Summer in New York is one of the best times to explore everything our state has to offer. From mountains and lakes to charming small towns and hidden gems, there are countless opportunities for memorable weekend trips that don't require a plane ticket—or a huge travel budget.
Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, family-friendly attractions, live music, or a relaxing escape, New York State offers plenty of affordable destinations worth adding to your summer bucket list.
Cooperstown: More Than Just Baseball
Just over an hour from Syracuse, Cooperstown makes for an easy weekend getaway packed with history, scenery, and small-town charm.
While the National Baseball Hall of Fame is the main draw, visitors can also:
Take a cruise aboard the Glimmerglass Queen on Otsego Lake

Explore the Farmers' Museum, a recreated 19th-century village

Visit the Fenimore Art Museum, featuring American folk art and regional history

Spend the afternoon shopping and dining along Ma ...

 
For years, home design trends focused heavily on appearance — colors, finishes, layouts, and aesthetics. But in 2026, homeowners are thinking about their spaces a little differently.
Today, there’s growing interest in how a home actually feels to live in.
Designers, architects, and wellness experts are increasingly focusing on the connection between our homes and our physical and mental well-being. In fact, the Global Wellness Institute recently highlighted several emerging trends that view the home not just as shelter, but as part of a healthier lifestyle. 
Here are four wellness-focused design trends gaining attention in 2026.
 
 1. Designing for Calm: The Rise of “Primal Architecture”
 

One of the newest wellness design concepts is something called primal architecture — a design approach focused on helping people feel safe, calm, and regulated within their environment.
The idea is that our surroundings affect ...

Batteries are everywhere in today’s homes. From power tools and laptops to cordless vacuums, toys, phones, and e-bikes, the number of rechargeable batteries being used in everyday life continues to grow.
But with that convenience comes an important safety issue that many homeowners don’t realize:
Batteries cannot all be thrown away the same way — and some should never go in your trash or recycling bin.
Here in Onondaga County, OCRRA (Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency) has been expanding its battery management efforts to help residents safely recycle batteries and reduce the growing risk of battery-related fires.
Why Proper Battery Disposal Matters
Rechargeable batteries — especially lithium-ion batteries — can become dangerous if they are crushed, punctured, overheated, or improperly stored. When thrown into trash or recycling trucks, they can spark and ignite fires.
OCRRA and local fire officials have been increasing public awareness afte ...

 As energy costs continue to fluctuate and homeowners look for ways to improve efficiency, more people are starting to consider solar power for their homes. And while solar may once have seemed like something only practical in warmer climates, today’s technology — combined with available incentives — has made it a realistic option for many homeowners right here in Central New York.
Whether you’re thinking about long-term savings, reducing your environmental impact, or simply exploring your options, here are a few things to know before considering solar for your home.

Solar Can Help Reduce Energy Bills

One of the biggest reasons homeowners explore solar is the potential to reduce monthly electricity costs. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, which can reduce the amount of power you need to purchase from the utility company. 
In New York, homeowners may also receive credits for excess electricity their systems send back to the grid ...

If buying a home right now feels harder than it should be, you’re not imagining it.
Across the country — and right here in Central New York — many buyers are feeling the pressure of rising costs, competition, and uncertainty. For Gen Z buyers especially, the path to homeownership can feel challenging. But at the same time, the goal hasn’t changed. Gen Z wants to experience homeownership — and most see it as a key step toward building wealth and long-term financial security. In fact, 67% see homeownership as an important lifetime goal.
And here’s the reality: buyers are still getting into homes every day.
The difference is how they’re approaching it.
Today’s market is less about waiting for the “perfect” conditions and more about using the right strategies to create flexibility and make the numbers work.

Strategy #1: Lower Your Payment with Rate Buydowns

One option buyers are using more often right now is a r ...