Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com
For a COVID getaway, which we just did over Labor Day, enjoy fall foliage colors and no quarantining required (if you live in the Northeast) in New York State’s Adirondacks State Park.
While in North Creek (Gore Mt ski area), visit and/or take a class with artist-in-residence glassblower extraordinaire, Greg Tomb — last day for classes this season is September 23, 2020.
In cooperation with North Creek’s Tannery Pond Center, Tomb has made hundreds of colorful, glass-blown pumpkins that will be sold at the “Glass Pumpkin Patch” weekend, September 25-27, 2020, from 10am – 6pm daily. Each pumpkin has been hand-blown by Tomb, giving them their unique and distinctive sizes and designs (starting price of $35). A sizable percentage of all sales goes towards the arts and operations of North Creek’s Tannery Pond Center, North Creek, NY.
New York State will be offering fall festivals that support the state’s agribusiness and agritourism, such as with this “Taste of New York” stand on the NY Thruway, with COVID-19 precautions in place. (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
This fall, you can enjoy your favorite corn mazes, pick-your-own-fruit and vegetable activities, hayrides and haunted houses, plus farmers’ markets and craft beverage trails in New York State.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced new state guidance for agritourism businesses as New York State enters the fall season. The businesses, which include corn mazes, pick-your-own fruit and vegetable operations, hayrides and haunted houses, are considered low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment and are permitted to operate under New York’s NY Forward guidance. New Yorkers can also visit the State’s farmers’ markets and craft beverage trails, which have remained open under State guidance, supporting agriculture and tourism in the state.
“New York State’s amazing outdoor attractions and recreational opportunities are a boon for families and communities during the fall season each year, and we want New Yorkers to be able to enjoy this time with their family responsibly and safely,” Governor Cuomo said. “The new guidance announced today will ensure that these businesses can open to the public, allowing families to enjoy their favorite fall activities while providing a boost for our farming communities and local economies.”
“As one of the nation’s top agricultural states, New York traditionally comes together in the fall to celebrate the harvest—from apples to grapes to pumpkins,” State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said. “This year, while things may not look exactly the same on your favorite farm, I am happy to say we can still celebrate agriculture’s bounty and the many family-friendly activities that go with it. With this new guidance, we hope New Yorkers will be able to enjoy some of the best of New York agriculture in a safe and socially distanced manner.”
Corn Mazes – permitted consistent with Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions:
Reduced capacity
Face coverings required
Social distance maintained between individuals/parties
Hayrides – permitted consistent with Public Transportation guidance and the following conditions:
Mandatory face coverings
Social distance required between individuals/parties
Frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, cleaned and sanitized between rides
Pick-Your-Own Fruit/Vegetables Operations – permitted consistent with Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions:
Reduced capacity
Face coverings required
Social distance maintained between individuals/parties.
Haunted Houses – permitted consistent with Low Risk Indoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions:
Reduced capacity
Face coverings required
Social distance maintained between individuals/parties
Petting zoos are not permitted.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued a full slate of guidelines for the agricultural industry, including guidance for farmers’ markets and for its food and beverage producers. All guidance can be found at https://agriculture.ny.gov/coronavirus.
St Kitts, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Intoxicating natural beauty, sunny skies, warm waters, and sandy beaches combine to make St. Kitts one of the most seductive spots in the Caribbean. (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
Basseterre, St. Kitts – St. Kitts is postponing the 24th St.
Kitts Music Festival, originally scheduled to be held June 24-28, 2020,
to June
23-27, 2021 in light of the current global situation to protect its citizens,
residents, visitors and the integrity of the Music Festival.
“The St. Kitts Music Festival is now achieving the goals that
were established for the event to drive and support ‘heads in beds’ for our
tourism industry in June,” said the
Hon. Mr. Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, International Trade,
Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs. “The Music Festival has allowed us to
promote our St. Kitts brand over the summer months and we are confident that it
will remain a cornerstone of our annual marketing and branding activities in
the years to come. It brings significant direct economic benefit that provides
for our people year after year. However, after careful consideration we chose
to postpone it until 2021.”
CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Ms. Racquel Brown added,
“2019 was the second year in a row we saw a significant increase in air
arrivals and attendance with systemwide air arrivals increasing 7% for
June 2019 (15,499) as compared to June 2018 (14,490) and recording nearly
30,000 attendees over the 3-night event. Looking forward, we will ensure the
marketing and promotion for the St. Kitts Music Festival 2021 produces an
increase in air arrivals and increase brand awareness for St. Kitts for Summer
2021.”
“While it was a difficult decision to make, we have postponed
the St. Kitts Music Festival to protect the health and safety of all visitors,
citizens and residents as well as the integrity of the St. Kitts Music Festival
brand,” said Damion Hobson, Chairman of the St. Kitts Music
Festival. “We look forward to delivering another epic 3-nights of
performances in 2021 and an ‘Experience like no other’.”
