed from the train or bus.
PHOTOS: (AQUARIUM) TOURISM TORONOTO; (POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE) © POINTE-À-CALLIÈRE, MONTRÉAL MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY

PHOTOS: (ZOO) UTICA ZOO; (WINE) HUDSON VALLEY WINE & FOOD FEST
Fun 101
No, this isn’t a lesson in how to have fun—you have that
covered. This is our annual list of “can’t miss” special events—
101 of them, to be exact—celebrating history, the arts, food
and wine, sports, music, holidays, and much more. And
they’re all within 15 miles of an Amtrak stop, so save the date!
FOOD AND WINE ▼
Hudson-Berkshire Wine
and Food Festival May 28–29
Columbia County Fairgrounds, Chatham.
Tastings from regional wineries, distilleries,
cideries and craft breweries.
hudsonberkshirewinefestival.com
From HUD Station
Taste of Syracuse June 3–4
Downtown Syracuse. 100 vendors offer local
food; live bands on four stages.
tasteofsyracuse.com
From SYR Station
Taste of Lockport July TBA
Ida Fritz Park, Lockport. Samples from over
25 restaurants and wineries, featuring live
music. thetasteoflockport.com
From NFL Station
The Chip Festival
Taste of Buffalo July 9–10
Niagara Square, Buffalo. The largest two-day
food festival in the U.S., with 50+ restaurants
and 7 wineries. tasteofbuffalo.com
From BFX Station
The Chip Festival July 16
Saratoga Springs City Center. Competition,
sampling, and activities celebrating the
birthplace of the potato chip.
thechipfestival.com
From SAR Station
Annual Utica Zoo Brewfest
August 6 Utica Zoo, Utica. Live
music, 100+ beer samples, food and
more. uticazoo.org
From UCA Station
Hudson Valley Wine &
Food Fest September 10–11
Dutchess County Fairgrounds,
Rhinebeck. Wine and spirits tastings
from across New York.
hudsonvalleywinefest.com
From RHI Station
Plattsburgh Brewfest August 6
Plattsburgh City Beach. 40+ beer,
cider and food vendors on the beach.
plattsburghbrewfest.com
From PLB Station
Utica Zoo
newyorkbyrail.com
STATION ABBREVIATIONS
Albany-Rensselaer (ALB)
Amsterdam (AMS)
Buffalo-Depew (BUF)
Buffalo-Exchange Street
(BFX)
Croton-Harmon (CRT)
Fort Edward-Glens Falls (FED)
Hudson (HUD)
New York-Penn Station (NYP)
New Rochelle (NRO)
New York State Fair (NYF)*
Available August 25–September 4, 2016
Niagara Falls, NY (NFL)
Plattsburgh (PLB)
Port Henry (POH)
Poughkeepsie (POU)
Rhinecliff-Kingston (RHI)
Rochester (ROC)
Rome (ROM)
Rouses Point (RSP)
Saratoga Springs (SAR)
Schenectady (SDY)
Syracuse (SYR)
Ticonderoga (FTC)
Utica (UCA)
Westport (WSP)
Yonkers (YNY)
*This service is ONLY available during the New
York State Fair.
Hudson Valley Wine
& Food Fest
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 83

The National Buffalo Wing
Festival September 3–4
Coca-Cola Field, Downtown Buffalo. Visitors
consume four million wings over two days.
buffalowing.com
Syracuse Wine and
Chocolate Fest
From BFX Station
Hudson Valley Garlic
Festival October 1–2
Washington Avenue, Saugerties
Garlic-inspired food and drink, vendors, kids’
activities, crafts and more. hvgf.com
From RHI Station
New York City Wine and
Food Festival October 13–16
Various locations in New York City. Four-day
festival with 100+ culinary events throughout
the boroughs. nycwineandfoodfestival.com
From NYP Station
Hudson Valley Restaurant
Week November 1–13; March 2017 TBA
Various locations in the Hudson Valley.
Specially-priced lunch and dinner at 200+
regional restaurants.
hudsonvalleyrestaurantweek.com
From YNY, NRO, CRT, POU, RHI, HUD Stations
Syracuse Wine and Chocolate
Fest November 26
NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse. Enjoy live music
and tastes of paired wines and chocolates.
cnywineandchocolate.com
From SYR Station
MUSIC ▼
The LakeGeorge.com Elvis
Festival June 1–5
Lake George Forum, Lake George. A festival
honoring the music and life of Elvis Presley.
lakegeorgeelvisfest.com
From FED Station
Xerox Rochester International
Jazz Festival June 24–July 2
Rochester. Jazz Festival across Rochester
including free outdoor shows.
rochesterjazz.com
From ROC Station
Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz
Festival June 25–26
Saratoga Performing Arts Center. One of the
longest running jazz events in the world.
spac.org/events
From SAR Station
Syracuse Jazz
Festival July TBA
OCC Campus, Syracuse.
