Dear EscapeMakers -- It's the most beautiful time of the year! Whether you've been to Ithaca before, or have yet to visit, now is the time to explore! Constantly evolving, the Finger Lakes region always has new opportunities for you to experience. Fall Foliage at peak! There's still time to catch the last leaf peeping in New York State! Due to the lakes themselves (heat retention and air flow), the Finger Lakes has a more temperate climate compared to the rest of Upstate. This climate allows for a better growing season and extended leaf peeping opportunities. Take a hot air balloon ride or cruise the Cayuga Scenic Byway to explore Ithaca's beauty. Did you miss Cider Week? Fear not, you can experience cider year-round in Ithaca! With outdoor seating and socially distanced practices, Ithaca can welcome you safely. There are 7 cidery tasting rooms open for your enjoyment. Spend an afternoon at Eve's Cidery eating a farmer's lunch and being guided through a flight of artisan cider. Get away from it all, in Ithaca! We all have a reason to getaway, spend a week upstate, to return and reset in nature. Ithaca's mesmerizing waterfalls, meandering trails, and endless fresh air are just a quick trip away. No matter how many times you visit, it always has that wow-factor. Escape to the Finger Lakes! Interested in lodging packages? Click here. For information about Ithaca and COVID-19, please visit www.visitithaca.com/covid-19-information-visitors www.VisitIthaca.com MORE INFO:
Dear EscapeMakers — It’s the most beautiful time of the year! Whether you’ve been to Ithaca before, or have yet to visit, now is the time to explore! Constantly evolving, the Finger Lakes region always has new opportunities for you to experience. Fall Foliage at peak! There’s still time to catch the last leaf peeping in New York State! Due to the lakes themselves (heat retention and air flow), the Finger Lakes has a more
Dear EscapeMakers -- Fall has arrived at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern with a NEW Fall Menu! Autumn is the season of harvest festivals, crisp morning air and of course spectacular foliage! Leaves are reaching peak color and apples and pumpkins are being gathered. These are just some of the amazing reasons to stay, dine, and celebrate in the Hudson Valley - only 2 hours from NYC! The Tavern at Diamond Mills welcomes Autumn with a new menu! The seasonal bounty of the Hudson Valley gives fresh flavors to Executive Chef Marcos' and Pastry Chef Kerry Hegarty's new harvest inspired menus. See why they were voted Best Waterfall Dining by Hudson Valley Magazine for 2020! Fall Foliage Packages at The Hotel Available through the end of November There is no better time to visit the Hudson Valley then in the Fall! It has some of the finest harvest events, wineries and farms right in your backyard. Checkout "Pooches & Pumpkins," a socially distanced farm event in nearby Stone Ridge Farm on October 24th! Enjoy discounted hotel rates during your stay and bring home fresh local craft cider or local maple syrup from Saugerties. SAVE THE DATE First Friday November Friday, November 6 | 5-10 pm Join in for a "Harvest Feast" this November at The Tavern! Enjoy a specialty menu highlighting the delightful flavor profile of the fall. Thursday, November 26 Family Style -- Three Seatings at 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm Start a new tradition by gathering with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving at Diamond Mills, the Hudson Valley's premier dining destination. Visit for a bountiful gourmet feast in the elegant Grand Ballroom overlooking the Esopus Falls. Executive Chef Marcos will highlight an exquisite selection of traditional Holiday favorites for you to enjoy. Adults $50;
Dear EscapeMakers — Fall has arrived at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern with a NEW Fall Menu! Autumn is the season of harvest festivals, crisp morning air and of course spectacular foliage! Leaves are reaching peak color and apples and pumpkins are being gathered. These are just some of the amazing reasons to stay, dine, and celebrate in the Hudson Valley – only 2 hours from NYC! The Tavern at Diamond Mills welcomes Autumn with