Anyone who has already purchased tickets online will be protected
and their purchases will either remain valid or can be refunded. Originally
scheduled to perform as part of the star-studded line-up for 2020 were renowned
artists including Gladys Knight, Jimmy Cliff, Beres Hammond, Wizkid, Koffee and
Chronixx, among others. For more information about the St. Kitts
Music Festival, visit http://www.stkittsmusicfestival.com/.
Intoxicating natural beauty, sunny skies,
warm waters, and sandy beaches combine to make St. Kitts one of the most
seductive spots in the Caribbean. Located in the northern Leeward Islands, it
offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural
beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety
of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding
the scenic railway that connects the island’s former sugar plantations,
visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, and touring Brimstone Hill Fortress
National Park, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the more
traditional vacation pastimes available are water sports including catamaran
cruises, golf, shopping, tennis, dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino
or simply relaxing on the beach. For more information about St. Kitts,
visit www.stkittstourism.kn.
During Vėlinės in Lithuania, ancient cemeteries are afloat with flowers and sinking in the sea of candles. People come to remember dead heroes and prominent poets of the nation, but they also don’t forget the unknown graves of dead people whose relatives might not be around anymore to light a candle.
Looking for a unique experience this Halloween? Head to Lithuania, where Day of the Dead is celebrated by the whole nation, and the country offers unique glimpses into the world of crypts, crosses and ancient cemeteries.
Take one of the special tours – visit old cemeteries of Vilnius, adrift in flowers and candles; take a tour of the underground crypts of Vilnius Cathedral; head to the old pagan Lithuanian capital, Kernave, and see pilkapiai – ancient cemeteries with no crosses; take excursions to the seaside and southern Lithuania, visit national parks and local cemeteries with UNESCO-recognized cross-making traditions; head to the extraordinary Hill of Crosses – a site of pilgrimage in northern Lithuania with over 200,000 of crosses of all shapes and sizes. The first crosses were put on the hill by the relatives of the dead rebels of 1831 revolt against the Russian tsar.
On the first day of November, Lithuanian offices, shops and schools close, roads become packed with cars, families reunite, and everyone heads to one special place – the cemetery.
Lithuanian cemeteries are already different from what you’d find in other countries – they rather resemble a botanical park, sinking in the sea of trees, adorned with flowers and beautiful tombstones. On November 1st, Lithuanians celebrate Vėlinės (vėlė means “soul” and ilgėtis means “to long”) – the Day of the Dead, which is not as joyful an occasion as El Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico, but rather the day of remembrance and reunion that bears deep traditions. Cemeteries become the place of family gatherings, where young and old arrange flowers and light candles. When the sun sets, the cemeteries become enchanting, alive and mysterious from the sea of flickering candlelights and the aroma of thousands of fresh flowers.
When golden trees and low-hanging sun create special autumn atmosphere, it’s a perfect time to visit Lithuania and to get enchanted by the scenery and traditions, to explore some off-the-beaten track activities, and to see some old Lithuanian customs put into action.
According to the old Lithuanian tradition, this is the time to remember the ancestors and to re-think one’s place in the world. When Lithuania finally accepted Christianity (last country to be “baptized” in Europe), pagan and Christian traditions blended into one over time, giving special significance and depth to the Lithuanian Day of the Dead.
The Old Cemeteries of Vilnius
The Old Vilnius Cemeteries belong in the list of European historical cemetery heritage.
There are three main cemeteries in Vilnius city center: the first one, Rasų Cemetery, was founded in 1796, and is the eternal home to famous Lithuanian poets, artists and politicians, such as the activist and folklorist Jonas Basanavicius, and composer and painter M.K. Ciurlionis. This was the first cemetery that was founded outside of the city, on a hill surrounded by old oak trees. The name of the place – Rasos – suggests this used to be an ancient pagan ceremony site.
The Bernardine Cemetery was established in 1810 by the Bernardine monks of the the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. As most cemeteries in the city center, it was closed by the Soviets and remained mostly unchanged from that time, with burials allowed only in existing family graves.
Antakalnis Cemetery is commonly referred to as the Military Cemetery. 12 of the 14 Soviet Union protest victims from 1991 TV tower attack are buried here, as well as the victims of Soviet Medininkai Massacre. Among other perished soldiers there are graves of Polish soldiers from 1919-20, Lithuanian, German and Russian soldiers who have fallen in World War I and thousands of French soldiers of Napoleon’s Army, whose remains were found in Vilnius and reburied in Antakalnis in 2001.
During Vėlinės, these old cemeteries are afloat with flowers and sinking in the sea of candles – people come to remember the dead heroes or prominent poets of the nation, but they also don’t forget the unknown graves of dead people whose relatives might not be around anymore to light a candle.
