Dear EscapeMakers -- As Ithaca's annual fall foliage display ends, it's now time to begin planning that peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday rush. Plan to spend your holiday in a cozy home-away-from-home retreat, or wind-down before or after your typical celebrations by getting away. Either way, between the snow-blanketed hills, frozen waterfalls, and agriculinary-focused festivities, Ithaca is interesting all winter. Ithaca is quirky, and will happily admit to that. How quirky you ask? Well, have you heard of Ithaca's favorite past-time-Rutabaga curling? Yes, the root vegetable; and yes, the Olympic sport everyone becomes obsessed with every 4 years. Annually, on the last outdoor farmers market of the season, December 21st this year, the masses gather to compete in the International Rutabaga Curling Championship competition. Filled with festive refreshments, wintry ceremonies, skilled curling and immeasurable fun, this event is a can't miss. Have you heard of the tradition of wassailing? It's an ancient English ceremony performed in the winter to bring good health to a cider orchard. These festivities can include dancing, singing, costumes, craft cider and celebrating the oldest tree in the orchard. Redbyrd Orchard Cider is keeping the tradition alive with local music, good food, excellent cider and a vibrant community of people to join with in celebration! Each year, as many prepare to celebrate the holidays or take stock of the year to come, a unique and special pop-up farmers market is held to provide local, fresh food options of all kinds. In the newly renovated Press Bay Alley and Court, local farmers and artisans sell their locally made crafts to market attendees. You can find items to feed your loved ones such as organic produce, free range meats, deluxe cheese, craft beverages, fresh-made breads, honey, maple syrup, and so much more. You
Dear EscapeMakers — As Ithaca’s annual fall foliage display ends, it’s now time to begin planning that peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday rush. Plan to spend your holiday in a cozy home-away-from-home retreat, or wind-down before or after your typical celebrations by getting away. Either way, between the snow-blanketed hills, frozen waterfalls, and agriculinary-focused festivities, Ithaca is interesting all winter. Ithaca is quirky, and will happily admit to that. How
Dear EscapeMakers -- So, you want to escape the city, try something new, swim in a creek, and remind yourself what stars look like? Well, you're in luck! Ithaca has what you didn't know you needed: baby goats to cuddle and bottle feed, Zagat's #4 Must-Visit Farmer's Market, CBD farms, and all the farm-to-glass breweries, cideries and wineries you could desire. Let's get back to basics: how do you plan a trip to Ithaca? Step 1: Pick your dates • Open Farm Days - 8/10- 8/11 • Finger Lakes Cider Week - 9/27 - 10/6 • Int'l Rutabaga Curling Championship - 12/21 With year-round festivals and activities, anytime is a good time to visit Ithaca. Visit for a special event, like the ones listed above or be a savvy traveler and stay during the weekdays for lower costs on accommodations and travel. Step 2: Pick your accommodations • Cabin on a farm • Cozy bed and breakfast • Hotel downtown • Find a package There is such a wide range of accommodations, one is sure to fit your fancy. Want to settle into a rustic cabin surrounded by rolling hills? They have that. Desire an all-inclusive hotel, bistro and spa package? They have that - and everything in between. Step 3: Choose your travel method • Drive yourself • Take a bus • Yes, you can fly! Take OurBus for direct NYC to Ithaca transportation and use promocode VISITITHACA10 for a discount. Or try out Cornell's Campus-to-Campus bus that has Wi-Fi, snacks, and a Keurig for a luxurious ride from NYC! Step 4: Browse the experiences and offerings • Eat well • Walk the downtown • Hike the gorges • Explore the outdoors • Taste the terroir Once you have everything booked, it's time for the fun part. Reading every
Dear EscapeMakers — So, you want to escape the city, try something new, swim in a creek, and remind yourself what stars look like? Well, you’re in luck! Ithaca has what you didn’t know you needed: baby goats to cuddle and bottle feed, Zagat’s #4 Must-Visit Farmer’s Market, CBD farms, and all the farm-to-glass breweries, cideries and wineries you could desire. Let’s get back to basics: how do you plan a trip to Ithaca? Step
Select your own Dutchess farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles! The shuttle will run on both days so you can plan your own day trip or weekend itinerary! Take in the blossoms and warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap into sweet samples and learn about maple syrup-making at Soukup Farms or Crown Maple Estate; or sign up for an animal sanctuary tour at Lucky Orphan’s Horse Rescue. Stay overnight! Weekend lodging packages at Amenia House, Blue Barn B&B and the Inn at Pine Plains are bookable through the EscapeMaker.com website and based on availability. Reserve at EscapeMaker.com/FarmFreshTours then BUY IT! Adults, $55.75; Seniors, $48; Kids 5-11, $17; Kids under 5, $17. Available at ticket kiosks and full-service ticket vending machines. Tours, riding and tastings will be available at an additional cost. GET THERE! Take the Harlem Line to Wassaic Station where the shuttle buses will meet the trains arriving at 9:52 a.m. and 11:52 a.m.
