Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.
Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to the beautiful state of New York
1.) Cave of the Winds located in Niagara Falls hours of operation are 9-4:15pm Nestled on Goat Island, Cave of the Winds is an exhilarating tour that brings you very close to the falls. The tour starts with the indoor multimedia ‘World Changed Here Pavilion’ museum, where you can learn more about the falls’ history. Then, you're brought 175 feet down in an elevator, where you can get soaked at the Hurricane Deck, right next to Bridal View Falls.
Plan your visit between May to October, before the onset of winter temperatures. You can also grab skip-the-line tickets as part of a tour, or even join a deluxe sightseeing tour of both the American and Canadian sides.
2.) Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House The Martin House (Buffalo, NY, 1903-05) exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie House ideal and ranks as one of his finest residential works. Tour schedules change throughout the year, so please visit our website for the most up-to-date schedule as you plan your visit. Designed for Larkin Soap Company executive, Darwin D. Martin, the multi-residential estate is a one-of-a-kind composition consisting of the main Martin House, the Barton House, a carriage house with chauffeur’s quarters and stables, a glass-roofed conservatory linked to the main house by a 100-foot pergola, and a gardener’s cottage. Tours explore the restored and reconstructed buildings, surrounding landscape, and an extensive collection of art glass and furnishings, all designed by Wright, which together form a totally integrated architectural masterwork. We welcome you to this National Historic Landmark.
3.) Wave Hill located in the Bronx hours of operation are 9-5:30 pm A non-profit cultural institution that is located on 26 acres in the Bronx, whose mission is to explore the interaction between people and their natural environment through the maintenance of gardens, greenhouses and environmental protection programs for residents and visitors.
4.) USS SLater DE-766 hours of operation are 10-4:30pm During World War II 563 Destroyer Escorts battled Nazi U-Boats on the North Atlantic protecting convoys of men and supplies. In the Pacific, they stood first in line to defend naval task forces from Kamikaze attacks. Today only one remains afloat in America. Step back in time. Return to 1945 aboard USS SLATER. See how Sailors worked, hear the sounds of a living ship, touch a piece of American history, and walk the decks where hundreds of Sailors have walked before.
5.) The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum tours are $33 each hours of operation are 9-7pm Through commemoration, exhibitions and educational programs, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a nonprofit in New York City, remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks.
9/11 Memorial, Open Daily, 7-days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9/11 Memorial Museum, Open Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thanksgiving and Christmas: Memorial Only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Museum Closed
6.) Watkins Glen State Park hours of operation are 8:30-7pm Watkins Glen State Park is a natural wonder located in Upstate New York, about 250 miles from New York City. The highlight here is the 19 waterfalls that cascade down the stream and rock formations—you'll want to take your time exploring them along the hiking trails on offer. The Gorge Trail along Glen Creek is particularly stunning, just be careful of the slippery steps.
7.) Corning Museum of Glass Price of Admission is roughly $22 Travel through 3,500 years of glassmaking history at The Corning Museum of Glass, the world’s largest glass museum. Catch a glass-blowing demonstration, make your own glass ornament, watch a flameworking showcase, check out the tower of casserole dishes, and marvel at countless glass sculptures. The Innovation Center promises great fun too, where you can whisper to a friend from both ends of a giant glass egg. Don’t leave without visiting the Shops, and refueling at the café.
Book your ticket in advance—each ticket is valid for two days, with kids and teens visiting for free. – Tripadvisor
8.) National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum located in Cooperstown hours of operation are 9-5pm The National Baseball Hall of Fame is a nonprofit committed to preserving the history of America's pastime and celebrating the legendary players, managers, umpires and executives who have made the game a fan favorite for more than a century. Preserving History. Honoring Excellence. Connecting Generations. While in town also check out the Farmer's Museum
9.) The Strong National Museum of Play located in Rochester hours of operation are 10-8pm The Strong is a highly interactive, collections-based museum devoted to the history and exploration of play. It is one of the largest history museums in the United States and one of the leading museums serving families. The Strong houses the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of historical materials related to play and is home to the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, the National Toy Hall of Fame, and the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
10.) Letchworth State Park Letchworth State Park, the "Grand Canyon of the East," is where a 17-mile stretch of the Genesee River roars through the park's scenic gorge with three major waterfalls and cliffs as high as 600 feet, surrounded by lush forests. Recently named Best State Park in the nation, Letchworth's new Humphrey Nature Center is a must-see. Walk the seven-mile Gorge Trail with jaw-dropping views at the overlooks or take the trail to the water's edge. In addition to trails, several hundred campsites and cabins, other amenities and activities include a pool, playground, athletic fields, festivals, cultural events, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, whitewater rafting, and hot-air ballooning.
