About CNY
Between the world-famous waterfalls and the world-class city, travelers find themselves at the center of it all in Central New York state.
When you think of upstate New York, the majestic peaks of the Adirondacks or resorts of the Catskills might come to mind. You might think of water or wine country. Central New York – the counties of Madison, Oneida, Schoharie, Otsego and Broome – brings all those experiences together.
Originally called the Central Leatherstocking Region in tribute to the pioneer-era works of legendary American author James Fenimore Cooper, what is known today as Central New York Vacation Region represents the best of upstate New York.
From the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum to the countless Main Streets, Central New York lays claim to the ultimate rural American experience for families, foodies and craft beverage fans alike.
Historic villages, home to classic small-town American life, stretch for miles and miles through Central New York – and so does the iconic Erie Canal. From the southern tip of New York’s famous Adirondack Park to the peaks of the Catskill Mountains, Central New York reaches far and wide.
Whether history buff or beverage enthusiast, nature lover or food fan, the Central New York Vacation Region offers visitors of all kinds just the right respite.
Greater Binghamton
Binghamton, Endicott, Johnson City and Vestal
Binghamton brings together all the best that Central New York has to offer, from outstanding food and craft brew to rich history and outdoor adventure. A pair of major interstates and three significant rivers meet in Binghamton, the cultural capital of the region with events like the country’s largest projection art festival and a thriving sports scene.
Restaurants, breweries and galleries highlight a downtown bustling with nightlife. The nearby Binghamton University campus brings a youthful energy to the community that includes varied attractions from a wildlife park with an animal celebrity and the event-heavy Roberson Museum and Science Center.
An incredible legacy seeded by innovative industrialists thrives in historic Endicott and Johnson City, home to several of the area’s signature antique carousels. The surrounding hills are filled with agritourism destinations and unique outdoor areas like the IBM Glen.
Madison County
Cazenovia, Canastota, Chittenango and Hamilton
Centered about the beautiful Cazenovia Lake, the town of Cazenovia provides breathtaking views and historic architecture. Cazenovia Lake is almost four miles long and provides great swimming, boating and fishing destination in the summer months.
In the fall and winter, guests can explore the beautiful walking trails around the lake and truly enjoy everything the Cazenovia community has to offer. Chittenango Falls State Park boasts gorgeous waterfalls great for a day of outdoor adventure. Enjoy a family picnic during the summer or a scenic walk in the fall. Cazenovia is also home to some of the best breweries and wineries in the Central New York region.
Celebrate all things “Oz” during the annual Oz-Stravaganza festival in Chittenango, birthplace of L. Frank Baum of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz fame. And if you’re ready to rumble, head to Canastota for Induction Weekend at the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Or visit Hop Fest in Oneida to celebrate Madison County’s strong heritage of growing this beer producing crop.
With its rolling hillsides, culture, arts, and great food, Hamilton’s charm rivals that found anywhere in New England. Visit an art gallery or join award-winning filmmakers and film fans from across the globe each July at the Hamilton International Film Festival.
Boutique historic accommodations throughout Madison County provide great places to stay year round, with elegant hospitality.
Oneida County
Utica, Rome, Sylvan Beach and Verona
Known for their great food and amazing breweries, Utica is the 10th most populated city in New York.
Utica is filled with great weekend-long festivals including the Bavarian Festival, Remsen Barn Festival of the Arts and the Great American Irish Festival. One of the largest weekend events in Utica is the Boilermaker 15K Road Race. Each year in July, runners from all over the world make the journey to Utica to participate in the race, which ends at the Saranac Brewery.
Some of the best foods Utica has to offer are actually native to the city as well. Tomato pie, Utica greens, half-moon cookies and chicken riggies are Utica classics that you can’t visit the area without trying.
Rome also offers fine restaurants and recreation, famous sites, natural wonders, and world-class entertainment. Discover the roots of the Revolution at Fort Stanwix National Monument and the Oriskany Battlefield.
Honor America Days is when the town of Rome celebrates all things American the last weekend of July with a patriotic parade through town followed by an evening Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert on the lawn of Fort Stanwix National Monument with a stunning fireworks finale.
The Canal isn’t the only waterway you’ll find in Oneida County, which is situated on the shores of Oneida Lake. Twenty-two miles long and five miles wide, it’s the largest lake in New York State by volume and home of the historic community of Sylvan Beach.
Otsego County
Cooperstown, Cherry Valley and Oneonta
Cooperstown is a filled with rich history and quintessential small town charm. Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Doubleday Field and great places to eat and drink, Main Street and its one stoplight act as the hub of Cooperstown. In the summer, multiple events are hosted, making it a great destination for family fun.
The Fenimore Farm & Country Village and Fenimore Art museums offer a unique opportunity to explore upstate culture and art history. You can experience rural history that has shaped our land and world-class art exhibits within walking distance from each other. Cooperstown also provides great places to stay with luxurious accommodations perfect for any getaway.
During the late 1700s, the small village of Cherry Valley was the gateway to America’s Western Frontier. “Tiny” in size only, Cherry Valley became an artist haven during the 1960s and 70s, a place where Allen Ginsberg and other beatnik-types called home. The Cherry Valley Museum documents the history of the area and visitors can experience fine dining, shopping treasure hunts, and superb lodging in Cherry Valley.
Catering to butterfly enthusiasts, BBQ aficionados and baseball enthusiasts looking for compliments to the Baseball Hall of Fame experience, a visit to the City of Oneonta will be one where travelers with a variety of interests will be satisfied. Tantalize your taste for sweet BBQ dishes at a world-famous restaurant, explore Main Street’s quaint and locally-run shops or enjoy a leisurely outing along the Susquehanna River.
Schoharie County
Middleburgh, Cobleskill and Sharon Springs
Settled at the corner or New York State Routes 145 and 30, Middleburgh is a quaint town filled with historic charm nestled right in Schoharie County.
Middleburgh is known for its popular hiking spot, Vroman’s Nose. The local favorite includes a few different hiking trails, all perfect for an easy-to-moderate family hike. All trails are properly marked and guests can even bring their dogs along on their outdoor adventure. Vroman’s Nose provides beautiful views of the countryside and is a great place to have a picnic at the top.
Fill your day with local beers brewed with New York-grown ingredients, or explore the caves 156 feet below Earth's surface on a journey through limestone corridors, massively formed boulders and mysterious stalactites.
This historic village of Sharon Springs in northern Schoharie County was once world-renowned, with socialites and health enthusiasts attracted to the waters, magnificent views and clean air. Many of the village’s historic buildings, including bathhouses, hotels and homes dating back to the mid-1800s, have been brought back to their original grandeur.
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