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Harvest Tour Maps Available

The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Business Development Center, and Montgomery County Agriculture Economic Development have announced that the official 5th Edition Harvest Tour in Fulton & Montgomery Counties Map is printed and ready for distribution.  The 2-county map is a guide of agritourism properties that exist in both counties.

Agritourism is tourism based on attracting visitors to agricultural operations.  This type of tourism is comprised of businesses such as crop and animal farms, u-pick operations, wineries, aquaculture and for-fee fishing operations, Christmas tree farms, herb farms and greenhouses, maple syrup and cheese producers, and farm stands.

“The Harvest Tour Guide is a great tool to showcase our local farmers and producers. Fulton and Montgomery Counties have such a variety of fresh local products as well as wonderful resources that reflect the area’s agricultural heritage, and it is important to continue to promote that aspect of our region,” states Missy Potter, Montgomery County Agriculture Economic Development Coordinator.

“We are pleased to partner with Montgomery County to produce this valuable guide. Working together provides added resources and cost-savings to each organization.  Visitors and residents are exposed to a tremendous amount of information about our combined counties and the agri-businesses located here,” adds Fulton County Tourism Director, Gina DaBiere-Gibbs.

“This valuable resource for tourism in the area highlights the huge agricultural community that many visitors from the New York City and Albany areas may not be regularly exposed to.  Many want to see how cheeses and milk are made and want to know where their vegetables and meats come from. Many of the farms and businesses on the map not only sell you the product, they will show you how it’s made,” says Jacki Meola, Economic Development Specialist, Montgomery County Business Development Center.

The FREE agritourism map is available at the following locations:

  • Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, 2 North Main Street, Gloversville
  • Fulton County Visitor Center, State Routes 30 & 29, Vail Mills
  • Montgomery County Business Development Center, 9 Park Street, Fonda
  • Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District 4001, State Highway 5S, Fultonville

For a PDF of the Harvest Tour map and more Montgomery County tourism information logon to www.visitmontgomerycountyny.com.  For more Fulton County Tourism information visit www.44lakes.com.

Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of October 3-9

I LOVE NY started the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November.  Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.

Our Fulton County Report for the Week of October 3-9:

Reporting station*: Adirondack Country Store, Northville, Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson & Peck’s Lake Enterprises, Inc., Gloversville

Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 100%.

Brilliance: Bright

Predominating colors: Gold, Red, Orange

Rating: Peak

It seems our prediction is correct with peak season this week.  I drove up Route 29A through the Peck’s Lake, Caroga Lake, Canada Lake, Pine Lake areas, and beyond. It was a GORGEOUS drive on a sunny day.  The colors were very brilliant looking like a rainbow of leaves.  Our Peck’s Lake spotter and I agree this may be the last weekend to see their brilliance.

I also had lunch with my family at Lanzi’s on the Lake on Route 30, Mayfield, on a dreary rainy day.  But even with the mist you could see the colors of autumn surrounding the Great Sacandaga Lake.  Don’t let the weather discourage you; take a fall foliage ride before your opportunity is gone for another year.

Still available are the Route 29A Chain of Lakes map which includes Peck’s Lake and the Great Sacandaga Lake map including Northville/Benson area.  Both maps include attractions, shopping, dining, and much more to help plan your Fall Getaway!

1.800.676.3858

*Please note that these locations are in the Adirondack Park and the northern part of Fulton County.  The southern part of the county is still changing and has not reached peak, yet.

Fulton County Day on the Farm

The 3rd Annual Fulton County Day on the FarmThe 3rd Annual Fulton County Day on the Farm is scheduled for Sunday, September 30 from 12-4pm at Roger’s Family Orchards, 260 Co. Highway 131, Johnstown. The event has been a great success in past years, welcoming well over 2,000 people to Roger’s for this one day event.

They offer $1 horse-drawn and tractor wagon rides, tractor shows and demos, a petting zoo, wool spinning demonstrations, corn maze, apple cider pressing, and many other family activities and morsels including free ice cream!

