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Binghamton is a city of about 47,000 people in New York's Southern Tier, set where the Chenango River flows into the Susquehanna, just north of the Pennsylvania border. Named after Philadelphia merchant William Bingham, it grew in the 19th century as a rail and manufacturing center, with cigar makers and shoe factories, and the nearby birth of IBM in Endicott shaped the whole region.
The city calls itself the Carousel Capital of the World: shoe magnate George F. Johnson donated six antique carousels to local parks, and they still run free of charge in summer, including one at Ross Park, home to one of the oldest zoos in the country. Downtown has handsome 19th-century architecture, the Broome County Courthouse, the Roberson Museum and the Phelps Mansion, and Rod Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone, grew up here.
Binghamton is also known for spiedies, marinated grilled meat celebrated each summer at Spiedie Fest, and for minor league baseball. Chenango Valley State Park and the wooded hills of the Southern Tier are a short drive away.
A small zoo opened in 1875, making it one of the oldest in the United States, set on a wooded hillside in Ross Park. It focuses on native and endangered species in naturalistic hillside exhibits. Allow about two hours; it is open seasonally, so check the hours before you go.
One of six antique wooden carousels donated to Broome County by shoe magnate George F. Johnson, who asked that rides always be free. The 1920 carousel at Ross Park has hand-carved horses and chariots. The carousels run in summer; visit them all to see why the area is the Carousel Capital.
A hands-on children's museum in Ross Park with play areas, role-play exhibits and simple science activities for younger kids. It sits right beside the zoo and the carousel, so families can easily spend a full day in the park. Best for children under ten.
A museum built around the 1907 Roberson Mansion on Front Street, with exhibits on regional history, art, natural science and changing shows. Its seasonal holiday exhibits are popular with families. Combine a visit with a walk along the Susquehanna riverfront just behind it.
An 1870 Second Empire mansion on Court Street, built for banker and Binghamton mayor Sherman Phelps, with ornate woodwork, period furnishings and stained glass. Guided tours tell the story of the city's Gilded Age elite. It also hosts lectures and small events; hours are limited.
A grand 1898 Neoclassical courthouse with a copper dome and a statue of Justice, standing on Court Street at the center of downtown. The lawn and surrounding streets hold historic buildings and memorials. Step inside the lobby on weekdays, then continue on a downtown architecture walk.
A large downtown performing arts venue, which first opened in 1919 and now hosts touring Broadway shows, the Binghamton Philharmonic, Tri-Cities Opera and concerts. The large restored auditorium is a landmark downtown. Check the schedule and book seats in advance.
A downtown ballpark that is home to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets. Games are affordable and family friendly, with fireworks nights and themed promotions. Try a spiedie sandwich at the concessions; the season runs from April to September.
An annual summer festival in Otsiningo Park celebrating the spiedie, Binghamton's marinated grilled meat sandwich, with a cooking contest, live music and hot air balloon launches at dawn and dusk. Come early for the morning balloon ascents, and bring cash for food stands.
A large county park on the Chenango River just north of downtown, with walking and bike paths, fishing spots, sports fields and picnic pavilions. It hosts Spiedie Fest and other events. The riverside trail is a pleasant flat walk, and it connects to the wider Two Rivers Greenway.
A free demonstration garden run by Cornell Cooperative Extension on Front Street, with perennial beds, herb and vegetable gardens and flowering shrubs. Volunteers tend it and share tips on growing in the region. It is a short, peaceful stop, best from late spring to early fall.
A state park about 15 minutes northeast of the city with two small glacial kettle lakes, a beach for summer swimming, wooded trails, campsites and an 18-hole golf course. Rowboats and kayaks can be rented in season. In winter the trails are used for cross-country skiing.
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