The Beat

Grab your loved one, or best friends, for a night on the town this Valentine’s Day Season

Orange County, N.Y. (January 20, 2021) – Valentine’s Day is the most romantic holiday of the year, and the heart of the Hudson Valley beats for those looking to celebrate the occasion. Whether you prefer to wine and dine or shop til you drop, Orange County, N.Y. offers a variety of Valentine’s Day and week-inspired events for couples, singles, and friends. Across the county, discover events that highlight the best of the region’s sights, sounds, and tastes to celebrate a night to remember.

New book brings campus conversations on urgent issues to new audiences

Whiteness, migration, mass incarceration, feminism, and monuments among topics addressed by artists, scholars, and activists

Saratoga Springs, NY (January 19, 2021) — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College announces a new publication on the most urgent issues of the day. Culture as Catalyst is a collection of compelling dialogues and new writings by artists, scholars, activists, and influential thinkers who present new perspectives that disrupt the status quo by encouraging a “getting comfortable with discomfort” attitude to work through big ideas to drive change.

Ontario County Tourism Promotion Agency wins two national awards

Canandaigua, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Visitors Connection's ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response is receiving awards for its strategic communications and the team's response to quickly assist small businesses in Ontario County. The official tourism promotion agency of Ontario County was recently awarded two platinum-level awards in the "Crisis Communication Plan or Response" and "Team Achievement" categories from the MarCom Awards, which honor excellence in marketing and communication.

15th Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Lake Placid, N.Y. - Whiteface Club and Resort in Lake Placid has been selected as a 2021 ­­winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, an accolade representing the highest and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading wedding planning and registry brand and app. This is the 10th year Whiteface Club and Resort, sister property to the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, been named a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings awards.

Lake George, N.Y. — Wristbands are on sale now at www.lakegeorgewinterfest.com for Lake George’s newest event, Winterfest, planned for the four weekends of February, welcoming visitors to enjoy socially-distanced safe outdoor events such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, winter “fat tire” mountain biking, axe throwing, dog sled rides and more while they dine and relax in the Lake George area.

A wristband is just $30 and with it comes your choice of adventure, plus access to horse-drawn carriage rides around Lake George, hot cocoa stations, 15% off your hotel stay and 10% off at many participating restaurants, which are all listed on the website. Many of the restaurants offer takeout and delivery options. Children’s wristbands are just $15.

Poughkeepsie, NY – Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) announced the release of a new brochure designed to get people riding and exploring the recently completed Empire State Trail and encourage further exploration of Dutchess County’s extensive bike routes and trails.

The Dutchess County Bike Tour Guide brochure features a collection of six bike tours, two of which are a part of the larger 750-mile Empire State Trail: Rhinecliff, Rhinebeck & Annandale-on-Hudson; and WRS Dutchess Rail Trail & Walkway Over the Hudson. The Empire State Trail aims to promote outdoor recreation and connect New York’s diverse communities, spanning from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks.

Clayton, NY (January 14, 2021) – In light of the uncertainties caused by surging cases of COVID19 over the past few months, the Antique Boat Museum will be limiting roster sizes for this winter’s in-person session of The Captain School. Instructed once again by Captain Michael Gerviss, class will take place 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday beginning February 22nd and will conclude with testing on Saturday, March 6th. Online registration is now open on “The Captain School @ ABM” page under the Education dropdown menu at abm.org. Strict COVID-19 protocols, including a temperature check, questionnaire, social distancing and face coverings will be required for all students and instructors.

Grants from the Endeavor Foundation and the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation will support operations and programming throughout closure

Howes Cave, NY -- The Iroquois Indian Museum has been awarded major grants from two foundations to support its programming and operations. The Endeavor Foundation awarded the Museum a grant in the amount of $50,000, and the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation awarded the Museum two grants totaling $40,000.

The $90,000 awards will fund general operating expenses and virtual programming so the Museum can continue its mission of challenging stereotypical perceptions of Native Americans and highlighting the artistic and cultural contributions of the Iroquois people.

Waterford, NY -- The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is pleased to announce that 13 non-profit organizations and municipalities will receive Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants in 2021 totaling $108,787. The grants advance vital work to preserve and showcase canal heritage, educate youth, and welcome people to explore the canal in their local communities.

The grants range from $1,500 to $12,000 and will leverage an additional $146,630 in private and public project support.

The snow-capped mountains are calling and you simply must go!

Orange County, N.Y. (January 13, 2021) – Winter weather transforms the Hudson Valley into the ultimate destination for outdoor fun. Snow-capped mountains and freshly-covered slopes beckon outdoor enthusiasts to discover the many winter adventures that await in scenic Orange County, N.Y. Adventurers of all ages can explore the area’s ski slopes, ice rinks, riding stables, hiking, and biking trails that offer heart-pumping fun and incredible views.