New York State: A Regional Guide

With 11 geographically distinct regions, New York State’s world-class tourism industry welcomes all types of visitors (some 306.3 million in 2023) to enjoy the beauty and wonder of  the incredibly diverse state. Here, planners and attendees alike can enjoy an array of innovative venues and dynamic settings for respite and recreation, from awe-inspiring city lights to high mountain peaks, sandy beaches to scenic lakes, thundering falls to bustling main streets.

Attendees from all over the world revel at the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of New York City, which has facilities like the Javits Center -host to more than 170 events per year – and a kaleidoscopic collection of museums, restaurants and much more. Savvy planners will want to consider all of New York State though, which can offer groups all this and more.

What follows is a guide to what’s on tap for meeting-goers seeking authentic experiences across the Empire State.

The Adirondacks

Natural splendor abounds in this region of New York State, while offering planners a host of world-class meeting hotels, mountain-top lodges, state-of-the-art conference centers, lakeside retreats and unique off-site venues, all set against the tranquility of mountain village life. In turn, attendees will find much to do in their off time in a changing landscape comprising awe-inspiring mountains, glistening lakes, green valleys and dramatic cliffs. Of special note, the majestic Adirondack Park covers more than 6 million acres and forms the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 states of the U.S.

Among the region’s many attractions are the following:

• Named the No. 1 science museum in the country by USA Today, the Wild Center in Tupper Lake is a 115-acre living laboratory of Earth-friendly sustainable practices. The center’s 54,000-square-foot complex features the latest technologies in renewable energy, many of them adaptable to visitors’ own homes. With its innovative green roof, wood-pellet-fired heating, solar hot-water system and much more, it’s no wonder the facility is the first LEED-Certified museum in New York State.
• Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake offers a host of fascinating exhibitions and stories about life in the Adirondack region. With over 20 historical and contemporary buildings on 121 acres overlooking Blue Mountain Lake, the open-air campus presents unique offerings including the ADKX Boathouse and trails, the interactive “Life in the Adirondacks” and the newly opened art show, “Artists & Inspiration in the Wild.”
• Having hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1932 and again in 1980, four historic venues collectively known as the Lake Placid Legacy Sites offer a wide range of attractions:
  – The Olympic Center includes a conference center, skating rinks, two historic arenas plus the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.
  – The Jumping Complex has the new Skyride Experience, a pulse gondola with stunning bird’s-eye views of the Adirondack High Peaks, and a front-row seat for actual ski-jumping competitions.
  – Mt. Van Hoevenberg lets visitors ride the Mountain Coaster, North America’s largest such attraction, plus take luge lessons, watch world-class athletes train and more.
  – Finally, Whiteface Mountain, just 13 miles from Lake Placid, is one of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks and offers scenic runs for skiers of all levels.

Discover more information about The Adirondacks here.

Capital-Saratoga Region

The Capital-Saratoga region showcases a diverse array of offerings, with meeting spaces ranging from the niche upscale resort to the flexibility of a large arena. Whether the historic New York State Capital in Albany, thrilling thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs, Broadway-caliber productions at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady or farm tours in scenic Washington County, the area is bristling with activities, while corporate retreats will enjoy meticulously curated concierge options, and conventions and trade shows will find flexible and versatile meeting spaces.

Among the region’s many attractions:

• Established in 1836, the New York State Museum in Albany is a center of art, science and history dedicated to exploring human and natural history. The oldest and largest state museum in the country, the facility offers collections, exhibitions, scholarship, programs, media and publications in science, history, anthropology and art. Its collections rank among the finest in many fields and total more than 16 million scientific specimens and one million cultural objects.
• In the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies including the New York City Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Saratoga Jazz Festival.
• Completed in 1875 by noted architect George Post and with what is considered one of the finest 19th-century auditoriums still standing, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. One of the world’s most celebrated concert venues thanks to its beautiful design and excellent acoustics, the hall presents more than 100 shows per year, from classical orchestral to modern jazz, stand-up comedy and more.

