30 of New York State's Hottest New Summer Openings

Jun 02, 2023 by Emma Frisbie

From intriguing museum exhibits and lavish hotel retreats to adrenaline-pumping mountain biking and luxurious glamping getaways, there's always something new popping up across the Empire State! Summer is the perfect time to explore it all. Get the crew together and hit the road because we’ve rounded up some of the state's hottest new openings for you to discover on your next New York adventure.

Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines. Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available.

JUMP TO: Adirondacks | Capital-Saratoga | Catskills | Central NY | Chautauqua-Allegheny | Finger Lakes | Greater Niagara | Hudson Valley | Long Island | New York City | Thousand Islands-Seaway

A relaxing lakeside getaway awaits at the newly-renovated Lodge at Schroon Lake, opening this summer! This 36-acre retreat features 116 lodging accommodations (including 32 pet-friendly options), such as hotel rooms, standalone cabins and chalets, and upscale glamping sites. Grab a bite to eat at the Brown Swan, hit the water on a paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or pontoon rental, go fishing, relax with yoga, take a dip in the indoor pool, and get your Adirondack adventure underway. The lodge officially opens June 19. Rates start at $169 per night.

Celebrate the grand opening of Adirondack Experience's newest exhibit, Artists & Inspirations in the Wild, on July 1. A deep look into the world's largest exhibition devoted to the Adirondacks will reveal generations of stories, from the first indigenous creators to the modern artists of today, and how the natural landscape of the Adirondacks inspired them. Explore the natural features of the region throughout the four main galleries: light, forests, mountains, and water. This family-friendly grand opening also houses the ADKX Art Lab, where you can create your own Adirondack story through art. The grand opening is July 1 from 10am-5pm. Admission ranges from $12-$20.

Gather up the paddling pals for Saranac Lake's first Paddle Challenge, happening this June! Paddling participants of all levels will get to explore the diverse paddling areas, pristine lake waters, and captivating history of the Saranac Lake area. Fuel your journey down the longest inland waterway in the United States, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, with stunning Adirondack views. The challenge consists of five paddles, and upon completion, participants will be awarded a well-deserved patch, and those who complete all five paddles in two days will receive the Ultra Patch. That means more bling on your favorite gear and gloating rights around your paddling pals. Registration starts June 1 and costs $5.

Enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway in one of eight luxurious safari-style tents at the newly-opened Glampful in Fulton County. You’ll stay at the 50-acre "glampground," just one mile down the road from the relaxing Great Sacandaga Lake, unlocking the best of both worlds with the peaceful bliss of the great outdoors and all the amenities you’d expect to find at a hotel. Each of their luxury safari tents sits on a raised platform complete with hardwood floors, plush beds with luxe linens, rechargeable battery-powered lanterns, bath towels, a five-gallon tank of fresh cleaning and drinking water, cooking equipment and utensils, and propane cooking grills. All tents are within walking distance of bathrooms, hot showers, the cozy group fire pit, the camp store, and eating areas. Rates start around $207 per night.

Jump and cruise through the forests of the Adirondacks on the new six-mile Wheelerville Trails system in Caroga! Developed in part with the Adirondack Foothills Trails Alliance, the new addition features 11 downhill-focused trails of ranging difficulty perfect for ripping and riding across berms, bridges, small jumps, and ride overs scattered throughout the courses. Experienced riders can zoom down black diamond trails like Live Free or Fly and Double Barrel, or if you’re just starting out, give the Wheelerville Traverse and North Country trails a go. Either way, you’ll be having a thrilling Adirondack adventure.

A new brewpub is joining the rotation in Albany's warehouse district! After outgrowing its original location, Fiden's Brewing will take over a 11,000-square-foot space at 897 Broadway giving their hops-forward vision new life. Well-known for their hazy IPAs and dedication to the Albany community, Fiden's is one of Untappd's top-rated micro-breweries. Enjoy a fun and welcoming environment while you sample some of Fiden's 30+ specialty brews on tap along with a light-fare food menu.