The largest free outdoor
jazz festival in the
northeast.
syracusejazzfest.com
From SYR Station
Saratoga
Performing
Arts Center
Historic Lewiston Jazz
Festival August 26–27
Center Street, Lewiston. Free jazz concerts
performed by world-class musicians.
lewistonjazz.com
From NFL Station
Albany Riverfront Jazz
Festival September 10
Jennings Landing, Albany. All-day jazz
concert featuring music, activities, vendors and
fireworks! albanyevents.org
From ALB Station
Basilica SoundScape September 16-18
Basilica Hudson, Hudson. Two days of
unconventional music, visual art and literature.
basilicahudson.com
From HUD Station
PERFORMING
ARTS AND THEATER ▼
Shakespeare in the Park
May 24–August 14
Central Park, New York City. Annual series of
free Shakespeare plays; an NYC summer staple.
publictheater.org
From NYP Station
Powerhouse Theater June 23–July 31
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. Professional
artists and apprentices present 25+ new
theater pieces. powerhouse.vassar.edu
From POU Station
Adirondack Theatre Festival
June 21–August 13
Charles R. Wood Theater, Glens Falls.
A season of professional theater; including
musicals, comedy and cabaret. atfestival.org
From FED Station
PHOTOS: (CHOCOLATE) CNY WINE AND CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL; (SPAC) COURTESY OF SARATOGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER; (LAKE) CHRIS ALLPORT, LAKE GEORGE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Lake George Music Festival
August 15–25
Lake George Village
Series of chamber music, orchestra
concerts, children’s concerts and more!
lakegeorgemusicfestival.com
84 | New York By Rail
From FED Station

Bard SummerScape July 1–August 14
The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts,
Red Hook. Seven weeks of opera, music,
theater, dance, film and cabaret.
fishercenter.bard.edu
Rochester
Lilac Festival
From RHI Station
Capitolfest Film Festival August 12–14
Capitol Theatre, Rome. A silent and
early-talkie-era cinema festival.
romecapitol.com
From ROM Station
Niagara-Rochester Fringe
Festival September 15–24
East End, Rochester. Over 380 shows and
events take place at downtown venues.
rochesterfringe.com
From ROC Station
ImageOut: The Rochester LGBT Film
Festival October 6–16
Theaters throughout Rochester. An LGBT
film festival to promote awareness and
community. imageout.org
From ROC Station
YofiFest: The Yonkers Film
Festival October 20–23
Multiple theaters throughout Yonkers.
Film screenings, discussions, and parties.
yofifest.com
From YNY Station
Munson-Williams-Proctor
Arts Festival June 28–July 3
Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute,
Utica. Free arts festival with live music, classic
cars and more! mwpai.org
From UCA Station
FLOWER AND GARDEN ▼
Lightscapes: A Springtime Garden
Fantasy Select Nights April 29–May 30
Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson.
Incredible nighttime display of sculpture, light,
sound and special effects. hudsonvalley.org
PHOTOS: (GIRL) ROCHESTER LILAC FESTIVAL; (TRIBECA) COURTESY OF THE TRIBECA FILM; (SPIRIT OF PLACE ART) ANONYMOUS
Tribeca Film Festival
April 2017, TBA
Tribeca, Manhattan. Popular film festival
featuring a variety of independent films.
tribecafilm.com/festival
From NYP Station
ARTS AND CRAFTS ▼
Troy River Fest June 18
Downtown Troy. Family-friendly summer arts
festival with 100 artisan craft vendors.
downtowntroy.org
From ALB Station
Tribecca Film
Festival
AmeriCU Syracuse Arts & Crafts
Festival July 29–31
Columbus Circle, Syracuse. Annual showcase
of craftsmen, artists and entertainers.
downtownsyracuse.com
From SYR Station
Kingston Festival of the Arts June 2–12
Venues throughout Kingston. Annual
celebration of arts and culture.
kingston-ny.gov
From RHI Station
Spirit of Place Art Exhibition
and Silent Auction
June 24–August 11
Heritage House, Westport. Celebration
of the arts in the Champlain
Valley. westportheritagehouse.com
From WSP Station
Basilica Farm & Flea
May 7–8; November 26–28, 2016
Basilica Hudson, Hudson. Over 80
unique vendors—regional makers,
farmers and vintage collectors.