11.) Boldt Castle and Yacht House located in Alexandria Bay A visit to the magnificent Boldt Castle offers a glimpse into one of the most compelling love stories in history. At the turn-of-the-century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC, set out to build a full-sized Rhineland Castle in Alexandria Bay, on Heart Island. The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise. Beginning in 1900, Boldt's family shared four summers on Wellesley Island while 300 workers, stonemasons, carpenters and artists fashioned the six story, 120-room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge and a dovecote. In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegrammed the island and commanded the workers to immediately "stop all construction." Louise had died suddenly. A broken-hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Three hundred workers laid down their tools. Boldt never returned, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love.
12.) Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum located in Hyde Park hours of operation are 9-5pm Historic site features the home and estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Springwood, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the only Presidential Library used by a sitting president. It was conceived and built under President Roosevelt's direction and opened to the public in 1941. The Library's mission is to foster research and education on the life and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and their continuing impact on contemporary life. Our work is carried out by four major areas: Archives, Museum, Education and Public Programs.
13.) Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park located in Poughkeepsie Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a 19th century railroad bridge transformed into the world's longest elevated pedestrian park.
14.) Glenn H. Curtiss Museum located in Hammondsport hours of operation are 10-4pm price of admission is roughly $14 The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport's favorite son, is located on Route 54, one half mile south of the village of Hammondsport, New York. Dedicated to the memory of pioneer aviator, Glenn Curtiss, the museum contains a priceless collection relating to early aviation and local history. The museum also features a 75-seat theater, large open area for special events and a gift shop. In addition to motorcycles and aircraft, visitors will also see antique tools, toys, boats, home-furnishings, fire equipment and much more. Visitors are also welcome to visit the Museum Restoration Shop, talk with volunteer craftsmen and watch them work on historic aircraft.
15.) Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park closed until March 23,2024 Enjoy yourselves touring the ships and soaking in all the history. There are many informative displays and exhibits within the ships and we also chatted with some of the veterans available.
16.) Panama Rocks Scenic Park closed until May Explore a half-mile long ridge of 60-foot high rock forming crevices, passageways, and caves hidden in an ancient forest! Located just 15 minutes from Chautauqua Lake, Panama Rocks is one of the top-rated attractions in Chautauqua County based on independent reviews on TripAdvisor. The Panama Rocks formations are surrounded by a one mile long hiking trail, but most guests enjoy going off of the main trail to explore! Visitors spend anywhere from one hour to the entire day having fun and exploring the park. Picnic tables are available. The trail is relatively easy to hike (Class 1) and guests of all ages enjoy it, but there are roots, rocks, and uneven ground; it is still a hiking trail! Plan your trip to explore one of the most fun and popular "things to do" in Western New York today! Try axe throwing with Axcellent Adventures at Panama Rocks! Reservations recommended!
17.) Star Trek Original Series Set Tour located in Ticonderoga Here, at last, is the chance to come on board the Starship Enterprise! Recreated Exactly as they were laid out on the "Desilu" (Now Paramount Pictures) Stage 9 in Hollywood for the original 1966-1968 run of STAR TREK,the sets of the Fabulous Starship U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 awaiting guests to step aboard and be transported to the world of STAR TREK: The Original Series!
