New York State is highlighting travel options that feature Black-owned businesses and cultural sites, offering a variety of experiences for groups planning a fall getaway. The initiative encourages travelers to explore destinations across the state, from rustic retreats in the Catskills to city escapes in New York City, while supporting local communities.
In the Catskills, Boheme Retreats in Livingston Manor provides a glamping experience in restored vintage campers. The retreat hosts Retrofolk Summer Camp, designed for women and members of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Willowemoc Wild Forest or art at the Catskill Art Space. Local dining options include The Walk In and The Kaatskeller.
For those interested in music history, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts offers concerts and exhibits related to the 1969 Woodstock festival.
In New York City, Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn offers accommodations with Afrocentric design. Travelers can visit Weeksville Heritage Center, which features preserved homes from one of the first free Black communities in the U.S., as well as spas like Cynergy Spa and Body by Brooklyn. Dining and nightlife options include The Rum Bar and Café Erzulie.
The Finger Lakes region features Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles for wellness-focused stays. Anyela’s Vineyards offers wine tastings with views of Skaneateles Lake, while Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards provides apple picking and cider tastings. Groups can also visit Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn to learn about Tubman’s life and legacy. Lavish Lounge serves Jamaican-American cuisine with events like trivia nights.
In Buffalo’s Greater Niagara area, visitors can stay at The Mansion on Delaware Avenue before exploring sites such as Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, Nash House Museum, Colored Musicians Club & Museum, and Zawadi Books. Food options include A Taste of Soul. Near Niagara Falls, Golden Cup Coffee is a Black-owned café; the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center presents exhibits on freedom seekers’ journeys.
Beacon in Hudson Valley combines historic hotels like The Roundhouse with visits to Brotherhood Winery—the oldest operating winery in America—and art spaces such as Dia Beacon and Storm King Art Center. Matcha Thomas teahouse and BJ’s Soul Food Restaurant are among Black-owned businesses serving guests.
In Albany’s Capital-Saratoga region, The Morgan State House Inn offers accommodations near historical landmarks. Visitors can tour the Underground Railroad Education Center or participate in workshops at Soul Fire Farm focused on food justice and sustainability. Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen and Umana Yana provide soul food and Caribbean-inspired meals respectively. Art venues include Albany Center Gallery and New York State Museum’s “Black Capital: Harlem in the 1920s” exhibit.
The state encourages travelers to discover more through blogs about Black-Owned Businesses in New York State, places to experience Black history, and where to experience Black culture.