Lithuanian Cross-Making and the Hill of Crosses
If you feel like venturing outside of Vilnius, Southern Lithuanian region of Dzukija and Lithuanian seaside will offer a special glimpse into the culture of Lithuanian cemeteries, with their distinctive crosses and breathtaking nature that surrounds them.
The Lithuanian art of cross-making was recognized to be unique and added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Since Lithuania was the last country of Europe to abandon paganism and convert to Catholicism in the 14th century, pagan and Catholic elements intertwine in Lithuanian crosses – which were forbidden by Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union.
Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses, located in the northern Lithuania, is a unique and enchanting place, with over 200,000 of crosses of every shape and size, and attracting thousands of Catholic pilgrims as well as curious tourists. People started leaving crosses on the hill after the 1831 uprising against the Russian tsar – relatives put crosses to commemorate dead rebels, since they had no bodies to bury. During Soviet occupation, the KGB bulldozed the hill twice – but today, the Hill of Crosses stands tall again as the symbol of resistance and faith.
Pre-Christian Cemeteries
You can also find cemeteries in Lithuania that have no crosses – these are pre-Christian pilkapiai dating from 12-13th century – abandoned in the 14th century – but still reminding everyone of pagan Lithuania. The most prominent site of pilkapiai is in Kernave, whose first residents arrived in the 9th century BC, and which later became an important pagan city.
Similarly, you wouldn’t find any crosses in the ethnic Jewish cemeteries, or the cemeteries of Lithuanian Turkic minorities – Tatars and Karaites.
Lithuanian Cemetery Excursions by Vilnius in Love:
Royal Mausoleum. A visit to the crypts of Vilnius Cathedral
Uzupis neighborhood. The Bernardine Cemetery
The old Military Cemetery of Antakalnis
Rasu Cemetery
The pagan capital Kernaveand pilkapiai
The Hill of Crossesin Northern Lithuania
National Park of Dzukija
National Park of Curonian Spit
Jewish Vilnius
Trakai Castleand old Karaites cemetery
Vilnius in Love is a tour guide company that offers customizable and personalized tours across all regions of Lithuania. Hiring guides who are very well versed in local history, they are able to offer trips to unique destinations and rare attractions. Contact VilniusinLove.com to learn more.
Bellevue, WA — One of the most photogenic events in a fabulously photogenic country is the annual October Pushkar Camel Fair, which draws 11,000 camels, horses and cattle, and is part tribal gathering, part livestock market and part colorful carnival. World Spree Travel has put together a 14-day tour that showcases the highlights of northern India—Delhi, Agra and Jaipur—plus a safari in search of the royal Bengal tiger, but two departures, October 22 and 27, also include the amazing Pushkar Camel Fair, for $1,999 or $2,049 per person, double occupancy from San Francisco (New York and Los Angeles are $50 more).
The October 22 and October 27 trips cover round-trip flights on Air China, 5-star hotels in the cities and deluxe accommodations in the tiger sanctuary and Pushkar, daily buffet breakfasts, 12 other meals, all transportation in India, comprehensive sightseeing with entrance fees, two game drives in Ranthambhore National Park, professional English-speaking tour manager/guides, and baggage handling.
Everyone will marvel at the sights of the Golden Triangle: the monuments and markets of Old and New Delhi, Agra’s breathtakingly-beautiful Taj Mahal, and the pink city of Jaipur with its palaces and bazaars, as well as the elusive royal Bengal tiger. But photographers will be especially thrilled by the Pushkar Camel Fair, where herders, traders, entertainers and thousands of camels stream out of the desert to set up camp near the town of Pushkar. Camel races, livestock exhibitions, street vendors, tented bazaars and contests add to the spectacle. And since Pushkar is a holy city, there are also pilgrims bathing in the sacred lake.
While travelers will enjoy all this exoticism during the day, at night they can relax in luxurious-but-familiar hotels like the Vivanta by Taj in New Delhi, the Hilton in Jaipur and the Courtyard Marriott in Agra. The charming, bungalow-style Ranthambhore Kothi offers beautiful gardens, a swimming pool and spa adjacent to the tiger sanctuary. And just outside Pushkar, accommodations are in a deluxe tented village that boasts private bathrooms and standard hotel amenities.
Those travelers who wish to see even more of northern India can take advantage of the 17-day Epic Journey to India with Pushkar Camel Fair, which also departs on October 22 and 27 ($2,799 or $2,849 (per person, double occupancy).
There are post-trip extensions to Nepal and Amritsar and, to take advantage of China’s 72-hour visa-free stopover program, World Spree offers a 3-day/2-night Beijing package that includes hotel, breakfasts and airport transfers.
World Spree Travel, which started 10 years ago as China Spree with tours of China, is a tour operator renowned for its 5-star trips at 3-star prices. Based in Bellevue, Washington, World Spree has expanded all over Asia and now operates tours to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bali and, yes, Peru. Japan and Sri Lanka are coming soon. Notably, 70% of World Spree’s tour participants are repeat clients who value well-planned trips at a reasonable price.