18.) Olana State Historic Site located in Hudson hours of operation 8-5pm Hudson River School painter Frederic E. Church designed Olana, his family home, studio, and estate, as an integrated environment embracing architecture, art, and landscape. Olana, a National Historic Landmark, is an icon of naturalistic landscape design, with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit, embracing unrivaled panoramic views of the vast Hudson River Valley. The 250-acre artist-designed landscape is open from 8 AM to Sunset. Tours of the historic landscape and interior of Frederic Church's home run Tuesday - Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Visitors can also participate in various educational programs in the Wagon House Education Center, including a free backpack program that includes a variety of projects for children.
19.) The Museum at Bethel Woods hours of operation are 10-5pm Through our award-winning Main Exhibit—“Woodstock and The Sixties”—varied and engaging special exhibitions, growing collection of artifacts and reference materials, museum programs for children, youth, and adults, and the preserved historic site, the Museum immerses visitors in the story of the societal evolution of the 1960s, connecting visitors to the roots of today’s freedom of expression and the resurgent human spirit that defined the politics, music, art, and societal issues of that remarkable and challenging decade.
20.) National Comedy Center located in Jamestown price of admission is roughly $33 The National Comedy Center is the United States' official cultural institution and museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. Recently named the “Best New Museum” in the country by USA Today, and one of the "World's Greatest Places" by TIME magazine, the Comedy Center offers a visitor experience filled with laughter – featuring state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive museum environment perfect for the entire family. Based on the vision of Jamestown, NY native Lucille Ball for her hometown of Jamestown, NY to become a destination for comedy, the National Comedy Center showcases comedy's great minds and unique voices in ways that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. The Center’s award-winning LaughSafe program will keep everyone laughing safely, touch-free and worry-free throughout their socially-distanced experience in its expansive 37,000-square-foot museum.
21.) Ulysses S. Grant Cottage National Historic Landmark located in Wilton hours of operation are 9:30-4pm Visit grantcottage.org for information. Impoverished by a Ponzi-style swindle and dying of cancer, Ulysses S. Grant moved to the Cottage on June 16, 1885. With the love and support of his family, publisher Mark Twain, and the nation at large, he completed Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant days before his death on July 23. The publication of this two-volume work ensured his family’s financial security and gave the world one of the most critically acclaimed memoirs by a U.S. president or historic military figure. The cottage remains the same as during the Grant family's stay. Tour the downstairs of the cottage with original furnishings, decorations, and personal items belonging to Grant; including the bed where he died and floral arrangements that remain from Grant's August 4th funeral. The cottage is now owned by the State of New York and open to the public by the Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage. Located 9 miles from downtown Saratoga Springs!
22.) Animal Adventure Park hours of operation are 10-5pm Interactive, educational animal park that encourages the up close and hands on approach to animal exhibition! Home to over 300 animals, representing 100 species! Nestled in the hills of Harpursville NY, minutes of I-88, outside of Binghamton NY.
23.) Phelps Mansion Museum located in Binghamton **The Museum will be closed for tours January 9th-24th. We will reopen on January 25th. The Phelps Mansion is a Historic House Museum. We are open for tours Thursday-Sun. Tours are at 11am, 1230pm, 2pm, and 330pm. (Last tour at 3:30pm) Reservations are encouraged. Walk-ins welcome based on tour availability. Admission is $10 Adults, students and seniors 62 and over $8, kids 12 and under free. Come see the "jewel on Court St". Visitors to the Phelps Mansion should enter through the ballroom entrance located down the driveway side of the mansion. (Look for the open flag)
24.) The Armour-Stiner Octagon House located in Irvington hours of operation are 10-4pm The Armour-Stiner Octagon House is a magnificently unique private residence and historic house museum. Unforgettable guided tours are available by appointment only from April through December. Tours resume on April 8th, 2023 and tickets for purchase and more information can be found on the website.
PLEASE NOTE: Tours are physically demanding and not recommended for individuals with difficulty walking up and down stairs. Unless otherwise noted, most tours are not suggested for children under the age of 12 years old. This is private property. Access to the driveway and grounds is for ticket holders ONLY at the appointed time.
