As the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” heads to the big screen, why not live out your own gravity-defying adventure in New York State? Spend the night in a mystical all-green Emerald City-themed suite, follow the yellow brick road to the All Things Oz Museum, found in the hometown of Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, and more!Check out these magically wicked activities and plan your Wicked-inspired getaway to the Empire State.
See “Wicked” live on Broadway
Credit: @msemilyisobel on Instagram
Nothing beats the original! Head over to Broadway to see the story of Elphaba and Glinda come to life on stage. The musical has been performed at the Gershwin Theatre since its debut in 2003, making it Broadway’s fourth longest-running production. Check Today TiX, lottery.broadwaydirect.com, TKTS booth in Times Square or at Lincoln Center for discounted tickets, or elevate your experience and go Behind the Emerald Curtain for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look of the blockbuster show (limited dates). Pop into the Museum of Broadway to see a detailed 360-degree model of the entire Gershwin Theatre to get a glimpse at the backstage magic.
Wickedly Fun Hotel Experiences
Immerse yourself in the Land of Oz with the new “Stay Like Wicked” experience at the New York Hilton Midtown, available through January 26. The spellbinding suite with stunning city views, emerald green walls, and art deco aesthetic features whimsical touches from the living area inspired by the Wizard’s Throne Room to cocktails pulled from a bar hidden behind a bookshelf. The enchanting pink and green bedroom with two double beds features a cherry blossom tree canopy on Glinda’s side and tree branches twisting around the headboard on Elphaba’s side. In the morning, enjoy a special delivery from a mystical floating balloon filled with breakfast pastries. In the Catskills, follow the yellow brick road to the wall-size mural of the Emerald City at The Roxbury Motel’s all-green Wizard’s Emeralds Room, featuring a king size bed and sofa bed.
Discover All Things Oz in Central New York
Credit: @sodium.riot on Instagram
Follow the yellow brick road to Chittenango, birthplace of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum. Here you’ll find the All Things Oz Museum, filled with an extensive collection of Oz-related memorabilia including original movie props, dazzling costumes, rare collectibles, Judy Garland’s autograph, and more. Every June, the village celebrates Baum and all things Oz at the annual Oz-Stravaganza festival complete with a parade, special guests, amusement rides, costume contest, a “Munchkin Mile” fun run, Toto’s Toddler Trot, and more. Find lions, and tigers, and bears (oh my!) at The Wild Animal Park and discover a rare collection of photographs taken by Baum himself on display in the Oz Family Parlor Room at the home of women’s rights activist and the author’s mother-in-law, Matilda Joslyn Gage, in nearby Fayetteville.
Defy Gravity
Credit: @matt.ritchie on Instagram
Find yourself defying gravity at observation decks providing breathtaking views of the New York City skyline at Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Take to the skies with hot air balloon rides over iconic destinations like Letchworth State Park, Lake George, and the Finger Lakes. Feel like you’re flying on a broom with thrilling mountain coaster rides at Holiday Valley and Mt. Van Hoevenberg and gravity-defying coasters at Six Flags Darien Lake and other amusement parks.
It’s All About Popular
Credit: @kyla_in_somewhere on Instagram
New York State knows what it’s like to be popular. From Niagara Falls to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Empire State is home to the iconic destinations that know how to draw a crowd. Of course, Elphaba would approve a visit to the towering green symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty. Make sure to check out other popular attractions that are totally worth the hype.
Wickedly Good Eats and Drinks
Tap into your inner witch or wizard with a magical “potion making class” at The Cauldron in New York City — an immersive drink-making experience where you use magic wands to craft cocktails and mocktails. The literary-themed restaurant Beginnings on Long Island is hosting A Very Wicked Thanksgiving Eve with a food and drink menu inspired by Glinda and Elphaba featuring the Emerald City Salad and Forbidden Forest Burger. The elegant green interior of Emerald Cocktail Kitchen, Syracuse’s first rooftop bar, would be sure to please Elphaba, along with its handcrafted cocktails and tempting food menu.
Kick Up Your Heels On Wheels at Accessible Attractions in New York State
Actresses Marissa Bode and Cesily Collette Taylor are making “Wicked” history, becoming the first authentic wheelchair users to portray Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, in the musical’s 21-year history. Wheelchair users can go ice skating at The Rink at Bryant Park, explore the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Presidential Library & Museum, go on a guided accessible hike through the Catskills using an Action Trackchair, and more on a wheelchair accessible trip to New York. Discover all the ways the Empire State is a welcoming destination for visitors with a wide range of abilities and interests and plan your accessible adventure in New York.
Share New York State adventures with us on TikTok Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on Facebook!.