Celebrations and events will take place across New York State to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. An engineering marvel that stimulated trade, exploration and invention, the canal project created the first superhighway across New York, connecting Albany and Buffalo and improving transportation to and from New York City by linking the Hudson River to Lake Erie.
“The Erie Canal was critical in establishing New York as a national hub for commerce and industry, and today offers boaters unparalleled views and access to our canalside communities,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “In commemorating this anniversary, we celebrate the canal’s rich heritage as well as its pivotal role in promoting economic development and tourism today. I urge visitors to come experience the many events planned for the bicentennial celebration.”
The 2017 boating season is already underway on the 524-mile canal system for recreational vessels, which are now the primary users of the canals. The season runs through Oct. 11 when the canal is actually drained. A ceremony to mark the occasion was held in Waterford, the eastern terminus of the canal, where Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul gave the orders to open the gate at Lock 2, where more than 20 boats were waiting to begin their canal journey.
It was on April 15, 1817, the New York State legislature approved construction of the Erie Canal, connecting Albany to Buffalo. Crews began work following the ceremonial first dig on July 4, 1817, in Rome, Oneida County. The canal was officially completed on October 26, 1825.
The towns established along the canal now blossom with annual festivals, living history re-enactments and hands-on museums that celebrate the region’s rich past and the communities that live along the canal today.
“This will be an exciting year to visit the canals,” Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said. “Come experience our unique destinations and celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial with the more than 200 communities within the corridor and be a part of a history that is still being written every day.”
The New York State Canal Corporation is co-hosting bicentennial events with communities along the canal. They include:
Amsterdam, June 9, with a festival and fireworks at Riverlink Park, home to the new Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge;
Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, June 10, all day canal-themed events and barbeque, where you can see the remnants of the original Erie Canal, the enlarged canal and current configuration of the Barge Canal;
Lockport, July 8, home to the famed “Flight of Five,” a set of five locks dating to the 1860s. The Flight once effectively acted as “stairs for boats” heading up the Niagara Escarpment, the long cliff that runs east/west across New York that famously includes Niagara Falls;
Rochester, July 14-15, featuring an Erie Canal forum and a day of family-friendly events and music, both held at the Strong National Museum of Play; and
Rome, July 22, an all-day event at Bellamy Harbor Park, featuring a first-dig re-enactment, an arts and crafts fair, concerts and fireworks.
Other festivals, exhibits and celebrations commemorating the bicentennial include:
The Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor plays host year-round to a number of museums and historical sites, which bring the rich history of the canal to life.
The Corning Museum of Glass will launch GlassBarge, a floating performance venue that will bring the story of glassmaking as well as demonstrations to waterfront communities across the state beginning June 2 in Fairport.
The Albany Symphony will bring “Water Music NY,” a series of unique musical celebrations of the historic waterway, to communities beginning in Albany on July 2, culminating July 8 in Lockport, when the orchestra will play while on a barge inside a canal lock.
The 1862 replica canal boat “Lois McClure” will travel across the state, including the length of the Erie Canal, visiting towns and villages along the way, as crews from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum show visitors what life was like aboard a canal boat. Erie Canal Cruises in Herkimer will put on a July 4 commemoration and is planning season-long exhibits and demonstrations that will highlight the engineering triumphs of the eight-year construction process with notable innovations on display such as the wheelbarrow and stump puller.
The Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry in the Finger Lakes shows how the opening of this vital trade route helped foster social reform movements, including women’s rights. Nearby, catch fireworks during Canal Fest on July 7-9.
WCNY Public Media’s new documentary, Erie: The Canal That Made America will premiere this September.
Syracuse will host the annual World Canals Conference from September 24 – 28, an international event that attracts canal professionals, tourism experts, academics and canal enthusiasts and boaters. Syracuse is also home to the Erie Canal Museum, located in the only remaining weighlock building in the U.S., where year-round interactive displays and artifacts tell the story of the canal’s development and the creativity and inventions that made it possible.
From September 30 through October 15, Locktoberfests will take place in communities along the canal system. The annual autumn events incorporate community markets, Taste NY products, local art and entertainment and family activities. Locktoberfests are scheduled in Fort Edward, Rome, Seneca Falls, Phoenix and Lockport.
A new Erie Canal exhibit, “New York’s Erie Canal: Gateway to a Nation,” will open this fall at the New York State Museum in Albany.
In Lockport, the Kenan Center, celebrating its 50th anniversary, will have a special exhibition of Erie Canal photographs.
The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum lets visitors step back in time to experience life on the canal as it used to be, while the Canastota Canal Town Museum highlights canal history and engineering achievements.
In the Greater Niagara region, Canalside Buffalo offers a calendar full of fun festivals featuring live music, artisans, food and kid-friendly activities.
