New York Campground Owners Make Big Improvements for 2022 Camping Season

Cabins along the river at the Herkimer Diamond KOA campground, Herkimer, NY, are themed and you can even go prospecting for “diamonds.”. My cabin had a dinosaur dig theme. New York State campground owners have made many improvements in facilities and programs for this camping season © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Campground operators across New York State have added new campsites and cabins, new amenities and have scheduled live entertainment and theme weekends for this camping season.

“Campground operators have made improvements that will make their parks even better vacation destinations than they were last year,” said Donald G. Bennett, Jr., president and CEO of Campground Owners of New York (CONY), which hosts CampNewYork.com, the travel planning website for camping enthusiasts.
Bennett also noted that many campgrounds experienced record occupancy levels during the pandemic, and have been better able to reinvest in their parks, adding new campsites, amenities, attractions, including rental accommodations.

Here’s a sampling of what’s new at several campgrounds across New York:

— Beaver Meadow Family Campground in Java Center: This 260-site campground is adding a heater for its swimming pool. The park’s amenities include a gem mining sluice, a jump pad, a playground, hiking trails and a three-acre catch-and-release fishing pond. The park also has two rental cabins. https://beavermeadowcampground.com/

— Country Roads Campground in Gilboa: This 118-site campground is adding new RV sites and upgrading existing campsites to 50 amp service. The park is also adding a one bedroom rental cottage. Other recent improvements include upgrading the park’s WiFi system and installing new pool decking and a basketball court. The park is also expanding its activities this year and will offer cornhole tournaments for adults and children.  https://countryroadscampground.com/

— Dream Lake Campground in Warsaw: This 100-site park is adding 45 new campsites, boosting its overall site count to 145. “We’re hoping to have the expansion completed by mid-summer,” said park owner Patty Jarnot, adding that the park is also adding a new bathhouse. Half of the new campsites will be available for overnight or short-term rentals, with the rest being available for seasonal camping. Other park improvements include a new bear’s playground, replacement of another bath house and laundry facility, and a new 1 3/4-acre fishing pond. http://dreamlakecampground.com/

— Kayuta Lake Campground in Forestport: This 165-site park has upgraded its WiFi so that guests can stream video from their campsites. The park has also expanded its offering of organized weekend activities. The campground has two rental cabins. https://www.kayuta.com/

— King Phillip’s Campground in Lake George: This 216-site campground is offering live entertainment throughout the summer, including bands, DJs and movie nights. http://www.kingphillipscampground.com/

— Lebanon Reservoir Campground in Hamilton: This park added seven new RV sites last year, boosting its overall site count to 150 sites and two rental cabins. Other recent improvements include a new office and camp store. https://lebanoncampground.com/

— Leisurewood Campground in Akron: This 910-site park, open May through Columbus Day, is adding outdoor movies and concerts. http://www.leisurewoodcampground.com/

— Medina / Wildwood Lake KOA Holiday in Medina:   This 350-site campground has doubled the size of its camp store, added a new game room, and converted several of its seasonal campsites to premium RV sites. The park has frontage around a 13-acre catch-and-release fishing lake. Boat rentals are available along with many other amenities, including a jumping pillow, pedal carts, a mining sluice, and a tavern. https://koa.com/campgrounds/medina/

— Natural Bridge / Watertown KOA in Watertown: This park, under new ownership, is offering theme weekends for the first time this year. Work is also underway to create five new patio RV sites and to redesign entrances to the park’s indoor heated pool. The campground is also seeking a liquor license and plans to offer craft beers as well as propane service and EV chargers. https://koa.com/campgrounds/watertown/

— Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA in Grand Island: This campground is located next to the Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World (https://niagaraamusementpark.com/). The park is adding two RV sites, each of which will their own private fenced area for their pets. Other improvements made in recent years include adding a jumping pillow and a gravity rail play structure, which kids can hang on to and ride, sort of like a slow-moving zip line, as they make their way from one side of the play structure to the other. The campground features 138 RV sites, 25 tent sites and 54 cabins. https://koa.com/campgrounds/niagara-falls-new-york/

— Pope Haven Campground in Randolph: This campground is upgrading electrical service for 19 of its campsites and adding a new playground. https://popehaven.com/

— Triple R Camping Resort in Franklinville: This park recently completed a new water attraction, LeeKee Lagoon, a water play structure with interactive features. The park also created a few more deluxe RV sites with concrete pads and patios and added two more deluxe cabin rentals with large decks and awnings so that guests can enjoy them regardless of weather conditions. Additional improvements include the installation of new basketball and volleyball courts. The park is also renovating part of its barn and plans to offer food service, including sandwiches, pizza and wings. https://www.triplercamp.com/

— Trout Run Camp Resort in Wellsville, NY: This year-round park is opening a new splash pad in May and has added six new family cabins for a total of 17 log cabins onsite. The park has also developed corporate retreat packages, geared for companies seeking a unique location for their off-site training or team-building activities. http://www.troutrun.com.

Campground Owners of New York is the trade association that represents independent campgrounds and RV parks in New York. Based in Pittsford, CONY provides education, government affairs and marketing services for campgrounds, including hosting CampNewYork.com, a travel planning website, and publishing a printed directory of New York campgrounds.

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New Season of Free ‘On the Canals’ Excursions Along New York State’s Canal System

Cycling on the Erie Canalway, part of the Empire State Trail, in Medina.  A new season of free “On the Canals” excursions along the New York State Canal system is sponsored by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation, offering opportunities to experience the waterways of the Canal system and the adjoining Empire State Trail. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

A new season of free “On the Canals” excursions along the New York State Canal system has launched. Now in its third year, this free recreational program, sponsored by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation, offers opportunities to experience the waterways of the Canal system and the adjoining Empire State Trail. This summer’s “On the Canals” excursions include kayaking, cycling, cruising, painting, birding, and accessible activities such as adaptive paddling and biking.

