Posts with tag 'tourism'

Not far from the bustle of New York City is a winter destination perfect for a frozen outdoor adventure. The rolling mountain landscape of the Catskills with its quiet villages, blanketed with snow and full of amazing winter recreation possibilities, is just a couple of hours away from the noise and traffic jams of the city. While the region is mostly rural, that doesn't mean it lacks the amenities to serve as a world-class destination for all things winter sports. Several perfectly appointed ski mountains dot the map: in Greene County, there's Windham Mountain Resort and Hunter Mountain; in Delaware County, the Plattekill Mountain ski resort; and Belleayre Ski Center in Ulster County. In each, you'll find dozens of skiing and snowboarding trails for all experience levels, areas for tubing and ice skating, as well as lessons, rental gear, and cozy lodges for après ski enjoyment. If you're not looking for a big ski resort experience but still want to enjoy simple winter fun outdoors,...

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The Catskills are a year-round gem of scenic, natural beauty that is generously on display through all four seasons. Fall is a particularly glorious time of year as stunning foliage blankets the rolling mountains in vibrant hues. Late September through October is the perfect time for leaf-peeping to experience the marvelous fall colors on the mountains. Taking a scenic train ride on the area's historic railroads is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the views. Hop aboard, sit back, and enjoy the ride! In Delaware County, the Delaware & Ulster Railroad (top photo) takes you on a leisurely 2-hour round-trip excursion between Arkville, NY and Roxbury, NY, promising some of the country's most magnificent scenery along the way. Sit comfortably in a vintage coach or enjoy the breeze on an open car. Some rides come with scheduled special events: light-hearted train robberies, twilight rides, and dining for groups. Trains depart on Saturdays and Sundays, and pricing varies between $12 and $20 per passenger. In Ulster County, the Catskill Mountain Railroad Co. (photo below) serves the historic Hudson Valley with exciting recreational rides. Trains depart from Kingston, NY, and run up to Harley Mountain and back with gorgeous views from beginning to end. Vintage passenger trains offer comfort and ease. Special excursions include Foll Foliage Trains (October 7-15), Pumpkin Patch Trains (October 21-29 with a visit to the pumpkin patch where kids can pick their own pumpkin to bring home), and The Polar Express around Christmas (November 17 to December 28). Prices between $12 and $18.

We heard rumblings with the Hamptons vs. Catskills argument had started but now the real estate marketing is seeing it in real time. According to data published by Yahoo Financial, the Catskills and the Hudson Valley are seeing a significant increase in travel by young adults aged 20 to 24 years old. The summer of 2016 saw a nearly 55% increase in trips to the area by these "millennials" compared to the same time in 2012. During that same period, the same group decreased excursions to the Hamptons by nearly 46%. Older demographics are also starting to follow the trend and head to the Catskills instead of the Hamptons. Video source: Young Money Is Fleeing the Hamptons for Its Quiet Rival (Yahoo Financial) Why the shift in destinations? Attitudes among millennials are changing to appreciate "experiences" over "things." While the Hamptons, a group of beachfront villages about 100 miles from Manhattan, are often associated with wealth and materialism, the Catskills are known for an understated, authentic lifestyle with mountain hiking, kayaking, trips to the farmers' market, dining at artisanal restaurants and hanging out by the fire pit with friends. Another obvious draw? The stunning scenery of the rolling Catskill mountains, vast lakes and reservoirs, and picturesque small villages. Instagramming these visuals has helped reach and attract a growing number of travelers. How does this affect real estate sales? The Catskills and Hudson Valley area has experienced a tremendous surge in sales volume county by county over the last several years. Lifestyle change drives part of that increase, but there is also a phenomenal difference in the value of real estate. Many people would rather go for a peaceful, private 100-acre property instead of a small beachfront lot for the same amount of money. Chefs, artists and entrepreneurs are also finding the area a more affordable place to realize their dreams while staying close to the city. As they relocate, they bring their skills and energy with them, helping to revitalize the economy. With the area evolving in response to the growth, it will continue to attract more people. Peace, authenticity, amazing value and boundless opportunities... That's what the Catskills are all about.

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At Delaware County Chamber of Commerce's monthly breakfast event on February 3rd, nearly 100 local business owners and residents were called to contact the Governor and other elected officials in support of New York State funding for Belleayre Mountain Ski Center. Ken Pasternak, managing partner of the Crossroads Ventures and developer of the Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park, outlined the history of the proposed development and emphasized that expansion of the ski center is vital to the project's future. The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has called on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to fund the approximate $72 million capital project needed to implement the build out and completion of the Belleayre Ski Center expansion that was approved in December 2015. The ski center on the Delaware-Ulster county border is one of three owned and managed by the state. Belleayre Ski Center provides approximately 400 full and part time jobs to area residents and its expansion will create 32 new full time jobs and help to usher in an additional $32 million in visitor spending at businesses throughout the region. The expansion will also raise significant tax revenue for the state and local communities, which spurred the Delaware County Board of Supervisors to unanimously pass a resolution calling on Cuomo to fund the project in the 2017-18 state budget at its meeting held on January 25th in Delhi. Please see below an interview with Ray Pucci, President and Executive Director of Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, about Belleayre Ski Center (video produced by VeccBrowne Productions).

5 Easy Steps to Support NYS Funding of Belleayre

Step 1: Sign the petition by Friends of Belleayre. Click here to read and sign! Step 2: Share the petition on your social media channels. Step 3: Encourage your friends to sign and share. Step 4: Send the link to the petition to your customers and others who care about the Catskill Mountains. Step 5: Call the Governor's office at 518-474-8390 with the message that you expect the state to fulfill its funding obligations to the Catskills.

Links to Mountain Resources

Here are links to a few of the important documents and sites that will help you become a more informed advocate for our region: The Belleayre Mountain Ski Center Unit Management Plan (UMP) This is the "blueprint" for the expansion and upgrades to the State-owned ski center. The document was originally written in 2013 and was approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in January 2015. The Agreement in Principle (AIP) This compact, prepared in 2007, outlines the parameters for the development of the resort. Signatories include New York State, New York City, Crossroads Ventures (the resort developers), the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, New York Public Interest Research Group, Riverkeeper, National Resources Defense Council, and other environmental groups. The Belleayre Resort at Catskill Park Learn what the fuss is all about. See drawings of the proposed resort. Read about the 17-year regulatory journey. NYS Supreme Court Upholds NYSDEC Decision The NYS Supreme Court recently upheld the DEC Commissioner action in approving the UMP. The 18-page ruling, issued by Justice Christina L. Ryba in Albany, dismissed a challenge filed by the Catskill Heritage Alliance and several adjacent landowners.

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