Every week until we run out of states, I plan to post about family-friendly vacation ideas, attractions and events in each one of the US states, taking input mostly from Twitter and Facebook.
Yes, I know how to search for travel ideas on a destination or attraction Web site, but a tweet or a Facebook Wall recommendation is a much more engaging and public way to spread the word.
Please don’t email suggestions to me; that’s nice but it is one-to-one communication. Tweet me and/or Facebook me, so that all of our networks can see what’s cool about your state.
We’re going in alphabetical order but started with the end, so our first state for the series was Wyoming, then we investigated Wisconsin, West Virginia, Washington, Virginia, Vermont, Utah, Texas, Tennessee, South Dakota, South Carolina, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Oklahoma, Ohio, North Dakota, North Carolina and now we’re moving on to….New York!
Their state tourism organization is on Twitter at @I_LOVE_NY (New York City is @nycgo.) I found a New York economic development page on Facebook, but not an official state-sponsored one for travel/tourism (there are bunch of unofficial ones.) (Update – yay! – there is now an official New York State tourism Facebook Page.)
No blogs, nothing on Flickr, YouTube, etc. Frankly, I was surprised by this in such a hugely popular travel destination, but the person tweeting for New York is trying really hard, so it’s a start.
When I asked for ideas, here’s what came in….
Twitter Travel Tips for New York
*** From the Kelly Rabideau in New York State’s tourism office (she’s currently my fave @I_LOVE_NY tweeter) — We came up with a few hidden gems across the State and have listed them below. If you were looking for just one…we would have to go with The Strong National Museum of Play [in Rochester.] It is 100% kid/family friendly….100% fun…and considered a gem to all of New York State.
Others: Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead, the [world famous] Bronx Zoo, Howe Caverns in Howes Cave and The Wild Center in Tupper Lake. More travel ideas just for you right from the heart of New York State on our Web site’s Family Fun page.
*** From @decillis on Twitter — Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours in the 1000 Islands. Can’t go there w/o seeing Boldt Castle!
*** From Janet DeVito via @girlsgetaways on Twitter — Madame Tussauds (the wax museum – my kids always loved that; they get a kick out of taking photos) How about a cruise sailing out of NYC – that is a great family trip!
*** From Anna Fader via @mommypoppins on Twitter — Family travel tip for NYC: The Sony Wonder Technology Lab. Just re-opened with extremely cool exhibits, and it’s free!
*** From the Rochester NY tourism folks via @VisitRochester on Twitter — The Strong National Museum of Play just acquired Videotopia; now adults & kids can enjoy exploring play. With corn mazes, new exhibits at family museums, zoos & parks, fall is especially family-friendly in Rochester. For more see this list of ideas.
*** From Sally Berry via @sallykberry on Twitter — I was at Videotopia at Strong Museum w/my college age kids last weekend – they LOVED it!
*** From Marci Diehl (and here’s her golf blog) via @writerdiehl on Twitter — My 4yr old grandson loves the Seneca Park Zoo’s play “medical center” in Rochester NY. The Erie Canal Discovery Center in Lockport NY has one of the best interactive programs for all ages +VERY kid-friendly. For the best family-friendly + educational activities/ places in New York State visit the Erie Canal area.