Two peaceful, outdoor resting spots at the New York State Fair require you to go indoors to get there.

The underappreciated Horticulture Building courtyards are walled in on all sides while open air beckons above like skylights.

Trees and shrubbery provide beauty and shade, while benches and retaining walls provide seating, making it a perfect place to rest and snack on treats from nearby food vendors.

The Bob Case Memorial Garden and its twin courtyard flank the center space of the 53,000-suqare-foot Hort, large doors open to allow access.

The courtyards are among the special Fair retreats, known to many  regulars visitors, but unnoticed by others.

While Chevy Court and the Experience Stage hog most of the attention of music fans at the New York State Fair, There are plenty of stops around the grounds alive with live entertainment.

Local and regional acts play regularly in the Pan African Village, in several buildings, in the colonnade area  and at various food stands.

Schedules can be hard to pin down for some of these venues, but check the Fair website and keep your ears open as you traverse the grounds. They may not be big names, but a smokin’ local act may be just right for a hot night at the Fair.

The annual Women’s luncheon will highlight an all-day observance of Women’s Day at the New York State Fair on Wednesday.

Special activities will be concentrated around the Art and Home Center–once known as the “Women’s Building”–and Chevy Court.

Make reservations for the luncheon by calling 487-7711, ext. 1265.

Folks love to depart the grounds carrying a souvenir of their day at the New York State Fair.

One of the most popular items to carry home is a caricature sketched by an artist in residence.

A quick break in a tent often produces an amazingly good likeness–whimsical, fun and one-of-a-kind.

Stuffed animals are OK, but a colorful portrait can be framed as a long-term remembrance, as this young couple discovered.

Did you know that the Great New York State Fair is the nation’s first fair to host an official pride day?

It starts with a flag-raising ceremony in the morning, followed by several special afternoon performances in the Empire Theatre.

Pride Day celebrants will take part in a parade like this one, kicking off at 6 p.m.

The beautiful New York Experience pond isn’t just for show.

Thursday, for instance, you can drop a line and maybe even catch a fish as the New York State Fair celebrates Family Fishing Day.

No, it won’t be a whopper like the one pictured here, but it’s a challenge the whole family can take on as part of the day at the Fair. If you can’t make it Thursday, Family Fishing Day will be repeated on Saturday

A recent tour of the New York State Fairgrounds revealed another vacancy where a food stand had been.

The newly empty spot is outside the poultry barn, between the Grange Ox Roast and Twin Trees. Remember Ox Roast moved last Fair after their corner stand was demolished, so that area is continuing to evolve.

A new vendor under temporary shelter will fill the spot this year, opening up those often-crowded walkways a little.