basilicafarmandflea.com
From HUD Station
From CRT Station
Rochester Lilac Festival May 6–15
Highland Park, Rochester. 200+ lilacs in
bloom at this celebration of flowers, art and
music. lilacfestival.com
From ROC Station
Tulip Festival
May 7–8
Washington Park,
Albany. Over
100,000 tulips in
bloom, live music,
crafts and activities.
albanyevents.org
From ALB Station
Spirit of Place Art
Exhibition and Silent
Auction, Westport
Stockade Garden Tour July 15–16
Various gardens throughout Schenectady's
historic district. The theme of this tour is “Art
and Nature”. historicstockade.com
From SDY Station
Garden Walk Buffalo July 30 - 31
Various locations, Buffalo. America’s largest
garden tour through 300+ gardens.
gardenwalkbuffalo.com
From BFX Station
Amtrak.com
New York By Rail | 85

Dragon Boat Race
& Festival July 23
HRRA Community
Boathouse, Poughkeepsie.
Teams race on the Hudson
River; Asian Cultural Festival
takes place on shore.
dutchessdragonboat.org
From POU Station
SPORTING EVENTS ▼
Walkway Marathon June 11–12
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic
Park, Poughkeepsie to Highland. Three races
traversing the Walkway Over the Hudson
pedestrian bridge. walkwaymarathon.org
From POU Station
Mayor’s Cup Regatta
and Festival July 7–12
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh. Annual Boat
Parade of lights, a regatta, music and
fireworks. mayorscup.com
From PLB Station
Run the Ridge July 9
Maple Ski Ridge. A challenging 5K mud, trail
and obstacle course. runtheridge.net
From SDY Station
Boilermaker 15K July 10
Utica. 38th annual race with up to $7,000 in
prizes. boilermaker.com
From UCA Station
World Series of Bocce July 14–17
Rome Toccolana Club. The 43rd Anniversary
World Series of Bocce. toccolanaclub.com
From ROM Station
Travers Stakes August 27
Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs.
This Midsummer Derby is America’s oldest
major thoroughbred race.
saratogaracetrack.com
From SAR Station
Hancock House
US Open Tennis Championships
August 29–September 11
Arthur Ashe Stadium, Queens. The final
Grand Slam competition. usopen.org
From NYP Station
TCS New York City Marathon
November 6
Throughout NYC’s five boroughs. World’s
largest marathon, through all five boroughs.
tcsnycmarathon.org
From NYP Station
Saratoga Invitational April 29–30, 2017
Saratoga State Boat Launch. This regatta
features 1500 meter races held over the
weekend. saratogarowing.com
From SAR Station
HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS ▼
Annual Albany History Fair May 1
Historic Cherry Hill, Albany. Discover Albany's
heritage through tours and presentations.
historiccherryhill.org
From ALB Station
Independence Day Weekend July 2–4
Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga. A living
history weekend of 1776, with battle
re-enactments. fortticonderoga.org
From FTC Station
Hancock House 90th Birthday
Celebration July 16
Hancock House Ticonderoga. Local history
celebration with a picnic and music.
ticonderogahistoricalsociety.org
From FTC Station
Honor America Days Parade July 30
Fort Stanwix. A city-wide celebration; parade,
symphony concert and fireworks. nps.gov/fost
From ROM Station
French and Indian War
Encampment August 13–14
Crown Point State Historic Site, Crown Point.
Re-enactors portray British and French soldiers
and Woodland Indians. parks.ny.gov/events
From POH Station
Soldiers of the Revolution August 13–14
Old Fort Niagara. Re-enactment of life on the
frontier during the American Revolution.
oldfortniagara.org
From NFL Station
SUMMER CELEBRATIONS ▼
Buffalo Pride Week May 31–June 5
Citywide, Buffalo. Buffalo's annual Pride
community engagement event.
buffalopridefestival.com
From BUF Station
Museum Mile Festival June 14
Fifth Avenue, 82nd–105th Street. Free access
to nine museums. museummilefestival.org
From NYP Station
Macy’s Fourth of July
Fireworks Spectacular July 4
Midtown New York City. Annual fireworks
show with live performances.
social.macys.com/fireworks
From NYP Station
Athens Street Festival July 9
Athens Riverfront Park, Athens. Activities,
vendors, live music, food and fireworks.
athensstreetfestival.com
Great American
Irish Festival
From HUD Station
Canal Fest of the
Tonawandas July 17–24
Tonawanda, North
Tonawanda. Entertainment,
games, rides and food along
the Erie Canal. canalfest.org
From NFL Station
Honor America Days Symphony
Concert & Fireworks July 29–30
Fort Stanwix National Monument. Rome’s
biggest celebration; with a parade, concert
and fireworks display. romechamber.com
From ROM Station
Great American Irish Festival July 29–31
Herkimer County Fairgrounds, Frankfort.
