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New York State: A Regional Guide

Explore New York State's 11 regions for unique and exciting event and leisure experiences.

Posted On: January 14, 2025 By : Matt Traub

With 11 geographically distinct regions, New York State’s world-class tourism industry welcomes all types of visitors (some 306.3 million in 2023) to enjoy the beauty and wonder of  the incredibly diverse state. Here, planners and attendees alike can enjoy an array of innovative venues and dynamic settings for respite and recreation, from awe-inspiring city lights to high mountain peaks, sandy beaches to scenic lakes, thundering falls to bustling main streets.

Attendees from all over the world revel at the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of New York City, which has facilities like the Javits Center -host to more than 170 events per year – and a kaleidoscopic collection of museums, restaurants and much more. Savvy planners will want to consider all of New York State though, which can offer groups all this and more.

What follows is a guide to what’s on tap for meeting-goers seeking authentic experiences across the Empire State.

The Adirondacks

Natural splendor abounds in this region of New York State, while offering planners a host of world-class meeting hotels, mountain-top lodges, state-of-the-art conference centers, lakeside retreats and unique off-site venues, all set against the tranquility of mountain village life. In turn, attendees will find much to do in their off time in a changing landscape comprising awe-inspiring mountains, glistening lakes, green valleys and dramatic cliffs. Of special note, the majestic Adirondack Park covers more than 6 million acres and forms the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 states of the U.S.

Among the region’s many attractions are the following:

Discover more information about The Adirondacks here.

Capital-Saratoga Region

The Capital-Saratoga region showcases a diverse array of offerings, with meeting spaces ranging from the niche upscale resort to the flexibility of a large arena. Whether the historic New York State Capital in Albany, thrilling thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs, Broadway-caliber productions at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady or farm tours in scenic Washington County, the area is bristling with activities, while corporate retreats will enjoy meticulously curated concierge options, and conventions and trade shows will find flexible and versatile meeting spaces.

Among the region’s many attractions:

Discover more information about the Capital-Saratoga region here.

Catskills

A nature lover’s paradise, New York’s Catskills region is a short drive from the New York City/New Jersey metro area and is convenient to northeastern Pennsylvania, the Capital Region of New York State, Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. The area has a varied selection of event venues, both indoors and out, from modern conference facilities to rustic barns, with many facilities offering myriad team-building options. Attendees also will find a wealth of health and wellness options, along with outdoor activities for boating, hiking, biking and all manner of sports. Also known as the Borscht Belt, the Catskills region and it’s beloved resorts were the inspiration and setting for the film Dirty Dancing.

Among the region’s many attractions:

Discover more information about the Catskill region here.

Central New York

A bucolic destination full of rolling hills, agricultural experiences, Americana-tinged towns and lakeside retreats, the Central New York region encompasses the heart of New York State. The area offers groups of all sizes a scenic setting to stage memorable and successful meetings and events, with uniquely appealing offsite venues and an abundance of outdoor activities.

Among the region’s many attractions:

Discover more information about Central New York here.

Chautauqua-Allegheny

In Southwestern New York State, the Chautauqua-Allegheny region is brimming with enchanted mountains, tranquil lakes and beautiful vineyards. The Allegheny, Lake Erie and Midway State parks are vast playgrounds dotted with beaches, walking and birding trails, bridle paths and boating possibilitiesThe region is also loaded with cultural attractions, from national museums to eclectic sculpture and art parks. Add some grand four-season resorts with a full complement of meetings infrastructure, and you’ve got a planner’s dream destination.

Among the region’s many attractions:

Discover more information on the Chautauqua-Allegheny region here.

Finger Lakes

The largest region in New York, the Finger Lakes are home to a myriad of lakeside activities, of course, but It’s also the largest wine region in the Eastern U.S. and prime for tasting tours. When it comes to accommodations, the area has more than 100 hotels ranging from a handful of large lakeside resorts to small unique inns, with options to accommodate almost any budget. Featuring two of New York’s largest cities as well as small and quaint Americana towns with award winning main streets, the Finger Lakes are a favorite for planners and event hosts.

Among the region’s many attractions:

Discover more information about the Finger Lakes here.

Greater Niagara

In this region of wonders, Niagara Falls is the star, but don’t discount the many gems throughout. Here attendees can enjoy the art and architecture of Buffalo, Letchworth State Park — aka the “Grand Canyon of the East”, the charm of the historic Erie Canal, or the vast Derien Lake Amusement Park. World-class fishing, boating, skiing and biking abound for active travelers, and sports fans will want to make time for a professional hockey, football or baseball game. Area meetings and conventions take place in myriad hotels and dedicated spaces, along with major convention centers in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and elsewhere.

Among the region’s many attractions:

Discover more information on Greater Niagara here.

Hudson Valley

Within 10 counties lining both sides of the Hudson River from just north of New York City to Albany and Rensselaer, the Hudson Valley is famous for its historic landmarks, outdoor sculpture parks, exclusive retreats and a justly celebrated culinary scene. Midway up the region, Ulster County alone is a favorite with nature lovers thanks to 250,000 unspoiled acres encompassing some 35 mountain peaks, 350 miles of hiking trails and a full roster of activities including hiking, biking and kayaking, along with challenging play on any of 12 golf courses. The county’s wide choice of meeting facilities can handle groups of from 10 to 1,000, with accommodations in every price range.

Among the region’s many attractions:

Discover more information on the Hudson Valley here.

Long Island

Long Island — New York’s summertime playground — is studded with world-renowned beaches, historical lighthouses, premier golf courses, Gatsby-era Gold Coast mansions, award-winning vineyards and a wide variety of culinary outlets. A year-round destination easily reached by air, rail or road; this destination will delight attendees with its laid back pace while still in easy reach of New York City. For event planners, the island also is home to more than 1.5 million square feet of meeting space and over 18,000 hotel rooms.

Among the region’s many attractions:

Discover more information about Long Island here.

New York City

There’s a never-ending plethora of things to see and do in the Big Apple, and for meeting planners, ever more infrastructure to host groups of all sizes. The city is expected to add some 6,000 new hotel rooms by the end of 2025, while the Javits Center recently completed an expansion that added 1.2 million square feet of state-of-the-art event space. From historical landmarks to cutting-edge culture, entertainment, food, sports and more, New York City retains its ranking as one of the world’s top destinations.

Among the city’s many attractions:

Discover more information about New York City here.

1000 Islands

The region known as 1,000 Islands is bisected by the United States-Canada border and enjoys all the benefits of the water activities on the St. Lawrence Seaway and its many tributaries. . Here is a remarkable mixture of woodlands, islands and flowing waters, known for some of the best boating and fishing in the world, not to mention a host of cultural repositories. For planners, the area offers a variety of scenic meeting, conference and convention venues, from waterfront resorts in villages such as Clayton, Sackets Harbor and Alexandria Bay to national-brand hotels in Watertown.

Among the region’s many attractions:

Discover more information on 1000 Islands here.

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