Rest.. and road trips.. don't exactly seem to go together, right? This week, however, they do! My sister and I will be taking a road trip through the Empire State, and I hope to find some rest in the midst of this hectic ministry summer.

Follow along with us as we travel through two of the well-known New York regions. I wish we had longer, but this week is sandwiched in between the church youth group service trip and camp, so I'll take the time I can get!

First up, the 1000 Islands district. Situated along the St. Lawrence River, Clayton offers a glimpse of the Gilded Age with panoramic views, through its many attractions. We will be headed to the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel to indulge in good food and plush bedding. Right now, we don't have plans for this beautiful destination, but I will share with you all that we encounter! 

Then, we will head over to Chautauqua, the center of adult education and community enrichment. Started in the late 19th century, this movement still exists today, as many gather for the summer filled with arts, religion, and the likes. While we won't be exploring the Chautauqua Institute this trip, there are plenty of other attractions waiting for us! Our sleepy heads will rest at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, with its luxury lakeside amenities. On the side, we hope to spend time at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, the National Comedy Museum, and perhaps even a boat tour on the Chautauqua Belle. 

I wish we could venture on out to the Finger Lakes district, but time does not permit on this trip. But the Finger Lakes district would be the perfect stop between the above destinations, as Seneca Lake offers wineries, waterfalls, and a lot more! The Watkins Glenn Harbor Hotel would be the stop to rest your weary head after a day of exploring! 

The Harbor Hotel Collection consists of various AAA four diamond properties that offer luxurious accommodations, usually nearby a water setting, such as a lake or river. Each property tries to offer guests some of the finer things of life while guests explore the regional culture and attractions. From bathrobes to coffee, the simple things will make guests' experiences richer and fuller.

We are excited to embark on this trip this week, so stay tuned to learn more about the Empire State and these two regions. Located in the north-west part of the state, these two regions are close to Canada, but not that far from Syracuse and Buffalo. If you needed to fly, they are easily accessible by airport. We will be driving from Maryland, about 7.5 hrs, so a true road trip is in store! 

See you in New York!