The legacy of the Borscht Belt resort era will live on at the new Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville. After finding its home in the historic Home National Bank, the museum will work to preserve the history of the "Jewish Alps," which were once a relaxing getaway for Jewish Urban Dwellers escaping antisemitism, and a stand-up comedy hot spot in the 20th century. While the museum itself doesn't open until 2025, you're going to want to mark your calendars for the debut immersive pop-up exhibition dubbed the Borscht Belt Fest on July 29! Stop by for a day full of live music, films, educational seminars, stand-up comedy, and of course, delicious cultural food! The festival includes free and ticketed events. See website for details.

Travel back to the ‘60s and ‘70s when you stay at one of Boheme Retreats’ fun and funky vintage campers! This woman and black-owned business strives to make camping more inclusive with five glamping RVs, each on their own private site at Covered Bridge Campsite in Livingston Manor. Spend the day immersed in the peaceful Catskills, walking along the one-mile stretch of the Willowemoc Creek, experiencing world-class fly-fishing, and exploring nearby hiking and waterfalls. In the evening, retreat back to the homey comforts of your RV. With plush beds with linens, a kitchenette with a sink, refrigerator, pots, pans, and utensils, a private bathroom and shower, electricity, running water, and some seriously retro interior design in every renovated RV, you might even forget you’re camping! Rates start around $130 per night.

James Beard award-winner and Culinary Institute of America graduate, Chef John Doherty brings his farmhouse-inspired cuisine and style of sister restaurant Blackbarn New York City to the Diamond Mills Hotel in Saugerties. Have a seat in the decadently-designed dining room with decor that mixes the rustic feel of the Catskills with the elegance of fine dining. You’re truly in for a treat with mouthwatering dishes like the eight-hour BBQ beef ribs coated in chipotle-orange rub, the crispy skinned Amish chicken with Sorana bean-leek ravioli, or the pan-seared diver scallops with lemon risotto and crispy pancetta all made with farm-to-table ingredients from the surrounding areas.

The Monster Golf course at Resort World Catskill, rated by Golf Digest as one of America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses, is set to reopen this summer! Challenge yourself on this impressive, newly-renovated par 72, originally designed by Joe Finger in 1963, that uses holes from both the current Monster Golf Course and the Old International Course, creating an enhanced playing experience. The new redesign by Rees Jones features extensive bunkering, length, a variety of water hazards, and a new clubhouse, creating a familiar yet reimagined golfing adventure.

Have a seat at the 40-foot bar or one of the farmhouse tables and take in the warm and inviting atmosphere at Bridge and Tunnel's new Liberty brewery! After quickly becoming a Queens favorite, this husband-and-wife-owned tap room expanded to a second location now open in the scenic Catskills. Bring along the family and fido and relax with a beer, cider, craft soda, kombucha, or non-alcoholic option all brewed in-house at this cozy, family and pet-friendly brewery amongst the Catskills.

Be a part of Bethel Woods’ history at the first annual Catbird Musical Festival! For the first time in decades, Americana and folk indie favorites will be performing on the historic 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Festival grounds on August 19 and 20. Frolic among the 800+ acres of scenic sprawling hills in the Sullivan Catskills while you enjoy an impressive lineup including the Lumineers, Tyler Childers, The War on Drugs, James Bay, and more. Get the full festival experience in an on-site car, tent, glamping, or RV camping accommodation. One-day tickets start at $140.

A new collection of colorful artwork and murals can be found woven throughout the historic buildings of Utica and Oneida County. Follow along the vibrant Oneida County Mural Trail where you’ll find 11 imaginative public murals created by local artists, shops, and businesses to explore. As you uncover the stories, tales, and history of the area, be sure to snap pictures of murals like A Tribute to Downtown Utica Theaters: Past & Present, the Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts mural, and the Black Lives Matter mural, just to name a few.

Next stop Station 45 American Chophouse! This new American restaurant run by Social on State chef Jay Pisculli can be found at Binghamton's historic Lackawanna Train Station this summer. This once grand and ornate station was originally built in 1900 and was one of the first railroad stations in Binghamton. Now, you can experience the history yourself alongside a tasty lunch, dinner, or brunch.

If you have yet to experience a self-pour wall, now's your chance! The Chautauqua-Allegheny region is welcoming its first self-pour wall, Tap-n-Pour in Cuba, NY. Using your pour card, you’ll choose from 30 taps featuring a wide selection of local craft beer, cider, seltzers, and wine. Beverages are priced by the ounce, so you can fill your glass with as much or as little as you desire. Pair your chosen draft with tasty Tap-n-Pour bites like the "fancy grilled cheese" and "bougie hot dog" while you revel in the fun atmosphere.

