Lilacs And Tulips - Things To Do In Spring In New York State

Of all the seasons, spring is the favorite. With good reason — the melting snow, the peeping sun, and the blooming of flowers… what’s not to like. Everywhere, from the city through the state, a good-mood event or activity awaits.

Here are some suggestions on what to do in Spring in New York State. Watch this space; we will bring you more information every week on what you can do. Also remember to check out our Events pages here: https://www.destinationsofnewyorkstate.com/things-to-do/ to find an event near you.

Lilacs And Tulips Are But Two

Rochester’s Lilac Festival, the Tulip Festival in Albany, Macy’s flower show in NYC, Buffalo’s Orchid Festival, and the beautiful cherry blossom or Sakura Matsuri blossoming across the state are not to be missed in spring. The many gardens of New York are abuzz with flowers, like the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park that has an orchid show and also wine and cheese tastings and art shows. 

Outdoor Dining...finally!

Well we’ve only been outdoor dining in the past year, but outdoor dining is a must do activity in spring. Upstate the many farm-to-table restaurants offer locally sourced and fresh produce. The Culinary Institute of America puts out some of their fares at many restaurants, the city of course is brimming with the world’s best restaurants that need support now more than ever. To the point that in 2021 many New York restaurants are rewarding you to eat out. Seated is offering rewards if you dine at one of the 500 plus restaurants on their list.

St Patty’s Day

Visit the Chadakoin Riverside in Jamestown to see it turn green for St Patty’s Day. But that’s not all. There are parades starting with the oldest and biggest in NYC, to the smaller St Patrick's Day parades across the state from Albany to Buffalo.

Fleet Week

Memorial Day and Fleet Week always collide so this is a double celebration in NYC. Welcome the hundreds of men and women reaching dry land. They put on quite a show with the naval formations and you can take guided tours of the ships.

Plant Your Veggies

Spring is the time to plant all your veggies and watch them grow. Kale, beets, spinach, carrots and peas are some of the veggies to grow to get back into shape after the long winter. After all, right after spring comes summer and bikini season will be upon us quickly. Mustard and Kohlrabi will also be blossoming in many parts of Albany. For the whole planting and transplanting schedule for 2021, check this out. 

Trout Fishing

There are many great trout fishing streams in New York state. Nine Mile Creek, Upper Genesee River Owasco Inlet, Chittenango Creek and Chateaugay River are some of the major ones. The fishing season usually starts April 1st. There are many fishing events in the Upstate like Naples Creek Rainbow Trout Derby. Fish responsibly, across New York State. 

Waterfall Hikes

The waterfalls of New York state are melting down the rugged mountain ridges. And it is quite glorious. Of course, Niagara is the most glorious but the state has many state parks to hike through to get to the many falls. Like the Middle Falls in Letchworth State Park or Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills or Ausable Chasm’s Rainbow Falls in the Adirondacks.

Easter Egg Hunting & Parades

The Easter season begins with the Annual Egg Hunt in NYC and the Bunny Hop in Rockefeller Center follows a few days after. Almost every county across the state has Easter Egg Hunts. Oneida County has the Adirondack Scenic Railroad Easter Bunny Express Train at the Holland Patent Station. Check out our events page to find an event near you. 

Maple Weekends 

Maple Weekends are the first sign of spring in New York State. It is a chance to learn about the sugaring process and tree tapping to get to the maple. Unfortunately, 2021 Maple Weekends has been cancelled on account of the coronavirus pandemic but you can support local and buy from local vendors here.