The Beat

New augmented reality experience brings Ontario County’s history to life through interactive storytelling and on-site exploration

Canandaigua, NY — Visit Finger Lakes (www.VisitFingerLakes.com) is pleased to announce the launch of the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum during National Historic Marker Weekend on Saturday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Canandaigua Inn Park, Historic Public Square (23 N. Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424). This free, public event will feature the official launch of the virtual museum app, volunteer opportunities supported by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, and a scavenger hunt with the opportunity to win prizes from local establishments.

To Celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup

12 Projects Selected Through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program

Funding Will Support Public Viewing Events and Community Activations Across New York State

Program Helps Extend the Economic and Tourism Benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Communities Statewide

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 12 community-based projects across seven regions of New York State have been selected as awardees through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. State funding will support locally organized public viewing events and related programming tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More than $371,000 in grants will facilitate events designed to bring residents and visitors together while driving economic activity and increasing visitation to local businesses.

Iconic Harlem eatery debuts new location near Gramercy Park

New York, N.Y. (March 25, 2026) — Working in partnership with Promise Hospitality Group, Patsy’s Pizzeria has opened a new downtown Manhattan location within Freehand New York, just steps away from Gramercy Park. The reimagined Patsy’s Pizzeria concept offers a modern take on the Harlem institution, which is recognized as one of New York City’s original coal-oven pizzerias and credited with inventing the New York pizza slice.

Opening plans and early summer bookings are now underway for three destination-driven hotels debuting in Montauk, Sag Harbor, and Greenport from celebrated New England-based hospitality group Blue Flag Capital, in partnership with Collared Martin Hospitality

New York, NY (March 24, 2026) — A trio of new boutique hotels is headed to the East End this season from Blue Flag Capital, the hospitality group behind a popular collection of hotels on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and Collared Martin Hospitality, Blue Flag’s in-house management company. Reservations are now open for Hotel Corduroy in Montauk and Faraway Sag Harbor, while Oyster Estate reservations will soon open.

Utica becomes the largest Trail Town to date, highlighting its role as a central hub for recreation, culture, and community development along the Empire State Trail

Albany, NY – Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is proud to announce that the City of Utica and the Town of Lyons have been selected to join the Empire State Trail Town program, joining eleven other canal communities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to leveraging the trail as a driver for tourism, recreation, and local economic development.

Additional $5 Million in State Funding Announced To Support Project

Historic Capital Project Reflects $18.5 Million State Investment in Arts and Culture

New Addition Will Enhance Accessibility and Modernize Buffalo Venue

View Renderings Here and Video Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a $34.6 million expansion of the historic Shea’s Buffalo Theatre plus an additional commitment of $5 million in capital funding from New York State. Driven by a $18.5 million state investment, the four-story, 25,600-square-foot addition will revitalize the theatre experience by introducing a new box office, expanded lobby and event space, concessions at each level, additional bathrooms and critical accessibility upgrades, including three new elevators.

BANGKOK (March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire) -- The Wolseley Hotels today announces its global launch, with its inaugural property set to open in New York City in early 2027. Located steps from Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, The Wolseley Hotel New York will mark the brand's first hotel worldwide and establish New York as the flagship destination for The Wolseley Hotels. The opening will also introduce The Wolseley restaurant and bar to the United States for the first time, bringing one of London's most celebrated dining institutions to an international stage.

Lake Placid, N.Y. – In terms of modernization and upgrades, the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid has never been one to stand still. In recent years, the AAA Four Diamond property has spent in excess of $5 million reimagining many of its guest rooms and suites throughout the property in tandem with significant spa renovations.

Project Furthers Governor Hochul’s Commitment to New York’s Tourism Industry as the Historic Lakeside Property Celebrates its 100th Anniversary 

Photos of the Graycliff Visitor Center Are Available Here 

(March 6, 2026 ) - Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a new visitor center at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Graycliff estate in Derby, N.Y. The $6 million, 4,400-square-foot facility complements the recently renovated historic home and grounds and enables the Graycliff Conservancy to offer year-round programming, events, and amenities for the thousands of visitors it hosts each year from around the world. …