One of the best bike tours on the planet is in our own backyard: the annual Parks & Trails NY Cycle the Erie Canal ride, eight-days, 400-miles and 400 years of history, from Buffalo to Albany, a fully supported biking and camping trip (you can even hire Comfy Campers to set up your tent).
The
ride raises money and awareness for advocacy for new trail development and this
year’s ride will highlight new trails that take the riders off the roadway – this
year, cyclists will ride a new stretch west of Lockport in the town of
Pendleton and a gorgeous new trail between Amsterdam and Pattersonville (so you
no longer bike on the highway). Some 550
riders are expected this year, its 21st
annual Cycle the Erie ride, taking place , July 7-14; Parks & Trails NY is
still accepting registrations ($925/adult, 6-17 $545, 5-and under $280,
ptny.org)
The
organization’s key focus now is to build upon the state’s plan for 750-miles of
off-road recreational trails – the 360-mile long Erie Canalway, plus Empire
State Trail, north-south mixed-use, off-road trail system that will fully
connect New York City to Canada.
The
plans are already in place for the Empire State Trail to be completed by the
end of 2020. In 2019, PTNY launched Trails Across New York Campaign, to build
off the momentum of the Empire State Trail’s planned completion in 2020 and
support ways to turn the statewide trail system into a true network, connecting
local trails with the main spine of the Empire State Trail, including Long
Island, “and cementing New York’s position as the nation’s leader in multi-use
trails.”
Legislation
is currently pending in the NYS Assembly (A. 5035B) (S.4416B has already passed
the NYS Senate) would create a statewide multi-use trails plan. This important
bill would direct the state to come up with a blueprint for future trails
development, helping to turn our local trails across the state into a unified network
of trails with major spines and connecting routes, ensuring all parts of the
state have access to quality outdoor active recreation on trails.
The
Senate version has already passed; the Assembly version is in Ways & Means,
which directs the State Parks department to strategize and prioritize filling
in the trail gaps. Though it was considered possible for the Assembly to pass
its version by the June 19th close of session, if it languishes to
the next session, progress will not be lost. Parks & Trails was urging
people to contact their state legislator to ask them to cosponsor the
legislation and to make sure that the legislation is brought up for a vote
before the legislature adjourns for the year.
“Trails
Across New York envisions a future in which all New Yorkers will be located
only minutes from a trail and ideally will be able to access that trail easily
and safely by walking or bicycling. Throughout the state, trails, bicycle
boulevards, and Complete Streets will be acknowledged as essential and
mainstream elements of community infrastructure, much as utility lines and
sidewalks are thought of today.”
PTNY notes that New York State’s trail-rich and
trail-friendly reputation will attract visitors from across the nation and
abroad to experience the historic communities and varied and beautiful
landscapes accessible through the state’s trail network.
Trails
offer a wide range of benefits, including stimulating local economies, PTNY
notes. The Erie Canalway Trail alone has an estimated annual impact of more
than $250 million, and has created close to 3,500 jobs. New York’s outdoor
recreation economy annually generates $41.8 billion in consumer spending and
supports 313,000 jobs.
See
Cycle the Erie series on goingplacesfarandnear.com:
New York, NY – The New-York Historical
Society, the oldest museum in New York, celebrates Revolutionary Summer.
The festivities kick off on July 4, with Free Admission for kids 17 and under.
A Museum-wide exploration of Revolutionary War times, Revolutionary Summerpresents outdoor events
every weekend featuring characters from the era; 18th-century art and
artifacts; a diorama of the Continental Army; and a host of programs for all
ages, including trivia nights, a DJ evening, and a Revolutionary Drag Tea
Party. On select weekends, visitors can explore a replica of George
Washington’s Headquarters Tent at an outdoor Continental Army encampment, meet
Living Historians portraying soldiers and spies, and learn about the many
facets of camp life during the War for Independence.
“We’re so excited to welcome visitors to New-York Historical this
summer with a full line-up of fun ways to experience the Revolutionary era,”
said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. “Revolutionary
Summer celebrates the outstanding, revolutionary times that ignited
the birth of our country with everything from a scavenger hunt to the chance to
meet George Washington.”
George Washington’s Headquarters Tent July 4–7 | July 26–28 | August 16–18 | August 23–25 | September 13–15 The centerpiece of Revolutionary Summer is a replica of George Washington’s Headquarters Tent, on display in New-York Historical’s outdoor courtyard on select weekends. The original Tent is on display at the Museum of the American Revolution (MoAR) in Philadelphia. Often called the “first Oval Office,” the Headquarters Tent was where Washington and his most trusted staff plotted the strategy that ultimately won the Revolutionary War. On loan from MoAR, this painstakingly detailed, hand-sewn replica—made of custom woven linen and wool fabrics—was created as part of a collaboration between MoAR and Colonial Williamsburg. The Tent is staffed by MoAR educators, who lead visitors on an immersive tour through history.
On View A host of special installations and artifacts are on view at New-York Historical as part of Revolutionary Summer. One of the highlights is a recently discovered watercolor painting of the 1782 Continental Army encampment at Verplanck’s Point, New York—the only known eyewitness image of Washington’s Headquarters Tent during the Revolutionary War—on loan from MoAR. Other highlights include a camp cot used by Washington at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777; John Trumbull’s iconic painting of Washington that he gave to Martha Washington in 1790; and a pipe tomahawk gifted by Washington to Seneca Chief Sagoyewatha. Also on display is a diorama depicting the Verplanck’s Point encampment and the Hudson River shoreline, providing visitors with a 360-degree view of the scope and scale of Washington’s forces.