Crisp Starry Nights, Apple Picking Adventures, Winery Tours Fun Events are Happening at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern! Dear EscapeMakers -- Bask in the beauty of the changing foliage and enjoy special savings at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern - only 2 hours from NYC! Whether you are searching for a safe, socially distanced, last-minute getaway to the Hudson Valley, a delightful waterfront dinner for two or planning a special event, Diamond Mills has something for everyone. Mark your calendar for these events and packages... Fall Foliage Packages at The Hotel Available throughout the months of September & October There is no better time to visit the Hudson Valley than in the Fall! It has some of the finest apple orchards, wineries and farms right in your backyard. Checkout "Applepalooza," a socially distanced farm event in nearby Stone Ridge Farm on September 26th! Enjoy discounted hotel rates during your stay and bring home fresh picked apples, local craft cider or local maple syrup from Saugerties. FIRST FRIDAYS! Starting Friday, October 2, 5-10 pm Kick-off Fall with a traditional Oktoberfest Prix Fixe at Diamond Mill's first monthly First Friday! Indulge in some of your favorite German food! Holiday Celebrations at Diamond Mills & Saugerties Steamboat Co. It's been a challenging year... let Diamond Mills and the Saugerties Steamboat Co. provide your group with some holiday cheer in a safe socially distanced atmosphere. Diamond Mills and Saugerties Steamboat Co. offer elegant and comfortable event space for groups of all sizes. The waterfront views are spectacular in the winter! Enjoy a cozy dinner by one of their fireplaces or dance the night away in the Grand Ballroom. Seated and buffet dinners start at $35 per person. A la carte dinner reservations, custom menus, optional bar packages and overnight stay rates available upon
Crisp Starry Nights, Apple Picking Adventures, Winery Tours Fun Events are Happening at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern! Dear EscapeMakers — Bask in the beauty of the changing foliage and enjoy special savings at Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern – only 2 hours from NYC! Whether you are searching for a safe, socially distanced, last-minute getaway to the Hudson Valley, a delightful waterfront dinner for two or planning a special event, Diamond Mills has something
Saturday, September 26th / 12pm-6pm EscapeMaker's 6th Annual (socially distanced) ApplePalooza! Dear EscapeMakers -- Come apple picking this FALL! We're moving our 6th Annual Applepalooza event to Stone Ridge Orchard this year - only 2 hours from NYC! Support Hudson Valley farms, local food and local craft cider. Admission includes access to the orchard for apple picking, cider & apple products for sale, socially distanced 10 ft. field pods and safe kids activities like blanket bingo and cider donut eating contests! VIP cider tasting, orchard walk and talk with farmer Elizabeth Ryan under the 300-year old oak tree + cider cocktails! Doors at 12pm, VIP EVENT 1PM! Admission: $10 / VIP $49. SERIES PARTNERS:
Saturday, September 26th / 12pm-6pm EscapeMaker’s 6th Annual (socially distanced) ApplePalooza! Dear EscapeMakers — Come apple picking this FALL! We’re moving our 6th Annual Applepalooza event to Stone Ridge Orchard this year – only 2 hours from NYC! Support Hudson Valley farms, local food and local craft cider. Admission includes access to the orchard for apple picking, cider & apple products for sale, socially distanced 10 ft. field pods and safe kids activities like