This season’s “On the Canals” program builds upon the successful first two seasons by expanding the types of activities offered, increasing participation by offering more outings over a longer period, and growing the number of locations across the Canal system where excursions are held. “On the Canals” will also be on hand at various festivals this year, with adaptive equipment available to try out. Itineraries this season include:

• Paddle/Pedal in Brockport with adaptive equipment available
• Bike Safety Rodeo and Repair Workshops in Buffalo
• Black Rock Historic Bike Tour in Buffalo
• Hydrobike & Kayak the Canal Aqueduct in Medina
• Fish & Kayak at Medina Falls & Glenwood Lake in Medina
• Kids Paddlesports on the Canal in Oswego
• Introduction to Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Oswego
• Sunset Paddling and Urban Paddle in Oswego
• Montezuma Wetlands: In Search of the Bald Eagle in Montezuma
• Painting Alongside the Canal (En Plein Air) in Amsterdam and other canalside locations 
• STEAM Workshops for Kids & Teens in Schuylerville and Utica
• Bike & Boat Cruises in Schuylerville
• Cycling Tours in Schuylerville and surrounding areas
• Guided Kayak Tours in Buffalo, North Tonawanda, Waterloo and Macedon
• Historic Boat Tours in Schuylerville, Herkimer, Buffalo and on Seneca Lake
• Youth Kayak & Water Safety in Macedon
• Intro to Cycling & Bike Maintenance in Schuylerville
• Paddle/Pedal in Halfmoon

“I am thrilled this free program is returning for a third season and can think of no better way to spend the summer than ‘On the Canals,’ as these recreational activities bring New Yorkers and tourists alike to our waterways and trails and help support our local economies,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “As a frequent boater on the Canal and having kayaked and cycled during the first two seasons of ‘On the Canals,’ I know firsthand how spectacular these recreational opportunities are. I look forward to this new season offering unique experiences that allow for families and individuals of all abilities to enjoy our historic Canal system.”  

New York Power Authority Interim President & CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The ‘On the Canals’ excursions program is an innovative use for New York’s Canal system, and one that has enticed travelers to visit and experience it for what it really is – scenic water and trailways steeped in rich history offering boundless opportunities for exploration and recreation. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in our canals and I am certain that these excursions will continue to make New York’s Canal system a force for economic growth and recreation.”

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “I am incredibly proud to join Governor Hochul and our colleagues at the New York Power Authority as we officially launch this year’s ‘On the Canals’ summer excursions with new offerings that make this program more accessible than ever. Our Canal system is a fundamental part of our state’s history and should be enjoyed to its fullest capacity by all New Yorkers and visitors who come looking for education, adventure, and fun, and I encourage everyone of all ages and skill levels to spend their summer experiencing New York’s most iconic waterways and trails ‘On the Canals.'” 

Those interested in learning more about the “On the Canals” program or to sign-up for an excursion may do so by visiting the “On the Canals” website. Additional excursions will be launched throughout the year.

Initially piloted in the summer of 2020 as “NY Canal Staycations,” the “On the Canals” program has expanded as a year-round recreation initiative in New York State after participation nearly tripled in 2021.

“On the Canals” is funded through the New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation’s Reimagine the Canals initiative – a $300 million effort to revitalize the Canal system as a tourism and recreation destination while simultaneously boosting economic development and improving the resiliency of canalside communities.

The New York State Canal system, which provides unique and unparalleled experiences, officially opened in May this year for its 198th consecutive season of navigation.

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Dude Ranchers’ Association Welcomes 5 New Members

Located in a beautiful mountain valley three miles from the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch has been serving guests for almost 100 years and is one of five new members of the dude Ranchers’ Association.

Cody, WY – The Dude Ranchers’ Association welcomed five more dude ranches into its membership of  nearly 100 dude and guest ranches in western US and Canada during 2021:

Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch – Cody, Wyoming                                         
Located in a beautiful mountain valley three miles from the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch has been serving guests for almost 100 years. With abundant wildlife, breathtaking vistas, and access to hundreds of miles of horseback riding and hiking trails in the Shoshone National Forest.

Blackwater Creek Ranch – Cody, Wyoming                                               
If you want a real western experience, look no further than Blackwater Creek Ranch where the trails lead thru the Shoshone National Forest to breathtaking views.  Just 15 miles east of Yellowstone National Park, the Ranch was permitted as a tourist camp in the early 1900s and is one of the oldest ranches on the North Fork of the Shoshone River.  Its week-long all-inclusive vacation is packed with adventures for the young and old.  “We keep our numbers small to maintain that family feeling. There are no “frills” here just plain old-time family fun.”

Kara Creek Ranch – Sundance, Wyoming                                              
Discover the magic of Kara Creek Ranch and feel the heart and soul of real cowboy living. At Kara Creek Ranch, you are invited into their home, sharing everything there is to ranch and cowboy life. Kara Creek offers a true working ranch vacation where you learn how to live and work as a real cowboy.

Darwin Ranch – Jackson, Wyoming                                               
Drawing inspiration from safari lodges of East Africa, the Darwin Ranch is a secluded high-altitude oasis. At the most remote guest ranch in the lower 48 states, 25 miles down a dirt road, you will find a herd of horses dotting a spectacular green river valley amid a collection of 100-year-old cabins. The ranch is surrounded by 2.5 million acres of Bridger Teton National Forest and in a secluded and amazing area.