To further celebrate the bicentennial, permit fees for recreational vessels, normally costing $25-$100, have been waived by the Canal Corporation this year.
New York’s canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect more than 230 unique and historic communities.
The Erie Canalway Trail is a multi-use trail accommodating more than 1.5 million pedestrians, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers annually. More than three-quarters of the 365-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Albany to Buffalo is a dedicated off-road trail, much of it along the canal’s former towpath. Other off-road sections will be completed as part of Governor Cuomo’s Empire State Trail initiative, which will include the Erie Canalway Trail and portions of the Champlain Canalway Trail, and at 750 miles will be the longest multi-use recreational trail network in the nation upon its completion in 2020.
For the most amazing immersion into the Erie Canal’s rich history and stunning landscape, join New York Parks & Trails annual Erie Canal bike ride, when you bike the full length of the Erie Canal and the Erie Canalway (and then some), on the 400-mile, 8-day supported camping trip (July 9-16, Parks & Trails New York, 29 Elk Street, Albany NY 12207, 518-434-1583, [email protected]). Or, take a Lockmaster canalboat (a houseboat) through Mid-Lakes Navigation (11 Jordan St., Skaneateles, NY 13152, 315-685-8500, 800-545-4318, [email protected], midlakesnav.com).
To learn more about New York’s canal heritage and bicentennial events, visit:
Since 2011, Governor Cuomo has made substantial investments in the tourism industry throughout New York State, leading to historic levels of visitors and direct spending. New York recently welcomed 234 million visitors who spent over $63 billion, generating a total economic impact of more than $100 billion for the second straight year. Additionally, tourism the state’s fourth largest employer, supporting more than 910,000 jobs annually.
New York State features 11 vacation regions. New York’s attractions feature landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the largest park in the continental U.S. in the Adirondacks and treasures such as the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Corning Museum of Glass. New York State offers diverse activities for all: outdoor fun – snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, fishing, hiking and boating, year-round festivals and exploring the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies. Visitors also enjoy the fine cuisine, beverage trails and farm-to-table fresh foods. For more information, visit iloveny.com.
New York State is hosting two Path Through History Weekends during 2017: the first coincides with Father’s Day, June 17-18, and the other with Columbus Day, October 7-9. Each weekend will feature hundreds of exciting events at historic venues across the state that promote New York’s rich culture and heritage. Interactive science museums, living history museums and former battlefields are among the cultural and historic sites planning reenactments, activities and tours throughout the weekends. In addition, many historic districts and parks will offer festivals with live music, crafts, and local foods.
Introduced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2012, the Path Through History initiative uses 13 themes to organize more than 700 heritage sites across the state. The Path Through History website includes maps, a user-friendly list of historical sites organized theme and region, and an itinerary builder to help plan your trip, as well as road signs on highways that direct visitors to historic destinations.
Some highlights of the June 17-18 Father’s Day Path Through History Weekend from New York’s eleven vacation regions include:
The Adirondacks
During Father’s Day at the Fort, families can step back to the year 1757 and the days of the French and Indian War at Fort William Henry in Lake George. There are daily cannon and musket firings and soldiers engaging visitors. Children can drill with the King’s Army and receive a certificate and coin for signing up. Admission for fathers is FREE during Father’s Day Weekend, June 17 – 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Capital Region-Saratoga
The Stockade Scavenger Hunt in Schenectady, beginning at 10 a.m. on June 17, invites participants to learn fun facts about the city’s more than 300 years of history as they follow clues that lead around the Stockade Historic District. Clues are all-new so last year’s attendees are encouraged to return. The event is FREE and registration is encouraged.
The Catskills
Learn about the rich, famous and forgotten resort of Highmount before Belleayre and other ski resorts helped make the area a winter sports destination. Before Belleayre: An Illustrated History of Highmountwill take place June 17 at 7 p.m. at HSM Hall, 778 Cemetery Rd., Margaretville.
Central New York
On June 17, participants will be asked to separate fiction from fact at History & Hearsay: Bits of History & Mystery Along the Trails of Schoharie Crossing, a guided tour of the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter. The FREE 90 minute walking tour starts at 3 p.m. and covers about a mile of the canal trail.
Chautauqua-Allegheny
It’s Family Day at the Cattaraugus County Historical Museum in Machias on June 17, with a full slate of entertainment and activities. At noon, The Fiddle Kids of Western New York will perform, followed by a concert by the Bent Brass Band at 2:00. There will be a blacksmith demonstration and the grand opening of a new exhibit: “The Greatest Event of the Year; An Exhibit of the Cattaraugus County Fair.” The event is FREE and open to the public.
