Dates for Navigation Season Through 2021 are Also Released

White Plains, N.Y. —The New York State Canal Corporation Board of Directors today approved a continued waiver of tolls for recreational vessels through 2021, following two years of toll-free travel that saw increases in canal traffic.

The tolls, $25 to $100 depending on the size of the boat, had been waived in 2017 and 2018 to celebrate the Erie Canal bicentennial and the 100-year anniversary of the New York State Barge Canal, now known as the New York State Canal System.

Share in some beautiful holiday music this Christmas season!

Orange County, N.Y. (December 10, 2018) – Need a break from holiday shopping? Relax to some beautiful seasonal music at unique venues around Orange County, N.Y.  From Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir to lighter tunes you know by heart, the sounds of the holiday season are filling the Hudson Valley with music.   

“Grab your loved ones and head to a local concert this holiday season,” advises Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “You don’t need to travel outside of Orange County to catch top-notch musical talent. Whether you’re looking for holiday entertainment or inspiration, you’ll find it right here. Come, relax, recharge, rejoice and sing-along!”…

Lake Placid, N.Y. – In the spring, Andrew Weibrecht, son of Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa owners Ed and Lisa Weibrecht, ended a 16-year alpine skiing career that included Olympic silver and bronze medals. That announcement, however, opened a door for recreational skiers who are guests of the AAA Four Diamond resort in Lake Placid.

Starting this winter, Andrew will be available to guide hotel guests, exclusively, down the slopes of Whiteface Mountain. The 1980 Olympic site is where he learned his craft with his two brothers. Now he’ll take you down those same slopes at speeds comfortable for all skiers and on appropriate terrain for their ability levels.

Newburgh, NY (December 5, 2018)  -- You are invited to Warm Up at the Washingtons’ at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, in Newburgh, on Sunday, December 9th, 12 PM until 4 PM. Historic interpreters in each seasonally decorated room will greet visitors and share what took place when the Washingtons occupied the Hasbrouck farmhouse during the last winter of the Revolutionary War. The Salmagundi Consort will perform period appropriate music by an indoor Dutch jambless fireplace, and cookies and warm cider will be served near an outdoor fire.

One-of-a-kind collaboration with I Love NY adds attraction and accommodation listings

Pittsford, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC) is pleased to reveal their recently refreshed website, FingerLakesTravelNY.com. The vacation region wanted a more robust experience for visitors and found the solution in a website system built on the Simpleview platform. The new website features rich photography, a blog sharing an insider's view to seasonal interests, an event calendar highlighting fun and festive experiences and a comprehensive listing feature. Listings on the Region's official website are ported directly from New York State's official website, ILoveNY.com,a unique ability available through Simpleview's technology and the relationship between I Love NY and the Finger Lakes Region.

Ellicottville, NY (November 21, 2018) – Holiday Valley’s President and General Manager, Dennis Eshbaugh announced that the resort will open for its 61^st season on Friday, November 23, 2018. According to Eshbaugh, “It's the most exciting time of the year, a day that we plan for starting on closing day of the season before. Our snowmakers and groomers have been hard at work prepping the slopes. We've made over 65 acre feet of snow so far, with more to come.” Eshbaugh credits the powerful and efficient HDK automated snowmaking system for producing this large amount of manmade snow in a short amount of time. Holiday Valley has the largest HKD automated snowmaking system in the Eastern US. Natural snowfall has been plentiful over the past week and a half, with more than 14 inches that created a beautiful snowy scene and blended with the manmade snow for an average base depth of 6 to 18 inches.

Regional Gateway Will Promote Local Attractions, Food and Beverage

NEW YORK – November 14, 2018 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of the Hudson Valley/Catskills Welcome Center, located at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, Orange County. The state-of-the-art Welcome Center, one of 11 being built across the state, will serve as a modern gateway to the Hudson Valley and Catskills vacation regions, supporting New York State's commitment to growing regional economies and promoting local tourism, foods and craft beverages across the state.

Highlights New York's Progressive History of Promoting Social and Equal Rights

Opening Features Unveiling of Commemorative Statue of Harriet Tubman

Complements "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn, Cayuga County. The Center serves to emphasize New York State's progressive history of promoting social and equal rights, celebrate New York's equal rights pioneers, and encourage tourism at the region's many attractions and destinations. The $10 million Center is funded and supported through the Governor's Central NY Rising Initiative, the region's comprehensive strategy to revitalize communities and grow the economy.

"New York's history is rich with progressive champions who fought for justice and equality for all, and it is critical that we honor those whose heroic efforts forged a better path for everyone," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is the progressive capital of the nation and as we continue leading the way to ensure full equality, the Equal Rights Heritage Center will serve as a poignant reminder of these important pioneers and inspire us all to keep up the fight."…

 “Digital Docent” Boosts Visitor Engagement

Poughkeepsie, NY (November 13, 2018) – The Barrett Art Center has added a “Digital Docent” (SEO with Artificial Intelligence) to boost visitor engagement and streamline access to its community focused programs.  

The Barrett believes art and history play key roles in establishing local identity and fostering tourism.  To address both, the Digital Docent recommends programs, classes, exhibitions and events that will stimulate engagement and foster discovery. …

Ferndale, NY, November 7, 2018: Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel authority, reveals its 2019 picks for the hottest travel destinations — announcing the Catskills, USA, and featuring the Sullivan Catskills, as one of the top ten regions on the globe to visit next year.

When it comes to declaring the world's best destinations, Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel authority.  There are abundances of possibilities and Lonely Planet's “Best in Travel” report is based on the nominations of editors, researchers, locals and influencers who evaluate each place.