Circle Bar Ranch – Hobson, Montana                                                
The Circle Bar Ranch is a historic guest ranch that dates back to the 1800s in central Montana. The 520-acre guest ranch sits at the base of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Guests can explore the mountains by horseback, and enjoy fishing, hiking, shooting, archery, and other activities while staying in historic accommodations. Explore the surrounding area of the Judith River Headwaters and the Little Belt Mountains and ride where western artist Charlie Russell once rode. At 5000 feet in elevation, the Circle Bar enjoys the best of Montana’s weather with a host of activities to enjoy.

There are nearly 100 Dude Ranchers’ Association member dude ranches across the Western United States and Canada, each entirely different from one another. The association can help you select the best one for your ranch vacation (307-587-2339,  info@duderanch.org, duderanch.org).

See: WYOMING’S RED REFLET RANCH PROVIDES UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE FOR FAMILIES

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Woodstock Inn Offers Ski Packages at its Suicide Six Ski Area

In the heart of Vermont’s snow-covered Green Mountains and the picturesque town of Woodstock, VT, the Woodstock Inn & Resort offers value-added packages featuring numerous snow sports at the Suicide Six Ski Area and at its Nordic ski center.

WOODSTOCK, VT  – In the heart of Vermont’s snow-covered Green Mountains and the picturesque town of Woodstock, VT, the Woodstock Inn & Resort welcomes guests in search of cold weather pursuits with value-added packages for the whole family. The 142-room luxury resort offers numerous snow sports at the Suicide Six Ski Area and Nordic Center, as well as endless après ski activities with its award-winning Spa and farm-to-table dining options. 

Vermont’s leading family ski resort, the Suicide Six Ski Area, is home to 100 acres of skiing and snowboarding on 24 trails and slopes suitable for all skill levels and offers wide open spaces and shorter than average lift times. New for 2022 is a Sunkid conveyor lift named Snow Day, which offers ease of use, weather protection, and increased uptime for reliable transport to the Snow Day Learning Area. Those new to skiing have the option to learn from the resort’s world-class ski & ride school offering private and semi-private lessons to acquaint themselves with new equipment and the slopes. The school also offers uphill travel lessons to learn best practices of “skinning.” Also featured at the mountain is state-of-the-art snow-making technology and a freestyle terrain park. Open weekly Wednesday through Sunday, Suicide Six will also be open daily for holiday weeks and peak periods.

For cross country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing, 45 kilometers of groomed trails are primed for exploration at the Nordic Center. The extensive network of trails weaves throughout Mt. Peg and nearby Mt. Tom in the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Snowshoers & fat bike riders may utilize the groomed ski trail areas in addition to a series of ungroomed trails for a more invigorating hike. Rentals, clothing, winter sport accessories, trail maps and passes are available at the center, as well as lessons, tours, and clinics with local experts.

Families, couples, and snow sports enthusiasts can enjoy one of the 2022 winter packages, including:

The Family First Run Package begins new traditions of learning how to ski. During a family lesson, parents will pick up new tips while the children master the basics.

• Two nights’ accommodations
• Breakfast daily
• Two day passes to the Suicide Six Ski Area
• One family lesson
• S’mores kit for après ski
• Starting at $753 per night or $1503 for two nights, for two adults and two children

Teach Your Honey How to Ski Package is the perfect romantic getaway for couples who want their partner to learn ski basics while they take to the slopes.

• Luxurious Accommodations
• Two-hour private beginner ski lesson (lift ticket included)
• Lift ticket at the Suicide Six Ski Area for a second person
• Two après ski cocktails
• Starting at $631 for a one-night stay for two adults

Unlimited Snowsports Package is the ultimate adventure package that includes alpine skiing, Nordic Treks, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing.

• Two nights’ accommodations
• Breakfast daily
• Unlimited access to snow sports at the Woodstock Nordic Center and Suicide Six Ski Area
• Starting at $669 per night or $1,338 for two nights for two adults

Packages are available for stays from January 4 through March 12, 2022, based on availability. Pricing does not include applicable tax, gratuity, and the $35 per room, per night resort fee. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

This season, Perley’s Pourhouse will offer grab-and-go food and made-to-order beverages options at Suicide Six Ski Area.  The ski area’s newly expanded outdoor deck features additional seating, gas fire pits, and wind cover areas for guests to sit back, relax, and warm up by the fire. The Woodstock Inn & Resort offers locally sourced cuisine at The Red Rooster, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

After hitting the slopes, skiers can head back to the Woodstock Inn & Resort to relax in the library, participate in a friendly competition in the Inn’s flannel-draped retro game room, or opt for a soothing treatment at The Spa, the Inn’s award-winning, 10,000 sq ft wellness retreat. Guests can indulge in specialized facial treatments that utilize all-natural skincare products, tools, and techniques through a new partnership with Tata Harper, a leading Vermont-based all-natural skincare brand. Guests can opt for the seasonal Winter Rose treatment which restores the skin’s glow with a spiced cranberry orange body scrub followed by a rose-colored clay mask wrap. 

Located in idyllic Woodstock, Vermont, the Woodstock Inn & Resort defines country sophistication in one of New England’s most charming and popular year-round vacation destinations.  The 142-room, AAA Four Diamond Resort and a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection, offers award-winning dining in two restaurants, ranked among the finest in New England.  The Woodstock Inn & Resort is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc.  Proceeds from Resort operations support The Woodstock Foundation and Billings Farm & Museum education and conservation programs.

