Governor Cuomo Launches "I LOVE NEW YORK" Bus, Operated By Hampton Jitney

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Wednesday the launch of the I LOVE NEW YORK Bus, a new year-round tourism initiative that offers transportation from New York City to destinations across the state.

The service will connect riders to some of the state’s most popular getaway experiences, including wine, beer and cider trails, seasonal festivals and skiing in Upstate New York.

“Tourism is thriving in New York and increasing access to some of this state’s most scenic landscapes and recreational areas is the next step,” Governor Cuomo said. “From the burgeoning wine, beer and cider makers in the Finger Lakes and Long Island, to the world-class winter resorts in the Catskills, Central New York and the North Country and beyond, this bus service will help more people discover and enjoy all that New York State has to offer – supporting jobs and creating economic growth in the process.”

The I LOVE NEW YORK Bus service officially kicked off today for a series of autumn weekend itineraries that depart from New York City, including the North Fork Wine Trail on October 18, 25 and November 1, and Taste North Fork on November 8 and 9.

The bus will continually add more events to its schedule. The pick-up and drop-off location for the Bus is at the corner of 44th Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan near Grand Central Station, and times of departure and return vary based on each itinerary. On-board ticket sales are available if space permits, but advanced reservations are highly recommended.

Reservations can be made HERE.

Empire State Development Division of Tourism Executive Director Gavin Landry said, “The new I LOVE NEW YORK Bus will make it easier than ever for New York City residents and visitors to experience the wide range of attractions throughout the state. Tourism is an economic engine for New York State that generates jobs and creates revenue, and the I LOVE NEW YORK Bus will be a valuable asset in tapping into the significant New York City market.”

The Bus will be operated by Southampton-based Hampton Jitney, a company with 40 years of experience providing transportation in New York State. A high-resolution photo of the I LOVE NEW YORK Bus is available for download HERE.

Hampton Jitney President Geoff Lynch said, “Hampton Jitney is very excited to partner with the New York State Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NEW YORK Bus tours program. We look forward to bringing the great destinations, craft beverages, and events that our state offers to even more New Yorkers as well as the many tourists who visit New York each year.”

North Fork Wine Trail – October 18, 25 and November 1

The first I LOVE NEW YORK Bus tour follows an itinerary that has been carefully crafted for the inaugural journey to provide a great sampling of the North Fork’s beverage trail assets. Guests can choose from a North Fork Winery Tour or a North Fork Brewery and Spirits Trail Tour. The winery tour boasts exceptional wines in a picturesque atmosphere, with stops at Jamesport Vineyards, Diliberto Winery, Pugliese Vineward and Harbes Farm & Wine Barn. The brewery and spirits tour stops at Long Island Brewery, Joe’s Garage & Grill, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company and Long Island Spirits. All tours include lunch, tastings at each location and some complimentary keepsakes. Additional beverage trail tour itineraries will be added soon to expand to wine regions throughout the state.

Taste North Fork – November 8 and 9

The two-day event takes place over Veteran’s Day weekend and includes special tastings, events, discounts and live music. A free “hop on-hop off” shuttle will circulate from noon to 6 p.m. throughout the North Fork to connect the wineries together.

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