More play is on the way at the world's only museum dedicated to the exploration and discovery of play. On June 30, the Strong Museum will be opening its 90,000-square-foot expansion called the Neighborhood of Play. There will be a welcome center and three new exciting and play-approved exhibits to experience: ESL Digital Worlds: Level Up and High Score, the Hasbro Game Park, and Board Game Place. Families will have tons of fun exploring interactive toy technology, the outdoor board game-themed garden, a gaming-themed restaurant, and a hotel preserving the history of play. Admission to the museum is $19. Prices for additional experiences vary.

Try a unique food truck and beer hall experience this summer! Head over to the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere at Harvey's Garden in Syracuse. It's open for its first summer season this year and even has a self-pour beer wall featuring some of the area's best local craft beers. Everyone (including your furry friend) is invited to chill out in the laid-back atmosphere of the indoor or outdoor hang-out areas, the latter sporting picnic tables, lawn games, events including trivia and super game nights, and food trucks that rotate each weekend, ranging from award-winning wood-fired pizza to gourmet hot dogs.

Wake up to breathtaking sunrise views of Seneca Lake no matter what room you choose at the Hotel Laurel at Seneca! The newly-renovated hotel opens June 1 and features 36 lodging options, and some of the best rooms in Watkins Glen, each with their own private balcony, a beautifully designed interior that reflects the area's natural beauty, elegantly furnished suites, and some of the most magical views of the Seneca Lake's eastern shore. On-site, you’ll also find the Grill at the Laurel Hotel, serving up delicious meals made from scratch. Even better, this gem is just minutes from top attractions like Watkins Glen State Park and Watkins Glen International. Rates start around $170 per night.

This past October the Rosamond Gifford Zoo welcomed adorable (and incredibly rare) baby elephant twins, Yaad and Tukada, the first to be born in the United States and only the fourth to be born in the world! This summer marks the first time that they will be out in the elephant preserve. Witness these miracle babies throughout the summer or stop by August 19 for the Asian Elephant Extravaganza Event that celebrates the zoo's elephant herd and the cultural traditions of their native countries in South Asia. Admission to the zoo ranges from $5-$9.

Don't forget to check out the zoo's new Gourmet Dinner Series happening once a month on Fridays throughout the summer. Each session features sizzling savory dishes skillfully prepared by Chef Dan Hudson and information about its origins. Previous dinner pairings included a Mardi Gras Medley with rum, flavors of South Africa and South African wine, flavors of spring, and more. The next Gourmet Dinner theme is BBQ and Beers and takes place on June 23. The series costs $85 per person to attend.

The new Buffalo AKG Art Museum, formerly the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, in Delaware Park features more than 50,000 square feet of state-of-the-art exhibition space, five classrooms, an interior community gathering area, and more than half an acre of public green space to explore. The museum's collection spans an impressive 150 years and holds some of art's most historic moments, from the work of leading 19th-century European artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Vincent Van Gogh to revolutionary 20th-century art by Georgia O’Keeffe and Pablo Picasso. This world-class destination officially opens its doors to the public on June 15, and it's an experience you don't want to pass up. General admission ranges from $10-$18.

After 25 years, world-champion aerobatic performers, historical warbirds, modern military demonstrations, and more return at the Wings Over Batavia Air Show. Summer might seem like it's winding down when Labor Day weekend rolls around, but the skies of the Genesee County Airport are just warming up! End the summer with this high-flying spectacle, September 2-3, and watch high-powered lights and lasers, planes with fire-spewing wings, and vibrant firework shows light up the night. Admission is $45 for adults 16+ and free for children 15 and under. Advanced online admission is $20 for adults and free for children 15 and under.

Sitting next door to town favorite, Mill & Main Provisions, is the new highly-anticipated Mill & Main Restaurant. Known for its sleek exterior, rustic and casual interior, and family-run hospitality, this new Kerhonkson eatery is looking to serve up an eclectic menu of farm-to-table Colombian and Italian fare made with delicious seasonal and local produce found throughout the Hudson Valley. Pair a local craft beer, small batch spirit, or natural wines from the full-service bar with your delicious meal as you absorb the casual and friendly ambiance.