Recognized as one of the oldest ski areas in the country, Suicide Six has a rich history. America’s first rope tow, introduced on nearby Gilbert’s Farm in 1934, evolved into the opening of Suicide Six in 1936. In 1961 Laurance S. Rockefeller purchased Suicide Six from its founder, Wallace “Bunny” Bertram, as part of his vision for the community of Woodstock. Suicide Six is one of Vermont’s leading family-friendly ski resorts featuring more than 100 acres of skiing on 24 trails with terrain suitable for all abilities.

The Woodstock Inn & Resort is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Lifestyle Collection, which represents premier global properties that offer engaging stays and memorable moments. Authentic, intelligent, and approachable, this diverse collection presents hotels and resorts featuring responsive service and local dining that articulate culture and style. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.

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Planning a Family Celebration? Think Dude Ranch

Our family sets out for a horseback ride amidst the gorgeous red rock scenery at the Red Reflet Ranch in Ten Sleep, Wyoming. Guest ranches are ideal venues for family celebrations and get-togethers ©Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Cody, WY – The past 18 months reinforced the need for celebration and commemoration. Graduations, weddings, births, memorials, so much had to be postponed, canceled, and worse, ignored to tend to the needs of the global pandemic. However, summer 2021 began with a sense of normalcy, and by mid-summer, events and family reunions were the most welcomed of events for relatives.

Dude ranches were born from the idea of bringing families and loved ones together for adventures, community cuisine, and spectacular star-filled evenings with roaring campfires, plenty of S’mores, and loads of stories. This epitome of Wild West adventure is not only thriving and coveted in 2021, it’s now the destination to reunite for the most monumental life moments.

There are nearly 100 Dude Ranchers’ Association member guest ranches across the Western United States and Canada, each entirely different from one another. How does one choose where to plan one of the most exhilarating, inspirational, and exceptional experiences of a lifetime? Let the leading guest ranch experts, Dude Ranchers’ Association, help! Here’s a sampling of ranches that help honor friends and family, dude ranch style.

Circle Z Ranch
Patagonia, Arizona
Autumn and Early Winter Celebrations
Circle Z Ranch is an astounding atonal adventure for honeymooners, family reunions and intimate weddings. And, the ranch runs phenomenal programming and deals up until Christmas. 

C Lazy U Ranch
Granby, Colorado
White Winter Wonderlust
Looking for a last-minute destination wedding for 70 and 90 folks? Then C Lazy U might be the most perfect winter wedding host. The 100-year-old ranch is notorious for melding dude ranch activity with luxury cuisine and beverage for the most elegant of affairs. 

Rawah Ranch
Glendevey, Colorado
Raw Wilderness
Rawah Ranch, a stunning oasis, is an all-inclusive experience that is thoughtfully curated for those who wish to disconnect. Pick up a fly rod, horseback ride along alpine ridges, take a hike along meandering aspen-lined trails. Relax in a rocking chair on your front porch to watch for moose and elk. 

Kay El Bar Guest Ranch
Wickenburg, Arizona
Reuniting in the Wild West
This stunning boutique dude and guest ranch is ideal for family reunions and anniversaries with a 24-person maximum. The ranch is located in the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains on the banks of the Hassayampa River in the iconic Sonoran Desert. 

Greenhorn Ranch
Quincy, California
Weekend Getaways
Greenhorn Ranch is located in the stunning Lost Sierra Wilderness on 660 acres with access to 500,000 acres of public land for riding. The year-round, California high woods destination has multiple lodging options and activities for all seasons.
  

Regardless of the celebratory event, there’s reason now to gather and rejoice in some of America’s most isolated and beautiful places. Autumn in Arizona to fresh snow tracks in Colorado, there is something magical to be encountered and experienced at a dude ranch. Unsure of what ranch is right for you? The Dude Ranch Association can help you narrow down your destination options, so you can book your celebratory gathering at a dude ranch. 307-587-2339  info@duderanch.org, duderanch.org.

See also:

WYOMING’S RED REFLET RANCH PROVIDES UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE FOR FAMILIES

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Jellystone Parks Offers Tips for Fall Camping

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is one of North America’s leading family camping and glamping destination, known for providing attractions such as pools, water slides, and splash grounds; activities including jumping pillows, wagon rides, and foam parties; fun-filled theme weekends such as Halloween Spooktacular.

CINCINNATI – The 2021 fall family camping forecast includes cooler temperatures, trees changing colors and record bookings as more parents and kids celebrate autumn and Halloween in the great outdoors.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, North America’s leading family camping, glamping and entertainment destination, reports fall reservations are up 52% over 2020, which was a record year. The camping and RV industries continue to see a huge influx of families, many who are camping for the first time.

“Most new campers want to do things the correct way, but they just don’t know how. That’s where education and  a few simple tips for a safe experience can make a huge difference,” said Jack Steward, a camping expert who hosted the Emmy Award-winning show Rock the Parks on ABC for six years.

Steward and Jellystone Park are partnering to help families get the most out of their fall camping and glamping outings. “Great experiences lead to lifelong memories,” added Steward. “It’s really just about being respectful of the park and your neighbors while you’re camping.”

They offer these seven suggestions:

1. Select the right campground. If you are new to camping or glamping, decide if you want a trip filled with family attractions and activities or a quiet, serene experience. Jellystone Park locations offer fall themed weekends including trick-or-treating, costume parades, and site decorating contests and attractions such as wagon rides, mini golf, and jumping pillows. If your family is looking for a more rustic  camping experience, a state or national park is probably a better fit.