Discover more information about the Capital-Saratoga region here.

Catskills

A nature lover’s paradise, New York’s Catskills region is a short drive from the New York City/New Jersey metro area and is convenient to northeastern Pennsylvania, the Capital Region of New York State, Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. The area has a varied selection of event venues, both indoors and out, from modern conference facilities to rustic barns, with many facilities offering myriad team-building options. Attendees also will find a wealth of health and wellness options, along with outdoor activities for boating, hiking, biking and all manner of sports. Also known as the Borscht Belt, the Catskills region and it’s beloved resorts were the inspiration and setting for the film Dirty Dancing.

Among the region’s many attractions:

• At the National Register Historic Site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel, N.Y., the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a 1,000-acre campus that includes the Pavilion Stage amphitheater with a seating capacity of 16,000, an intimate 422-seat indoor Event Gallery, the award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods and two studios for creative learning programs for all ages. Concerts, art shows and special events of all kinds take place here on a regular basis, and if you stop to really listen, you can perhaps still hear the fading notes of Jimi Hendrix’s searing version of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
• In the town of Catskill, N.Y., in the early 1800s, a new genre of art — the works of what would become known as the Hudson River School —  was given birth by the painter Thomas Cole, whose beautiful, dreamy landscapes still resonate and bring life to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Here is where Cole lived and worked, and visitors can learn about his profound influence on American culture via exhibits, lectures and special programs. The venue’s gardens and grounds are well worth strolling and afford stunning views of the Catskill Mountains.
• The Mountaintop Arboretum is a public garden dedicated to displaying and managing native plant species of the Northeastern U.S., in addition to curating a collection of cold-hardy native and exotic trees. Its mountain-top elevation of 2,400 feet at the top of the New York City Watershed creates a unique environment for education, research and the pure enjoyment of the spectacular and historic Catskills landscape. The arboretum’s trails and boardwalks connect 178 acres of plant collections, natural meadows, wetlands, forest and Devonian bedrock — a natural sanctuary for visitors interested in horticulture, birding, geology, local craftsmanship, hiking and snowshoeing.

Discover more information about the Catskill region here.

Central New York

A bucolic destination full of rolling hills, agricultural experiences, Americana-tinged towns and lakeside retreats, the Central New York region encompasses the heart of New York State. The area offers groups of all sizes a scenic setting to stage memorable and successful meetings and events, with uniquely appealing offsite venues and an abundance of outdoor activities.

Among the region’s many attractions:

• In the historic city of Binghamton, the Phelps Mansion Museum was built in 1871 for Sherman David Phelps, an entrepreneur and one-time mayor of the city. The house is decorated with Italian marble floors, black walnut staircases and period lighting fixtures. Also on-site is a sterling collection of art and sculpture. Mansion tours, dance parties, concerts, programs emphasizing local history and more take place under the venue’s grand 14-foot ceilings.
• The Stanley Center is a movie palace designed by Thomas Lamb, considered one of the foremost creators of theaters and cinemas in the 20th century. The interior is awash in gorgeous details in a “Mexican Baroque” style and seat almost 3,000 patrons. Today this opulent palace is host to shows presented by Broadway Utica, including the likes of 42nd Street and Jersey Boys, as well as performers such as Jackson Browne, Jerry Seinfeld and REO Speedwagon.
• Attendees will become immersed in the history of America’s National Pastime when they visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown. The venue displays a wealth of baseball-related artifacts and exhibits, while honoring those who have excelled in playing, managing and reporting on the sport. Established in 1939, the Hall’s first inductees were Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner, all ably represented here by uniforms, balls, box scores and more. The delightful surrounding grounds are just right for a picnic.

Discover more information about Central New York here.

Chautauqua-Allegheny

In Southwestern New York State, the Chautauqua-Allegheny region is brimming with enchanted mountains, tranquil lakes and beautiful vineyards. The Allegheny, Lake Erie and Midway State parks are vast playgrounds dotted with beaches, walking and birding trails, bridle paths and boating possibilitiesThe region is also loaded with cultural attractions, from national museums to eclectic sculpture and art parks. Add some grand four-season resorts with a full complement of meetings infrastructure, and you’ve got a planner’s dream destination.