For the first time ever, visitors will be able to journey out to the private Lake Mahopac and take a guided tour of the 11-acre, heart-shaped oasis of Petra Island, starting June 6. The semi-private tour, led by a member of the Massaro family, will feature both the Chahroudi and Massaro houses, designed by famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, who was known for creating structures in harmony with the environment, and the grounds of Petra Island. The tour also includes a majestic boat ride over to the island, so you can take in all the wonders of Mahopac on the water. Tours are $150 per person.

A new experimental and local-focused brewery is coming to Hudson this summer! Known for combining traditional brewing techniques, global and historical fermentation methods, and the harvests of the Hudson Valley, Return Brewing is all about exploring new and old concepts. At the brewery, you’ll find three distinct styles of brews: "Tavern" which focuses on quality and best-in-class ingredients, "Garden" which uses in-house fruit and herb processing, and "Archive" which features strong ales blended from an extensive barrel-aging fleet. Enjoy one of the hoppy ales from their lively beer garden and admire their impressive lineup of brews.

Grab your clubs and hit the green this summer at Long Island's newest public golf course. The Heritage Spy Ring Golf Club, named as an homage to the Culper Spy Ring and the area's covert ops role in the American Revolution, aims to create an imaginative and fun-forward nine-hole course stretching 3,300 yards on the old grounds of the Heatherwood Golf Course. Enjoy Spy Ring's resort-style amenities and rolling green course, perfect for any skill level, all in historic Setauket.

Round up the family and head to Hotel Moraine in Greenport, now open for your next luxury family-friendly getaway on Long Island's North Fork. Immerse yourself in the rich farmland and coastal seascape of the area in one of the 20 guest rooms (some are even pet-friendly) inspired by nature and the primitive coastline. Relax and unwind to the sounds of crashing waves from the private beach, stargaze while you warm up by one of the firepits, grab a drink at the cafe bar, take a dip in the private heated pool, and more. If you’ve got a special event on the horizon, check out the "Cottage on the Bluff," available for up to 20 guests. Rates start around $450 per night.

Book a luxurious retreat in the heart of historic Northport on Long Island's Gold Coast. The newly built Northport Hotel offers 26 lavish guest rooms, complete with indulgent amenities, and a 175-seat authentic Italian Chophouse. With a location close to some of the area's top attractions including the Vanderbilt Museum, the Northport Historical Society, the John W. Engeman Theater, and Del Vino Vineyards, you’ll want to stay here all summer! Rates start around $468 per night.

There's always something interesting to uncover at the American Museum of Natural History, but with the addition of the new Richard Gilder Center, the opportunities are endless! On your next visit, you can now explore the new exhibition and active scientific and educational institution, connected to the museum on all four floors. Its unique architecture itself is an amazing spectacle, one that was inspired by the natural movements of the wind and water against landscapes. Learn about the importance of six-legged friends in the insectarium, meet over 1,000 fluttering beauties in the butterfly vivarium, explore nature's hidden realms at the Invisible Worlds Immersive Experience and more. Entry to the Richard Gilder Center is included in regular museum admission which ranges from $16-$28. Insectarium, Butterfly Vivarium, and Invisible Worlds Experience require an additional entry fee.

Named after a small dog with a big personality, the Penny Hotel in the heart of Williamsburg is a new pet-friendly getaway where both you and your furry friend will want to check in. The rooms are outfitted with all the homey comforts like hardwood floors, kitchenettes, and even fluffy robes! While you enjoy your stay, take in the walls and public spaces flawlessly adorned with original artwork from New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. Rates start around $195 per night.

Slip, slide, and cool off at Splash Indoor Water Park, coming soon to downtown Oswego's Clarion Hotel. Enjoy year-round climate-controlled fun as you race down two high-energy looping water slides, play with the little ones at the splash pad, slam, dunk, and splash in the pool with basketball nets, get your game on at the arcade, or relax in the large jacuzzi. Escape the summer heat at this indoor family-fun adventure! Open Monday - Sunday, 11am - 9pm. Day passes range from $25-$35.

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Emma Frisbie is the Digital Content Coordinator for ILOVENY.com.