Long a center of innovation and industry, as well as an outdoor mecca and cultural hub, Upstate New York provides a colorful and contrasting mix of sites and attractions.
From booming cities to charming small towns, each destination offers its own distinct character and quintessential experiences for groups, including the following 10 options.
the egg, ALBANY
www.theegg.org
Always a city of innovation, Albany’s skyline would not look the same without the presence of The Egg. Constructed in 1978, the architecturally distinctive entertainment venue contains two theaters, with seating capacities of 450 and 982, and hosts a variety of performances, from comedy shows to big-name concerts. The stem supporting The Egg extends six stories underground and a reinforced concrete “girdle” helps distribute the structure’s weight. Large lounges provide space for private seminars, receptions and pre- or post-show events. PageBreak
SARATOGA race course, saratoga
www.nyra.com
Saratoga is home to the oldest operating sports venue in the country, the Saratoga Race Course. Generations of visitors and locals alike have experienced the charm and energy of Saratoga while watching top jockeys, trainers, owners and horses compete.
According to Todd Garafano, president of Discover Saratoga, many groups think it is too expensive or too busy to come during the six-week racing season between July and Labor Day, but Sunday and midweek dates offer great opportunities for meeting and incentive groups. Garafano also says one of the venue’s best kept secrets may be eating breakfast at the track, where groups can enjoy a leisurely meal while watching the horses run through their morning workouts and learn about racetrack lore from a guide.
olympic venues, LAKE PLACID
www.meetingslakeplacid.com
As the backdrop for two Olympic Winter Games, the wilderness of Lake Placid and the Adirondacks allows attendees to discover their competitive spirit. The Olympic Regional Development Authority gives groups the opportunity to host a reception at the top of the Olympic ski jump—complete with a demonstration by Olympic hopefuls—or be coached in winter Olympic sports. PageBreak
baseball hall of fame, COOPERSTOWN
www.baseballhall.org
The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum draws 20,000 fans to the one-stoplight town every July for Hall of Fame Weekend. The venue offers group admission rates, after-hours museum experiences and facility rentals for events and receptions. Groups can also take in a game at Doubleday Field, which offers discounted ticket packages and a personalized welcome over the loudspeakers.
CORNING museum of glass, corning
www.cmog.org
Any group passing through Corning, nicknamed “America’s Crystal City,” will want to try their hand at glassblowing. The Corning Museum of Glass contains 40,000 objects representing 3,500 years of glass and glassmaking. The museum also offers daily demonstrations as well as programs that teach groups glassblowing techniques.
BINGHAMTON
www.visitbinghamton.org/whattosee/carousels.php
Of the 150 remaining antique wood-carved carousels in the U.S. and Canada, six can be found in the Greater Binghamton area on the Carousel Circuit. Several have recently undergone renovations and careful refurbishment, and they are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can ride the merry-go-rounds from Memorial Day through Labor Day.PageBreak
salt museum, sYRACUSE
www.onondagacountyparks.com/salt-museum
Syracuse’s history as a major salt producer is evident in local attractions and cuisine, such as salt potatoes. Located on the shore of Onondaga Lake, the Salt Museum offers a glimpse into a unique aspect of the city.
maid of the mist, NIAGARA FALLS
www.maidofthemist.com
It is hard to imagine a more quintessentially awe-inspiring group excursion than a trip to Niagara Falls, only a 20-minute drive from Buffalo. Millions of tourists from around the world flock to the natural wonder on the U.S.-Canada border to soak up some spray. In the summer, attendees can don a plastic poncho and hop onboard one of two 900-passenger Maid of the Mist boats to get up close to the falls.
Roycroft campus, greater buffalo
www.roycroftcampuscorporation.com
Buffalo stands tall as an architectural destination, with multiple Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and other examples of classic American design. Just outside the city sits the Roycroft Campus, home to the guild where the nation’s Arts & Crafts movement originated in the early 20th century. The historical site offers custom group tours and packages with the Elbert Hubbard Roycroft Museum. Also located on the campus is the Roycroft Inn, which can host meetings. This year, the inn plans to remodel its Power House building, designed to hold workshops, classes and lectures.
highland park arboretum, greater rOCHESTER
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-highland.php
Beautiful gardens are on display year-round in Rochester, nicknamed the “Flower City.” Designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead and opened in 1890, Highland Park Arboretum sprawls across 150 acres and offers event venues such as Olmstead Lodge, which can accommodate 99 guests.
