By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
Historic Hudson Valley is back with premier fall events:
Blaze: The Hudson Valley’s most electrifying fall happening: Meander through an 18th-century landscape and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns—all designed and hand-carved on site by its team of artisans. New for 2022, watch our animated “Jack” Smith Shop in action and keep an eye out for glowing bees. Complete with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack. Select nights, September 16 – November 20. Advance timed-tickets tickets only. No tickets sold on site. Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.
Explore “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”: At this family-friendly happening, visitors can tour Washington Irving’s house—decorated for the season—watch an original shadow puppet short film, and enjoy games on the lawn. A special exhibit highlights how the Legend has lived in the imagination of popular culture through the centuries since its publication. Fridays – Sundays, plus Columbus Day + Halloween, September 16-November 13. Advance tickets required. No tickets will be sold on site. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533.
Irving’s ‘Legend’ returns reimagined this fall. Performed for the first time ever outdoors under the stars at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will cast a spell with dramatic performances of the classic tale. Live music and an appearance from the Headless Horseman himself make this a spooky spectacular experience for all ages. This experience is outdoors and requires walking. Fridays – Sundays, plus Columbus Day + Halloween, September 30 – October 3. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533.
Blaze at Old Bethpage Village Restoration: Historic Hudson Valley is again bringing “The Great Jack o’ Lantern Pumpkin Blaze” to Long Island. Walk the immersive pumpkin trail on the grounds of Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 19th-century village. See more than 7,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns, all carved by its team of artisans. Find your favorite legendary local icon in our Hall of Fame, gaze in wonder at the Pumpkin Planetarium, see larger-than-life sea creatures and watch your head as an animated Headless Horseman rides into the night. Enjoy an all-original soundtrack and synchronized lighting, which complement the experience. Browse the expanded shop with exclusive souvenirs and local finds. Select nights September 30 through November 6 at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Timed ticket entry only, https://pumpkinblaze.org/blaze-long-island.html. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, New York, 11804, [email protected], 516-572-8409, https://www.oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org/
Historic Hudson Valley, 639 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591, 914.366.6900, hudsonvalley.org.
I Love NY’s Launches Fall Foliage Report, Hosts Path Through History Weekend Oct 8
The start of New York State’s 2022 fall foliage and travel season signals the return of I LOVE NY’s Fall Foliage Reports and a new I LOVE NY broadcast and digital marketing campaign to showcase popular fall activities and attractions. I LOVE NY is also collaborating with the state’s network of heritage tourism destinations on this year’s Path Through History Weekend, scheduled for October 8-10, which will feature special events and activations at the state’s rich history and historic sites.
Fall is one of New York’s most popular travel seasons. To help travelers and foliage enthusiasts plan a fall getaway, I LOVE NY’s weekly foliage reports are issued every Wednesday, beginning September 14. They are compiled using the on-location field observations from I LOVE NY’s team of more than 85 volunteer leaf spotters throughout the state’s 11 vacation regions. The spotters track color changes in their area, detailing the prevalent leaf colors, approximate percentage of change, and how much color change has progressed relative to peak conditions.
The reports also include an interactive foliage map, available on the I LOVE NY website, that tracks weekly changes and progression across the state throughout the season. The map includes recommended foliage viewing locations in each of the state’s vacation regions, plus examples of peak foliage in a given area, and information about popular local and regional attractions.
New this year, the interactive foliage map will include an option to filter attractions by category, including food & drink, and arts & culture.
Additionally, I LOVE NY will be hosting a Path Through History weekend on October 8 to 10 to showcase some of the state’s historic and heritage travel sites. The Path Through History initiative uses 14 themes to organize more than 700 sites, attractions and locations throughout the state. The Path Through History website includes maps, a user-friendly list of locations organized by theme and region, and an itinerary builder to help plan your trip. More information on the 2022 Path Through History Weekend is available at https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/path-through-history/path-through-history-weekend/
Thanks in part to its size and location, New York State traditionally has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. On any weekend from late September through mid-November, part of the state is likely experiencing peak foliage. Fall foliage reports and the interactive map are available at www.iloveny.com/foliage, or toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697).
Travelers are invited to share their photos of New York State’s picturesque foliage on social media by using the #NYLovesFall hashtag. Photos submitted to this hashtag have a chance of being featured on the I LOVE NY fall foliage website and official I LOVE NY social media accounts reaching more than two million followers. I LOVE NY recently launched a TikTok account to reach additional audiences, complementing its existing accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Tourism in New York State generates $85.5 billion in economic impact and enough in state and local taxes to save every New York household $1,000 annually. Tourism and hospitality is the state’s third largest industry, supporting one in 11 private sector jobs.
New York State is a premier vacation destination with world-class attractions, picturesque natural beauty, locally sourced cuisine and a booming craft beverage scene, an array of accommodations, and iconic, year-round festivals and events. Its 11 diverse vacation regions feature some of the world’s top ranked beaches; two out of America’s top three favorite state parks; breathtaking Niagara Falls; more ski areas than any other state; one of the nation’s longest foliage seasons; multiple Halls of Fame; North America’s longest, fastest and highest zipline; the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States; and the country’s longest multi-use trail, the Empire State Trail, plus unique museums, historic landmarks, cultural sites, charming small towns and urban playgrounds.
For help planning your New York State vacation, visit www.iloveny.com.
