Empire State Building & NYC Skyline

New York, NY – The Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty the icons of the Manhattan skyline readily recognized by visitors. Spring and early summer draw city residents and tourists to Central Park and Coney Island on sunny days to enjoy the outdoors. Times Square fills with entertainment seekers on their way to the theater, restaurants and movies. Shoppers stroll down 5th Avenue, the Rockefeller hosts visitors at Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and the well-known summer concert series at the Today show. The weather is ideal for any excuse to be out and about – and there are plenty of great reasons in New York.

Outside Manhattan on Long Island the Annual Mermaid Parade on the beach at Coney Island is June 19th. A tradition for over 25 years, participants dress as Neptune, sea creatures and mermaids celebrating the beginning of summer. The Mermaid Ball follows the parade featuring music, sideshow acts and burlesque. A show fit for all ages, art is the focus of the event. The Best Western Brooklyn Bay is less than a mile to the beach and ideal for a getaway. Just 15 minutes from the city, it is convenient to the best of New York.

Another famous Coney Island event will be held on July 4th – Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Championship. The 2010 event will feature contestants from 14 competitions in other cities prior to the fourth. Sound fun? The current champion finished off 68 hot dogs and buns in the ten minute contest. If you can't make it, ESPN will be televising the contest live.

One of the largest parades in the country, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, is staged along New York City's Fifth Avenue. The second Sunday in June, the parade honors Puerto Rico culture and all people of Puerto Rican ancestry. The Best Western President Hotel at Times Square and the Best Western Hospitality House are great locations near the start of the parade. A fun weekend in the city, take in the parade, enjoy the festivities and see where the evening takes you.

Promises Promises opened on Broadway late April at the Broadway Theatre. An enjoyable show, this musical comedy stars, Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth. Denzel Washington is starring in Fences, which runs until mid-July. A night in the city for an early dinner and a show is always a special night. With five Best Western Hotels in Manhattan, you can choose a favorite and make a nice overnight venture out on the town.

For those who enjoy a stroll down Madison Avenue, stop on 53rd street at Paley Park. Five sections of the Berlin Wall are public art in the plaza. This piece goes largely unnoticed by passersbys, but is a real treat if you're a history buff. New York never ceases to surprise and entertain visitors!

Niagara Falls, New York

Spring in Niagara Falls is synonymous with honeymoons. Historically a popular destination for honeymooners, Niagara Falls is still a draw for newlyweds today. If you skipped the honeymoon to the Falls, now is the perfect time to visit. Enjoy terrific spring and summer weather, and with the 2010 winter runoff, Niagara Falls will be spectacular. Buffalo, just thirty minutes away has a full schedule of spring and summer events for residents and visitors. Rochester, less than two hours away, is also an exciting summer destination for travelers. Buffalo and Rochester are the second and third most populous cities in New York state, hosting a diversity of entertaining activities for all ages and tastes.

Rochester starts gearing up for summer in May with two popular events. The birthplace of film, the 360 | 365 George Eastman House Film Festival celebrates the art of filmmaking and emerging directors. Held the beginning of May, the film festival is geared for everyone from serious film buffs, aspiring artists working in film and casual movie goers. Rochester's Lilac Festival, later in May, is unique with 10 days filled with fun and entertainment, and it is free.

Travelers between Niagara Falls and Syracuse along Interstate 90 have a nice selection of Best Western Hotels along the route. From the Best Western Summit Falls in Niagara Falls and Buffalo's Best Western on the Avenue, through the Best Western Crown Inn & Suites in Batavia or the Best Western Victor Inn & Suites, take your time, stop and enjoy the local sites.

Buffalo hosts the 2010 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition May 31st through June 4th. This unique event is held every two years providing inspiration for classical guitarists and showcasing the best up and coming young musicians of the genre. Fans enjoy concerts featuring world class musicians competing with the accompaniment of the Buffalo Philharmonic. Travelers fortunate enough to be in Buffalo during this event, take advantage and attend a performance.

The Buffalo Marathon, Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay is May 30th, 2010. Runners get your training in gear or find some friends who will join in the relay. A fun race, on a flat scenic course, in the ideal spring weather of Buffalo – races don't get any better. Bring the kids along, there is a mini-marathon on Saturday. Kids 2 to 12 can participate in a 26.2 yard fun run and the entire family can enjoy fun and refreshments.

Runners looking for a 10K, head south to Bemus Point just west of Jamestown June 27th. This is the 2nd in the Bemus Point Triple Crown series. You can return in the fall for the 15K, the final event in the series. The Best Western Downtown Jamestown is a delightful place to stay and is close to Chautauqua Lake where you can enjoy fishing or boating. Return in July and enjoy the fun and event filled Scandinavian Folk Festival July 16th through the 18th. Celebrating the heritage of upstate New York, the festival showcases Scandinavian food, dancing and music. A great mid-summer family getaway.

The Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY

Spring has sprung in New York's capital and central regions. The Mohawk River is fueling Cohoes Falls at its maximum. Second to Niagara Fall's beauty and grandeur, a spring trip to Cohoes is the ideal time. Spring runoff over Cohoes Falls 1,000 foot width is reminiscent of how original explorers discovered it. Albany, the state capital, is just 10 miles south on the banks of the Hudson River. The Albany Aqua Ducks and Trolleys opened for its 7th season mid April, ready to tour family and friends through Albany's historic sites. Saratoga Springs, to the north, beckons summer visitors with its popular mineral springs and race course. An ideal destination when you need a quick getaway or vacation.

Saratoga Springs' spring and summer events include a first for 2010. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is sponsoring the 1st Annual 5K Rock & Run May 23rd. The start and finish are at the Center, with post race party for runners and fans. A great athletic event to engage kids, there is separate children's run prior to the 5k with medals for all participants. Live music, refreshments and special kid's activities will make it a fun day for all. Come support SPAC's first annual race and get your exercise routine on track for summer.

June brings the 33rd Annual Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival June 26th and 27th. Join jazz fans from across the Northeast and US for an amazing 2010 lineup. Headlines include; Al Jarreau, Gladys Knight, Taj Mahal and the Ramsey Lewis Trio. An amazing weekend you won't want to miss – the Ramsy Lewis Trio last performed here 21 years ago. The Best Western Park Inn in Saratoga Springs is close to SPAC, convenient for visitors looking for weekend accommodations.

Albany, within an hour of Saratoga Springs, is alive with summer fun and festivals. The St Sophia Greek Orthodox Church hosts its 41st Annual Greek Festival mid May. Enjoy great food and fun to kickoff summer. A great family festival featuring live music and dancing and even rides for the kids. When traveling to Albany, the Best Western Sovereign Hotel and the Best Western Albany Airport Inn are convenient and affordable. Stay a few days and enjoy a visit to the state capital or enjoy some summer fun with the family at the Great Escape Theme Park.

Bicycling enthusiasts are gearing up for the 12th Annual Cycling the Erie Canal Bike Tour 2010. This 400 mile ride takes you from Buffalo to Albany over July 11th through 18th. The finish is at Albany's Corning Preserve along the Riverfront after an amazing course through the beautiful and historic scenery along the Erie Canal. Central New Yorker cyclists, there is a special weekend ride July 16th through 18th on the last leg of the ride from Canajoharie to Albany. Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in one of upstate New York's premier cycling events. The Best Western Inn of Cobleskill is about 30 miles away, enjoy clean and comfortable accommodations to begin your weekend ride.

Adirondacks State Park, New York

The Adirondack Mountains dominate upstate New York, along with the Thousand Islands and Seaway region on the shores of Lake Ontario. Hiking and biking the trails of the Adirondacks are popular in spring and summer. An outdoor enthusiast? Canoeing, kayaking and fishing on the St Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and smaller lakes and ponds is perfect. Trout fishing season opened April 1st. The 1,000 Islands region near Watertown is ideal fishing location. The St Lawrence's big waters, the Salmon River and inland Jefferson County lakes are stocked and ready for anglers. Saranac Lake, heart of the Adirondacks, and Lake Placid nearby, are surrounded by idyllic mountains, alpine lakes and pristine wilderness for travelers to the area.

The Greater Watertown Farm and Craft Market opens the 2010 season May 26th. The largest farmers market in northern New York, featuring fresh farm products including baked goods, fresh eggs, honey and maple products. Local arts, crafts and jewelry are featured along with weekly entertainment. Held through the summer each Wednesday, in downtown Watertown, come support local growers and shop direct from the farm on your visit to North County.

The Best Western Carriage House Inn in downtown Watertown is ideal for travelers visiting the 1,000 lakes region, or rafting on the Black River. Enjoy a relaxing weekend away or a longer vacation and make Best Western your home away from home. Bring the dog too, the Best Western Carriage House in is pet-friendly. Canton's Best Western University Inn just 60 miles away is convenient for travelers sightseeing around northern New York. Near the foothills of the Adirondacks, making a good gateway stop on your way to the mountains.

Adirondack Park encompasses 85% of the eastern US' wilderness land, where an outdoor adventure awaits everyone that visits. New in 2010; the Sunchaser Challenge, will be held at Saranac Lake on May 22nd. The challenge is one of four held across the US supporting endangered species. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in teams or solo. Participants must rescue endangered species from checkpoints along the course by running, biking, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. This is not a race, the goal is for participants and fans to have fun. Stages for collecting endangered species have an allotted time and several checkpoints, making the challenge tactical and interesting. The Best Western Mountain Lake Inn in Saranac Lake and the Best Western Adirondack Inn in Lake Placid are conveniently located for travel in the Adirondacks.

Avid runners, it's the time of year for the Lake Placid Marathon and Half Marathon, which is ranked one of the top Best Destination races in the US. The race is held Saturday June 12th, 2010. This early season race will test your winter workout regime. The course is set in Lake Placid's quaint Olympic village and the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. An ideal setting to run, or cheer on your favorite runners. Lake Placid also hosts the ultimate athletic challenge July 25th, the Ford Ironman Lake Placid 2010. Ironman is a full marathon preceded by a 2.4 mile swim and biking 112 miles. Come to Lake Placid and support the amazing athletes who push their limits to the max.