Select your own Dutchess farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles! The shuttle will run on both days so you can plan your own day trip or weekend itinerary! Take in the blossoms and warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap into sweet samples and learn about maple
Select your own Dutchess farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles! The shuttle will run on both days so you can plan your own day trip or weekend itinerary! Take in the blossoms and warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap into sweet samples and learn about maple syrup-making at Soukup Farms or Crown Maple Estate; or sign up for an animal sanctuary tour at Lucky Orphan’s Horse Rescue. Stay overnight! Weekend lodging packages at Amenia House, Blue Barn B&B and the Inn at Pine Plains are bookable through the EscapeMaker.com website and based on availability. Reserve at EscapeMaker.com/FarmFreshTours then BUY IT! Adults, $55.75; Seniors, $48; Kids 5-11, $17; Kids under 5, $17. Available at ticket kiosks and full-service ticket vending machines. Tours, riding and tastings will be available at an additional cost. GET THERE! Take the Harlem Line to Wassaic Station where the shuttle buses will meet the trains arriving at 9:52 a.m. and 11:52 a.m.
Select your own Dutchess farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles! The shuttle will run on both days so you can plan your own day trip or weekend itinerary! Take in the blossoms and warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap into sweet samples and learn about maple
Dear EscapeMakers -- In Central New York, take your pick from eight quaint counties that each offer amenities and activities worth experiencing. You deserve to treat yourself, and there's no better place to do it than in the heart of New York State. Savor tasty flavors from one-of-a-kind restaurants, wineries and breweries. After enjoying some of CNY's tastiest cuisine, consider tapping into Brew Central, America's Craft Brew Destination. A great brewing tradition and current quality put CNY at the forefront of beer, spirits, hard cider and wine in NY. Have a taste, take a tour or follow a beverage trail - the choice is yours! Brew, food, arts, crafts - explore the many fests and events that are sure to make great memories on your next trip.Restaurants in the region know that eating fresh is important, so they use dozens of nearby producers to craft unique plates served up fresh so you can enjoy that farm-to-table experience. The best ingredients come from CNY's very own backyard. Upcoming Events: July 1st Park After Dark Ghost Tours The Casper Cops tour you through a Haunted Amusement Park with a brief walk and talk about the legends and "who still roams the park." July 8th Little Falls Cheese Festival Enjoy booth after booth of delicious, intriguing and savory New York state artisan and farmstead cheeses and related gourmet products. July 14th-16th July Fest & Jazz Fest A colorful festival of visual and performing arts includes artists and craftsmen from throughout the United States - also featuring a multi-day jazz fest. July 22nd Annual Greene Arts & Crafts Festival More than 200 quality artisans exhibit their arts & crafts on the streets of Greene. Choose from an assortment of food offered by Greene area restaurants and local non-profit groups. August 8th Chenango County Fair A
Dear EscapeMakers — In Central New York, take your pick from eight quaint counties that each offer amenities and activities worth experiencing. You deserve to treat yourself, and there’s no better place to do it than in the heart of New York State. Savor tasty flavors from one-of-a-kind restaurants, wineries and breweries. After enjoying some of CNY’s tastiest cuisine, consider tapping into Brew Central, America’s Craft Brew Destination. A great brewing tradition and current quality put
Bovina Valley is a collection of regional, family-run businesses that have come together with a shared heritage and common purpose. Dating back to 1817, the 30 cow Jersey dairy farm, Cowbella, is home to 5th, 6th, and 7th generations of Danforths to have grown up and live on the farm. Shannon Mason grew up as the 6th generation on the Danforth Jersey Farm when it was run by her Grandpa George. After his passing in 2004, the farm called her back from city life to her roots. The Jersey herd she inherited is one of the longest running in the country, and she started Cowbella Creamery on the farm in 2010 to share the amazing qualities of Jersey milk with her neighbors. Love for her children and family drives her, the legacy given to her by her ancestors inspires her, and she is passionate about preserving what her 200 year old dairy and all small dairies give and represent in our world. Dan Finn returned to his roots in the Catskills in 2000 and reconnected with his family’s heritage of award-winning cheesemaking. Largely self-taught, the lure of cheese making was calling out to Dan through that old family history, and the desire to make a small farm viable again in these challenging times. The fond memories of growing up surrounded by Bovina’s once thriving dairy community is a recurring theme in his adult life. His Great Grandfather had a reputation for his White Rose Cheddar cheese making in the early turn of the century and left a legacy of award-winning cheeses. VISIT: Visit the bovine ladies in the Great Western Catskills for a weekend getaway! Open Sunday 9AM - 5PM, or by appointment. PUBLIC TRANSIT: AMTRAK to Hudson Station + car rental for 1 hr 20 minute drive.