On sale:

  • Variety of Apples
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Chesses
  • Jams & Jellies
  • Local Maple Syrup & Maple Products
  • Pumpkins
  • Mums
  • Corn Stalks & Hay Bales
  • Pancake Mixes

For more information: 518-762-8736

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Cell Phone Tour

Walk in the Footsteps of Elizabeth Cady StantonIn August, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Hometown Association launched the “Walk in the Footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton” cell phone tour.  The tour takes you on a one-hour, one-mile walk through Johnstown, the birthplace and childhood home of Stanton.  A pioneer for women’s rights, learn how Stanton’s experiences would inspire a legend.

I recently took the tour on a beautiful sunny day.  The walk is easy and the history is plentiful.  The cell tour discusses facts about Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the era of Johnstown she would have experienced.  You will also see a variety of historical spots not relating to her or her era which enhances the tour.  You can also stop at local eateries, shops, or the Johnstown Public Library along your journey.  Don’t worry you can pause the cell tour or dial back in at any time to enter your current tour stop.

Another location seen along the tour is the Johnstown Historical Society Center which houses items from Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sir William Johnson, Nick Stoner, and much more.  While this tour is a mile and an hour on its own, you can make it a day trip to downtown Johnstown.  Enjoy the walk; I did!

I have posted photos of some of the sites along the route on the Visit Fulton County, NY Facebook page.

For more information about the tour visit www.elizabethcadystantonhometown.org.

Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 26-October 2

I LOVE NY started the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November.  Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.

Our Fulton County Report for the Week of September 26-October 2:

Reporting station: Adirondack Country Store, Northville, Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson & Peck’s Lake Enterprises, Inc., Gloversville

Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 40-50%.

Brilliance: Average to Bright

Predominating colors: Yellow, Gold, Red

Rating: Midpoint

Our prediction of this week being midpoint seems to be holding true. We are still predicting the peak weekend to be Columbus Day weekend, October 5-8.  Barring any large storms that will knock down the leaves, we are hoping for a beautiful peak season.  It will likely last about two weeks ending September and beginning October.

Call for a free copy of our Harvest Tour map to accompany your Fall Foliage ride!  The Harvest Tour map will assist in finding apples, cider, pumpkins, mums, baked goods, and so many more seasonal products.

We also have the Route 29A Chain of Lakes map which includes Peck’s Lake and the Great Sacandaga Lake map including the Northville/Benson area.  Both maps include attractions, shopping, dining, and much more to help plan your Fall Getaway!

1.800.676.3858

Adirondack CX-2012

The Adirondack Velo Club presents Adirondack CX-2012 a cyclocross bicycle race on September 23.  Cyclocross has been described as the steeplechase of bicycle racing.  It is a timed race on a 1.5 to 2.1 mile course consisting of pavement, dirt, gravel, mud, and various man-made and natural obstacles that are intentionally unrideable.

The race will be held at Johnstown High School with an expo including concession stand run by JHS Athletics, Bike Works, ADK Velo Club, a bounce house and more.  It is $25 to register and free for spectators.  Spectators will have an opportunity to “Try Before You Buy” and the kids will have a chance to race, too!  Registration opens at 8:15am with the first category race at 9:00am.  For more information on this new to Fulton County event logon to www.adkveloclub.com/adirondackcx.html.

The Adirondack Velo Club is projecting 70+ racers and at least as many spectators for this new to Fulton County event.  They are looking to pull in participants from Saratoga, Albany, Utica, and neighboring states.  Various cyclocross events have been held previously in those areas and they are looking to draw those racers in with the new course.

New History Poster Available

poster photo

The history poster was designed by the Tourism Department’s Summer Intern, Marlaina Wing, a student at Cazenovia College and Johnstown native.  Marlaina had an idea to do a history poster.  After a little research and discussion we decided to highlight the history of Fulton County through its historical markers.