25.) Historic Huguenot Street located in New Paltz hours of operation are Saturday and Sunday from 10-4pm Historic Huguenot Street is committed to helping visitors understand the historical forces that have shaped America. At our 10-acre National Historic Landmark District in New Paltz, New York, visitors experience over 300 years of history across seven historic stone-house museums, a reconstructed 1717 French Church, the Huguenot community’s original burying ground, and a replica Esopus Munsee wigwam. Period rooms and exhibits tell the stories of a French Huguenot settlement as it evolved over time, and reveal the history of the area’s Indigenous and enslaved African peoples and Dutch settlers. Historic Huguenot Street envisions a nationally recognized historic site that will inspire guests to think in new ways about American history while also carrying forward the conversation about the relationship between past and present.
26.) Northeast Classic Car Museum located in Norwich located 9-5pm Over 200 vehicles on display in 89,000 sq ft. Historic Pre-war exhibit, Nostalgic Post-war 50's, 60's & 70's cars, Cars Made in NY State exhibit, Largest Franklin exhibit in the world, Period fashions, WWI & WWII airplane engines, videos, & more. . Open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm; closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day & Easter Sunday. Wheelchair accessible, electric scooters available at no charge. Group rates available; ample parking for buses & RV’s. Easy to find in a beautiful Central New York rural setting. Event Room for rent for your family reunions, Bachelor parties, corporate events, Car Club dinners & meetings. Buses welcome, make us your lunch stop, catering from local restaurants available at booking.
27.) Deer Haven Park located in Romulus hours of operation are 10-6pm Deer Haven Park is in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. It occupies a portion of the former Seneca Army Depot, a US Military munitions storage facility built in 1941. For over 75 years, the Seneca Army Depot was closed to the public. Today, Deer Haven Park is offering a glimpse into its Mysterious past and a chance to see the unique wildlife that resides within its fences, from wild turkeys, beavers, and American Bald Eagles to the Majestic Seneca white deer! Bus Tours are back! Take a 90-minute tour aboard our climate-controlled bus. You’ll go inside one of 519 ammunition storage igloos and explore other features of the park. Reservations are required for bus tours. Not ready for a bus tour just yet? Take an Auto Tour instead and experience the 8-mile drive through the park from the comfort of your own vehicle! We will provide a tablet to act as your virtual tour guide. Auto tours take between 60-90 minutes. Park entrance fees apply. Visit deerhavenpark.org for more details
28.) Natural Stone Bridge and Caves closed until New Year's Eve Summer and Winter Seasonal Attraction. 23 Miles north of Lake George & 90 min south of Lake Placid, hike self-guided tour & explore the Largest Marble Cave Entrance in the East, waterfalls, gorge, caves and much more: guided adventure tours, gemstone mining, 18 hole disc golf, climbing walls, dino digs, picnic & playgrounds, and an extensive rock, fossil and gift shop. Weddings. Open every day late May - mid Oct (variable hours, check website) and Fri-Sun 10am-4pm from mid Dec - mid March for self-guided Snowshoe Tours on over 14 miles of trails exploring the Stone Bridge and surrounding property.
29.) Motorcyclepedia Museum located in Newburg hours of operation are 10-4pm Amazing place to visit. Awesome for kids and adults alike. The movie motorcycles were the best. Huge motorcycle museum with all different types and eras of motorcycles including motorcycles used in movies and tv series. It's two levels. Worth the visit even if you're not a motorcycle fan.
30.) National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame located in Saratoga Springs hours of operation are 10-4pm A tour through the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame sets you on an incredible journey through the sport’s history, from colonial times through present day. Surrounded by incredible works of fine art, trophies, and historical artifacts, visitors experience all aspects of this thrilling sport, from its most iconic moments and pageantry to what happens behind the scenes during a day at the races. The Museum’s signature film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame is a 16-minute immersive experience that brings viewers on an amazing journey through the sport and examines the rare honor — given to less than one percent its participants — of reaching the game’s pinnacle and earning a coveted spot in the Hall of Fame. The cutting-edge film conveys the exhilaration of the sport of thoroughbred racing in America and the passion behind the heritage of the game.
With over 22,000 things to do in this beautiful state you can very easily find some amazing things to do and discover around every corner.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