It also is important to pick a campground with the right kind of accommodations for your family. If you want a cabin with warm beds, hot showers, and kitchenettes, select a camp-resort such as Jellystone Park. If you prefer to “rough it,” find a state or national park near you. If staying connected online is important to your family, be sure the park has good WiFi.

2. Read the rules before you go. All campgrounds have guest rules and policies. Many don’t allow campers to bring in outside firewood as it can carry diseases and bugs. Not all campgrounds are pet-friendly or allow pets in their cabins. If you plan to bring your pet with you, ask about the park’s pet policies in advance. Be sure to check your campground’s check-in and check-out times so you can plan your arrival and departure accordingly. Every campground’s policies vary. Make sure you are familiar with them to avoid unnecessary problems.

3. Create a packing list so you don’t forget anything. Your fall packing list should include the essentials, as well as Halloween costumes and decorations, warm clothes, and plenty of s’mores supplies. If you’ll be staying in a cabin, check whether or not linens and kitchen supplies are provided. If you do forget or run out of supplies, Jellystone Park locations operate well stocked camp stores.

4. Avoid the road to RV ruin. If you’re new to RVing, consider reserving a site with a cement pad to make your set up easier. Book a pull-through site if possible to eliminate the need to back up into or out of your site. Also, be sure your RV is compatible with the park’s water, sewer, and electric services. Premium sites tend to sell out so book your stay as far in advance as possible. Allow the campground staff to help you park your camper. Before you head to the campground, find a safe place to practice maneuvering your RV.

5. Be kind to the environment. It’s tempting to go exploring, but too many people wandering in the woods damages plants and wildlife habitats. Be sure to stay on trails and take only pictures, not plants or rocks. Don’t approach wildlife, and never leave fires unattended.

6. Be a good neighbor. Don’t walk through any other family’s campsite, and be mindful of noise, especially at night. Keep your site clean and put food away to avoid attracting unwanted bugs and animals. Dispose of trash in the proper receptacles.

7. Be a responsible pet owner. Keep your dog leashed unless you are in a dog park, which many Jellystone Park locations offer. Always pick up after your pets, and never leave them unattended at your site.

With glamping, camping and RVing so popular these days, many campgrounds are sold out on weekends. However, weekday camping is an option, especially for families who are working and learning remotely. A number of Jellystone Park locations in warmer locations are open all year, with some hosting special Christmas events. The off-season is a good time to camp as parks are quieter and rates are lower.

“We expect 2022 will be another record-breaking year for the camping industry,” Steward said. “Families should start planning and booking their spring break and summer vacations now to avoid missing out on the best dates and locations.”

For more helpful advice, connect with Jellystone Park online at www.jellystonepark.com or on social media at @campjellystone.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is one of North America’s leading family camping and glamping destinations, known for providing guests with attractions such as pools, water slides, and splash grounds; activities including jumping pillows, wagon rides, and foam parties; fun-filled theme weekends such as Chocolate Lovers Weekend and Halloween Spooktacular Weekends; and interactions with Yogi Bear costumed characters. Jellystone Park guests can choose from a variety of accommodation options including premium cabins, yurts, deluxe RV sites, and traditional tenting campsites. There are 75 Jellystone Park locations in the U.S. and Canada. Follow Jellystone Park at @campjellystone and visit www.jellystonepark.com for more information.

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New Camping Opportunities on New York’s Canals

The Erie Canal at Macedon. Tentrr now has a camping site at the Palmyra-Macedon Lock E-29 (Palmyra-Macedon which offers picturesque views of the Erie Canal and easy access to a whole lot of outdoor fun – especially biking on the Canalway © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Through a new partnership between the New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation and Tentrr, the state is opening more hassle-free campsites alongside New York’s Canals this summer. As part of Governor Cuomo’s Reimagine the Canals initiative and the recently announced “On the Canals” excursions program, Tentrr created four fully-outfitted campsites for visitors to reserve, most within a short distance of a free “On the Canals” excursion opportunity.

Each of the Canalside camping locations offers turnkey, outfitted camping facilities, allowing guests to camp in style amongst the Canals. Each site is fully equipped with all the amenities for comfortable camping including spacious canvas tents atop a raised platform, queen size memory foam mattress, solar-powered showers, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs, set up in advance of arrival.

The campsites available this summer within 15 minutes of an “On the Canals” excursion include:

Yankee Hill Getaway (Amsterdam, Town of Florida) Wedged between the Adirondack and Catskills parks in the Mohawk Valley, the Yankee Hill Getaway site lies on a thin strip of land between the original Erie Canal and the current Canal system. Three sites available.

Oak Island Vista (Waterloo) Nestled between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, the beautiful Oak Island site offers easy access to the best of the Finger Lakes Region. Five sites available.

Montezuma Canal View at Lock E-26 (Galen) Campers at Lock E-26 will wake to views of the tranquil Erie Canal and have easy access to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and Northern Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Six sites available.

Palmyra-Macedon Getaway at Lock E-29 (Palmyra-Macedon) The Palmyra-Macedon site offers picturesque views of the Erie Canal and easy access to a whole lot of outdoor fun. Five sites available.

To book, go to https://www.tentrr.com/pages/new-york-canals.

In addition to these new campsites, Camp Rockaway is managing a glamping site at Lock C-5 on the Champlain Canal in Schuylerville through September 8th.

Through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, Governor Cuomo and the New York Power Authority committed $300 million over five years to revitalize the Erie Canal corridor as a tourism and recreation destination while simultaneously boosting economic development and improving the resiliency of Canalside communities.

Top Ways to Cool Off this Summer in New England

Guest at  Glenmoor By The Sea in Lincolnville, Maine can take a boat cruise on Penobscot Bay, bait lobster traps, bird watch, and count the local lighthouses.