The last poster the Tourism Department produced was in 2008 and it was outdoor themed.  The current tourism tagline is 44 Lakes…44 Choices and many of the ads are outdoor and recreational based themes.  While these are still important segments to highlight there are many other reasons to visit Fulton County.  Over the next year various advertising will include new themes to highlight these other segments including history.  The poster reads “Choice #17: History. 44 Lakes…44Choices.”

This is a perfect time to add history into the advertising mix.  We are involved in the “Path Through History” initiative and very supportive of the tours and activities that local groups have started to showcase the history of Fulton County.

A limited number of FREE posters are available at the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber office at 2 North Main Street, Gloversville.

Fulton County Historical Attractions

Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 19-25

I LOVE NY started the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November.  Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.

Our Fulton County Report for the Week of September 19-25:

Reporting station: Adirondack Country Store, Northville, Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson & Peck’s Lake Enterprises, Inc., Gloversville

Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 20% in Northville and Benson.  20% have changed at Peck’s Lake possibly up to 50% this weekend.

Brilliance: Dull to Average

Predominating colors: Greenish/Yellowish color, touch of purple, gold, red

Rating: Beginning to midpoint

We are currently predicting next week to be midpoint in the change.  And the predicted peak weekend being Columbus Day weekend, October 5-8.  Our hope is the rain in the weather forecast will not knock down all of the leaves before prime viewing!

Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 12-18

I LOVE NY will start the “State’s Official Fall Foliage Color Reports” on September 12 and continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November.  Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.

Our Fulton County Report for the Week of September 12-18:

Reporting station: Adirondack Country Store, Northville,  Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center, Benson & Peck’s Lake Enterprises, Inc., Gloversville

All of the reporting stations are located in the Adirondack State Park.

Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 5-10%

Brilliance: Dull to Average

Predominating colors: Still green (losing the dark green color), touch of purple, yellow, red

Rating: Just Beginning

In years past, travelers who signed the guest book at the Fulton County Visitor Center rated the best scenic rides through Fulton County.  Today, we feel, these still hold true.

  • The most popular drive is Rt. 29A West/Rt. 10 North through the Caroga Lake, Pine Lake area, and 29A west through the Town of Stratford.
  •  The second most popular scenic drive is north Rt. 30 North through Northville around the Great Sacandaga Lake and then south down Lakeview Road through the Town of Broadalbin.
  • The third favorite starts on Rt. 334 and runs South through the community of Sammonsville.

We also recommend taking the hike up Kane Mountain (prior to hunting season) for a spectacular view.  Please be aware of your surroundings and be cautious.

In the villages and cities many properties have the best trees that turn color each year.  A great example would be the Fulton County Courthouse on N. William Street in Johnstown.  It’s one of the most photographed buildings in Fulton County especially during peak season when the leaves have turned 100%.

Please enjoy the “Leaf Peeping” season and the many autumn activities Fulton County has to offer.

Great Sacandaga Lake Maps Available

The the official 2012 Great Sacandaga Lake Map is printed and ready for distribution.   This map is one of many brochures that the Tourism Department produces to attract tourists to the area.

The Great Sacandaga Lake Map is an informational map highlighting dining, shopping, lodging, recreational services, and attractions in close proximity to the Great Sacandaga Lake.  Updates were completed for continued distribution to businesses and attractions in Fulton County.  The previous version was distributed this past spring and summer via local businesses, information centers, trade shows, goody bags, and many other venues including the New York State Travel and Vacation Association booth at the New York State Fair in Syracuse.  This map is a companion piece to the Fulton County Travel Guide and Route 29A Chain of Lakes Map.

Fulton County is a four-season destination regardless of the weather; there is always something to do.  With fall approaching, leaf peeping, craft fairs, and apple orchards are some of the activities bringing visitors to Fulton County.  This map is a great piece to aid in planning a day trip or weekend getaway.  It is never too early to start planning for next summer’s lake experience.  And there is plenty to do in the winter including ice fishing and snowmobiling.

The maps are available at the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber office at 2 North Main Street, Gloversville and the Fulton County Visitor Center, at the corner of State Routes 29 and 30, Vail Mills.