Live music, bagpipe competitions, whiskey tasting
and relaxing. greatamericanirishfest.com
From UCA Station
PHOTOS: (DRAGON BOAT) I LOVE NEW YORK; (HANCOCK HOUSE) COURTESY TICONDEROGA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; (BAGPIPER) COURTESY GREAT AMERICAN IRISH FESTIVAL
86 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

PHOTOS: (FIELD MAZE) COURTESY FORT TICONDEROGA; (SINTERKLAUS) DOUG BAZ
Center Stage Summer Concert Series
August, TBA
Samuel de Champlain Center Stage, Rouses
Point. Free performances in outdoor
amphitheater. rousespointny.com
Rome Canalfest August 6–7
Bellamy Harbor Park, Rome. Three fun-filled
days on the historic Erie Canal.
romeny.rotaryclub.pro
Yonkers Riverfest September TBA
Yonkers Downtown Waterfront. Outdoor
celebration with music, games, food and
classic cars. yonkersdowntown.com
Port Henry Labor Day Celebration
September 4
Main Street, Port Henry. Annual celebration
with fireworks, parades, a regatta and more.
porthenrymoriah.com
Waterford Tugboat Roundup
September 9–11
Village waterfront, Waterford. Boat rides and
tours, music, food, vendors and fireworks.
tugboatroundup.com
Italiafest September 10
Southside Bridge St, Amsterdam. Delicious
food, music, entertainment, vendors, family
fun. visitmontgomerycountyny.com
Capital Region Apple &
Wine Fest September 17–18
Altamont Fairgrounds. Wine and food
tastings, car show, live entertainment.
appleandwinefestival.com
Sinterklaus
From RSP Station
From ROM Station
From YNY Station
From POH Station
From ALB Station
From AMS Station
From SDY & ALB Stations
Amtrak.com
FALL HOLIDAYS ▼
Heritage, Harvest, and
Horse Festival October 1
Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga.
Experience equestrian demonstrations,
harvest markets, family
activities. fortticonderoga.org
From FTC Station
Fall Festival October 8
Maple Ski Ridge. Enjoy a car
show, hay wagon ride, pie
eating contest and more. mapleskiridge.com
From SDY Station
Penfield Apple FolkFest October 9
Penfield Museum, Crown Point. This festival
features live music, a flea market and raffles.
penfieldmuseum.org
From FTC Station
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Select evenings September 30–November 13
Croton-on-Hudson, NY. See more than 5,000
Jack O’ Lanterns in spectacular displays.
hudsonvalley.org
From CRT Station
Harvest Weekend October 15–16
Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum,
Peru. Crafts, games, and hay wagon rides.
babbiemuseum.org
From PLB Station
The Haunted Fortress October 15 and 22
Old Fort Niagara. This fundraiser will feature
a spooky tour of the fort. oldfortniagara.org
From NFL Station
Spooktacular October 28–30
Utica Zoo, Utica. Trick-or-treat stations, games
and crafts. uticazoo.org
From UCA Station
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day
Parade November 24
Midtown New York City. Holiday
kick-off with Broadway performers,
balloons and Santa.
social.macys.com/parade
From NYP Station
WINTER
CELEBRATIONS ▼
Sinterklaas Send-Off Celebration
and Festival Day November
26; December 3
Kingston Waterfront; Village of
Rhinebeck. Dutch-themed celebration
of children, art and winter.
sinterklaashudsonvalley.com
From RHI Station
Fort Ticonderoga
Great Train Extravaganza December 4
Empire State Plaza, Albany. Hundreds of
vendors with all things train related.
gtealbany.com
From ALB Station
Troy Annual Victorian Stroll December 4
Downtown Troy. Transforms Troy into a day
of enjoyment with 100+ attractions.
victorianstroll.com
From ALB Station
Ring in the New Year at Noon
December 31
New Roc City, New Rochelle. Annual
kid-focused indoor event.
newrochelledowntown.com
From NRO Station
Teatown’s Hudson River EagleFest
February 2017 TBA
Croton Point Park, Teatown Lake Reservation.
