With Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and a long weekend around the corner, and Black History Month kicking off on February 1st, now is the perfect time of year to explore some of the incredible black history sites, museums and landmarks the Northeast has to offer. According to New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York State was at the forefront of the Underground Railroad movement. It was a major destination for freedom-seekers for four main reasons: Destination & Gateway: New York was a gateway to liberation for freedom-seekers (often referred to as escaped slaves). Its prime location, with access to Canada and major water routes, made it the destination of choice for many Africans fleeing slavery along the eastern seaboard. Safe Haven: Freedom-seekers knew they would be protected in New York's many black communities as well as Quaker and other progressive white and mixed race communities. A large and vocal free black population was present after the manumission (freeing) of slaves in New York State in 1827. Powerful Anti-Slavery Movement: Anti-slavery organizations were abundant in New York State - more than any other state. The reform politics and the progressive nature of the state gave rise to many active anti-slavery organizations. Strong Underground Railroad Leaders: Many nationally-known and locally influential black and white abolitionists chose to make their homes in New York. Among them were: Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Gerrit Smith, Henry Ward Beecher, Sojourner Truth and John Brown. Explore all that the Underground Railroad Heritage Trail has to offer across New York State this winter by visiting the many important historic sites, museums and interpretive centers related to the Underground Railroad. Visit The Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, NY. The Harriet Tubman Home preserves the legacy of "The Moses of Her People" in the place where
With Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and a long weekend around the corner, and Black History Month kicking off on February 1st, now is the perfect time of year to explore some of the incredible black history sites, museums and landmarks the Northeast has to offer. According to New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York State was at the forefront of the Underground Railroad movement. It was a major destination for freedom-seekers
At last, the holiday season is upon us! We’ve composted our farm-picked pumpkins and gourds, cleared off our Thanksgiving tables, and now it’s time to start checking off that December bucket list. First up, picking out and cutting down your very own Christmas tree! It’s not as daunting as it may seem – New York state is filled with Christmas tree farms within a couple hours from the city. Grab some hot cocoa, jump in the car, crank up your favorite holiday tunes and make a day out of it! See below for a list of farms just a hop, skip and a jump from NYC. Please visit the individual websites and/or call ahead for farm hours, tree availability, and tree-cutting regulations. DUTCHESS COUNTY Battenfield’s Christmas Tree Farm 856 Rte 199, Red Hook, NY 845-758-8018 Fabulous Firs Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farm 702 Vanwagner Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 845-590-3337 Primrose Hill Farm 203 Fiddlers Bridge Rd, Staatsburg, NY 845-889-4725 Saltsman Tree Farm 214 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 845-876-8801 WESTCHESTER COUNTY Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Rd, Granite Springs, NY 914-245-2784 LONG ISLAND Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm 2355 Main Bayview Rd, Southold, Long Island, NY 631-765-4148 Elmwood Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Farm 1500 E Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, NY 631-368-8626 Lewin Farms 812 Sound Ave, Calverton, NY 631-929-4327 Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm 30105 Main Street, Cutchogue, NY 631-734-8641 Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm 20685 Main Road, Mattituck, NY 631-298-4619
At last, the holiday season is upon us! We’ve composted our farm-picked pumpkins and gourds, cleared off our Thanksgiving tables, and now it’s time to start checking off that December bucket list. First up, picking out and cutting down your very own Christmas tree! It’s not as daunting as it may seem – New York state is filled with Christmas tree farms within a couple hours from the city. Grab some hot cocoa, jump in
NEW YORK STATE IS LOOKING FOR THE GREENEST NEW YORKER New York State Launches Inaugural “Greenest New Yorker” Contest NEW YORK, March 23, 2010 – I LOVE NEW YORK, ( www.iloveny.com ), New York State’s tourism promotion agency, and EscapeMaker.com are seeking to celebrate those individuals who are doing their part to keep the Empire State green with the first-ever contest to find “The Greenest New Yorker.” I LOVE NEW YORK is looking for those New York State residents who are making earnest efforts to preserve the environment in their everyday lives and the lives of others. Entries for the “Greenest New Yorker” contest will be judged by a panel of celebrities and influential green New Yorkers. Among them are Chef, author, and restaurateur Mario Batali, who has six New York State based, award-winning Certified Green Restaurants®; Josh Dorfman, author of "The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget,” and Sundance Channel host of his own show “The Lazy Environmentalist”; actor Peter Facinelli, star of The Twilight Saga movies and Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie” show; nationally renowned, eco-friendly and healthy home interior designer Robin Wilson, who’s high profile projects include Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s “Green House” and the renovation of former president Bill Clinton’s Harlem office; and renowned architect Morris Adjmi, who’s current work includes the LEED gold High Line Building and a LEED platinum building for New York University. The Grand Prize winner will be announced on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, at a special press conference held by I LOVE NEW YORK. The winner will receive his or her choice of an I LOVE NEW YORK Green Getaway, which includes a three-day, two-night getaway package for two people to one of New York’s Top Ten Green Destinations. To apply, contestants can log onto //www.escapemaker.com/ilovenygreen, and in 250 words or less, tell I LOVE
NEW YORK STATE IS LOOKING FOR THE GREENEST NEW YORKER New York State Launches Inaugural “Greenest New Yorker” Contest NEW YORK, March 23, 2010 – I LOVE NEW YORK, ( www.iloveny.com ), New York State’s tourism promotion agency, and EscapeMaker.com are seeking to celebrate those individuals who are doing their part to keep the Empire State green with the first-ever contest to find “The Greenest New Yorker.” I LOVE NEW YORK is looking for those
