Destinations Magazine - November/December 2011 - (Page 118)
T H E A D I R O N D A C K S NEW YORK STATE: You’re going to LOVE it here! From the beaches of Long Island to the Adirondack Mountains and the Hudson Valley to Niagara Falls, our 11 vacation regions offer great adventures and gracious hospitality—amid some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Something for Everyone with a Stunning Mountain View mid sky-high mountains, lush woods, and pristine waterways, the Adirondack Region not only offers picturesque views and famous hospitality, but also exciting group tour itineraries to suit every age, interest, and ability. Whether it’s history, outdoor adventure, arts and culture or unique culinary experiences, the Adirondack Region offers a little something for everyone. Plan a group tour to Upstate New York and visit one or more of the many quaint towns and villages that make up the Adirondacks. The Olympic Village of Lake Placid boasts award-winning accommodations from the rustic Adirondack Lodge to the luxurious Whiteface Lodge. Drive to the top of Whiteface Mountain on the Veterans Memorial Highway or walk and shop quaint downtown for unique Adirondack gifts. Lake George offers fun family attractions, such as the Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, historic sites to include Ausable Chasm. Drive our scenic roads while sampling maple syrup, Macintosh apples, and local wines. Be sure to check out other group favorite attractions: Fort Ticonderoga, the Adirondack Museum, the Wild Center, and Lake George Steamboat Company, all offering lunch services, ample bus parking, and group rates. Whatever your group’s interest, the Adirondack Region has something to offer, all with the stunning mountain view. stately Avenue of the Pines gives you a glimpse of the tranquil elegance that awaits you at the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa, renowned for posh amenities and friendly service. Bounded on the east by the Green Mountains, the north by Lakes Champlain and George, the west by Saratoga Springs, and the south by the Capital District, Washington County is situated at the heart of a region that offers visitors a number of intriguing was to discover history, agriculture, and the arts. Stroll through the quaint streets of New York’s oldest historic district—Schenectady’s Stockade, see a show at the historic Proctors Theater, or visit the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium and enjoy the hands on science exhibits and activities. A Rich History and Famous Fun apital Saratoga’s historic cities and diverse attractions are surrounded by parks, apple orchards, and farmland. The charming countryside once inspired the paintings of folk artist Grandma Moses. Rising beside the Hudson River, Albany’s architectural mosaic blends historic mansions with modern skyscrapers, stylish restaurants, tulip, and waterfront festivals, and the magnificent State Capitol. Visit the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center and take a ride on the amphibious Albany Aqua Duck that rolls through historic neighborhoods and then splashes down into the river. Nearby, the USS Slater, a restored WWII Destroyer Escort, is open to groups from April through November. In Troy, the home of Uncle Sam, River Street is lined with antique shops, galleries and restaurants—including the brand new Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Scenic cruises depart from both Albany (The Dutch Apple) and Troy (The Captain JP). Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater highlights the Battle of Saratoga, turning point of the American Revolution. Saratoga Springs is famous for its spas, yearround racing, and gaming at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. It’s also known for summertime world-class thoroughbred excitement at Saratoga Race Course, cultural music and dance, and performances from popular artists at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, home to the Phildelphia Orchestra and New York City Ballet. Saratoga Polo is also a popular attraction, where groups can dine beneath a tent and watch world-class matches. Downtown, you’ll find many top-rated restaurants and many unique shops and boutiques. A drive along the C The Land of Rip Van Winkle he Catskills’ enchanting mountains, waterfalls, forests and streams offer great outdoor adventures like hiking, whitewater rafting, tubing, and some of the best trout fishing in the nation. Legendary accommodations range from casual dude ranches and country inns to luxurious spas and resorts at Villa Roma, Mohonk, Windham and Hunter. Two new zip lines, one at Hunter Mountain and one on the Delaware River at Kittatinny Canoe gives you two of the longest ziplines in North America with view of the mountains and the Delaware River. Take it slow on scenic country roads that lead to antique shops, farm markets, and unique attractions like the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Sonoma Falls Cider Mill in Livingston Manor and the world’s largest kaleidoscope at Mount Tremper. On the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, the Museum at Bethel Woods highlights the fabulous 1960s and showcases top performers of pop, rock, classical and country music in an outdoor performing arts center. Step back into the Golden Age of railroading on the Delaware & Ulster’s Rip Van Winkle Flyer, a refurbished Streamliner seating up to 125 passengers. Charters, group discounts, step-on guides, and catered meals are available. Packages include train rides, sky rides, museums, and {continued on p. 120} T French & Indian War forts and Battlefields and unique accommodations, such as the Adirondack-themed Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark or The Sagamore, situated on its own island. Your group can also enjoy a scenic train excursion aboard the Saratoga & North Creek Railway, or ride on the bus to the top of Prospect Mountain for a spectacular 100 mile view. In Plattsburgh, discover the rich history and outdoor adventure that awaits your groups. Visit the Battle of Plattsburgh Museum, dedicated to the pivotal battle during the War of 1812, explore the natural wonder, 118
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