The Beat

Opt for a change of scenery this winter with fun, family-friendly indoor attractions

Orange County, N.Y. (February 18, 2021) – The winter landscapes found throughout the scenic Hudson Valley are unparalleled, but if a day on the slopes or trek through the snow isn’t quite your style, don’t fret! Orange County, N.Y. is chock full of hidden gems that offer plenty of fun for all ages with indoor attractions. From museums to shops, there’s plenty of excitement to be had in Orange County this winter season.

“The history of our region is so rich, and it’s easy to take for granted the world-class shopping, historic sites, and acclaimed craft beverage scenes we have right in our own backyards,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “This winter, I encourage you to discover all there is to do here in Orange County. Many of our local indoor venues offer safe, socially-distant attractions to pique your interest. You’ll be surprised how much there is to choose from!”…

The region’s “coolest” tradition will continue with free online events and at-home activities

East Meredith, NY – For more than 30 years, Hanford Mills Museum has held an Ice Harvest Festival to celebrate a historic winter tradition in the Catskills. Though COVID-19 will prevent Hanford Mills from hosting an in-person event, the Museum will offer free virtual events and at-home activities.

“We have the same goal, to highlight the history, science, and traditions of ice harvesting, but will be interacting with people online instead of here at Hanford Mills,” explains Liz Callahan, executive director of Hanford Mills Museum. She notes that the Ice Harvest often brings more than 1000 people to the museum, making it their biggest event. “We will miss having visitors here for Ice Harvest, but hope people will enjoy this new online programming.”…

Mumford, NY, Jan. 28, 2021 - Instead of hibernating this February, young and old alike can head to Genesee Country Village & Museum for nature-focused activities, online and in-person classes, camps for kids, and a Valentine’s Day treat. Utilizing the wide-open spaces available at the Nature Center and Historic Village, GCV&M offers visitors a variety of ways to get out and have fun while staying safe and socially-distanced.

The month kicks off with a two-part webinar that starts with the complicated history of society’s relationship with nature as told through fashion, then dives into the current-day conservation efforts underway at the Museum. “Caring for Nature, Yesterday and Today” runs for two Wednesdays, February 3 and 10, from 7-8 pm, and reservations are open now at gcv.org. For those looking for more entertainment they can enjoy from the warmth and comfort of home,…

Lake George, N.Y. — Wristbands are on sale now at www.lakegeorgewinterfest.com for Lake George’s newest event, Winterfest, planned for the four weekends of February, welcoming visitors to enjoy socially-distanced safe outdoor events such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, winter “fat tire” mountain biking, axe throwing, dog sled rides and more while they dine and relax in the Lake George area.

A wristband is just $30 and with it comes your choice of adventure, plus access to horse-drawn carriage rides around Lake George, hot cocoa stations, 15% off your hotel stay and 10% off at many participating restaurants, which are all listed on the website. Many of the restaurants offer takeout and delivery options. Children’s wristbands are just $15.

The snow-capped mountains are calling and you simply must go!

Orange County, N.Y. (January 13, 2021) – Winter weather transforms the Hudson Valley into the ultimate destination for outdoor fun. Snow-capped mountains and freshly-covered slopes beckon outdoor enthusiasts to discover the many winter adventures that await in scenic Orange County, N.Y. Adventurers of all ages can explore the area’s ski slopes, ice rinks, riding stables, hiking, and biking trails that offer heart-pumping fun and incredible views.

Skaneateles, N.Y. -- There will be music in the streets (piped in via speakers), gaily decorated storefronts—but alas, no live Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles. In this daunting age of COVID, Dickens, Scrooge and their fellow merrymakers will be depicted in the village by their cutout surrogates, while the real characters continue to entertain us from a safe distance online. 

“It is with great love and much contemplation that, due to the great plague that is upon us, we have chosen the safety of the community over all else,” says Jim Greene, who plays Charles Dickens. “We are thrilled to be able to share our joyous holiday fun with you, all and every one of you, through the magic of Instagram and Facebook.” …

Lake Placid, N.Y. – Just to make sure everyone was paying attention, Mother Nature reminded us last week that winter is upon us in Upstate New York. A 10-inch snowfall got us thinking that skiing, boarding, skating, hockey and the rest are closer than we think in the Adirondack Mountains.

Whiteface Mountain, just 10 miles from the Mirror Lake Inn, is poised for a Thanksgiving opening, weather permitting. The Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid is ready as well. Last season, the AAA Four Diamond property debuted a new onsite ski shop manned by Olympic silver and bronze medalist Andrew Weibrecht, and his brother, Ethan, a former college ski racer. The concept resonated well with guests, so this year, not only will the service be repeated, but the inn has added a brand-new fleet of top of the line premium ski rentals from Head.

Lake Placid, NY - Lake Placid invites you to keep holiday spirits high this December by continuing a holiday tradition. The 11th annual Holiday Village Stroll is scheduled for December 11-13, 2020. 

The Holiday Village Stroll will take a different shape this year, with virtual events, a scavenger hunt, and lots of shopping. All plans will follow the recommended health guidelines including social distancing and wearing face masks, while still making sure to offer plenty of festive cheer. …

Ellicottville, NY -- Holiday Valley Resort has announced plans to construct a new chairlift in 2021. The new lift is a state of the art high speed detachable quad chairlift that will replace the fixed grip Yodeler Quad, built in 2001. The new lift will be supplied by Doppelmayr USA, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Including installation, the cost of the new Yodeler High Speed Quad is $4 million. 

As compared to the existing lift, the chairs travel uphill at a much faster rate, but they detach from the cable and go slower for loading and unloading, making it much easier for skiers to get on and off the lift. Holiday Valley currently has 3 other detachable chairlifts; Mardi Gras, Tannenbaum and Morning Star.

Mumford, N.Y. --

WHAT:

Preparing for Winter, Saturday, November 21, 10 am-3 pm

· Watch the village…