Eagle watching, guided bird walks, family
activities. teatown.org
From CRT Station
Lake George Winter Carnival
February Weekends 2017
Various outdoor locations, Lake George. A
bonfire, outhouse races, motorcycle races,
cook-offs. lakegeorgewintercarnival.com
From FED Station
ECLECTIC EVENTS ▼
Rhinebeck Antiques Fair May 28–29
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck.
Sale of art, jewelry, furniture and more.
barnstar.com
From RHI Station
OutdoorFest June 10–19
Sites throughout New York City. Ten-day
festival of outdoor adventure activities.
outdoorfest.org
From NYP Station
Americade Motorcycle Touring
Rally 2016 June 7–11
Lake George Beach, Lake George.
Stunt shows, parades, vendors and more.
americade.com
From FED Station
New York By Rail | 87

Saratoga Balloon & Craft
Festival June 17–19
Saratoga County Fairgrounds. 20+ hot air
balloon launches, tethered rides and
entertainment. balloonandcraft.com
From SAR Station
Syracuse Nationals
Hudson River Valley Ramble
September 3–25
Regionwide. A series of activities and events
connecting heritage and recreation.
Hudsonrivervalleyramble.com
,
From YNY, CRT, POU, RHI, NRO & HUD
Stations
Central New York Winter Boat Show
February 2017, TBA
New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse.
Sales and displays of more than 500 boat
models. cnywinterboatshow.com
From SYR Station
Utica St. Patrick’s Day
Parade March 2017, TBA
The Roundabout on Genesee Street, Utica.
One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in
NYS. greatamericanirishfest.com
From UCA Station
Great Upstate Boat Show April 2017 TBA
Adirondack Sports Complex, Queensbury.
Vendors showcasing the latest boats,
technologies and more.
thegreatupstateboatshow.com
From FED Station
Rhinebeck Antique Car Show
May 6–8; May 2017, TBA
Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck.
One of the largest antique car shows in the
Northeast. rhinebeckcarshow.com
From RHI Station
Great Upstate Boat Show
Dad Fest June 19
Jennings Landing, Albany. A new fun Father’s
Day tradition. albanyevents.org
From ALB Station
Westchester Comedy Festival
June 26–July 3
Multiple venues in Yonkers, New Rochelle,
and other locations. Comedy workshops,
competitions, and stand-up shows.
westchestercomedyfestival.com
From YNY & NRO Stations
Syracuse Nationals July 15–17
NYS Fairgrounds, Syracuse. The largest car
show in the Northeast. rightcoastcars.com
From SYR Station
Mabee Farm CanalFest July 16
Mabee Farm Historic Site. Celebrate the Erie
Canal with a free day of fun.
schenectadyhistorical.org
From SDY Station
Champ Day July 17
Port Henry–Moriah. Celebration of the lake
“monster” with a 5K race and entertainment.
porthenrymoriah.com
From POH Station
Capital District Scottish Games
September 3–4
Altamont Fairgrounds, Altamont. Pipe bands
and drumming, dancing, athletics, clan
competitions. scotgames.com
From SDY & ALB Stations
Adirondack Balloon Festival
September 22–25
Locations in Glens Falls and Queensbury.
New York’s largest and oldest hot air balloon
event. adirondackballoonfest.org
From FED Station
Summer Fair Season!
When summer arrives in New York, so do the county
and state fairs! These events, close to Amtrak stations,
offer family entertainment, thrill rides, agricultural
exhibits, and of course, delectable food!
The Great New York
State Fair
August 25 –September 5
nysfair.org
From NYF Station
Saratoga County Fair
July 19–24
saratogacountyfair.org
From SAR Station
Clinton County Fair
July 19–24
clintoncountyfair.com
From PLB Station
Ulster County Fair
August 2–7
ulstercountyfair.com
From POU Station
Altamont Fair
August 16–21
altamontfair.com
From SDY Station
Essex County Fair
August 10–14
essexcountyfair.org
From WSP Station
Erie County Fair
August 10–21
ecfair.org
From BFX Station
Dutchess County Fair
August 23–28
dutchessfair.com
From RHI Station
Fonda Fair
August 30–September 5
fondafair.com
From AMS Station
Columbia
County Fair
August 31–September 5
columbiafair.com
From HUD Station
Schaghticoke Fair
August 31–September 5
schaghticokefair.com
From SAR Station
PHOTOS: (CAR) COURTESY SYRACUSE NATIONALS; (ESSEX FAIR) COURTESY ESSEX COUNTY FAIR; (DUTCHESS FAIR) COURTESY I LOVE NEW YORK
88 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com

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