Broome County, New York
Binghamton
The Carousel Capital of the World — six antique carousels, a revitalized downtown on the Susquehanna River, Spiedie Fest, and the gateway to New York's Southern Tier.
Binghamton sits at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers in New York's Southern Tier, 180 miles from New York City and 75 miles from Syracuse. It is an underrated destination — a mid-sized city with a genuine downtown, a remarkable collection of antique carousels, and a food culture built around the spiedie, a marinated meat sandwich that is one of the most distinctive regional foods in the Northeast.
The city's six antique carousels — all free to ride, all maintained by Broome County — are the most unusual attraction in upstate New York. Built between 1919 and 1934 by the Allan Herschell and Spillman Engineering companies, they were donated to the county by businessman George F. Johnson and have been running ever since. The Roberson Museum and Science Center is one of the best regional museums in the state, with a strong collection of local history and a planetarium. The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier is one of the top children's museums in New York.
Spiedie Fest, held every August at Otsiningo Park, is one of the largest food festivals in New York State — 80,000 visitors over a weekend, with spiedie cook-offs, live music, and a hot air balloon rally. The rest of the year, the spiedie is available at dozens of restaurants across the city, with Lupo's S&S Char Pit the most celebrated purveyor. From Rochester the drive is 2 hours on I-390 South; from New York City it is 3 hours on I-88 West.
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
All six carousels are running at full schedule, the parks are green, and Spiedie Fest in early August is the highlight of the year. The Susquehanna Riverwalk is at its best. Book lodging early for Spiedie Fest weekend — it sells out months in advance.
The Southern Tier is beautiful in fall color and the crowds thin after Labor Day. The carousels run through Columbus Day. A good time for a quiet weekend with lower prices and excellent foliage on the surrounding hills.
The carousels open for the season in late April or May. The city is quiet and prices are low. A good time for a budget-friendly weekend focused on the museums and the downtown restaurant scene.
The carousels are closed. The museums and restaurants stay open. A quiet off-season visit for travelers who want to explore the downtown without crowds. Binghamton winters are cold and snowy.
Things to Do
The Six Free Carousels
HistoryBinghamton's six antique carousels are the city's most extraordinary attraction — all free to ride, all maintained by Broome County, and all built between 1919 and 1934. Businessman George F. Johnson donated them to the county on the condition they remain free forever. The C.F. Carlin Carousel at Recreation Park is the most accessible; the Highland Park Carousel is the most ornate. A carousel tour — hitting all six in a day — is one of the most unusual itineraries in upstate New York. Pick up a carousel passport at the Broome County Tourism office.
Roberson Museum & Science Center
CultureOne of the best regional museums in New York State, with a strong collection of local history, decorative arts, and natural science. The Link Planetarium inside the museum is named for Edwin Link, the Binghamton inventor of the flight simulator — the museum has an excellent exhibit on his life and work. The historic Roberson Mansion, built in 1907, is part of the complex and worth a walk-through. Allow 2 hours.
Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally
FoodHeld every August at Otsiningo Park, Spiedie Fest is one of the largest food festivals in New York State — 80,000 visitors over a weekend, with spiedie cook-offs, live music, craft vendors, and a hot air balloon rally that fills the sky above the Susquehanna River. The spiedie cook-off is the centerpiece: dozens of vendors competing for the title of best spiedie in the region. If you can time a visit to Spiedie Fest weekend, do it.
Susquehanna Riverwalk
OutdoorsA paved multi-use trail along the Susquehanna River through the heart of the city, connecting Otsiningo Park to the north with the downtown core. The trail passes through Confluence Park at the meeting of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers — one of the most scenic spots in the city. A 4-mile round trip from downtown to Otsiningo Park and back is a pleasant 90-minute walk or a quick bike ride.
Discovery Center of the Southern Tier
FamilyOne of the top children's museums in New York State, with hands-on exhibits covering science, technology, and the natural world. The outdoor science park is excellent in summer. A full morning or afternoon for families with children under 12. Located in downtown Binghamton, a short walk from the main restaurant strip.
Downtown Binghamton & Court Street
CultureBinghamton's downtown has undergone a genuine revival over the past decade, driven by Binghamton University students and a growing restaurant and bar scene on Court Street and Washington Street. The Bundy Museum of History and Art on Court Street is a small but worthwhile stop — it focuses on the history of the Bundy Manufacturing Company, whose time-recording devices became the foundation of IBM. The State Theatre of Ithaca is the main performing arts venue.
2-Day Binghamton Itinerary
Carousels, the Roberson & Downtown
Start at Recreation Park for the C.F. Carlin Carousel — the most accessible of the six and a good introduction to what makes Binghamton's carousels special. Pick up a carousel passport at the park office and ride. Then drive to Highland Park for the Highland Park Carousel, the most ornate of the six. Allow 30 minutes per carousel including the drive between them.
Lunch at Lupo's S&S Char Pit on Clinton Street — the most celebrated spiedie restaurant in Binghamton, open since 1951. Order the chicken spiedie on Italian bread. The line can be long on weekends but moves fast. This is the definitive spiedie experience and a required stop on any Binghamton visit.