Finger Lakes
The Celts played a major role in shaping the history of this region and the Genesee Country Village & Museum will host a Celtic Faire to celebrate the culture, history and traditions of its Scottish and Irish settlers with performances by regional pipe bands, Irish dancers and authentic food and drinks. The faire takes place on June 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Greater Niagara
The 269-acreForest Lawn Cemetery is one of Buffalo’s most fascinating attractions and the final resting place of many well-known personages and Civil War soldiers. On June 18, Forest Lawn’s Civil War Trolley Tours (at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.) will help visitors learn about these historic and heroic figures. A few might even “pop up” to tell their stories in person, and exhibits will display Civil War memorabilia and highlight the region’s involvement in World War I.
Hudson Valley: A petting zoo and the chance to participate in 18thcentury games are among the added attractions on Children’s Day, at the New Windsor Cantonment on June 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. This state historic site in New Windsor offers a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers and the women and children “camp followers” during the final encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolution with demonstrations on blacksmithing, camp life, and military drills by costumed interpreters.
Long Island
Shiploads of pirates will be descending upon the 14-acre Long Island Maritime Museum in Sayville for its annual Pirate Festival, June 17-18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Historic reenactments by pirates, live music, storytelling, inspired crafts and great grub make it fun for all.
New York City
On Father’s Day, visitors can get a rare view of how Hessian soldiers lived during the Revolutionary War in a Hessian Hutthat is rarely open to visitors. The Hessian Hut sits on the grounds of the 18th century Dyckman Farmhouse Museum at Broadway and 204th Street. FREE tours of the Hessian Hut begin at noon on June 17.
Thousand Islands-Seaway
Discover the connection between historic Sackets Harbor’s military story and today’s Fort Drum, home of the Army’s 10th Mountain Division at the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site. Learn how the US Army set up their Madison Barracks quarters in Sackets Harbor just after the War of 1812 in 1816, but eventually out grew the post making it necessary to relocate to land that became Pine Camp, Camp Drum, and today Fort Drum.
“The Corning Museum of Glass is the epitome of cultural heritage in Upstate New York. Corning has a long glassmaking history, steeped in 150 years of tradition,” Beth Duane, Chief Communicators Officer said. “We share our story and the entire 35-century history of glass each year with more than 460,000 visitors, and the Path Through History weekends help us reach new visitors interested in heritage tourism.”
In addition to the Path Through History Weekends happenings, there are special events scheduled throughout the year to commemorate important New York State anniversaries. These include the bicentennial of Erie Canal, the 100th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in New York State, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Frank Lloyd Wright, and the 200th anniversary of the Lake George Steamboat, among others.
For more exciting and educational things to do on this year’s Father’s Day and Columbus Day weekends, visit Path Through History Weekends for a full list of events, searchable by location and special interests.
I LOVE NEW YORK’s social media platforms will be highlighting Path Through History Weekends events with photos, videos, event itineraries, \. Follow I LOVE NEW YORK on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or use #PTHWeekend to the journey down New York State’s Path Through History.
Path Through History highlights historically and culturally significant sites and events throughout New York State. The program, introduced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, builds on New York’s already robust heritage tourism attractions. The initiative is currently focused on 13 themes including: Arts & Culture, Natural History, U.S. Presidents, Women’s Rights, Canals & Transportation, Civil Rights, Colonial History, Immigration, Innovation & Commerce, The Revolutionary War, Native American Heritage, Sports History and the War of 1812. Important heritage sites and events across the state were selected with input from leading historians. For more information, visit paththroughhistory.iloveny.com.
A Manchester, UK company is issuing invites across the pond to sports fans in the US and Canada to view or engage in some of the world’s most iconic yet demanding athletic events.
Sports Tours International takes care of all the vacation arrangements in a variety of inclusive packages while tracking the drama of international cycling and running events.
Guests may become event players themselves, as in a late June inaugural Haute Route for cyclists in the American Rockies. All may witness the agonies and joys at starting and ending stages of fierce competitions. They can ride the same courses the warriors master; they can be tourists in places new to them. And always they are viewing the world through the eyes of a passionate athlete.
Sports Tours International does the vacation packaging legwork for the following 2017 cycling events:
May 5-28, 2017 – 100th Giro d’Italia– As an official Tour Operator of this grand tour of cycling, Sports Tours International has exclusive VIP options on 6 sprint stages, 8 medium mountain stages, 5 high mountain stages and 2 Individual Time Trials. Sports Tours International offers five spectator tour packages to witness the 100th edition of this Grand Tour that begins in Sardinia, climbs up Mount Etna, weaves through the rest of Italy and Dolomites as riders conquer Stelvio and Mortirolo, and arrives in Milan for a spectacular time trial from the Monza Grand Prix motor racing circuit. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/event-categories/giro-ditalia/
Suggested Package: The Final 9 Days, May 20-29, 2017 is priced from US$2,760 per person based on sharing a double/twin room (both cyclists and spectators are welcome). This is a 10-day program that includes, among others, gifts and informational packets, a copy of the official 100th Giro d’Italia roadbook, accommodation for nine nights, multiple meals, all transfers and transportation, the grand finale in Milan, bike handling and storage. Rental bikes are available. Guests lodge on arrival in Milan, then transfer for three nights each in Bormio and Cortina d’Ampezzo to watch the final legs of the Giro before returning to Milan for two additional nights to attend the finish as a VIP at Piazza Duomo. Every day there will be cycling opportunities as well as options to watch the Giro d’Italia. On a Giro rest day in Bormio, guests may cycle, visit a local spa, hop on a train or cable car or do some leisurely shopping. See more at: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/giro-ditalia-finale
June 24-30, 2017 – Mavic Haute Route Rockies. Sports Tours International’s experience on European Haute Routes (the toughest cyclosportives in the world) benefits cyclists participating in this inaugural event, the first Haute Route on North American soil. Organized by OC Sports of Switzerland, this combines the established format of the European Haute Route events with the thrill of riding through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the heartland of American road cycling. The event starts in Boulder before heading through the Colorado Rockies, stopping in Winter Park, Avon, Snowmass Village, Crested Butte and finishing in Colorado Springs. Interest is this exciting new event is high and entries are expected to sell quickly. Entry fees for riders in the competition: US$1,800 subject to availability. This is available with or without the rider support package.
Suggested Rider Support Package: June 24-30, 2017. This package priced at US$2,180 per person, based on sharing a double/twin room includes accommodation for nine nights, daily breakfasts, dinners, airport and daily transfers including transport of non-riding companions between stages and to viewing points, bike handling, gifts and informational packets, and midweek laundry. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/haute-route-rockies/
July 1-23, 2017 – Tour de France. Sports Tours International is an official tour operator for the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Guests have special VIP access to stage start villages, VIP hospitality at finish lines and the opportunity to ride some of the routes taken by the pro riders. In particular, Sports Tours International offers official grandstand seating and VIP hospitality available for the final stage in Paris where the new yellow jersey winner is crowned. For only the fourth time in this tour’s history, the event will begin in a German city, this year in Dusseldorf. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/event-categories/tour-de-france/
Suggested Package: Mountain Stages, July 11-24, 2017. On this official Tour de France 14-day tour itinerary guests start and finish in Paris and witness all the mountain stages in the Pyrenees, followed by the Alpine finale and the deciding Time Trial in Marseille. Guests have VIP access to some stage starts and also enjoy VIP Hospitality at one of the finish lines. Included are airport transfers in Paris, nightly accommodation and breakfasts, some dinners, bike transfers and storage, and train transfer from Marseille to Paris for the grand finale. The per person rate based on sharing a double/twin room is from US$3,450. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/2017-tour-de-france-pyrenees-alps-marseille-paris/
July 30, 2017 – Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100. This London Marathon for cyclists is an opportunity to ride 100 miles on the closed roads of London and out into the English countryside of Surrey before finishing on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. This is the route based on one made famous by the 2012 Olympics Road Race. Sports Tours International has guaranteed entry and hotel accommodation available for two, four and five nights for people wanting to join this race. Per person rates based on sharing a double/twin room include accommodation, guaranteed entry to the race, service and support of Sports Tours International staff and bike storage at the hotel. Note: entries to participate in this event close on 26th May, interested parties need to act quickly! See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/ridelondon/
Sept. 1-11, 2017 – La Vuelta a España. This is the final Grand Tour of the season. The 2016 Vuelta a España was a nail-biting duel almost to the very end between Nairo Quintana and Chris Froome. Despite pulling back an enormous amount of time in the time trial, Quintana was able to hold off Froome in the final stage, becoming the first Colombian to win the race since 1987. Sports Tours International welcomes riders as well as spectators. Experience the battle for the red jersey up close and personal. Guides know the ideal locations and viewing points to experience the best of La Vuelta. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/event-categories/vuelta-espana/
Suggested Package: The Final Week, Sept. 4-11, 2017. This 8-day tour from US$1,610 per person, based on sharing a double/twin room, experiences the stages of the second week of 2017 Vuelta including the final stages. This all takes place in northern Spain including the finale on the infamous Angliru. The rate includes hotels in the best places, many meals, transport to watch the stages, ride support and bike guides. Bike rental options available. See: https://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/events/2017-vuelta-a-espana-final-week/
Sports Tours International is a leading European specialist in sports travel. Since inception in 1973 they have hosted thousands of participants and spectators at major sporting events worldwide. With the tagline, Fanatical about Sport, the company’s initial roots came from a devotion to running when founder Vince Regan began taking runners to the NYC Marathon. Since the early 2000s, the company now embraces international cycling events and triathlon competitions, sports training camps and corporate hospitality. Clients often can participate in events with the pros and are encouraged to “unleash your inner hero” or when it’s not possible to compete, there’s the ability to be active spectators along the routes and “watch your heroes.”
