The Beat

Finger Lakes Region, N.Y. – The Finger Lakes region of New York is not alone in suffering the economic effects of the Coronavirus. We sympathize with what is going on in our state and around the globe. 

“The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance has postponed events we were excited to launch” states Carmela Barbagallo, Executive Director. Our annual Riesling Camp would have kicked off on April 5^th and we had been expecting 20 wine professionals from around the United States, including sommeliers, chefs, restaurant managers, influencers, and journalists.

Westfield, NY – Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing would like to announce that we have officially begun production of hand sanitizer at our facility in Westfield, NY, with a main focus of donating to departments of health, non-profits, local healthcare workers, our own staff, and our restaurant, bar, and distribution partners who are still hard at work to safely serve their customers. We are fortunate to have the ingredients, equipment, and processes in place to distill a product that will make a real difference in our community, and are currently following strict WHO, TTB, and FDA guidelines to ensure that the product is properly regulated.

Romulus, N.Y. – Swedish Hill Winery has teamed up with O’Begley Distillery in Pittsford, New York, to produce hand sanitizer that will be donated to hospitals.  The winery, located in Romulus New York, shipped 330 gallons of wine to O’Begleys, who will in turn distill it to produce higher alcohol and then subsequently produce a hand sanitizer that will be donated to hospitals in the area.

Wants to hear from seasonal residents who have returned to the County

Warren County, N.Y. – Warren County officials are respectfully and strongly requesting that all property owners, including second home owners, remove any short-term rental listings from Airbnb, Vrbo and similar services as soon as possible.

Additionally, Warren County wants to touch base with any seasonal residents who may have come back to their homes in the county from the New York City area in recent weeks during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Chautauqua County, N.Y. – As you have probably read, the Federal government has put together an economic stimulus plan—the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). The specific details of the plan are still being formulated but the Act does seem to contain specific funding provisions for small businesses. As further information about relief programs becomes available, we will make sure we provide it to area tourism businesses.

To Support Public Health Officials and Other Frontline Professionals

Wayne County, N.Y. - Rootstock Cider and Spirits has deep roots in Wayne County, and wants to support the community that has been so great to us over the last eight years. We have switched our distillery operations to the creation of hand sanitizer in order to support our community and all essential employees that are most at risk from COVID-19. We are going to be releasing our initial batch of hand sanitizer in the next couple of days to those most in need in Wayne County and will expand distribution as we are able to attain supplies from our vendors.

Utica, NY (March 23, 2020) — Visitors and tourists who consider a getaway to Oneida County have a newly redesigned Travel Guide to help them plan their visit. The Official 2020 Oneida County Travel Guide, designed by Jeannine Papelino of IntrexDesign and published by the Utica Observer Dispatch, is a comprehensive full color 64-page guide that highlights the places, people, and events that make the area a premier destination.

Chautauqua, NY – The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau wants to know and share everyone's favorite Tour Chautauqua travel memories to spark conversation, create a connection with our online community, and inspire excitement for tourism seasons to come.

Unique experiences coupled with the unrivaled natural beauty of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region have sustained an active flow of summer vacationers since 1874, the year Chautauqua Institution was founded. Lily Dale Assembly, the world's largest center for Spiritualism, opened its gates just five years later, and Midway State Park began operations in 1898. Today's travelers experience many of these same attractions plus summer camps their great-great ancestors once attended!…

New York Anglers Encouraged to Get Outside Safely, Practice Social Distancing during COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

State Stocking More than 2.2 Million Catchable-Size Trout in New York Waters

Sportfishing in New York Generates Estimated $2.14 Billion in Economic Activity Each Year

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded New Yorkers that trout and salmon fishing season opens on Wednesday, April 1. New York’s coldwater lakes and streams offer springtime trout anglers the opportunity to pursue trout in a wide array of settings across the state. During the current COVID-19 public health crisis, getting outdoors and connecting with nature while angling in New York’s waters is a great way to help maintain mental and physical health.

The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes is pleased to announce the 2020 Emergency Arts Relief Grant Program.

Emergency Arts Relief Grants provide financial support to creative individuals and community groups who have experienced lost income from the postponement and/or cancellation of specific, scheduled opportunities or programs due to the outbreak of COVID-19. 

This grant program is generously funded and supported by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes.