Who says luxury has to come with an expensive price tag? In New York State, there are all kinds of ways to live your best life without breaking the bank! From world-class theater to serene spa escapes to Michelin-starred cuisine, check out these wallet-friendly hacks and add a little luxury to your next Empire State getaway. Photo credit: @chandler__anderson on Instagram.

Shop luxury brands at a discounted price (Various Regions)

Photo courtesy of Tanger Outlets

What’s a vacation without a little shopping? If you’re looking to score big deals on big-name brands, New York State is the place to be! New York City is home to the flagship Century 21 location with seven floors filled with amazing discounts on brands like Dior, Gucci, and Valentino. On Long Island, the Tanger Outlets in Riverhead feature over 165 designer shops, and the Woodbury Commons in the Hudson Valley has one of the world’s largest collections of luxury designer and name brand outlets, offering 25% to 65% off everyday prices. Shoppers spending time in Lake George should stop at Factory Outlets of Lake George (affectionately known by locals as the “million-dollar half-mile”), which features five outlet centers and discounts of up to 70% off. The Waterloo Premium Outlets in the Finger Lakes has everyday discounts of 25% to 65%. Follow up breathtaking views of Niagara Falls with breathtaking deals at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls.

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Home to lakeside grandeur and deluxe accommodations in the heart of Cooperstown, The Otesaga Resort exudes elegance. If you’re looking to stay at this AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort for a great price, check out The Otesaga’s Super Savings Days, where you can get 50% off your overnight rate on select dates throughout the year. Check the calendar and treat yourself to the perfect getaway at the perfect price!

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Your perfect daycation awaits at Mohonk Mountain House! Located in the scenic Shawangunk Mountains, you can visit this luxurious historic hotel for the day by reserving a day pass. Unlock some of the best mountain views around with a Hiking Day Pass ($35), where you’ll get access to 85 miles of trails throughout the Mohonk property (hiking pass does not include access to the hotel). In need of some serious R&R? Try the Spa Treatment Pass, which includes one treatment, full access to Mohonk’s award-winning spa, mountain house, hiking trails, afternoon tea and cookies, and evening entertainment. Experience Hudson Valley fine dining at the place voted as the best for romantic and special occasion dining with the Dining Pass. With your breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner reservation, you’ll also get complimentary access to the Mountain House, grounds, evening entertainment, and more. Golfers can check out the Golf Tee Time Pass, where guests can tee off on the historic Scottish-inspired nine-hole course, one of the oldest in the country. Rates are per person.  

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Become part of the Chautauqua Institution’s vibrant summer tradition for free! Each summer, this renowned institution offers an exciting nine-week summer assembly, packed with plays, symphony performances, lectures, classes, and workshops galore. Join in on the summer fun without breaking the bank and reserve a Sunday Pass. Offered every Sunday of the summer season, you’ll get the full Chautauqua experience at no cost. That means free admission, no gate fees, free parking until 5pm, access to artisan markets, and a chance to see live performances including The United States Army Field Band and Illusionist Leon Etienne from America’s Got Talent, all for free! 

Treat yourself to a wellness class at Gurney’s (Long Island)

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Gurney’s Montauk Resort is the place to be if you’re looking for lavish seaside experiences, but did you know that you can get a taste of that Gurney’s luxury for a fraction of the cost? For $35, you can secure a spot for one of the wellness classes hosted by world-class instructors. Sign up online and drop-in for pilates, yoga, strength training, mindful beachside strolls, or guided Prana and cold plunges in the Bath House, where the calming sounds of the ocean are your soundtrack. Standard classes are complimentary for resort guests. If you’d like the full day at Gurney’s Spa, reserve one of the day passes for $150. 

Watch award-winning theater for less (New York City)

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There’s nothing like the bright lights and roar of applause from theaters throughout New York City, and if you’re looking for budget-friendly theatrical experiences, you’re in luck! Discover the magic of Off-Broadway theatre, which offers world-class productions at venues outside of the Theater District’s 41 Broadway theaters, often at affordable prices. At the TKTS booth in Times Square or Lincoln Center, you can score discounted tickets up to 50% off for same-day Broadway shows, plus certain shows also offer standing room only tickets for a discounted cost, usually averaging around $25. TodayTix is another great option offering show-stopping discounts on a wide range of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. If you’re feeling lucky, you can enter Broadway lotteries for a chance to win discounted tickets, or wait at the box office for rush tickets. And if you just can’t decide what show to see, go the Broadway Roulette route, where tickets are $49-$59 per person and the show and seat locations are a surprise! Be sure to check out Broadway Week (January/February) and Off-Broadway Week (February/March), offered each year with opportunities to get 2-for-1 ticket deals to award-winning shows. 

