Contact: Doug Finch, (315) 781-2030
Spring finally feels like it has arrived here in the Finger Lakes, and along with the warmer temperatures come a wealth of opportunities for local families to enjoy the spectacular natural bounty of our local area. In this week's column, I would like to share a few ideas for a fun getaway for food and wine lovers, families and outdoorsmen and women.
AN 'AGRITOURISM' DAYTRIP IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE FARMERS WHO GROW THE FOOD WE ENJOY EVERY DAY
Agriculture is the backbone of our region, and each spring, many local farmers open their doors to tourists interested in learning more about the wholesome, delicious local food and beverages produced right here in the Finger Lakes.
Agritourism is a fancy word for what many local families have been doing for decades - visiting local Pick-Your-Own farms, enjoying quality, freshly picked produce and showing their children how and where the food they enjoy in their lunchboxes and at the dinner table is grown and harvested.
The Farm Connections in the Finger Lakes guide is a comprehensive resource for an 'Agritourism' day trip, offering tips on what to wear when visiting one of our local farms as well as a county-by-county list of farmers markets, orchards and pick-your-own farms. The Farm Connections in the Finger Lakes guide is available here: http://www.fingerlakes.org/uploads/pages/pdf/UpickGuide.pdf.
GET A TASTE OF LOCAL HISTORY AND BUILD YOUR WINE COLLECTION ON A VISIT TO FINGER LAKES WINERIES
With the first area winery opening its doors in 1860, the Finger Lakes area has long maintained a proud tradition as a unique wine region. As of 2013, more than 100 wineries now call the Finger Lakes home. Many of our wineries are family-owned and operated, serving as integral parts of their local communities.
May is "Wine Month" in the Finger Lakes and the Finger Lakes Wine Country website offers plenty of advice and ideas for planning a delicious trip to our world-famous Finger Lakes Wine Country. Wine Tourism Day is Saturday, May 11 and is certain to be a perfect day to visit our picturesque wineries. More than 20 participating wineries will offer wine and food pairings, as well as wine education. As a way to bolster their communities further, participating wineries will also donate your wine tasting fee to local food banks. For more information, visit the Finger Lakes Wine Country website.
Our world-renowned wine region has long been a favorite destination for locals and out-of-towners alike. When planning a trip, be sure to add the New York Wine and Culinary Center to your must-visit list - this beautiful facility on the northern shore of Canandaigua Lake boasts the only tasting room in New York that offers NYS-produced wine, beer and spirits all in one room. Visitors can also enjoy local food in their bistro and create their own culinary masterpiece in one of the facility's cooking classes. Visit their website for more information.
THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR FINGER LAKES VACATION ARE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
New York's Finger Lakes region is the perfect place to experience a vacation that is part-history lesson, part-culinary adventure, part-shopping destination and 100 percent fun. The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance provides valuable information on taking advantage of the tourism opportunities in our area. Stop by their website to find out more, and check out the 2013 New York's Finger Lakes Travel Guide and Finger Lakes Hunting and Fishing Guide.
The 2013 New York's Finger Lakes Travel Guide is a great resource for information on how to get the most out of a visit to our area's beautiful lakes, historical sites, wineries and other attractions. The guide also offers information on local shopping, dining and lodging options. The 2013 New York's Finger Lakes Travel Guide can be found at: http://www.issuu.com/fingerlakes/docs/fingerlakes.
The Finger Lakes Hunting and Fishing Guide includes everything you'll need to plan your vacation, including information about local lakes and hunting lands, as well as how to get in touch with licensed fishing guides, charters and marinas. The Finger Lakes Hunting and Fishing Guide can be found at: http://www.issuu.com/fingerlakes/docs/fingerlakeshunting_fishingguide.
Many Finger Lakes businesses are thanking our active duty and retired military for their service by offering these heroes a discount. A list of local businesses offering discounts is on the Finger Lakes Web site.
These ideas are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the fun and educational activities offered by the Finger Lakes area. I invite you to stop by my office at 607 West Washington Street in Geneva to pick up brochures that will set you on the right path to enjoying spring in the Finger Lakes.
What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.