Great Summer Events to Plan For in Brooklyn, NY

With temperatures warming up and summer just around the corner, there's no time like the present to begin planning your summer activities in Brooklyn. Whether you want to enjoy an afternoon relaxing outdoors or you are looking for the latest groovy bands to listen to while enjoying dinner, this summer is packed full of great events that will be enjoyed by everyone. So get out your calendar and begin planning what your summer itinerary will be.

Unknown East Coast Summer Destinations

The Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York

Summer time equals travel time. People across the globe save up money and vacation days to travel to places, new or old, and experience an escape from the normal routine. The East Coast of the United States has famous destinations like New York City, Boston, and Washington D.C. that take most of the attention of travelers. The big cities may take the spotlight but there are beautiful unknown destinations on the East Coast that you may not know about.

Vermont: 

Widely known as the “hippie” state of the East, Vermont has much more to offer than Ben & Jerry’s and maple syrup. Beautiful mountain forests, rolling green hills, and secluded lakes makes Vermont a nature seekers paradise. Vermont’s slow pace and easy living makes it a relaxing summer destination for travelers with an appetite for organic vegetables and unique craft beer. 

Type of Traveler: Nature seeking, pancake loving, beer snob hipsters.  

Upstate New York: 

Unknown to most Americans, New York is not just New York City. Upstate New York is home to the Adirondack Mountains, a unique mountain formation just off the highway. Filled with hiking trails, rivers, and lakes, the Adirondack Mountains and upstate New York is a summer get away for any adventure seekers. Take in a beautiful mountain view after a canoe trip at a small cabin nestled in the woods.

Type of Traveler: For those who like to fish, canoe, kayak, hike, and explore without flying out to Colorado.

Western Massachusetts:

 Boston gets all the hype in Massachusetts but it shouldn’t. The western part of the state is a unique destination full of history and beauty. The area is full of landmark small towns and museums galore. Stop by a historic inn like The Gateways Inn in Lenox that converted a mansion into a destination for travelers seeking to step back in time. There is also a prominent music scene in Western Massachusetts including area festivals throughout the summer.

Type of Traveler: History nerd, lover of jazz, and fan of small towns made of brick.

Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway in Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is the best place in New York for a short weekend trip, especially on Thanksgiving holiday. Besides the view of the Catskill Mountains, there are also many interesting historic architectures and outdoor adventures that will keep any family member busy. Hudson Valley is also just a stone’s throw away from Manhattan, so any vacationer will love the dramatic shift of the hustle and bustle of the city to a relaxing natural ambience in the Hudson Valley. 

5 Landmarks Near New York Penn Station

As the busiest commuter rail hub in North America, Penn Station definitely has reasons why it serves 300,000 passengers a day. And if you’re a part of that number, you’re in luck because there are a dozen landmarks within walking distance from the station. Located right underneath Madison Square Garden, Penn Station serves as the gateway to the heart of the Big Apple. Do you have a few hours of layover at New York Penn Station? Well, you can explore Manhattan and see its world-famous tourist spots and still make it to your next train!

1. Empire State Building


This 102-story skyscraper has been in many classic Hollywood movies since it was built in 1931. King Kong (1933), An Affair to Remember (1957), and Sleepless in Seattle (1993) are just one of those movies that have established the Empire State as one of America’s favorite architecture. If you want to splurge and see New York from the highest observation deck in town, an adult ticket to the main deck (86th floor) costs $27, while a main deck plus top deck (102th floor) view is at $44.

2. Times Square


A major commercial intersection in Manhattan, Times Square has been called “The Crossroads of the World”, “The Center of the Universe”, and “The Great White Way”. In 2011, Travel + Leisure magazine has branded it as the world’s most visited tourist attraction, having over 39 million visitors every year. Since 1907, celebrations during New Year’s Eve have become an international event as the Times Square Ball drops at the stroke of midnight to signify the start of the New Year.

3. Central Park


I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about Central Park from the TV show Friends and the movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Make sure to visit this public park at the center of Manhattan and take part in any popular attractions there: rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse, ride on a carriage horse, ice skate at the Wollman Rink, ride on the Central Park Carousel; or if you just want to relax, listen to the New York Philharmonic’s open-air concert available during summer on the Great Lawn.

4. SoHo


Artistry is in the blood of New Yorkers, and SoHo in Lower Manhattan is the location of many artists’ lofts and art galleries. If you want to go shopping for some trendy or eclectic clothes, a variety of stores from boutiques to international chain stores have mushroomed in the area. If you’re wondering what “SoHo” is, it means “South of Houston (Street)” and refers to the London district of Soho.

5. Rockefeller Center


Another National Historic Landmark in New York City, the Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings built by the Rockefeller family. You’ve probably heard of the Rockefeller in the music scene, contributed by the fact that the Radio City Music Hall was one of the complex’s first and most important tenants. And who could forget the TV show 30 Rock, which is named after the 70-story General Electric Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The skyscraper is the NBC headquarters and home of many TV studios, such as The Dr. Oz Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and Saturday Night Live.


From Asia to Europe to North America, Andrea can't wait to find out where her next travel adventures will be. While she saves up for her coming great escape, she is a contributing blogger for America by Rail. Plan your train vacations with America by Rail, a leader in the train tour and train vacation industry.