Trips by train to satisfy traveling bug
Let Amtrak worry for you, and see sights via rail
Amtrak is taking precautions for travelers, keeping things clean and following regulations. Some of the trains have bookable rooms with very tiny, but private, bathrooms, so you can stay in the compartment if you would rather have the privacy due to COVID. You could take the train along the Maple Leaf line to get to fun destinations throughout New York. These little getaways can feed the travel bug for the time being.
You will likely need to look into ride-sharing programs (like Uber or Lyft) or public transport to get from the train station to these attractions.
Niagara Falls
All aboard to see one of the natural wonders of the world, just a few miles from the Amtrak Niagara Falls Train Station (825 Depot Ave. West). Many people look at Niagara Falls as a summer destination, but there is plenty to do and see in winter, and seeing the falls surrounded by ice is beautiful. Take a peaceful snowy stroll through the park or look into the Cave of the Winds (24 Buffalo Ave.). See Bridal Veil Falls up close and personal.
You can make an online appointment at Smash Brothers Rage Room (1204 Niagara St.), and fill out a waiver when you arrive. They will suit you up with with safety gear, hand you some hammers and bats and let you have at it. You can bang on things, break glasses and smash electronics as a stress buster. It’s pretty awesome. Niagara Falls also has a great art alley on 3rd Street (425 3rd St.). It was a public mural project based around a small pedestrian walkway that includes 19 murals.
Rochester
Take the train to the Louise M. Slaughter Amtrak Station (320 Central Ave.) to explore an incredible food scene, along with some really nice museums to explore with social distancing guidelines. Purchase timed tickets at the MAG, or the Memorial Art Gallery (500 University Ave.), where you’ll discover 5,000 years of art history. There’s also the very popular Strong National Museum of Play (One Manhattan Square Drive). The museum is highly interactive and an absolute blast. It’s geared towards kids, but adults can have a great time. The staff wipe down the stations frequently with hospital grade disinfectant in addition to amping up other cleaning procedures. The number of people inside the museum at one time is limited, so be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
Syracuse
Take a nap, enjoy a cup of coffee, or get some work done while on your way to the Syracuse Amtrak stop in the Regional Transportation Center (131 Alliance Bank Parkway). One of my favorite things about Syracuse is Al’s Wine and Whiskey Lounge (321 S Clinton St.). They have some great bar snacks like sandwiches, cured meats and cheeses along with a huge selection of spirits. I asked the guy behind the bar for a cocktail menu and his response was “I am the cocktail menu, what are
you in the mood for?” I respect that confidence and he made me an awesome gin fizz. They have pinball games and mismatched furniture, adding some character and charm to the bar. Pastabilities (311 S. Franklin St.) open for curbside at the moment, is a great place to grab a bite, too. They have awesome pasta dishes and are known for the hot tomato oil with fresh bread. You can even grab a container to take home. While you’re there, take a stroll around Armory Square to pop in and out of shops and grab a coffee. The Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest (1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius), southeast of the city, is known as the Adirondacks of Central New York. They have cross-country skiing, sleigh rides and horseback riding and cozy fireplaces.