Among the region’s many attractions:

• With its dramatic lakeside setting and classic architecture making it a National Historic Landmark, the Chautauqua Institution is a summer center where visitors seek intellectual and spiritual growth via a complete program of arts, education, religion and recreation. A wide array of thoughtful lectures, musical programs and theater productions can be found in the on-site Chautauqua Amphitheater, but the entire property is geared to inspiring guests and attendees with a wide-ranging array of thought-provoking and creative ideas.
• Home to famed actor, comedian, and producer Lucille Ball, this region enjoys two cultural giants:  The Lucy Ball Desi Arnaz Museumin Jamestown celebrates the lives, careers and legacies of the “First Couple of Comedy” and their impact on the world. And thanks to Lucy’s wishes, just around the corner is the National Comedy Center, the only federally designated museum in the U.S. dedicated to the art of comedy. This interactive museum offers each patron a personalized experience sure to tickle your funny bone. Both are available for unforgettable offsite events.
• Named for the legendary American naturalist and conservationist, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural Historypays homage to a founder of the 20th-century environmental movement with a colorful changing series of exhibits and programs that challenge visitors to confront environmental issues of regional, national and global concern. Along the way the Jamestown facility inspires visitors to help preserve the Earth’s biodiversity — with a particular emphasis on the natural area wonders of Western New York.

Discover more information on the Chautauqua-Allegheny region here.

Finger Lakes

The largest region in New York, the Finger Lakes are home to a myriad of lakeside activities, of course, but It’s also the largest wine region in the Eastern U.S. and prime for tasting tours. When it comes to accommodations, the area has more than 100 hotels ranging from a handful of large lakeside resorts to small unique inns, with options to accommodate almost any budget. Featuring two of New York’s largest cities as well as small and quaint Americana towns with award winning main streets, the Finger Lakes are a favorite for planners and event hosts.

Among the region’s many attractions:

• Established in 1951 as a gift to the nation for the famed glass company’s 100th anniversary, the Corning Museum of Glass annually welcomes over 300,000 visitors from around the world. Over 50,000 objects representing more than 3,500 years of history are included in the museum’s collection; items range from the portrait of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh to contemporary (and most colorful) sculptures.
• In Canandaigua, New York Kitchen is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and thriving communities by leveraging the stories of agriculture, food and craft beverages to inspire a creative exploration of the bounty of the Empire State. Classes range from pasta making to dessert baking to wine pairings and beyond. The facility’s Tasting Room features 60 different and ever-changing New York State wines, 10 taps highlighting seasonal craft beers, ciders, distilled spirits and nonalcoholic beverages. Groups can sip and savor in a fun, relaxing atmosphere.
• Spanning almost 600 acres, the Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, N.Y., is the original location of a 17th-century Seneca town whose Native American population lived there more than 350 years ago. Here visitors will find the story of the culture, art, agriculture and government of the Seneca people and how they influenced our modern understanding of equality, democratic government, women’s rights, ecology and natural foods. Attractions include the full-size Seneca Bark Longhouse, furnished to reflect a typical Seneca family from the late 1600s, and the multi-media Seneca Art & Culture Center, which tells the story of Iroquois contributions to art, culture and society.

Discover more information about the Finger Lakes here.

Greater Niagara

In this region of wonders, Niagara Falls is the star, but don’t discount the many gems throughout. Here attendees can enjoy the art and architecture of Buffalo, Letchworth State Park — aka the “Grand Canyon of the East”, the charm of the historic Erie Canal, or the vast Derien Lake Amusement Park. World-class fishing, boating, skiing and biking abound for active travelers, and sports fans will want to make time for a professional hockey, football or baseball game. Area meetings and conventions take place in myriad hotels and dedicated spaces, along with major convention centers in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and elsewhere.