Bovina Valley is a collection of regional, family-run businesses that have come together with a shared heritage and common purpose. Dating back to 1817, the 30 cow Jersey dairy farm, Cowbella, is home to 5th, 6th, and 7th generations of Danforths to have grown up and live on the farm. Shannon Mason grew up as the 6th generation on the Danforth Jersey Farm when it was run by her Grandpa George. After his passing in
EscapeMaker.com will partner with Dutchess Tourism Inc. to run popular Farm Fresh Tours program with Metro-North Railroad through 2017. EscapeMaker.com, NYC’s guide to local getaways since 2000, announced today that it has secured a contract with Dutchess Tourism, Inc. to administer the development and operation of their successful Dutchess County Farm Fresh Tours program through 2017. For 10 years, Dutchess Tourism, Inc. has operated the Farm Fresh Tours program, which offers guided day trips to local farms and producers in and around Dutchess County by providing bus shuttle service to train passengers arriving at Metro-North stations in Poughkeepsie and Beacon, among others. The objective has long been to encourage car-less travelers to hop on a train from New York City and spend a day exploring local agriculture, a driving economic force and way of life in the Hudson Valley. Many Dutchess farms are family-owned and welcome visitors to “pick-your-own” produce, make purchases from their farm stands, or join them during family-oriented festivals. Apple picking, wine making, visiting breweries or learning about cheese making are all examples of agritourism, which supports local farmers and producers. “One of our major focuses for the past several years has been to seamlessly connect the dots between customers eager to learn about where their food comes from and the local farmers who work tirelessly to produce goods to the region,” says Caylin Sanders, founder and CEO of EscapeMaker.com. “Having worked with the amazing team at Dutchess Tourism for 12 years and with our expertise for bringing New Yorkers out of the city to experience the endless offerings of the Hudson Valley, jumping at the opportunity to take over the program was an obvious and organic choice for us. Our missions are aligned.” EscapeMaker.com will continue to offer many of the existing farm and destination itineraries,
EscapeMaker.com will partner with Dutchess Tourism Inc. to run popular Farm Fresh Tours program with Metro-North Railroad through 2017. EscapeMaker.com, NYC’s guide to local getaways since 2000, announced today that it has secured a contract with Dutchess Tourism, Inc. to administer the development and operation of their successful Dutchess County Farm Fresh Tours program through 2017. For 10 years, Dutchess Tourism, Inc. has operated the Farm Fresh Tours program, which offers guided day trips to
It's the sweetest time of the year, EscapeMakers! Every spring for a few short weeks, maple sugarmakers across the Northeast open the doors of their sugarhouses for maple weekends, inviting visitors to discover the sweet flavors and traditions involved in making maple syrup. Between Vermont and New York State, more than half of the country's maple syrup production takes place just a train ride away from NYC via Metro North Railroad or Amtrak! And with the days getting warmer, now is the time to start planning for your escapes to the long list of sugarhouses within reach. Vermont is the nation’s leading producer of maple syrup. Producing over 1.3 million gallons of syrup, Vermont generates 42% of the country’s maple syrup from more than 1,500 sugar houses statewide. In 2014, Vermont produced 1,230,000 gallons of the sweet, sticky goodness. Vermont Maple Open House Weekend takes place this year on March 25-26. The sites and activities at the many sugarhouses in the region range from tours to pancake breakfasts to maple tapping demonstrations to samples of maple syrup, candy, creams and more. Check out some hot spots like Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm, Corse Maple Farm, or Green Mountain Sugar House...or get the full list of all participating Vermont sugarhouses here and plan your maple weekend escape! New York is second leader in maple production in the USA, following Vermont. In 2014, New York produced 546,000 gallons of maple syrup, which makes up over 17% of the entire country's supply. With locations at approximately 160 farms and museums, Maple Weekend across New York State takes place March 18-19 and March 25-26. Visitors will find sugarhouse tours, free samples, activities and so much more! Check out Roxbury Mountain Maple in the Catskills (Sullivan County), or the Hudson Valley's White Oak Farm (Westchester County),
It’s the sweetest time of the year, EscapeMakers! Every spring for a few short weeks, maple sugarmakers across the Northeast open the doors of their sugarhouses for maple weekends, inviting visitors to discover the sweet flavors and traditions involved in making maple syrup. Between Vermont and New York State, more than half of the country’s maple syrup production takes place just a train ride away from NYC via Metro North Railroad or Amtrak! And with
Bring your bike, lace up your boots, grab the bridle for an adventure outdoors in upstate New York. Make the most of the Hudson River Valley landscape. Outdoor recreation in Dutchess County includes biking, hiking, horseback riding, golf, kayaking, archery and skeet shooting. See more EscapeMaker.com videos on our YouTube channel!
Bring your bike, lace up your boots, grab the bridle for an adventure outdoors in upstate New York. Make the most of the Hudson River Valley landscape. Outdoor recreation in Dutchess County includes biking, hiking, horseback riding, golf, kayaking, archery and skeet shooting. See more EscapeMaker.com videos on our YouTube channel!
