The Beat

Finger Lakes Region boasts over 75 hiking and biking trails

Pittsford, N.Y. - The American Hiking Society has designated the first Saturday in June - this year, June 1, 2019 - as National Trails Days®, a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service. The public is invited to hike, bike, run, birdwatch, clean up and more along public lands and trails, with numerous events taking place throughout the Finger Lakes region and even more hiking and biking trails available to explore on one's own.

Capture the distinctive character of the Canal Corridor and be featured in the Erie Canalway Calendar

Waterford, N.Y. – Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit entries for the 14^th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Photos should convey the wealth of things to do and see along the waterway and express the beauty and unique character of the canal and canal communities. Winning photos will be featured in the 2020 Erie Canalway calendar.

To Officially Welcome 12 Magnificent Tall Sailing Ships

Buffalo, N.Y. – The largest celebration in the history of the Buffalo waterfront, Basil Port of Call: Buffalo, will kick-off with a dramatic Parade of Sail at 3 p.m. on July 4th as 12 tall ships muster in Lake Erie, move under full sail past the landmark 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse and arrive by 5 p.m. at their docking stations in Canalside, Riverwalk and Erie Basin Marina. Cannons will punctuate the air along with bagpipers from the Erie County Sheriff’s Irish Pipes and Drums reserve unit, and join The Buffalo Niagara Concert Band, a group of 80 musicians, in salute to a majestic fleet of historic tall ships from harbors throughout the United States, Canada, Spain and the South Pacific.

75^th Anniversary Planning Committee will commemorate Aug. 5, 1944 arrival of 982 Holocaust Refugees at the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter

 “In the Spring of 1944 a crisis developed as refugees making their way through German lines began interfering with Allied military operations in Italy, and allied refugee camps were pushed to overflowing.  When America’s European allies balked at opening new refugee camps in their own countries and territories, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced his intention to open the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter in Oswego, NY.  Roosevelt’s goal in opening a camp in the Continental United States was to convince our allies that America was serious about rescuing the Jews of Europe, and to accept refugees themselves.  Fort Ontario subsequently became the only camp or shelter for Holocaust refugees in the United States during World War II.  It is where every-day Americans and reporters first encountered the victims and their personal stories of persecution at the hands of the Nazis, and it resulted in Holocaust stories moving from the back to the front pages of American newspapers.  Fort Ontario is where the Holocaust came to America.”Paul Lear, Historic Site Manager, Fort Ontario State Historic Site…

Application Deadline Is June 1!

2019 Marks 25 Years of the Contest Greening Brooklyn Block by Block

Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is delighted to announce the 25th annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest. For 25 years, the contest has been a cornerstone of Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s community greening initiatives, promoting streetscape greening and neighborly connectivity. The contest supports Brooklyn residents in addressing environmental issues unique to living in a densely populated urban environment: greening in limited streetscape spaces, street tree care, use of smart, sustainable horticultural practices, and water conservation. The contest calls on neighbors to come together in their greening and to pass along horticultural knowledge to each other and the next generation.

Waterford, N.Y. - When the NYS Canal System opens on May 17, kayaks and canoes will share the waterway with cruisers and powerboats, thanks to the New York State Canalway Water Trail Guidebook and Navigational Map Set released by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The complimentary guidebook and maps includes a mile-by-mile description of launch sites, paddler-friendly facilities and amenities, and places of interest for over 450 miles of the NYS Canal System, including the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego and Champlain canals.

The guidebook and maps are available to order ($10 shipping and handling fee) or download online at: eriecanalway.org/watertrail

“This guidebook is an invitation to paddlers to discover the history, beauty, and adventure of paddling the canals.” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “Paddlers will navigate century old locks, pass stunning stone aqueducts, and experience narrow flatwater stretches and wide river segments.”…

Discover all you can do along New York’s Canals

Waterford, N.Y. - The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor today announced the launch of the Canalway Challenge, a new initiative that invites people to trace history while tracking miles walking, running, cycling or paddling on the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail. The free program includes a range of mileage options--15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles—so that people at all fitness levels can choose a mileage goal that suits their ability and participate. Details and signup are available at www.canalwaychallenge.org/.

Two-Day Celebration of New York State Wine, Craft Beverages & Artisan Foods Expected to Bring over 7,000 Visitors to the Lake George Area

Lake George, N.Y. - Celebrating half a decade in operation, the 2019 Adirondack Wine & Food Festival will return to the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons in Lake George for two days of remarkable wine and food experiences on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30.

The fifth-annual, family friendly wine and food tasting event will feature a record 120+ vendors, including the finest producers of New York state wines, craft beverages and artisan foods as well as 11 food trucks, arts & crafts and more.

This year’s festival is also expected to shatter the previous attendance record for the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons – a record set by last year’s festival, which brought more than 6,300 visitors to Lake George and had a 1.87 million economic impact on the greater Lake George area, perennially one of the state’s most popular summer tourism destinations.

New Attractions and Destinations Provide Great Opportunities to Learn, Stay and Play Across the State This Vacation Season

New York, NY – May 6, 2019: New York State is home to endless possibilities for families seeking diverse summer vacation options, thanks to new attractions, accommodations and experiences opening this spring and summer. Countless opportunities await travelers of all ages and interests at museums that encourage learning, cool hotels for guests of all ages, and exciting theme parks and fairs statewide.

“New York State is a welcoming, easy-to-navigate and fun-filled destination for families year-round, and we really thrive in the summer,” I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said. “With great weather for outdoor activities, scenic highways for road trips, and an array of exciting new museums, hotels and amusement park rides, it’s an ideal time for families to find what they love.”…

Albany, NY — Discover Albany is leading the travel and tourism community during National Travel and Tourism Week (May 5-11), by highlighting who comes to our market.

“On average, there are more than 4,343 visitors to Albany County each day. This year, as we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, our staff is heading out into the community, and beyond, to promote Albany, interact with the visitors and learn more about what we can do to increase traveler spending in our area,” says Jill Delaney, President and CEO of Discover Albany. “According to the most recent economic impact numbers, thanks in part to our ongoing efforts, travelers spent $970 million in Albany County, generated $125 million in state and local taxes."…