The Roberson Museum and Science Center on Front Street — allow 2 hours for the main museum, the Link Planetarium show, and a walk through the Roberson Mansion. The Edwin Link flight simulator exhibit is the highlight. Then walk the Susquehanna Riverwalk south to Confluence Park at the meeting of the two rivers — about 20 minutes each way from the museum.
Dinner on Court Street in downtown Binghamton. Lost Dog Cafe is the most reliable dinner option — a lively bar and restaurant with a broad menu and a good craft beer selection. Or Number 5 Restaurant on Washington Street for a more upscale dinner in a converted firehouse. The downtown bar scene is active on weekend evenings.
More Carousels, the Discovery Center & the Drive Home
Continue the carousel tour — Ross Park Carousel at Ross Park Zoo (the oldest zoo in New York State, worth a walk-through), George W. Johnson Park Carousel, and West Endicott Park Carousel. The three are within 15 minutes of each other in the Endicott and Johnson City suburbs. The Ross Park Zoo is a pleasant 45-minute stop if you have children.
Lunch at Nirchi's Pizza on Upper Front Street — a Binghamton institution since 1969, with a distinctive square pizza on a thick, chewy crust that has a devoted regional following. The pepperoni square is the standard order. A casual, affordable lunch before the afternoon.
The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier on Front Street for families with children — allow 2 hours. Or, for adults, the Bundy Museum of History and Art on Court Street (free admission, 45 minutes) and a walk through the downtown architecture. Binghamton has a remarkable collection of late 19th and early 20th century commercial buildings that survived urban renewal.
Final meal before the drive home. Spot Coffee on Court Street for a casual coffee and sandwich. Or pick up spiedie meat from Salamida's State Fair Spiedie Sauce at a local grocery — the marinade is the authentic take-home souvenir from Binghamton. The drive back to NYC on I-88 East is 3 hours; to Rochester on I-86 West and I-390 North is 2 hours.
Where to Eat
Lupo's S&S Char Pit
$Spiedies · Clinton Street
The definitive spiedie restaurant in Binghamton, open since 1951. Chicken, pork, and lamb spiedies on Italian bread, grilled over charcoal. The line is part of the experience. Cash only; the chicken spiedie is the standard order. A required stop.
Number 5 Restaurant
$$$American · Washington Street
The most upscale dinner option in downtown Binghamton — a converted 1897 firehouse with original brass poles, exposed brick, and a menu of American classics with a strong steak and seafood focus. The best option for a special dinner.
Lost Dog Cafe
$$American · Court Street
The most reliable all-around restaurant and bar in downtown Binghamton — a lively atmosphere, a broad menu, and a good craft beer selection. The best option for a casual dinner or a late-night drink. Popular with the university crowd.
Nirchi's Pizza
$Pizza · Upper Front Street
A Binghamton institution since 1969 — square pizza on a thick, chewy crust with a devoted regional following. The pepperoni square is the standard order. Multiple locations; the Upper Front Street original is the most authentic.
Dos Rios Cantina
$$Mexican · Court Street
A lively Mexican restaurant on the main downtown strip with good tacos, strong margaritas, and a festive atmosphere. One of the most popular spots in downtown Binghamton on weekend evenings. Good for a casual dinner before exploring the bar scene.
Where to Stay
DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton
$$Hotel · Hawley Street, downtown
The best full-service hotel in downtown Binghamton — a renovated property with a pool, a restaurant, and walking distance to Court Street and the Roberson Museum. The most convenient base for a downtown-focused weekend.
Grand Royale Hotel
$$Boutique Hotel · Washington Street, downtown
A boutique hotel in a historic downtown building with comfortable rooms and a central location. A good alternative to the DoubleTree with a more independent character. Walking distance to all downtown attractions.
Hampton Inn Binghamton
$Hotel · Vestal Parkway
A reliable Hampton Inn on the Vestal Parkway corridor, 10 minutes from downtown by car. Free breakfast, free parking, and consistently good value. The best option for budget-conscious travelers who don't need to be in the downtown core.
Comfort Inn & Suites Binghamton
$Hotel · Front Street
A comfortable mid-range option on Front Street, close to the Roberson Museum and the Riverwalk. Free parking and a good location for exploring the city without paying downtown hotel prices.
Weekend Budget (USD, per couple)
Binghamton is one of the most affordable weekend destinations in New York State. Spiedie Fest weekend runs 20–30% higher for lodging.
| Expense | Budget | Splurge |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel (2 nights, mid-range) | $140 | $280 |
| Carousel rides (all 6, free) | $0 | $0 |
| Roberson Museum admission (2 adults) | $16 | $16 |
| Discovery Center admission (2 adults) | $20 | $20 |
| Meals (2 dinners, 2 lunches, breakfasts) | $80 | $160 |
| Spiedie Fest admission (if visiting) | $0 | $20 |
| Gas from NYC or Rochester (round trip) | $40 | $80 |
| Miscellaneous (shops, drinks, tips) | $30 | $60 |
| Weekend Total | $326 | $636 |
Also Consider
Ithaca
An hour north — Taughannock Falls, Gorges, Cornell, and the Finger Lakes wine region.
Cooperstown
Two hours northeast — the Baseball Hall of Fame, Otsego Lake, and a charming village.
Catskills
Two hours east — hiking, fly fishing, farm-to-table dining, and the arts scene in the western Catskills.
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