Celebrate the women of New York City Public Markets during Women's History Month! This FREE 5-event series presented by NYCEDC takes place on consecutive Saturdays: • Saturday, February 29 - Essex Market, 2PM- 5PM (Kick-Off), Manhattan • Saturday, March 7 - La Marqueta, 2PM - 5PM, East Harlem • Saturday, March 14 - Moore Street Market, 2PM - 5PM, Brooklyn • Saturday, March 21 - Arthur Avenue Market, 2PM - 5PM, Bronx • Saturday, March 28 - Jamaica Market, 2PM - 5PM, Queens The series highlights the female vendors and producers that make up each market. Each event will include live music, networking, voter registration, and info on training, M/WBE certification and grants and funding to start-up or expand one's own business. The series is produced in partnership with women.nyc, QueensFeasts and El Puente. Attendees can expect to taste and shop for everything from pastries and nutritious kids' meals at La Marqueta; to fresh fish, pasta, craft beer, and ice cream from Essex Market; to vegan baked goods and international spices from Moore Street Market; fresh meat and sandwiches at Arthur Avenue Market and fresh vegetables and prepared foods from Jamaica Market and more. Depending on the event, vendors will include local artists and women-owned or operated food and beverage businesses including: Maryam's Yum Yum with her red velvet waffles, Elma's in Harlem with their fresh juices, Heroes and Villains with chicken nuggets, Mike's Deli Italian antipasti bites, Cenkali Products with their indigenous Mexican vegan soups, Aunt Jo Jo's with their BBQ sauce and Boba Green with their bubble tea and more. Free business services from Heritage Radio Network, QueensFeasts, Edible Manhattan and EscapeMaker.com will be raffled off to those that attend. Prizes include: • Free web services for 2 years from Godaddy ($50 Value) • Customized social media plan
Celebrate the women of New York City Public Markets during Women’s History Month! This FREE 5-event series presented by NYCEDC takes place on consecutive Saturdays: • Saturday, February 29 – Essex Market, 2PM- 5PM (Kick-Off), Manhattan • Saturday, March 7 – La Marqueta, 2PM – 5PM, East Harlem • Saturday, March 14 – Moore Street Market, 2PM – 5PM, Brooklyn • Saturday, March 21 – Arthur Avenue Market, 2PM – 5PM, Bronx • Saturday, March
Dear EscapeMakers -- As the temperature goes down, Ithaca heats up. The city and region intentionally create events to keep the community engaged in the colder months: food, music and wine festivals, educational walks through botanic gardens, and winter celebrations at the children's garden! Check out the Ithaca Events page to find your activity! Chili Cook-Off - 2/8 This annual foodie festival featuring over 40 chilis prepared by 30+ restaurants from across the region as the restaurants compete for the titles of Best Meat/Overall Chili, Best Vegetarian/Vegan Chili, and People's Choice Chili. Festival of Fire & Ice at the Ithaca Children's Garden - 2/8 An annual celebration of winter outdoor play, the festival provides time and space for us to remember the winter games we love and to discover new ways to play through the coldest season. Enjoy ice sculptures, sledding, hot chocolate, snow fort and den building, bonfires, and so much more! Ithaca Loves Teachers Winter Recess Festival - 2/14 The Ithaca Loves Teachers Festival, now in its 15th year, is a celebration of Pre-K through 12 public educators and school district employees. Ithaca will come together for a week to celebrate educators with entertainment, activities, family fun and discounts throughout the Tompkins County community. Science of Taste Food Tour - Recurring Rediscover your five basic tastes while exploring Ithaca's restaurants on this special tour designed with winter weather in mind. Savor 5 generous tastings and 3 delicious drink pairings. Explore one of your five basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami) with each course. Redefine how you experience food as we discuss the hidden elements behind each taste. The tour route keeps the group warm with short walks fromone establishment to the next! Finger Lakes Thaw - 3/19 A two-day, multi-venue music festival in downtown Ithaca that
Dear EscapeMakers — As the temperature goes down, Ithaca heats up. The city and region intentionally create events to keep the community engaged in the colder months: food, music and wine festivals, educational walks through botanic gardens, and winter celebrations at the children’s garden! Check out the Ithaca Events page to find your activity! Chili Cook-Off – 2/8 This annual foodie festival featuring over 40 chilis prepared by 30+ restaurants from across the region as
