Groups have long loved taking a bite out of the Big Apple, thanks to showstopping attractions like Broadway and Ellis Island, but there’s more to the Empire State than its signature city. From the tourism meccas that are Niagara Falls and the Finger Lakes, to the wilds of the Adirondack and Catskill mountains, this is a land as blessed with natural splendor as it is with cultural treasures. And around every beautiful bend is an offering sure to delight group travelers, whether they’d like to wander stunning new aquarium exhibits or simply sit for spell as they sample some of the country’s best wines. With so much to see and do, it won’t be long before your group finds themselves in a New York state of mind.
Popular Demand
Broadway
With 41 theaters in the Broadway district around Times Square, New York City offers group travelers loads of theatrical performances to choose from when visiting. Current smash hits include “Wicked” — once again the Great White Way’s best-selling musical, thanks no doubt to the success of the new film — as well as “The Lion King” and the perennial favorite “Hamilton.” Most shows provide group sales pricing, so why not include a night at the theater on the itinerary? After all, there’s no business like show business and no better place to experience it live than New York City.
Finger Lakes Wineries
There’s much to recommend New York’s bucolic Finger Lakes, including its justifiably world-famous wineries. Some 150 have sprouted up in the region, with many able to accommodate groups. They include Izzo’s White Barn Winery, which can host activities like yoga or wreath-making along with tastings; the picturesque Anyela’s Vineyards; Arbor Hill Grapery and Winery, also offering group lunches; and New York Kitchen, a tasting room that serves up private culinary and beverage appreciation classes, too. Leaders may want to book a step-on wine tour guide through Belesai Communications.
Niagara Falls
The largest falls in the country by volume — more than 700,000 gallons of water pour over it every second — iconic Niagara Falls is actually comprised of three different cascades. Groups can get a spectacular view of them all at the Observation Tower in Niagara Falls State Park or get up close and personal with Bridal Veil Falls on the Cave of the Winds’ wet and wild wooden walkways. A trip aboard the park’s legendary Maid of the Mist boat tour, which ferries passengers on a thrilling ride to the base of the American and Horseshoe Falls, is also a must.
Up and Coming
Ellis Island
Ellis Island is in the midst of a $100 million transformation that will breathe new life into the 125-year-old historic landmark. The Ellis Island Museum Reimagined project will bring more than 100,000 square feet of dazzling new interactive exhibits to the National Museum of Immigration. Nearly 100 films and other media pieces will also be added, and twice the current number of immigration records will be made available to visitors who want to trace their families’ roots. The Wall of Honor, which celebrates the immigrant journey, has been expanded as part of the larger project, due to be completed in 2026.
Aquarium of Niagara: Great Lakes 360
Groups visiting Niagara Falls will want to take advantage of a new attraction in the state park: the Aquarium of Niagara’s Great Lakes 360, which opened in July. The $5.2 million living museum shines a spotlight on Niagara River and Great Lakes wildlife, boasting 16 exhibits featuring nearly 40 different species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and more. Many visitors love the aquarium’s sturgeon touch pool, and special experiences, like a visit with an animal ambassador, can be arranged for groups.
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Less a simple expansion than a complete evolution, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly the Albert-Knox Art Gallery) debuted in mid-2023 following a massive, multi-year, $195 million construction project. Among the goodies: a spectacular new building that adds more than 30,000 feet of exhibition space and a collection expanded by 500 works. Groups can enjoy special guided tours and hands-on art activities at the institution, which features pieces from big names including Warhol, Pollock and Lichtenstein.
Overnight Sensations
The Inn at Saratoga
Perched in the historic resort destination of Saratoga Springs for which its named, The Inn at Saratoga was built in 1843 and has served over the years as a boarding house, swanky lodging for Cuban vacationers and a hotel for Jewish patrons run by a rabbi. Today, the Victorian property, which features an Old World parlor and tavern, welcomes group guests with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, free refreshments in the lobby and customizable meal menus.
Grand Adirondack Hotel
For groups looking to explore the beauty of the mountains and the Bavarian charm of the town of Lake Placid, there may be no better lodging choice than the Grand Adirondack Hotel. Formerly The Hotel Marcy, which was erected nearly a century ago, the new property opened its doors in 2022, following a sweeping $20 million renovation. Comfortably upscale but never stuffy, the hotel offers lovely gathering spaces like the rooftop Cloudsplitter Bar, which overlooks Main Street and Mirror Lake.
Memorable Meals
The Hawkeye Bar and Grill
Tucked away within the plush environs of the historic Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown (and a quick, convenient walk to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum), Hawkeye Bar and Grill gives groups the chance to unwind before spectacular views of Otsego Lake. The fare, which ranges from global specialities to a craveable cheeseburger, is equally impressive, with many meats, cheeses, veggies and more proudly procured locally.
Patrick Henry’s Waterfront Tavern
Patrick Henry’s Waterfront Tavern has everything groups could want in an eatery and more: reliably delicious food with an emphasis on elevated pub grub, great views of the mighty Hudson River and an ideal location in the delightful Catskills town of Coxsackie. The historic building housing the establishment — built around the turn of last century and once a general store — features an outdoor deck great for a warm-weather lunch of wood-fired pizza.