Looking for a nearby summer getaway? The New England Inns & Resorts Association (NEIRA) has collected the best accommodations with water experiences for travelers to Cool Off  this summer in the region’s lakes, rivers, oceans, pools, and waterfalls.

Water activities include beach getaways, pool passes, fly fishing, waterfall hunting, SUP excursions. For example:

• Beach Loving Cows at the Nobnocket Boutique Inn at Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts: explore the Elizabeth Islands by boat, stopping to swim with the highland cattle of Nashawena Island.
• Waterfall Tour at the Stone Hill Inn in Stowe, Vermont: visit all of Vermont’s famous waterfalls on a 2-hour guided excursion through the Green Mountains.
• Tuna Fishing at the Beauport Hotel Gloucester in Gloucester, Massachusetts: the crew from the popular TV show “Wicked Tuna” will take guests hunting giant tuna and split the total earnings.
• Paddle a Lazy River at the Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford, Vermont: floating the Clyde River, view birds and wildlife before returning for a romantic dinner at the inn.
• Themed Water Park at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, Massachusetts: the indoor/outdoor 30,000 square foot water park with themed pools at the resort offers a magical family getaway.
• Lobsters & Lighthouses at the Glenmoor By The Sea in Lincolnville, Maine: cruising Penobscot Bay, guests will bait lobster traps, bird watch, and count the local lighthouses on a boat cruise.  

NEIRA is a one-stop shop for travelers to discover more than 300 places to sleep in New England by filtering properties by state, offers, and interests.

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Club Med All-Inclusive Resorts Offer Splash into Summer Sale

Learning to scuba dive at Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida, one of Club Med’s most family-friendly resorts. Club Med was a pioneer in the all-inclusive resort concept. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

MIAMI  — Club Med, a pioneer of the all-inclusive resort concept, invites families, couples, and solo travelers alike to take advantage of up to 45% off, plus perks, at its top resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Florida. The Splash into Summer sale is open for bookings now through June 30, 2021, with select travel dates from now to December 17, 2021. Perks include a free water view room upgrade and free stay for kids under 4. Club Med offers guests an all-inclusive experience tailor-made for any travel style, whether they’re seeking a family-friendly vacation or an adults-exclusive getaway.

Club Med’s spacious low-density resorts are surrounded by nature, spread across 50 acres, and operate at a limited capacity, allowing guests peace of mind and the freedom to unwind while creating cherished memories together. Guests will enjoy an all-encompassing vacation with unlimited culinary options, premium accommodations, and activities for all interests – from flying trapeze and sailing to poolside yoga and oceanfront spa treatments. Families will particularly enjoy Club Med’s Amazing Family program, a fun-filled agenda of weekly activities designed to help families bond, reconnect, and experience a greater sense of reunion. Club Med’s enhanced safety and hygiene protocols, free onsite antigen testing, and flexible policies also allow travelers to feel confident and protected while booking an upcoming getaway.

Splash into Summer Sale

• Booking window: Today through June 30, 2021
• Travel window: Select dates from May 5, 2021 – December 17, 2021 (blackout dates apply)
• 45% off plus perks:
  • Free water view room upgrade
  • Kids under 4 stay FREE
  • No single supplement
  • Free Cancellations^
  • Free Emergency Assistance Program ^^
  • Free Onsite Antigen Testing

Participating Club Med Resorts
Travelers looking for opportunities to reconnect, unwind, and create cherished memories on their next vacation will find that peace of mind is a destination at several Club Med resorts, including:

• Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: On a 2,000-foot stretch of beach, Club Med Punta Cana welcomes travelers to unwind under the Caribbean sun through: a newly renovated Tiara Exclusive Collection space featuring spacious oceanside suites with upscale, personalized services such as a dedicated concierge and poolside champagne service at the dedicated infinity pool and bar. The new Club Med Amazing Family program features a fun-filled agenda of weekly activities for families to bond and create memories like Club Med CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil, an interactive playground with more than 25 acrobatic and artistic activities for guests of all ages. Guests looking for additional serenity can indulge in lavender treatments at the Club Med Spa by L’OCCITANE before escaping to the sophisticated adult-exclusive tropical hideaway, Zen Oasis, where intimate cabanas, an oversized lagoon pool and bar, and a dedicated Zen Beach with canopies and lounge chairs await.
• Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic: Reopening June 2021. The first and only operating resort in the undiscovered region of Miches – and Club Med’s only Exclusive Collection resort in North America – offers a luxury experience wrapped in an all-inclusive vacation. The eco-chic resort features four boutique villages specializing in wellness, adventure, kid-friendly, and adults-only concepts, catering to an array of travelers seeking a boutique hotel-within-a-hotel experience. Enjoy unlimited, refined culinary options, Zen moments with an on-site Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes, treetop yoga, and a naturally-filtered Zen pool, as well as must-try family experiences from learning how to plant and compost ingredients at the on-site community garden to discovering a Secret Chocolate Room – a first-of-its-kind kid’s speakeasy featuring unlimited sweets crafted with locally-sourced cocoa (and adults can get in on the fun, too!). 
• Club Med Cancún, Mexico: Club Med Cancún is the perfect location for families looking to reconnect after spending a long year apart. The resort’s Aguamarina family oasis area features spacious two-bedroom oceanfront family rooms, exhilarating water games at the dedicated family pool, and outdoor activities as part of the new Club Med Amazing Family programming. For added R&R, indulge in private oceanfront massages on the beach, private spa treatments at the newly renovated Club Med Spa by L’OCCITANE, and a variety of refined, locally inspired cuisine. Guests looking for an added sense of adventure can explore the Mayan ruins at Chichén-Itzá or discover life under the sea by snorkeling through the world’s second-largest coral reef surrounding the resort.
• Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida: The spacious family-friendly resort, located in between Miami and Orlando, offers an all-inclusive getaway – sans passport – with a variety of activities for all interests, like kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, pickleball, and the flying trapeze. Golfers of all levels can enjoy an elevated experience at the newly renovated championship golf course reopening this summer, while wellness seekers can enjoy some R&R at the new 6,000-sq-ft Club Med Spa by Sothys, the only Sothys Spa in the U.S. While kids enjoy time at the children’s clubs with unlimited all-day activities, adults can relax by the adults-exclusive pool or on the beach situated alongside the St. Lucie River. Beginning June 2021, guests can elevate their family dining experience atop the new open-air terrace at Riverside Steakhouse, featuring diverse cuts of top-quality meat, an array of vegan culinary options, and a curated selection of international wine and spirits with spectacular views of the glistening sunset over the river.
• Club Med Québec, Canada: Opening December 2021. The four-season all-inclusive mountain resort will be Club Med’s first resort in Canada, just an hour away from Québec City in the Le Massif de Charlevoix region. With over 300 rooms spread across 300+ acres, the family-friendly resort will feature locally inspired culinary experiences, a private 5-Trident (5-star) Exclusive Collection space, sweeping views of the scenic St. Lawrence River and surrounding mountains, and unlimited ski-in/ski-out access. Families can enjoy year-round activities including skiing, biking, and hiking, as well as activities traditional to the region like ice skating and dog sledding. For added Zen, the resort offers an expansive wellness area with a 25-yard heated pool overlooking the river, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a variety of à la carte Nordic spa-inspired treatments.

