The Beat

Corning, NY – Town squares are much more than quaint spots in the center of town adorned with cobblestone paths, benches for chatting or repose, and a stage of some sort or a fountain. They are integral and culturally significant parts of small town life. Located, metaphorically, in the heart of town, these gathering places have historically been sites for markets, political rallies, entertainment and music. Around them, you will often find thriving shops and restaurants. And emanating from them, you can often feel the very pulse of the community. Exemplifying these traits and more, Corning’s Centerway Square has been voted Best Public Square in the country as part of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel awards for 2021.

Watkins Glen, NY – The Seneca Lake Wine Trail raises a glass and offers congratulations to the eight member wineries who won 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 honors during the New York Wine Classic hosted by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation and judged by the Beverage Testing Institute.

Best in Class award winners from the Seneca Lake Wine Trail include:

·         Best Cabernet Franc - Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars 2019 T23 Unoaked Cabernet Franc

·         Best Ice Wine - Boundary Breaks 2019 Riesling Ice Wine…

Camps Can Begin to Plan for Summer Opening

25 Percent Capacity Limit in Indoor Family Entertainment Centers and Places of Amusement; 33 Percent Capacity Limit in Outdoor Amusement Parks

All Facilities Must Submit Reopening Plans with Health Protocols to Local Health Department

Face Coverings and Social Distancing Required for Customers and Staff; Health Screening with Temperature Checks Required for All Customers Prior to Entry

Day and Overnight Summer Camps Can Begin to Plan for Reopening; Department of Health Will Issue Guidance in the Coming Weeks

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement can open with a 25 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, March 26. Outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, April 9.

Utica, N.Y, – Local graphic design firm, IntreXDesign & Associates, received a national graphic design award from Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) for the 2020 Oneida County Travel Guide. The travel guide was designed by Jeannine Papelino, owner of IntreXDesign & Associates, and was published by the Utica Observer Dispatch.

Papelino said, “Designing the Official 2020 Oneida County Travel Guide was a dream come true for me. Utica is my hometown, and this special project gave me an extraordinary opportunity to promote this area's history, attractions and neighborhoods by using my creative talent in a way to benefit the community. One goal was to inspire locals to discover what’s nearby and that became highly relevant with COVID-19. For me, it's my contribution to supporting the region and highlighting the numerous treasures this area has to offer its residents and visitors.”…

New Yorkers Can Fish Without a License Across New York State on February 13-14

DEC Urges New Yorkers to Practice Ice Safety While Outdoors

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of the upcoming first Free Fishing Weekend of 2021, on February 13 and 14, when anglers are permitted to fish for free without a license.

"New York is home to some of the best lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in the world, all offering exceptional fishing opportunities all year round," Governor Cuomo said. "As the nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, families are seeking outdoor activities that don't break the bank or require extensive travel, and this Free Fishing weekend is a perfect option for anglers of all experience levels to enjoy the very best that the Empire State has to offer."…

Launched by Dutchess Tourism, Inc. on National Plan for Vacation Day

Poughkeepsie, NY—Dynamic drone footage captures a vast expanse of the verdant, natural beauty of the Hudson Valley, its storied history and array of culinary delights in a series of 12 videos scheduled to be released on a monthly basis beginning today. The videos are airing on social media channels including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and invite travelers of all ages, near and far, to plan future trips to visit this intriguing region.

Ontario County Tourism Promotion Agency wins two national awards

Canandaigua, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Visitors Connection's ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response is receiving awards for its strategic communications and the team's response to quickly assist small businesses in Ontario County. The official tourism promotion agency of Ontario County was recently awarded two platinum-level awards in the "Crisis Communication Plan or Response" and "Team Achievement" categories from the MarCom Awards, which honor excellence in marketing and communication.

Poughkeepsie, NY – Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) announced the release of a new brochure designed to get people riding and exploring the recently completed Empire State Trail and encourage further exploration of Dutchess County’s extensive bike routes and trails.

The Dutchess County Bike Tour Guide brochure features a collection of six bike tours, two of which are a part of the larger 750-mile Empire State Trail: Rhinecliff, Rhinebeck & Annandale-on-Hudson; and WRS Dutchess Rail Trail & Walkway Over the Hudson. The Empire State Trail aims to promote outdoor recreation and connect New York’s diverse communities, spanning from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks.

Clayton, NY (January 14, 2021) – In light of the uncertainties caused by surging cases of COVID19 over the past few months, the Antique Boat Museum will be limiting roster sizes for this winter’s inperson session of The Captain School. Instructed once again by Captain Michael Gerviss, class will take place 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday beginning February 22nd and will conclude with testing on Saturday, March 6th. Online registration is now open on “The Captain School @ ABM” page under the Education dropdown menu at abm.org. Strict COVID-19 protocols, including a temperature check, questionnaire, social distancing and face coverings will be required for all students and instructors.