The Beat

Romulus, N.Y. – The Sommelier Challenge is an annual competition held in San Diego that is judged entirely by panels of sommeliers, which represent some of the most esteemed restaurants in the country.  While the panel of judges are from throughout the United States, most are from some of the top restaurants in California.

Penguin Bay was awarded with two gold medals, a 91 point rating and two silver medals. The gold medal winners were the 2017 Dry Gewürztraminer and the 2015 Lemberger Pinot Noir, both of which received 91 point ratings. 2017 Dry Vidal Blanc and 2017 Dry Rosé brought home silver medals.

A 25% Discount Deal in Time for Canadian Thanksgiving

Timely promotion in Central New York offers Canadians “close to par” value pricing beginning October 7 on lodging at Embassy Suites by Hilton at Destiny USA

Syracuse, NY - Canadians looking for true value on a United States getaway can find it at Embassy Suites by Hilton at Destiny USA, New York State’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Beginning October 7, Canadians with proof of Canadian residency will enjoy essentially “at par” savings on overnight stays (subject to availability).

The rate being offered is based on an average exchange rate of 25%, covering the difference of a 25-cent-on-the-dollar conversion from Canadian to U.S. dollars. The package includes a suite at Embassy Suites by Hilton at Destiny USA, plus a Stay & Save Savings Pass with over 40 special offers with a combined savings of nearly $500.

Ithaca, N.Y. - Ithacans, Mystics and Visitors - grab your fantastical garb and get ready for Ithaca’s Fourth Annual Wizarding Weekend on October 26-28. This unique festival of science and fantasy connects the community of one of New York’s most beautiful cities with the worldwide magical community through interactive exhibits, themed activities, exclusive events, special guests and more!

Wand dueling, human chess, slime potion making, Feed the Dragons and Wheel of Magic games, living portraits, and Quidditch practices and matches are among the returning favorites. This year there’ll be musical performances by Tonks and the Aurors, Time Crash, Ashley Trix and the WZRDS, The Blibbering Humdingers, Fall Creek Brass Band, Hawthorn, and Holly, as well as themed performances by Moreland the Magician, Christopher Strange Witch Doctor, Zajal the Sugar Plum Fairy and Friends, LilySilly Puppets, and BubbleMania as well as interactive exhibits by the Cornell Raptor Program, Ithaca Physics Bus, and Cayuga Nature Center.

Award Winning Harvest Trail celebrates its "legal" birthday

Wayne County, N.Y. - The annual Wayne County Apple Tour celebrates its 21st birthday this fall. Since 1997, apple lovers throughout western and central New York have explored Wayne County to pick fresh apples, enjoy the fall colors, and enjoy a day of family fun. The Apple Tour tradition has grown through the years, and so has its offerings for adults. Now home to three wineries, three cideries and one distillery, there's plenty for friends, couples, and even Mom and Dad to enjoy.

Best Public Relations Campaign from U.S. Travel Association  

Pittsford, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC), the official 14-county tourism promotion agency as recognized by I Love NY, was awarded a Destiny Award by U.S. Travel Association for its 2017 national public relations campaign, which produced over 2.1 billion impressions and nearly 500 media placements. 

U.S. Travel Association's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. They recognize excellence and creative accomplishments in destination marketing and promotion through their Destiny Awards, which are presented at their annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO), this year held in Phoenix, Arizona, August 11-14, 2018.

The museum will also host a free discussion at noon as part of Museum Day,

Looking for Frederick Douglass: Resources in Libraries, Museums, and Archives

Rochester, N.Y., September 4, 2018—The George Eastman Museum will be open to the public for FREE on Saturday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the spirit of Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day, the Eastman Museum is opening its doors to all visitors for the day to encourage the Rochester community to experience the photography exhibitions David Levinthal: War, Myth, Desire and Gail Albert Halaban: Out My Window, and the History of Photography Gallery, as well as hands-on activities for all ages in the Discovery Room.

Tops List of Ten Best Wine Regions in the United States

Pittsford, N.Y. - After four weeks of voting by the public, the Finger Lakes Region has been named the best wine region in the United States in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Award contest. The Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC), the official 14-county tourism promotion agency as recognized by I Love NY, was thrilled to receive notice of this honor.

Embassy Suites hotel rolls out campaign inviting North Dakota residents to help celebrate its first birthday

North Dakota is the only state not to visit the onsite Embassy Suites hotel at Destiny USA since opening in September of 2017; guests from 49 states, 2 territories and 12 countries have visited the hotel to date

Syracuse, NY (August 23, 2018) - What do you want for your birthday?The Embassy Suites hotel at Destiny USA wants a visit from North Dakota. Just shy of its one-year anniversary, the hotel located onsite at New York’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment travel destination in Syracuse, Destiny USA, has seen guests visit from 49 states and 12 countries (and 2 territories). The only state without representation? North Dakota.

Full day of learning, foraging, harvesting, preparing and eating under the expertise of Native Chef Arlie Doxtator, Indigenous Food Advocate Angela Ferguson and many others

Victor, NY— Ganondagan’s first-ever day of culturally immersive, community culinary experience has been announced for Saturday, September 8, from 9:30 am - 7:00 pm. Participants in the “Indigenous Food Gathering and Tastings” event will experience the authentic roots, culture, and healthy traditions of the Hodinöhsö:ni’ people.

Syracuse (August 21, 2018) -- Onondaga County visitors spent approximately $865 million locally in 2017, according to a Tourism Economics report released by New York State. The report highlights tourism trends throughout the state and each of its regions, including the 14-county Finger Lakes vacation region. 

“The numbers show that our local tourism industry is stable,” said Visit Syracuse President Danny Liedka. “We are focused on doing our part to help these numbers climb, and to show that Onondaga County is a first class destination.”…