I Love NY Launches Fall Foliage Reports, Hosts Path Through History Weekend Oct 8

Hiking in the Adirondacks in fall. I Love NY offers an online Fall Foliage report to help people find the best autumn color © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The start of New York State’s 2022 fall foliage and travel season signals the return of I LOVE NY’s Fall Foliage Reports and a new I LOVE NY broadcast and digital marketing campaign to showcase popular fall activities and attractions. I LOVE NY is also collaborating with the state’s network of heritage tourism destinations on this year’s Path Through History Weekend, scheduled for October 8 to 10, which will feature special events and activations at the state’s rich history and historic sites.

Fall is one of New York’s most popular travel seasons, attracting visitors from around the world who support local businesses while exploring the unique and diverse communities across the state. To help travelers and foliage enthusiasts plan a fall getaway, I LOVE NY’s weekly foliage reports are issued every Wednesday, beginning September 14. They are compiled using the on-location field observations from I LOVE NY’s team of more than 85 volunteer leaf spotters throughout the state’s 11 vacation regions. The spotters track color changes in their area, detailing the prevalent leaf colors, approximate percentage of change, and how much color change has progressed relative to peak conditions.

The reports also include an interactive foliage map, available on the I LOVE NY website, that tracks weekly changes and progression across the state throughout the season. The map includes recommended foliage viewing locations in each of the state’s vacation regions, plus examples of peak foliage in a given area, and information about popular local and regional attractions. New this year, the interactive foliage map will include an option to filter attractions by category, including food & drink, and arts & culture.

Additionally, I LOVE NY will be hosting a Path Through History weekend on October 8 to 10 to showcase some of the state’s historic and heritage travel sites. The Path Through History initiative uses 14 themes to organize more than 700 sites, attractions and locations throughout the state. The Path Through History website includes maps, a user-friendly list of locations organized by theme and region, and an itinerary builder to help plan your trip. More information on the 2022 Path Through History Weekend is available here.

Travelers are invited to share their photos of New York State’s picturesque foliage on social media by using the #NYLovesFall hashtag. Photos submitted to this hashtag have a chance of being featured on the I LOVE NY fall foliage website and official I LOVE NY social media accounts reaching more than two million followers. I LOVE NY recently launched a TikTok account to reach additional audiences, complementing its existing accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks in part to its size and location, New York State traditionally has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. On any weekend from late September through mid-November, part of the state is likely experiencing peak foliage. Fall foliage reports and the interactive map are available at www.iloveny.com/foliage, or toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada.

“From colorful foliage and unparalleled natural landscapes to breathtaking historical sites and one-of-a-kind state parks, there’s nothing like New York in the fall,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “During this season, we invite travelers from New York and out-of-state to plan a perfect autumn adventure – whether it’s climbing an Adirondack peak, visiting a Long Island winery, or walking along Buffalo’s waterfront – and see what our great state has to offer.”

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “Every year, New York State becomes a wonderland of autumnal color. From our weekly foliage report letting travelers know where colors are peaking, to interactive maps helping them find attractions and dining experiences, to a running list of heritage events as part of Path Through History Weekend, I LOVE NY is pleased to provide tools to help guests take full advantage of one of the longest and most beautiful foliage seasons in the country. We welcome explorers from near and far to come be a part of it all and discover an autumn to fall in love with here in New York State.”

I LOVE NY is also launching a new fall marketing campaign to encourage fall travel, which includes a new 30-second spot highlighting some of the many ways to enjoy the season throughout New York State. The ad includes family-friendly fall favorites, like harvest events at local farms, Halloween attractions, zoos and foliage hikes, plus destinations like the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, and New York City’s Central Park. The campaign launches today, and the ad can be viewed here.

Visitation in New York State sustains an economic impact of $85.5 billion and generates enough in state and local taxes to save every household in the state more than $1,000 annually. Tourism and hospitality is the state’s third largest industry, supporting one in 11 private sector jobs.

New York State is a premier vacation destination with world-class attractions, picturesque natural beauty, locally sourced cuisine and a booming craft beverage scene, an array of accommodations, and iconic, year-round festivals and events. Its 11 diverse vacation regions feature some of the world’s top ranked beaches; two out of America’s top three favorite state parks; breathtaking Niagara Falls; more ski areas than any other state; one of the nation’s longest foliage seasons; multiple Halls of Fame; North America’s longest, fastest and highest zipline; the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States; and the country’s longest multi-use trail. Add in the state’s unique museums, historic landmarks, cultural sites, charming small towns and urban playgrounds, and it’s no wonder New York has been consistently chosen as a top getaway by travel publications and experts.    

To help plan your next New York State vacation, visit www.iloveny.com.  

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New York State Designates 2 Free Weekends for Out-of-State Snowmobilers

Registration Waived for Out-of-State Snowmobilers for Promotional Weekends 

$4.2 Million for Snowmobile Trail Maintenance and Grooming Across New York State 

Governor Kathy Hochul today designated March 5-6 and March 12-13 for free snowmobiling by all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers. During these promotional weekends, the requirement to register in New York is waived for properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts wishing to explore New York’s 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails. The Governor also announced up to $4.2 million for snowmobile trail maintenance and grooming will be distributed to local partners across New York State.

“New York is unrivaled in its natural beauty in all four seasons and offers a vast recreational trail system for snowmobilers to enjoy our stunning winter landscape,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State partners with local governments and snowmobile clubs who work hard to create an exceptional snowmobile network. By offering free snowmobile weekends, we are helping to highlight our trails to out-of-state visitors and boost our upstate tourism economy, while giving New Yorkers greater opportunity to explore their state.” 

