QUEENS, NY — As the endless autumnal shades of crimson, gold and pumpkin were peaking across the state, the I LOVE NY Fall Harvest FAM invited travel advisors and media from Canada, Europe and Australia to explore Orange County, the 1000 Islands and Finger Lakes.

The recent fam kicked off with a global group meeting at JFK’s TWA Hotel, the eye-catching former terminal for Trans World Airlines.

This mid-century styled airport hotel includes a memorable option for happy hour: the Connie Cocktail Bar, a 1958 Lockheed Constellation Airplane.

Found on the tarmac adjacent to the hotel, guests can also become plane spotters from the hotel’s rooftop pool deck, open year-round.

The I LOVE NY Fall Harvest Fam showcased the state’s beauty, culture and attractions

NEW YORK STATE’S ORANGE COUNTY

Two hours north of Manhattan is Orange County found within popular Hudson Valley, notable for attractions such as the United States Military Academy colloquially referred to by its location, West Point and Legoland New York Resort in nearby Goshen, a theme park and hotel opened in 2021.

With America250 and the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, OCNYFilm’s Rachel Carr, representing Orange County’s tourism and film, is hoping visitors will seek out Orange County, easily reachable by train from New York City. “We have a lot of history, including Washington Headquarters State Historic Site and West Point, as well as Legoland and Woodbury Common, a Premium Outlet, which is our top-drawing attraction,” she said.

Boscobel House & Gardens, Hudson Valley Region

Orange County is home to Brotherhood Winery, America’s oldest winery dating to 1839, and well-known because of sparkling wines made solely with New York grapes. Nearby in New Windsor is the Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre outdoor art museum, the largest collection of contemporary sculptures in the USA. Guests are welcome to wander this bucolic art centre which features memorable installations by David Smith, Mark di Suvero and Alexander Calder.

Info: PickOCNY.com

View of Culinary Institute of America from Hudson River in Hyde Park

THE 1000 ISLANDS

From Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence Seaway, the 1000 Islands have been on travellers’ vacation radars for several years.

A region shared by Canada and the U.S., there are endless places to find adventure on the water and well-known for its 30 public golf courses.

Uncle Sam Boat Tours offers a multitude of day cruises including bringing the curious to Heart Island. This is the region’s most popular attraction, Boldt Castle, welcoming 200,000 visitors a year. Built by George C. Boldt, an entrepreneur and hotelier, this Gilded Age summer mansion has been lovingly restored, a showcase of European antiques and historical photography. Visitors can download the castle’s free app for a self-guided audio tour of the castle and gardens.

Thousand Islands Region

The Fall Harvest FAM group was spoiled with a relaxing dinner cruise through the St. Lawrence channels, learning regional history while spotting the elaborate summer residences along the shores. Being on the water is essential to experiencing this region, especially with its connection to the Great Lakes: the largest source of fresh water on Earth.

“We are stewards of the water,” proclaimed Corey Frame, director of the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, explaining his region’s pride in protecting the environment, one of the key reasons it has been a tourism destination since the Gilded Age.

The town of Clayton is home to the Antique Boat Museum, featuring the largest collection of freshwater boats in North America. This extensive museum offers river tours, classes including becoming a boat tour guide and sailing, boat rental during the warmer months and hosts an annual Antique Boat Show and Sale. Don’t miss exploring La Duchesse, George C. Boldt’s luxury houseboat.

Info: Visit1000Islands.com

THE FINGER LAKES

With 11 lakes and more than 140 wineries, this region covers a vast area in the middle of New York State.

Ithaca, Syracuse and Rochester offer several cultural lures, such as Cornell University in Ithaca, Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse and The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester.

The Ontario County Courthouse stands out on Rochester in downtown Canandaigua New York

The Fall Harvest FAM group was based in Canandaigua, a town which could easily be featured in a Hallmark movie. New York Kitchen is non-profit offering a restaurant, culinary classes and a tasting room, to learn sip and savour beer, wine and spirits created in New York state, a perfect starting point for exploring this wine region.

The Lake House on Canandaigua opened in summer 2020 with 124 contemporary-styled guestrooms. The Lake House includes a pool/hot tub open year-round, spa with barrel saunas overlooking the lake, event space and two dining options, farm to table Rose Tavern and fast-casual Sand Bar. Additional guest amenities include fire pits with ‘smores kits, boat rentals, e-bikes, creativity and wellness classes and lawn games.

Town King accommodation at The Lake House on Canandaigua

“The Lake House on Canandaigua offers Canadians an easy, scenic escape that feels worlds away, but is just a short drive across the border,” explained James McGinn, Hotel Manager.

This lakefront resort is currently offering a discount for Canadian travellers and this winter will host special dining events, holiday market and a Winter Solstice Wellness Retreat.

Info: VisitFingerLakes.com

I LOVE NY is represented in Canada by Reach Global Marketing. For more information about travel to New York State see ILOVENY.COM. 

The Lake House on Canandaigua