From the Rocky Mountains to the Big Apple, America is filled with bucket-list-worthy destinations brimming with beautiful backdrops destined for a feature on the ‘gram. However, if you’re looking to escape the crowds while still having an amazing vacation, you’re better off visiting a less popular destination.
Whether you're itching to beat the heat or racing to embrace the sunshine, head upstate to Binghamton where there is something for everyone. This charming, small-town finally answers the question, where is the perfect place to get away from the stress of the big city?
Part 4: Binghamton, New York
Located in the “Southern Tier” - a hilly section of New York near the Pennsylvania border, Binghamton is a progressive, LGBTQ-friendly college town. With a population of just 50,000 in the main part of the area, the city may not have the crazy, never-ending nightlife of nearby NYC, but as a whole Queer life in Binghamton is as vibrant as ever.
If you subscribe to an outdoor lifestyle then this is the place for you: there are many hiking trails, parks, and boardwalks that show off the nicely laid-out city plan. Correspondingly, the pedestrian bridges that connect the different riverside parks to one another have transformed Binghamton into a completely walkable city.
As a whole, Binghamton is known for its growing art scene, which is largely located in Center City, the downtown neighborhood populated by members of the LGBTQ+ community and artists alike. This area is also home to ample amounts of extraordinary cafes, shops, and galleries and is known for its trolley-operated art tours and one-of-a-kind art auctions. Gay hangouts include Squiggly’s, an unpretentious neighborhood joint, and Merlins, the town's designated LGBTQ+ dance club.
Photo Credit: I Love NY
Summer Events:
Visions Summer Concert Series | Jun 8, 2022 - Aug 12, 2022
Reoccurring Event
A summertime favorite, the Visions Summer Concert Series returns on July 8th to downtown Binghamton at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena! The once busy Stuart Street found right in front of the Arena, will be shut down and transformed into an outdoor party patio. Local favorite Lupo’s Spiedie Zone and Beer Garden will also be in attendance alongside a few special food trucks and plenty of out-of-this-world vendors.
Annual Deposit Lumberjack Festival | July 15 - July 17
Show off your lumberjack skills in competitions and games at the Deposit Lumberjack Festival. The non-profit organization will hold its annual festival on the third weekend in July, and there will be opportunities for fun for everyone with carnival rides, horse rides, book sales, and live music.
Photo Credit: Scott Olson
Annual Broome County Fair | July 26 - July 31
Hop on a Ferris wheel and try your hand at some carnival games at Broome County’s annual agricultural fair at Whitney Point. Tractor pulls, carnival rides, astonishing illusions, bull riding, and demolition derbies - what's not to love? Check out the 147th annual fair for tons of action-packed fun!
Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally | August 5th - August 7th
Over the past three decades, the Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally has grown into a full three-day event that attracts over 100,000 people from across the country, making it the third-largest hot air balloon festival in the country. The event, which started as a small spiedie-cooking contest in 1984, still incorporates the local dish but now features live music performances from local artists, two volleyball tournaments, cooking contests, a car show, arts & crafts, lots of delicious food, rides, and all kinds of vendors. There’s something for everyone!
Photo Credit: Ballon NY
For even more ways to fill your summer with fun, check out Visit Binghamton's official summer events calendar!
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