Outside of this promotion, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the state’s trails, stretching from the Hudson Valley to the North Country to Western New York. Participants in the free snowmobiling event must operate a snowmobile that is validly registered in their home state/Canadian Province and must carry any applicable insurance as required by their home state/province. 

This year’s Free Snowmobiling Weekends reinforce the importance of tourism to state and local economies, and New York’s commitment to rebuilding the industry in the wake of the pandemic. The invitation to out-of-state snowmobilers complements the governor’s multi-faceted “Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs” initiative. Earlier this month, I LOVE NY launched a new global marketing effort that included paid tourism advertising in overseas markets for the first time. Additionally, guidelines and eligibility screening tools for two tourism industry relief programs totaling $125 million in support are available online.

New York State is distributing up to $4.2 million for snowmobile trail maintenance to local communities in New York this winter. The local grants program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. County and municipal governments distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, which in turn groom and maintain the trails. The trail grants support 10,500 miles of designated trails across the state for snowmobilers to safely enjoy. 

Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said,”New York State has so many options for outdoor winter enthusiasts to visit the Empire State. I’m grateful to the local governments and snowmobile clubs who help keep trail systems safe and well-groomed for residents and visitors who want to make New York their winter destination.” 

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said,”Snowmobiling is a great way to experience the picturesque landscapes and winter wilderness throughout New York State. With thousands of miles of trails, visitors can choose from a variety of terrains that, combined with inviting lodging and delicious food and beverage experiences, can make for a rejuvenating getaway. Free Snowmobiling Weekends offer great opportunities for snowmobilers to come be a part of the excitement and natural beauty of New York State.”  

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “New York State and its local partners maintain a beautiful and extensive snowmobile trail network that we’re excited to showoff to our out-of-state friends. I encourage sledders to take advantage of these free snowmobiling weekends and enjoy in a safe and responsible manner.”   

Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director, New York State Snowmobile Association, said, “We appreciate that Governor Hochul understands the economic impact of snowmobiling on the New York State economy, and that she wants to invite others to experience the amazing trail system that we have in New York State.” 

Trail conditions vary depending on snowfall amounts and other factors. Check the websites of area snowmobile clubs for information on trail conditions, including the status of grooming. The New York State Snowmobile Association website has information about snowmobiling and snowmobile clubs. Maps of the state snowmobile trail network are available on New York State Parks’ website here. 

A guide from I LOVE NY to snowmobile trips available in the state can be found here. 

The DMV reminds New York riders that snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Snowmobile registration costs $100, but is decreased to $45 if the snowmobiler is a member of a local snowmobile club. 

Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York State before or after this promotional weekends can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail. 

For information on snowmobiling, visit parks.ny.gov. Visit the DEC website here for more information on snowmobiling on state lands. 

Winter – Moab, Utah’s Secret Season for Uncrowded Adventure

Moab Adventure Center offers many different experiences for enjoying winter getaways in this vast expanse of geologic history unique in the world.

MOAB, UT– Even in the winter, the rocks can feel warm to the touch as they absorb the sunshine that kisses the world-renowned, red rock playground of Moab, Utah. Here, precipitation of rain or snow visits fewer than 60 days a year. Come December, locals and visitors alike button up their overcoats against daytime temperatures that dip into the 40s.
 
While campsites are closed for the winter season, in and around Moab comfortable lodging remains open as do a variety of dining options. And everyone’s friend and go-to resource, Moab Adventure Center (https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/), continues to welcome queries about what’s to see and do in the short off-season between now and early March. Come spring the region once again prepares itself to meet the demands of a world hungry for wholesome, outdoor recreation.
 
But for those who can’t wait until spring, Moab Adventure Center has these recommendations for enjoying winter getaways in this vast expanse of geologic history unique in the world: 
 
Two, three, and four-hour Hummer Safari tours are available beginning in February. Rates range from $98 to $215 per person depending on the off-road excursion. All safaris are conducted in comfortable 4×4 off-road vehicles. Your driver adds meaning to the spectacular canyon vistas and stops along the way.
 
Arches National Park tours are conducted year-round by land or air. Land tours are four hours long and air tours range from 30 minutes to one hour. On the land tours guests have an opportunity for short hikes to phenomenal vistas of famous arches.
 
Air tours give a birds-eye view of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park; a new flight allows visitors to capture spectacular vistas of Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.
 
Local experts recommend first visiting the Moab Giants Dinosaur Park & Tracks (interactive) Museum. A Dinosaur Discovery Tour reveals Moab as the original Jurassic park. The surrounding expanse comprised of Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park invites the curious to ponder where those ancient creatures might have ambled and foraged. Note that the Dinosaur Park will reopen for the season on Feb. 18.
 
Hiking Arches National Park is a year-round, four-hour morning tour for hikers exploring this ancient plateau concealing more than 2,000 natural arches, representing the highest concentration of such wonders on the planet.
 
Throughout the year guests can rent four-door Jeep Wranglers so they can do their own exploring of the region. The jeeps hold up to five people and can be rented for 10.5 hours.
 
Moab Adventure Center has been exploring the rivers and canyons surrounding Moab since 1961 as Western River Expeditions, pioneers in the river rafting industry. Western River created the Moab Adventure Center to give this “Adventure Capital of the West” its full due with a focus on day tours and adventures in unparalleled red rock beauty, and to become a convenient one-stop adventure center in world famous Moab.
 
Through the late winter season, Moab Adventure Center recommends tapping into http://udottraffic.utah.gov to see real-time road conditions across Utah.
 
Moab Adventure Center (https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/) is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163. Moab Adventure Center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure-related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

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