Orange County Introduces Taste the Craft Beverage Trail Pass
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. –Orange County Tourism & Film has introduced its Taste the Craft Beverage Trail, making it easier and more rewarding to visit the county’s many craft breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries.
Orange County has created a Trail Pass that takes just a minute to sign up for and makes it easy to see the participating Taste the Craft locales – 24 so far. Participants receive discounts from local establishment, plus a chance to win a free, limited-edition Orange County, N.Y. Taste the Craft T-shirt when they check in at five craft-beverage locations. Participants (must be 21 to register) can go at their own pace. The five visits do not have to be made on the same day but can be accumulated over time.
“Our new beverage trail pass will show you the way to the hot spots and hidden gems serving an endless variety of beers, wines, spirits and ciders.” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism & Film. “Take your time and enjoy them at a leisurely pace. Make a weekend out of it, and stay in one of our irresistible bed and breakfasts or lodging destinations.”
Learn about the craft beverage trail and locations here: https://orangetourism.org/explore/craft-beverage/
Sign up for the pass here: https://orangetourism.org/craft-beverage-trail-pass/
Simply sign up (you need to be 21) and the pass will be delivered to your mobile device; no app downloads are required. Show any deals to participating partners to redeem, or just check in via GPS at the location to accumulate visits toward winning your prize.
Along the trail, participants will discover – or re-discover – how the devotion to craft and the famously rich soil of the Black Dirt region combine to make Orange County a special place for craft beverages. They are a blend of tradition and innovation; the fertile agricultural region is ideal for practicing terroir, or capturing the bounty and essence of the local region in a glass.
“The craft beverage makers in Orange County, N.Y. offer endless options, so there is something for everyone,” Dana said. “Whether you prefer a carefully crafted IPA, a locally made bourbon, a Riesling from the nation’s oldest winemaking region, or a creatively flavored hard cider produced with the Hudson Valley’s abundant apples, Orange County has what you’re looking for. We ask that you please drink responsibly and plan your visit now. Enjoy all that the region has to offer.”
A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. Additionally, a 56-page travel guide is available for digital download at https://orangetourism.org/travel-guide/.
Lake Placid Historic Hotel Reopens as Grand Adirondack, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
LAKE PLACID, NY– Situated on a coveted site on Lake Placid’s Main Street, the historic Hotel North Woods reopened on August 31, 2022, after a major renovation to unveil a fresh look under a new name: Grand Adirondack Hotel, Lake Placid, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
Conceptualized and managed by the team at Wright Investments and part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio – a growing global family of characterful hotels – Grand Adirondack Hotel embodies the spirit of Lake Placid incorporating the natural environment that surrounds the town.
Fully reimagined, the hotel’s elevated design, culinary offerings, and thoughtful programming immerse guests in the charming destination, combining the whimsy and romanticism of the great outdoors with the laid-back luxury of the Adirondack’s historical Great Camps tradition.
Originally opened as Hotel Marcy in 1927, the redesigned 92-room hotel takes cues from its former identity, juxtaposing past with present. The property’s history and natural surroundings are reflected in the captivating design details, including an inviting lobby, intriguing food and beverage concepts, well-appointed guest rooms, and a vibrant rooftop bar with stunning views of Mirror Lake, Whiteface Mountain, the High Peaks, and five Olympic venues.
Scattered throughout the hotel, guests find captivating artwork from celebrated and local artists. Pieces from artist and author, James Prosek, are on display in guestrooms, while works from award-winning watercolorist Sarah Yeoman are on stationery and other guest amenities.
“In 2014, we hiked and flyfished and fell in love with the stunning natural beauty of the area,” said Larry Wright Jr., President and CEO of Wright Investments. “Being nearly 100 years old, the hotel has amazing historic significance for the Adirondacks and Lake Placid community and we are humbled to be part of it. The Grand Adirondack Hotel is a welcoming place for locals, travelers and our guests who are seeking a sense of relaxation and adventure. We envision the property to be much more than a hotel – it’s a living room for everyone and the most exciting place to be in the six million acres of the Park.”
Grand Adirondack Hotel also features several new dining options including Marcy, a brasserie-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, spotlighting locally sourced and farm-procured ingredients. Marcy Bar features small plates, craft beers, and cocktails with live music. Seasonally, guests can enjoy the view from Cloud Splitter, the highest rooftop bar in Adirondacks. Private dining is available for family gatherings, corporate meetings, and special occasions.
The hotel provides the perfect home base to explore all the Adirondacks has to offer. The Adirondack Park, created in 1892 by the State of New York, is larger than several states in New England and bigger than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and the Great Smokies National Parks combined. It features over 2,000 miles of marked hiking trails, 15 miles of mountain bike trials, 6 million acres of mountains, 3,000 freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds teaming with aquatic life for year-round fishing, canoeing, and kayaking excursions, Ausable Chasm, five winter Olympic venues (that visitors can enjoy) and skiing at Whiteface Mountain.
Grand Adirondack Hotel, Lake Placid, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn and redeem points for their stay at the new hotel, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.
Grand Adirondack Hotel, 2520 Main St., Lake Placid, New York 12946, www.GrandAdirondack.com, 518-523-1818, [email protected].
Photo: Look closely and you will see The Headless Horseman himself in jack o’lanterns at The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson and at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Long Island. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
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