Additional participating resorts include Club Med Caravelle, Guadeloupe, French Caribbean, Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek, Martinique, French Caribbean, and Club Med Turkoise, Turks and Caicos.

Flexible Policies
To ensure added flexibility and peace of mind for travelers, Club Med also offers:

• Free Cancellation Policy: For new bookings made on or after May 18, 2020, guests can receive a full refund should they need to cancel their stay (up to 15 days prior to the anticipated travel date) for stays on or prior to December 16, 2021.
• Emergency Assistance Program: All guests traveling before December 31, 2022 will receive coverage for emergency medical expenses during their stay, including those related to COVID-19. 
• Safe Together protocols: Implemented in all of the brand’s resorts as they reopen, including those in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean, these newly enhanced hygiene and safety measures were developed through recommendations from the World Health Organization, local health authorities, and the advice of an International Scientific Committee comprised of a specialized team of doctors and professors.
• PCR + Rapid Antigen Testing: As required for re-entry into the United States from international destinations, Club Med offers complimentary Rapid Antigen COVID-19 tests on-site. PCR testing is also available at an additional cost.
• Club Med, founded in 1950 by Gérard Blitz, is the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, offering approximately 70 premium resorts in stunning locations around the world including North and South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean. Each Club Med resort features authentic local style and comfortably upscale accommodations, superior sports programming and activities, enriching children’s programs, gourmet dining, and warm and friendly service by its world-renown staff with legendary hospitality skills, an all-encompassing energy and diverse backgrounds. 

Club Med operates in more than 30 countries and continues to maintain its authentic Club Med spirit with an international staff of more than 23,000 employees from more than 110 different nationalities. Led by its pioneering spirit, Club Med continues to grow and adapt to each market with three to five new resort openings or renovations per year, including a new Alpine ski resort annually. 

For more information, visit www.clubmed.us, call 1-800-Club-Med (1-800-258-2633), or contact a preferred travel professional. For an inside look at Club Med, follow Club Med on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

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Vail Resorts in Northeast Gear Up for Summer with Mountain Biking, Golf, Zip Tours

Epic Pass prices reduced 20%, now available at EpicPass.com for 2021/22 winter season

Vail Resorts’ Mount Snow in Vermont is gearing up for mountain biking this summer. (Photo courtesy Mount Snow Resort

Broomfield, Colo. – Vail Resorts today announced summer operating dates and activities at six of its Northeast resorts including Mount Snow, Stowe and Okemo in Vermont and Mount Sunapee, Attitash and Wildcat in New Hampshire. After a winter season unlike any before, each resort is excited to welcome guests to experience summertime splendor in the mountains with activities for those of all ages. All opening dates will be compliant with state and local guidelines and may be subject to change.

Mount Snow Resort

The Mount Snow Golf Club tees off starting May 21. The Mount Snow Golf Course has matured into one of Vermont’s premier mountain courses and has been rated one of the top five in the state by Golf Digest.

Mountain biking begins on May 29 at theMount Snow Bike Park. Now in its 33^rd season, making it one of the oldest bike parks in North America, the bike park is a four-time Top Five finisher in the MTBparks.com Riders’ Choice Best Bike Parks Awards for the Northeast. The lift-served park’s 10 trails offer a variety of cross-country, downhill, freeride and mixed-use terrain with a total vertical of 1,000 feet.Mount Snow also offers the First Lift and First Drop programs, which are clinics geared toward introducing people to the sport of downhill mountain biking and helping them build their skills.

Scenic chairlift rides on the Bluebird Express to the summit of Mount Snow will also begin on May 29, with views of Somerset Reservoir, Mount Monadnock and sometimes even Mount Washington.