Indulge in a mineral bath soak at Roosevelt Baths & Spa (Capital-Saratoga)

Treat yourself to a visit to the Spa City! Saratoga Springs is famous for its naturally occurring healing mineral waters and spas like Roosevelt Baths & Spa, hence the name. The menu features a variety of nature-inspired services, including the popular mineral bath soak. Let stress melt away as you discover the buoyant qualities of the mineral water, captured cold from the underground springs, then mixed with warm fresh water for maximum benefits. A private 40-minute soak is $65 and afterward you’ll get complimentary use of the spa’s relaxation room, steam room and locker room facilities. 

Become royalty for the day at Boldt Castle (Thousand Islands-Seaway)

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Ever dreamed of becoming royalty for the day? At Boldt Castle you can! Feel the breeze off the river on a 10-minute boat ride ($10) from Alexandria Bay with Uncle Sam Boat Tours out to Heart Island, where you’ll find the breathtaking 120-room Rhineland-style castle. Bring your fairytale dreams to life for $12.50 with a self-guided tour through the castle halls and wander through elegant rooms like the ballroom, library, grand staircase, and more. If you’re interested in exploring even more of the gorgeous island, you can add on a visit to the Yacht House for a total of $15.50. 

Enjoy pre-fixe menus at restaurant weeks (Various regions)

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From Michelin-starred restaurants to farm-to-table fare to international flavors, New York State is home to a culinary scene unlike any other. Restaurant weeks offer the perfect opportunity to get a taste of the state’s best eateries at a great price. Celebrate two weeks of pre-fixe meals and special discounted menu items from April 28-May 10 at NYS Restaurant Week at restaurants throughout the state from Brooklyn to Buffalo. Take a bite out of the Big Apple at NYC Restaurant Week which takes place twice a year in the winter and summer. Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is offered each spring and fall (October 27-November 9) and Long Island Restaurant Week takes place tri-annually in the spring, fall, and winter, serving up $29, $39, or $46 three-course pre-fixe meals. In the Capital-Saratoga region, discover Schenectady County’s food scene at their restaurant week, usually held in February and March, or head to Saratoga to celebrate its 20th anniversary restaurant week from November 3-9. 

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The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college, producing famous chef alumni such as Cat Cora, Anthony Bourdain, and Anne Burrell. Meet top chefs-in-training for yourself on a $15 public tour! Unlock a behind-the-scenes look in Roth Hall, where the culinary magic happens, explore the science of taste, and connect with real CIA chefs. If you’re visiting in the winter, enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience with the CIA’s winter dining deals (available from January-April) offering discounted three-course pre-fixe lunch or dinner at on-campus restaurants American Bounty, The Bocuse, or Ristorante Caterina de’ Medici.

Sip back and relax at stunning vineyards (Various Regions)

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Luxurious winery vibes don’t have to cost a fortune! Virtually all wineries throughout the state offer tasting flights, where you’ll get to sample superb wines and soak up sprawling vineyard views. At Thousand Islands Winery, you can taste two wines for free, four wines for $5, or six wines for $7. In the Hudson Valley, Brotherhood Winery and Clearview Vineyard offer tasting flights under $15 and live music on the weekends. For a taste of Finger Lakes Wine Country, Glenora Wine Cellars has $10 tastings for five wines. Looking for exclusive deals and discounts? Snag the Canandaigua Wine Tasting Passport ($60) for access to exclusive deals and discounted tastings at seven wineries on the Canandaigua Wine Trail. Along the Shawangunk Wine Trail, the Hudson Valley Wine Tasting Passport ($130) gets you a wine or cider flight at each of the 13 member wineries, including Angry Orchard and City Winery Hudson Valley, plus discounts of up to 50%. 

Set sail on a beautiful schooner (Various Regions)

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Not much beats a sunny day out on the water surrounded by breathtaking views. Experience the beauty of Seneca Lake aboard the historic 1926 schooner True Love with Schooner Excursions in Watkins Glen. For $69/person, you can take in stunning Finger Lakes sights in an intimate setting, plus local wine and craft beer are available on board. Sail back in time on Lake Erie with Spirit of Buffalo on a classic 73-foot topsail schooner. Watch as the wind fills the iconic red sails on a day ($39) or evening sail ($42), where you can sit back, relax, and soak up the sights, or become part of the crew and help hoist the sails!

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