Revolutionary Summer also showcases historic documents from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, including an original 1823 William J. Stone facsimile of the Declaration of Independence; a broadside from King George III announcing the armistice and officially ending the war; and a letter by Martha Washington detailing domestic life in the aftermath of the Revolution.
Independence Day Celebration: Celebrate the Fourth of July exploring George Washington’s
encampment! Enter his Headquarters Tent, meet the man himself, and experience
where the future first president strategized, dined, and slept while MoAR staff
describe his daily life. Also on tap: singalongs with the Hudson River
Ramblers; fife and drum corps music; a one-woman play about Deborah Sampson,
the woman who disguised her gender to enlist in the Continental Army;
family-friendly food for purchase; and Living Historians portraying soldiers
from the Continental Army, as well as John Adams, who’ll read the Declaration
of Independence. Free Admission for kids age 17 and under.
Living History Weekends: Outdoor Continental Army Encampment: Every weekend, visitors of all ages can explore a recreation of
the Continental Army’s encampment in New-York Historical’s courtyard, located
on 76th Street, around the corner from Central Park West. Free with
Museum Admission.
George Washington’s Spies, Bodyguards, and Agents | July 6 & 7 Your top-secret mission: Enter George Washington’s encampment, meet with him and his spies, and decode your own message.
Join the Continental Army | July 13 & 14 | August 31 & September 1 | September 7 & 8 The Continental Army wants you! Explore their encampment tents and displays of 18th-century weaponry, participate in drills, and interact with all of the tools and equipment of a common soldier.
Everyday Life in Camp | July 20 & 21 Join the 3rd New Jersey Regiment to experience how soldiers and their families spent time in camp when they weren’t marching to war. Meet the women who helped prepare for military campaigns, play with 18th-century toys and games, and witness how soldiers passed the time.
Field Music on the March | July 27 & 28 March along to Revolutionary War field music performed by the drum and fife musicians of Hearts of Oak and the New Jersey Field Music Group.
Deborah Sampson, Fighting Woman | August 3 & 4 Meet Deborah Sampson—the woman who disguised her gender to enlist in the Continental Army—and members of her regiment, the 7th Massachusetts. Join Deborah for military drills and explore the inner workings of her regiment, from muskets to tents and knapsacks to ground cloths.
Fighting on Horseback | August 10 & 11 Saddle up! Get an up close look at the special equipment, weapons, and techniques used by cavalry in the Continental Army and meet the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons and the 4th Legion.
George Washington’s Encampment | August 17 & 18 | August 24 & 25 Enter George Washington’s Headquarters Tent and experience what life was like during the war—from meals to down time to battle preparations.
Metalsmithing in George Washington’s Encampment | September 14 & 15 Learn all about the crucial craft of metalsmithing as you tour George Washington’s encampment. Examine the smith’s tools and take a turn at shaping a bowl or a button.
What the History?
This millennial-focused series of fun events and programs explores fascinating Revolutionary topics while drinking and mingling!
Revolutionary Trivia Night! |Friday, July 12, 8 pm | Friday, August 23, 8 pm | $20 ($18 Members) Do you know what George Washington’s favorite breakfast beverage was? If you do (or even if you don’t), bring your friends for a fun night of trivia courtesy of the fact fanatics at Trivia, AD! Ages 21 and up. Wine included with ticket.
Revolutionary Drag Tea Party | Sunday, July 14, 3 pm | $25, includes Museum Admission Dress to impress in your best period-inspired drag and play Revolutionary War-era games, enjoy snacks and cocktails, and compete in categories like Most Revolutionary Outfit. Ages 21 and up. Drinks and snacks included with ticket.
Trans Identity and the Incredible Story of Deborah Sampson, Female Revolutionary War Hero | Wednesday, July 24, 6:30 pm | $20 ($18 Members) Explore the extraordinary, true story of Revolutionary War hero Deborah Sampson with Alex Myers, as he discusses his novel Revolutionary. Ages 21 and up. Wine included with ticket.
Nerdy Thursdays: Revolution Night | Thursday, August 8, 6:30 pm | Free with RSVP Swing by the Museum for this signature event from the Black Gotham Experience that brings together a DJ, gallery talks, cocktails, and a brilliant group of nerdy people. RSVP at blackgotham.com
Watson Adventures: Revolutionary Trail Scavenger Hunt | Friday, August 16, 6 pm | Free with Pay-as-you-wish Admission Explore the Museum’s Revolutionary Trail and solve a series of puzzles involving objects on display, led by Watson Adventures. Game lasts 45 minutes. Smartphone is needed to play.
For additional information about Revolutionary Summer and its related programs, visit nyhistory.org/revsummer.
Lead support for Revolutionary Summer provided by the Achelis and Bodman Foundation. Additional support provided by Richard Brown and Mary Jo Otsea. Support for the MoAR’s participation in Revolutionary Summer is generously provided by William and Candace Raveis. Exhibitions at New-York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Seymour Neuman Endowed Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s preeminent culturalinstitutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting history and art exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York City and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.
The Museum of the American Revolution explores the dramatic, surprising story of the American Revolution through its unmatched collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art. Immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive digital elements bring to life the diverse array of people that created a new nation against incredible odds. Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in the ongoing promise of the American Revolution. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.