Food and beverage options will be available at Mount Snow this summer at the Bullwheel Tavern on the summit, Canned in the base area and Fairways Restaurant at the golf course. The resort will also resume hosting concerts, festivals and other warm weather events this year. The resort’s events calendar is updated frequently, so be sure to check back for all the latest happenings.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe’s Zip Tour Adventure, which opens on July 1, allows guests to see and experience the mountain canopy in ways never imagined. ‘ZipTour’ is the world’s fastest and most exhilarating zip line experience. Ride our Summit Gondola to the launching point near the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Then enjoy the thrill of flying down three of the world’s longest zip-spans, both above and through the Green Mountain State Forest.

Stowe’s Treetop Adventure offers six different levels of courses consisting of aerial tree-to-tree connections with 68 various Challenge/Game elements intertwined in the experience. First, you’ll learn to use our state-of- the-art safety cable system, giving you the knowledge and skill to achieve feats on our Adventure Courses that will leave you motivated to conquer the world. Suitable for most ages, the courses are designed to progressively build confidence.

The Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road also opens May 28. The 4.5-mile unpaved road begins next to the Inn at the Mountain and climbs to an elevation of 3,850 feet. The road ends at a parking lot next to the Mount Mansfield Summit Station for spectacular hiking options. All hikers should stop into the Green Mountain Club prior to hiking for an orientation. Hiking maps are distributed upon arrival.

An equally spectacular mountain ascent is provided by the Mount Mansfield Gondola, scheduled to open June 18. The comfortable, eight-passenger gondolas depart from the Gondola Barn, which is served by its own access road and parking lot approximately ¼ mile north of the historic Mount Mansfield Base Lodge.

Food and beverage options will be available at the Spruce Peak Plaza this summer, along with family friendly programming and events. The Spruce Peak events calendar is updated frequently, so be sure to check back.

Okemo Mountain Resort

At Okemo, lift-served mountain biking will be offered beginning on June 17 on the lower mountain out of the Sugar House mid-mountain lodge. The Sunburst Six will provide scenic chairlift rides to the summit of Okemo Mountain. Okemo’s Adventure Zone at Jackson Gore will feature the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, Miniature Golf, Disc Golf, Haulback Challenge Course and Coleman Brook Mining Company Sluice.

Food and beverage options will be available at Okemo this summer at the Summit Lodge, The Sugar House and at Jackson Gore with a takeout window for day visitors and dinner at Coleman Brook Tavern.

Mount Sunapee

Mount Sunapee opens for summer guests on June 18. In addition to scenic chairlift rides to the summit of Mount Sunapee and lift-served mountain biking, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, an archery course, and the Mount Sunapee Adventure Park that includes miniature golf, disc golf, an aerial challenge course, a mining sluice and a new pump track.

Food and beverage options will be available at Mount Sunapee this summer in the base area and specialty dinners will be scheduled the summit. The return of warm-weather events this summer will include the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair, scheduled for Aug. 7 through Aug. 15.

Attitash Mountain Resort

Beginning June 26, Attitash will welcome guests back to the heart of the White Mountains with its classic Alpine Slide and the Flying Yankee Scenic Chair. Celebrating over 40 years at Attitash Mountain Resort, the two alpine slides provide thrills for all who ride the chutes. Ride up the Flying Yankee chairlift to begin this exciting journey down rolling slopes, straightaways and S-turns. Or, simply enjoy the views on the scenic Flying Yankee Chair.

Wildcat Mountain Resort

Summer visitors can enjoy the Wildcat Express Scenic Ride staring June 26, which offers spectacular views of Mount Washington and the surrounding Presidential Mountain range. Wildcat Mountain is the only place in North America where you’ll find the unique lift conversion from a high-speed Quad in the winter to a scenic gondola in the summer. To view the Best Scenery in the East – consistently named #1 by SKI Magazine Readers –  ride aboard our four-person enclosed scenic gondola to Wildcat Mountain’s 4,000+ foot summit.

COVID-19 Safety

Health and safety remains the company’s top priority. Its resorts this summer will be operating according to local public health orders and following their guidance as it relates to face coverings. Guests are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines as the pandemic continues to evolve.

Epic Pass Lineup & Price Reset

Vail Resorts recently announced a bold price reset of Epic Pass products to continue to deliver on our commitment of Epic for Everyone and to honor the loyalty of our pass holders. Epic Pass prices have been reduced by 20 percent across the board, and are now available to purchase at EpicPass.com for the 2021/22 winter season.

For skiers and riders in Vermont and New Hampshire, the Northeast Value Pass offers incredible value for next season,priced at $479 (down from $599 last season) and offering access to all seven Vermont and New Hampshire resorts plus Hunter, Roundtop and more. The Northeast Midweek Pass is now $359, down from $449. The price reduction applies to the entire portfolio of the company’s North American pass lineup. The Epic Local Pass is now available for $583 (down from $729 last season) and the full Epic Pass is priced at $783 (down from $979 last season).

Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading global mountain resort operator. Vail Resorts’ subsidiaries operate 37 destination mountain resorts and regional ski areas, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Crested Butte in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada; Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham in Australia; Stowe, Mount Snow, Okemo in Vermont; Hunter Mountain in New York; Mount Sunapee, Attitash, Wildcat and Crotched in New Hampshire; Stevens Pass in Washington; Liberty, Roundtop, Whitetail, Jack Frost and Big Boulder in Pennsylvania; Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine and Mad River in Ohio; Hidden Valley and Snow Creek in Missouri; Wilmot in Wisconsin; Afton Alps in Minnesota; Mt. Brighton in Michigan; and Paoli Peaks in Indiana. Vail Resorts owns and/or manages a collection of casually elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning and development subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN).

Visit www.epicpass.com and www.snow.com for more information.

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