Sure it would be nice to take a vacation in a far off place with your family or friends, but that may just not be realistic. Here are a few day trip ideas!

 Saratoga Springs

The historic Saratoga Race Track opens for the season July 24. About two hours east, it’s worth a trip to people watch and watch the horses run. If you'd prefer to do a little shopping with your girlfriends, downtown Saratoga has plenty of classy little stores and a variety of restaurants sure to please just about everyone. My favorite place for a meal is Gaffney’s! I highly recommend the Balsamic Chicken Sandwich.  Saratoga is also home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. During the summer months, this indoor/outdoor amphitheater attracts some of the world's best bands and musicians. This is my absolute favorite place to watch a live concert. I'm looking forward to seeing Def Leppard there in July!

Tinker Falls

Tinker Falls is not all that well known. However, that doesn't take away from it being one of Central New York's most scenic attractions. It's great place for hiking and picnicking. This is an ideal place to bring your kids, because a hike to the falls is less than a quarter mile away from the parking area. Bring a towel too! There's an area where you can splash around, wade, and dip just beneath the falls. Tinker falls is located about 25 miles south of Syracuse. Be sure and bring your camera. This just may be one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Central New York.

Mexico Point Park

Ever wanted to visit a mansion that's been around since the middle ages? They've got one here and wait until you see it! This hidden oasis located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario offers a full array of events throughout the summer: from movie nights, to art festivals, to concerts, to wine pairings, and more. While you’re there be sure and tour Casey's Cottage.

 It is all that remains of Orville Hungerford’s elegant Mexico Point Club House (1906). Guests were met at the train station in Mexico and brought to the Clubhouse by a horse-drawn carriage.  The horses were returned to the carriage house.

There's plenty of room to roam at this attraction too(120 acres.) Whether you prefer a nature hike, a kickball game, or a blanket picnic, you won't regret making a short drive to Mexico Point Park!

Farm Sanctuary

If your kiddos love animals and they've already visited the zoo, the Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen has opportunities to pet and feed animals that have been rescued from farms that were operating and treating the animals in an inhumane way. This day trip offers a unique opportunity to educate children about the cruel practices that are going on behind the scenes at some of our farms. The little ones will also have a chance to pet a cow, pat a pig, and sheer a sheep.  If your family has ever desired to adopt farm animals, the Farm Sanctuary allows many such opportunities. Who knows? You may end up leaving with a chicken in your minivan. Oh they also have a cute bed and breakfast in the event you want to spend the night.

Letchworth State Park

Swimming, fishing, hiking, white water rafting, and even hot air ballooning are just a few of the attractions at this park. It's situated along the Genesee River and has some of the most breath taking beauty you'll ever see.

Letchworth State Park, with some of the most magnificent scenery in the United States. Within the park, the river roars over three major waterfalls, one of which is 107 feet high. The cliffs, created by the river's path over thousands of years, approach 600 feet.

 

Be sure and bring a bag for collectibles, millions of years of geological history can be observed and literally gathered there.  If you'd like to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure, Letchworth State Park has some of the most pristine campgrounds, cabins, and inns in all of the United States.

Just Jen

Today Just Jen talked about her secret crush..Shhh!

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