Among the region’s many attractions:

• The Genesee Country Village & Museum was founded in 1966 with the goal of preserving the architecture of the Genesee Valley region in a recreated historic village, providing context for the telling of New York State and 19th-century American history. The museum now covers 600 acres and includes the Historic Village, the John L. Wehle Gallery and the Genesee Country Nature Center, all of which provide interactive programs, fascinating exhibits and special events.
• For more than 150 years, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum has collected, conserved and exhibited the art of its time, often working directly with living artists. Along the way, the facility has put together one of the world’s great collections of modern and contemporary art, including early groundbreakers like Degas and Gauguin and on through and beyond the modernists who defined cubism, surrealism and constructivism.
• Established in 1885 and today the oldest state park in the U.S., Niagara Falls State Park is open 365 days a year and provides unparalleled views of the falls along with interactive exhibits, riverfront hiking trails, guided walking tours, the Cave of the Winds (where visitors descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge), boat tours aboard the Maid of the Mist and more.

Discover more information on Greater Niagara here.

Hudson Valley

Within 10 counties lining both sides of the Hudson River from just north of New York City to Albany and Rensselaer, the Hudson Valley is famous for its historic landmarks, outdoor sculpture parks, exclusive retreats and a justly celebrated culinary scene. Midway up the region, Ulster County alone is a favorite with nature lovers thanks to 250,000 unspoiled acres encompassing some 35 mountain peaks, 350 miles of hiking trails and a full roster of activities including hiking, biking and kayaking, along with challenging play on any of 12 golf courses. The county’s wide choice of meeting facilities can handle groups of from 10 to 1,000, with accommodations in every price range.

Among the region’s many attractions:

• In Hyde Park, the Culinary Institute of America is not only a world-class teaching institution through which future star chefs learn their craft, it’s also a unique foodie destination for groups of all stripes. Visitors can explore the beautiful campus, participate in interactive demonstrations that delve into the science of taste, mingle with the students and enjoy delicious food at six student-run outlets.
• The Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston features hundreds of items relating to the mighty river and its history, including works of art and historic vessels. Visitors also can sail on a 100% solar-powered tour boat that cruises the river as well as the Rondout Creek; enjoy absorbing lectures and film series hosted by noted authors, historians and maritime experts; and even take classes on crafts such as chair caning, furniture restoration and woodworking.
• Planners seeking a truly immersive experience for their groups should consider the Garrison Institute in the hamlet of Garrison in Putnam County, directly across the river from West Point. With a contemplative atmosphere ideal for retreats of all kinds, the institute specializes in “resilience training” for health care providers, social workers, first responders and others who offer service to those in need, with a secular focus on the inter-connectedness of all people.

Discover more information on the Hudson Valley here.

Long Island

Long Island — New York’s summertime playground — is studded with world-renowned beaches, historical lighthouses, premier golf courses, Gatsby-era Gold Coast mansions, award-winning vineyards and a wide variety of culinary outlets. A year-round destination easily reached by air, rail or road; this destination will delight attendees with its laid back pace while still in easy reach of New York City. For event planners, the island also is home to more than 1.5 million square feet of meeting space and over 18,000 hotel rooms.

Among the region’s many attractions:

• Celebrating Long Island’s rich heritage in flying and space exploration, the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City has more than 75 air and space craft in eight galleries chronicling more than 100 years of achievement in escaping the Earth’s gravity. A spectacular setting for corporate functions, the venue also has an immersive full-dome planetarium offering powerful virtual-reality experiences, and a gift shop with unique offerings such as Grumman T-shirts and custom WWII dog tags.
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is the former home of John S. Phipps, a businessman and heir to a family fortune earned alongside Andrew Carnegie. Completed in 1906, this Charles II-style mansion is nestled amid 200 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes. The Westbury House, furnished with fine English antiques and decorative arts, offers a changing roster of events including museum exhibitions, classic car shows, lectures and gardening classes.
• In the North Shore town of Riverhead, the Long Island Aquarium is themed around the Lost City of Atlantis and features a total of more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, including a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere and butterflies from all over the world. Groups can even snorkel with tropical fish from around the world or get into a cage and submerge to visit a shark exhibit.

