There’s no better time to bond, laugh, and explore with your favorite people than fall in New York State. Whether you’re craving rustic luxury in the mountains amid stunning foliage, spa days by the lake as the leaves change, wine tours through golden vineyards, or apple picking at orchards bursting with fall flavor, New York State offers unforgettable experiences for the perfect friend’s getaway.
Along the way, support Black-owned businesses and explore cultural sites that reflect the state’s rich and diverse heritage. From historic landmarks to local cafes, bookstores, and art spaces, these experiences add meaning to your getaway while uplifting the communities you visit. Whether you’re planning a celebration, a long-overdue catch-up, or a spontaneous weekend getaway, New York State is full of destinations for you and your friends to go next.
Plan an outdoorsy escape in the Catskills (Catskills)
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If your group is craving stillness and soulfulness, head to Boheme Retreats in Livingston Manor. This Black-owned glamping destination features restored vintage campers in a peaceful forest haven, and hosts Retrofolk Summer Camp—an adult only, all-inclusive retreat designed for women and the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. The experience blends adventure, wellness, and creativity in a safe environment, complete with wine and chef-prepared meals.
While in Livingston Manor, embrace the outdoors with a visit to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum or learn the craft yourself at Dette Flies, which offers workshops and fly-tying lessons. For low-key adventures, take the easy Round Top Trail or enjoy a scenic walk on the Parksville Rail Trail. For deep woods exploration and miles of tranquil trails, streams, and quiet overlooks for perfect nature shots, hike in the Willowemoc Wild Forest. Art lovers can explore the Catskill Art Space, a contemporary hub showcasing regional creativity.
Refuel at The Walk In, pick up artisan goods at Main Street Farm, or enjoy a slice with wood-fired pizza and cocktails at The Kaatskeller, a laid-back backyard favorite for groups.
Add a cultural touch to your getaway with a visit to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, home to live concerts and seasonal festivals. Then step into the Museum at Bethel Woods, an immersive space that brings the spirit of the 1969 Woodstock festival to life with films, artifacts, and exhibits honoring icons like Richie Havens, Sly & The Family Stone, and Jimi Hendrix.
Plan a Luxe City Escape with Culture and Views (New York City)
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Settle in to the historic Akwaaba Mansion, a Black-owned bed and breakfast where Afrocentric design, lush gardens, and Southern-style breakfasts make for a memorable home base for a weekend getaway in Brooklyn.
Immerse yourself in history at the Weeksville Heritage Center, one of the first free Black communities in the U.S. Located in Central Brooklyn, this powerful cultural site features preserved 19th-century homes and exhibitions that celebrate Black resilience, creativity, and community.
Afterward, take some well-deserved time for self-care. Cynergy Spa offers soothing massages, facials, and wellness treatments perfect for recharging during your city escape. Or indulge at Body by Brooklyn, a luxe spa experience complete with saunas, wet and dry lounges, and a VIP suite offering butler service, a private jacuzzi, and complimentary champagne. Both destinations have been featured in Black-owned lifestyle magazines such as Essence and Travel Noire.
As evening sets in, grab Caribbean-inspired bites and cocktails at The Rum Bar in Crown Heights, a Black-owned spot bringing together hip-hop and reggae playlists, flavorful small plates like jerk spring rolls, and a laid-back backyard vibe made for catching up with friends. Keep the night going at Café Erzulie in Bushwick—a Haitian-inspired café that transforms into a vibrant nightlife spot with DJs, live music, creative pop-ups, and a backyard that always draws a crowd. It’s a perfect place to dance, vibe, and soak in Brooklyn’s energy.
Plan a Restorative Retreat with Lakeside Vibes (Finger Lakes)
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For a serene and pampering weekend, book your stay at Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles. This French-inspired resort offers massages, facials, and luxurious amenities—perfect for groups looking to unwind and indulge in self-care.
Add a splash of wine country charm with a visit to Anyela’s Vineyards, a family-owned spot overlooking Skaneateles Lake. Enjoy a wine tasting with panoramic views and, if you’re lucky, catch a live music event that brings the vineyard to life. For even more local flavor, head to Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards in nearby LaFayette. Known for their hard ciders, wines, and spirits, plus classic fall fun like apple picking and warm cider doughnuts, this destination also features seasonal events and a laid-back tasting room.
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Round out your trip with a powerful and moving visit to the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn. Walk through Tubman’s former home, explore the AME Zion Church that she helped fund, and learn about her extraordinary life at the visitor center. It’s a must for groups looking to honor Black history and leadership.