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Enjoy unique wine and food tastings and festivals at the Fourth Annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration along the CA Highway 1 Discovery Route (PRNewsFoto/CA’s Highway 1 Discovery Route)
Featuring a Free Film Festival at Hearst Castle Theater, Announcing New Locations on The Whale Trail, Attend the Third Annual BlendFest on the Coast, Wine Tasting Events along the Pacific Coast Wine Trail, Wildlife Viewing & Stewardship Travel, and Special Lodging Packages in Coastal San Luis Obispo County
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.– The 10 destinations along California’s Highway 1 Discovery Route(H1DR) in San Luis Obispo County from Ragged Point and Cambria to Avila Beach and Oceano are serious when it comes to the annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration. Coastal San Luis Obispo County along with California State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary welcome visitors to immerse themselves in the local marine culture, coastal heritage and natural attractions along the iconic CA Highway 1 Discovery Route through a series of events and activities January 13-February 28, 2017.
Enjoy special marine focused events, unique wine and food tastings and festivals and stewardship travel activities where you learn more about dedicated Marine Protected Areas and how to make a difference on vacation.
“Throughout the annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration guests are invited to explore marine life from abalone to elephant seals, learn about nature preserves, participate in fun citizen science activities, and enjoy the many seaside hikes found on the Central Coast,” says Katie Sturtevant, Stewardship Travel Director. “There are more than 40 must-do activities the whole family will enjoy.”
These special events and activities are designed to connect visitors with the land, wildlife, history, people and culture along the H1DR. Must-see attractions and must-do events include a Free Film Festival at Hearst Castle Theater, the 3rd annual wine tasting event BlendFest on the Coast, the fun Bird Sanctuary & Wildlife Day, elephant seal docent-led educational walks, hands-on citizen science programs at San Simeon Cove and many others. Take a whale watching adventure, a planned pier and beach walk, or learn about H1DR marine birdlife with the free SeaPhoto App from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Visitors will appreciate the Wildlife Viewing and Stewardship Tips when they visit the new Whale Trail (www.TheWhaleTrail.org) locations and will delight in special wine tasting room pairings from 11 wineries located along the Pacific Coast Wine Trail, and numerous Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande Valley and Avila Beach wineries as well.
A dream come true: celebrating Christmas on the Rhine.
The holidays are about making wishes come true. How about that wish for a magical holiday in some exotic place? Here are five holiday adventures abroad:
Christmas in Poland – Visit of one Poland’s famous hand-blown Christmas ornament factories. Learn how to make traditional Polish-style pierogi with your own private chef. Dine with a Polish family for a traditional Wigilia, the Christmas Eve vigil and dinner. Prices start at $3,595. http://www.mircorp.com/trip/christmas-traditions-of-poland/
Christmas on the Rhine – Begin your winter adventure in Amsterdam, amidst the city’s legendary canals and colorful holiday surroundings. Next, visit Heidelberg and Cologne, famous for its majestic Cathedral and bustling Christmas markets. Weave through the fabled Black Forest region and the Alsace region as you make your way toward Basel, then disembark your ship, MS Amaprima, for a visit to two of Switzerland’s loveliest cities, Lucerne and Zürich, where you can enjoy a lake excursion, magical Christmas markets, and pristine Alpine vistas. Prices start at $4,059. http://www.adventure-life.com/europe/rhine-river/cruises/7272/christmas-markets-on-the-rhine
New Year’s in Russia – New Year’s Eve is the most festive holiday of the year in Russia, with parties, presents, and vodka toasts. MIR Corporation has specialized in Russia travel for 30 years and offers a one-of-a-kind celebratory tour built around New Year’s Day in glorious St. Petersburg, with Moscow merrymaking and a visit to 12th century Suzdal also included Prices start at $4,995 per person. http://www.mircorp.com/trip/russian-winter-wonder-land/
Antarctica New Year’s Celebration – Ring in the new year with penguins, elephant seals, and first-landing buzz. With summer in full swing, penguin highways are busy with traffic between rookeries and beach as parents hurry to fatten up chicks. Glaciers shed ice with an echoing roar and waterways are alive with feeding and breaching whales. Zodiacs whisk you on whale watching cruises and amongst glorious icebergs. The near-midnight sun powers an explosion of life. What an unforgettable way to start the year! Prices start at $8,725. http://www.adventure-life.com/antarctica/cruises/4000/new-year-in-antarctica
New Year’s Cycling Canary Islands – For those who truly long to go off the beaten path, discover the most sought-after places in Europe by cyclists who love to ride all year round. Gran Canaria is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a perfect place for cyclists due to its excellent road network, temperate climate and environment that make for perfect riding conditions. Since the cycling season runs nearly all year long, Gran Canaria is a superb winter getaway which offers a diverse landscape with soaring views of the sea, lush forests, deserts, canyons and volcanic mountains. Prices start at $4,595. http://ciclismoclassico.com/trips/bike-tour-gran-canaria/