Discover more information about Long Island here.

New York City

There’s a never-ending plethora of things to see and do in the Big Apple, and for meeting planners, ever more infrastructure to host groups of all sizes. The city is expected to add some 6,000 new hotel rooms by the end of 2025, while the Javits Center recently completed an expansion that added 1.2 million square feet of state-of-the-art event space. From historical landmarks to cutting-edge culture, entertainment, food, sports and more, New York City retains its ranking as one of the world’s top destinations.

Among the city’s many attractions:

• The landmark Apollo Theater in Harlem has been a celebrated stage for Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora since 1934. Over its 90-year history, the venue’s stage has seen the likes of Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, the Nicholas Brothers, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Bessie Smith and countless others. The venue also sponsors tomorrow’s stars through an education program that emphasizes the power of the preforming arts.
• More than just a place for borrowing books, the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and West 42nd Street offers a wide range of activities in the heart of Manhattan. Author talks and conversations, exhibitions, and arts and crafts programs are just part of a very busy calendar. A magnificent structure, the library opened in 1911 on the site of an old reservoir with ornate detailing in its marble facade and the famous pair of stone lions — nicknamed Patience and Fortitude by locals — flanking the entrance.
• In the Corona neighborhood in the borough of Queens, the New York Hall of Science features some 450 exhibits, workshops and activities that help explain science, technology, engineering and math. Housed in one of the few remaining structures from the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, the center today serves more than a half million students, teachers and families a year and also serves as an ideal site for meetings, conferences and special events in spaces such as the 7,000-square-foot Great Hall and 4,000-square-foot Anthony Viscusi Gallery.
• Founded in 1923, the Museum of the City of New York is a repository of Big Apple history located on Fifth Avenue between East 103 and 104 streets, directly across from Central Park. Recent exhibits have included displays of graffiti-based art, original art deco postcards, the amazingly detailed Stettheimer Dollhouse and actual sets used in movies taking place in New York. The museum also can host corporate events, fund raisers and more.

Discover more information about New York City here.

1000 Islands

The region known as 1,000 Islands is bisected by the United States-Canada border and enjoys all the benefits of the water activities on the St. Lawrence Seaway and its many tributaries. . Here is a remarkable mixture of woodlands, islands and flowing waters, known for some of the best boating and fishing in the world, not to mention a host of cultural repositories. For planners, the area offers a variety of scenic meeting, conference and convention venues, from waterfront resorts in villages such as Clayton, Sackets Harbor and Alexandria Bay to national-brand hotels in Watertown.

Among the region’s many attractions:

• For an offbeat day’s excursion, a visit to Boldt Castle on the St. Lawrence River will reward visitors with a beautiful six-story structure begun in 1900 as a gift for millionaire George Boldt’s wife, who died during the construction, which was then halted by the grieving husband. Finally completed and opened to the public in the 1970s, the castle rivals any of its counterparts in Europe and is accessible by tour boat, water taxi and private watercraft.
• In Ogdensburg, the Frederic Remington Art Museum displays the largest collection of the great American Western painter’s work in the world in a landmark structure in which Remington lived from 1810-1816 (his widow later resided there until her death in 1918). Here are found paintings, sculptures, drawings, bronze castings and other works celebrating the colorful if often harsh lives of the cowboys, soldiers and Native Americans who lived and worked in and around the Great Plains of the U.S.
• On a peninsula surrounded by the St. Lawrence River, the picturesque town of Clayton is home to the Clayton Opera House, a renowned year-round cultural institution for the presentation of the performing arts. A Nationally Registered Historic Place, the venue dates from the early 1900s and began life as a vaudeville house. Today the hall hosts comedians, choirs, orchestras, themed shows and more, with the beautiful river just steps away.

Discover more information on 1000 Islands here.