While in Auburn, stop by Lavish Lounge—a Black-owned restaurant and bar that blends authentic Jamaican and American cuisine in a stylish setting. From jerk chicken to oxtail, and events like trivia nights and live music, it’s a flavorful and festive way to end your Finger Lakes getaway.
Plan a Meaningful Escape with Culture and Comfort (Greater Niagara)
Make your way to Buffalo to check into The Mansion on Delaware Avenue, a boutique hotel offering complimentary butler service and an evening wine and cheese reception. Located less than a mile away, spend some time exploring the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, home to landmark sites like the Nash House Museum and the Colored Musicians Club & Museum—the oldest continuously operating Black musicians’ club in the country. These historic venues offer a deep dive into Buffalo’s vibrant legacy of music, culture, and civil rights.
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Don’t miss a photo stop at the Freedom Wall, a striking mural featuring portraits of 28 civil rights leaders, or a visit to Zawadi Books, a long-standing Black-owned bookstore and cultural hub offering literature and gifts rooted in African diaspora. When hunger strikes, stop by A Taste of Soul, a Black-owned local favorite known for its hearty comfort food, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere.
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Venture to nearby Niagara Falls and start your day at Golden Cup Coffee, a Black-owned cafe known for its premium coffee and homemade pastries before visiting the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Through immersive exhibits and guided tours, this powerful museum honors the bravery of freedom seekers and highlights Niagara Falls’ critical role in the Underground Railroad—a moving experience for groups interested in history and social justice.
Beacon Getaway: Wine Country Meets Modern Art (Hudson Valley)
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Check in at The Roundhouse in Beacon, a boutique hotel set in restored 19th-century mill buildings overlooking Beacon Falls on Fishkill Creek, including an on-site restaurant showcasing a mesmerizing waterfall.
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Spend the day at Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, the oldest operating winery in America. Tour the historic cellars, sip your way through a tasting flight, and relax with vineyard views—perfect for a low-key afternoon with your crew. Arts lovers can explore Dia Beacon’s light-filled galleries, home to monumental works by minimalists and conceptual artists. Wander the expansive meadows and woodlands of Storm King Art Center, where large-scale outdoor sculptures are set against sweeping Hudson Valley views—especially striking in fall.
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Need a wellness boost? Head to Matcha Thomas in Beacon, a Black-owned wellness teahouse offering thoughtfully sourced matcha, herbal blends, and calming sips to round out your relaxing weekend. Before you wrap up your day, grab soul food staples at BJ’s Soul Food Restaurant in Beacon. It’s a satisfying and flavorful way to close out your Hudson Valley stay at a Black-owned restaurant serving fried chicken to rich homemade desserts.
Plan a Culturally Rich and Grounded Getaway (Capital-Saratoga)
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Start your stay at The Morgan State House Inn, a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Albany’s historic district. Known for its classic elegance and proximity to the capital city’s cultural landmarks, it offers a cozy and character-filled home base for your squad getaway.
Dive into history at the Underground Railroad Education Center, housed in the former residence of Stephen and Harriet Myers—leaders in Albany’s Underground Railroad movement. The center’s exhibitions and tours bring to life the stories of freedom seekers and resistance, offering a deeply meaningful experience for history-loving groups.
Just outside the city in Petersburg, Soul Fire Farm is a Black and Brown-led farm dedicated to food justice, Afro-Indigenous agriculture, and sustainability. Offering transformative tours and workshops by appointment, it’s the perfect stop for friend groups interested in healing, heritage, and conscious living.
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When it’s time to eat, grab a table at Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen, where Chef Kizzy Williams-Francisco serves up soul food classics like fried chicken, collard greens, and candied yams using cherished family recipes. Or head to Umana Yana, a highly rated, globally inspired café with Caribbean flavors and plenty of vegan-friendly options—great for a relaxed meal before your next stop.
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Before you leave town, swing by Albany Center Gallery, a nonprofit contemporary art space known for its dynamic exhibitions and creative community events. Admission is always free, making it the perfect spontaneous stop to spark inspiration before you and your crew head out on your next adventure. Also, consider the New York State Museum, where admission is also free, and enjoy the ongoing exhibit “Black Capital: Harlem in the 1920s” that explores the era’s entrepreneurship, arts, and culture.
For even more travel inspiration, check out these blogs on Black-Owned Businesses in New York State, Places to Experience Black History, and where to Experience Black Culture in New York.
Don’t forget to tag us in your travels on TikTok, Instagram, and X using #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY—and let us know where your getaway takes you.
