The Beat

Lake Placid, N.Y. – Nine months ago, when the coronavirus pandemic struck every facet of life, the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid decided to close its doors for three months to mitigate the spread. But while no guests came through their entries, behind those doors, owners and managers were planning the Inn’s return. That occurred on June 26 and after spending some $500,000 on COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and seeing the faces of comforted visitors, the Mirror Lake Inn’s new mantra was born: Safety is the new luxury.

Lift tickets are on sale now at westmountain.com

New programming including freestyle development program and mogul course on go-go; expanded terrain park on banister. safe operations & reduced indoor capacity

Queensbury, NY--- West Mountain is ready to kick off its 2020-21 season, opening this weekend, Saturday, December 19 for skiing and riding! West Mountain has been blowing a lot of snow to prepare for opening. The snow tubing park will open on December 26.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our guests this winter to enjoy the outdoors”, said Sara Montgomery, General Manager of West Mountain. “With so many families at home doing virtual learning this year, getting on the mountain and getting exercise will be a much-needed activity and escape!”…

Grant from Matt & Kathryn Wilhelm Family Foundation (EKB Kitchens)

Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y. -- When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum to suspend educational programming in late March, the leadership and board looked to play to its strength of nature based outdoor learning and play to support its mission of creating future stakeholders of our shared community environment.

The first opportunity to do that came in July.  By scaling back the overall size and creating individual age group pods, the museum’s Director of Education Jenny Brinker successfully planned and ran a healthy (and infection free) eight week summer camp for children.  The response by their families was overwhelmingly positive with parents thankful their children could safely interact with other children after months of social isolation.

CCHA allows for limited sales December 12^th

Plattsburgh, N.Y. – COVID-19 risks have closed the Clinton County Historical Association & Museum at 98 Ohio Avenue to the public for some months. As CCHA houses the largest selection of Clinton County history books (new and used) for sale in the North Country, there is a special opportunity now available to pre-order and purchase these local history books.

Scheduled for Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 6:30 Pm

Utica, N.Y. – Trinkaus Manor was a holiday destination for many in and around Oneida County for almost 40 years.  An annual display featuring over 750,000 lights drew thousands each year from 1955 until 1992.  Join Oneida County Historian Joe Bottini to rediscover this festive part of our local history and rejuvenate your holiday spirit. The presentation will include powerful photos of the Trinkaus decorations, photos and quotes of the fire that destroyed it all, Trinkaus Manor history, and Trinkaus family history.

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — Gainesway Farm’s three-time North American champion sire Tapit will be the featured stallion for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Foal Patrol Season 4, which will debut online at www.foalpatrol.com on Dec. 29. One of the most influential and breed-shaping stallions of the past half-century, Tapit has sired 27 grade 1 winners, 31 yearlings to bring $1 million or more at auction, and earners of more than $162 million on the racetrack. He stands at historic Gainesway in Lexington, Ky., for a 2021 fee of $185,000.

Presented by The Art Gallery at the Rockefeller Park Preserve

Pleasantville, N.Y. – Master artist Radu Serban revisits the historic river villages of the Hudson Valley, honored by the Art Gallery at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. A holiday presentation of imaginative oil and pastel paintings memorializing the lifestyles of past and present generations.

Bordering the stance of the Hudson River are forested acres of the Preserve bequeathed by the Rockefeller Family, lush with diverse landscapes, Olmstead designed carriage paths and bridges, unique flowering gardens and waterways including the shimmering Swan Lake.

Building Closed for Repairs

Jamestown, NY – December 7, 2020 – The Roger Tory Peterson Institute experienced a fire on December 3, at approximately 10:25 a.m.

The fire occurred in the attic, likely due to a faulty light fixture. There were no visitors in the museum at the time. All staff and maintenance personnel exited safely. The sprinkler system extinguished the fire quickly, resulting in minimal fire and smoke damage. Jamestown Fire Department arrived promptly to assist.

Ellicottville, NY. (Dec. 7, 2020) -- Thanks to Mother Nature’s cold temperatures and snowmaking technology, Dennis Eshbaugh, the President and General Manager of Holiday Valley Resort announced today that the 2020-21 winter season will begin on Thursday morning, December 10th, 2020.

This most recent run of snowmaking has taken place since Saturday on over 12 of Holiday Valley’s 60 slopes, with up to 245 snowguns running simultaneously. As of 11:00 AM Monday morning, over 144 acre feet of snow has been made. (An acre foot of snow equals one acre covered by a foot of snow). In order to open the slopes, the newly made snow needs to “cure” for a period of time, then be spread over the slope by grooming machines to make a smooth skiing surface.

Diverse and delicious offerings provide the perfect gift for everyone on your list

Watkins Glen, NY – Seneca Lake wineries have a wide variety of wine, experiences, and more, to make gift giving easy this holiday season. Shop local, shop small, and support these local businesses as they continue to weather the pandemic. Here are a few ideas!…