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
Boscobel House & Gardens, Hudson Valley Region
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.
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
Ithaca Commons- Four block pedestrian shopping area
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.
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