Fire & Ice Getaway Packages! Dear EscapeMakers - If you've been meaning to explore the Catskills, now is the time. Under 3 hours from NYC, the Sullivan Catskills feels a world away and there's a ton going on! Check this out... Their Fire & Ice Getaway Packages offer special savings you can’t miss! Get 15% OFF, or a nightly special rate, or free meals or upgrades or some very cool swag! Every lodging offers a different bonus or discount! Whether it's a family weekend at the Villa Roma Resort, Kartrite Resort or Beaverkill Valley Inn, a romantic couples weekend at the Antrim Streamside, Catskill Mountains Resort, The Western Super Club & Inn or Inn at Lake Joseph, a girlfriends getaway at Resorts World Catskills or Foster Supply Hospitality rural hotels or a wellness getaway at YO1 Catskills, there's an experience for every budget and every taste! Spend time with friends and family, sip a craft brew, enjoy a fiery feast. Ski, snowboard, snow-shoe, ice skate; take the kids snow tubing. Winter is the perfect time to avoid the crowds and get some great deals! For more info, visit: SullivanCatskills.com
Fire & Ice Getaway Packages! Dear EscapeMakers – If you’ve been meaning to explore the Catskills, now is the time. Under 3 hours from NYC, the Sullivan Catskills feels a world away and there’s a ton going on! Check this out… Their Fire & Ice Getaway Packages offer special savings you can’t miss! Get 15% OFF, or a nightly special rate, or free meals or upgrades or some very cool swag! Every lodging offers a
Dear EscapeMakers - Tis' the season to support independent makers, artists and artisans. Lucky for you, the Sullivan Catskills is a holiday shoppers dream come true! Plan a weekend shopping trip; make your list, check it twice. There's something unique, one-of-a-kind, and made with local love waiting for you… The Farmhouse Project Pop-up Shop Friday-Sunday thru December 22 - 11am - 7pm Shop The Farmhouse Project Pop-Up Shop in Livingston Manor for their new winter collection of table linens, dinnerware, candles and other curiosities, all made locally in Upstate, NY. Wurtsboro Arts Alliance Holiday Show Saturdays & Sundays thru December 21 - 12-4pm Shop the Wurtsboro Arts Alliance Holiday Show for affordable gifts made by local artists. You'll find pottery, ceramics, jewelry, photos, ornaments, greeting cards, and more. Handmade for the Holidays Saturday & Sunday, December 14 & 15 - 11am-5pm Find your way to Duke Pottery for their 13th Annual Handmade for the Holidays featuring 30+ artists and makers. Plus, you'll find the largest array of pottery made by potter/owner, Carolyn Duke. Holiday Pop-Up Shop with Buck Brook Alpacas Thru December 24 - Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm Find everything alpaca, plus provisions and gifts from local makers at Buck Brook Alpacas Holiday Pop-Up Shop. IndieMart Narrowsburg Friday thru Sunday, December 13-15 IndieMart Narrowsburg features an array of local artists with unique and one-of-a-kind wares. Shop 20+ vendors each weekend upstairs at the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance Recital Hall. For more holiday happenings, visit: SullivanCatskills.com
Dear EscapeMakers – Tis’ the season to support independent makers, artists and artisans. Lucky for you, the Sullivan Catskills is a holiday shoppers dream come true! Plan a weekend shopping trip; make your list, check it twice. There’s something unique, one-of-a-kind, and made with local love waiting for you… The Farmhouse Project Pop-up Shop Friday-Sunday thru December 22 – 11am – 7pm Shop The Farmhouse Project Pop-Up Shop in Livingston Manor for their new winter
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 – Take out your apron, dust off your rolling pin – it’s time to elevate your baking and cooking skills in the Sullivan Catskills! On Saturday, November 16, Red Barn Studio will host a Thanksgiving Pie Hands-On Baking Class at Henning’s Local. Learn how to perfect a flaky pie crust; you’ll be baking Double-Crusted Apple Pie, a Bourbon Pecan Pie and a Rich Chocolate Pie with Chantilly Cream and Chocolate Crumbs. This class
