What’s New At Canal NY

What’s New at Canal NY

We may have been quiet, but not due to a lack of activity! Over the past year, Canal NY has been working hard on the development of the www.discovertheeriecanal.com web site. Built to be the “Tourism Site of The Erie Canal” The site will differ from any other online presence regarding the Erie Canal. This site is built upon the idea that what makes the Erie Canal so great are the more than 200 communities that make up the canal corridor. Each community will have the ability to promote itself within the umbrella of the overall site.

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Corning Glass Museum Glass Barge

The Corning Glass Museum Glass Barge is coming to the Erie Canal. The museum has taken their mobile hot shops across the globe. This all-new world class performance venue brings floating Hot Glass Demos to the Museum’s New York State neighbors along the Erie Canal and its connected waterways.

In 2017, the Glass Barge will be featured at three public waterfront events on the Erie Canal to help celebrate the kickoff of the canal’s bicentennial. The Corning Glass Museums, Hot Glass Demo Team will be providing free public hot glass programming including daily glassmaking demonstrations with invited guest artists.

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Brewery Tour of Central New York

                Welcome to central New York! We’ve got lots of great activities planned for you, so let’s hit the ground running.

Day One: Your first stop is the No Excuses Tour of downtown Syracuse. This tour will deliver an engaging, fun experience. You will explore the history, architecture and food of downtown Syracuse. Your second stop is the Empire Brewing Company to enjoy some light fare and a beer tasting. The Empire Brewing Company doesn’t just make great tasting beers and ales – they also believe in the idea of “Eat Where You Live” and really go the extra mile towards sustainability via composting, using green products, and recycling. Next, you’ll visit Clark Reservation State Park. Formed during the last ice age, the park features almost every geological feature you can think of- cliffs, meadows, woodlands, and a glacial plunge basin lake. All that hiking works up an appetite! A trip to the Syracuse Suds Factory will help take the edge off with some dinner and local craft beer. After dinner, you’ll visit The Funny Bone to take in a comedy show to end your first day with a laugh. You’ll be staying at the Jefferson Clinton Hotel, another locally owned eco-friendly business.

                A good night’s sleep leaves you ready for day 2 at a local hotel, B&B, Inn or air B&B of your choice. After a morning of time on your own, you’ll be ready for lunch at Modern Malt, a unique spin on the classic American diner. You’ll need some fortification before your afternoon activity – hiking with llamas! The llamas will carry some snacks and drinks to enjoy at the end of the trail. Llamas notwithstanding, hiking is thirsty work. A stop at the Beak and Skiff, a local cider distillery, will quench your thirst with some fresh cider. You might want to try a fresh apple cider donut – one of the tastiest treats in the world.

                Now you’re off to Utica! First, you’ll visit the Chittenango Landing Dry Dock Complex for some bike riding along the Old Erie Canalway. All that fresh air and pedaling will get you ready for dinner at The Tailor and The Cook, Utica’s premier farm-to-table restaurant (you’ll want to try the Jones Family Farm Cheesecake!). You’ll be staying at the Rosemont Inn, an immaculately restored Italianate B&B in the heart of Utica. After a delicious home-made breakfast, it’s time to hit the trail at the local arboretum, the Hamilton College Root Glen Arboretum. Started by the distinguished local Root family, this garden has grown since 1850 into the masterpiece you see today, owned by Hamilton College and featuring 65 species of trees, shrubs and flowers. Lunch will be served at the Nail Creek Pub & Brewery, serving craft beer since 2008.

                Speaking of beer, you’ll be visiting the FX Matt Brewing Company in the afternoon. Family owned since 1888, it’s the fourth oldest family-owned brewery in the United States. After a tour of the brewery and a pint in the 1888 Tavern, it’s a quick walk across the street to ADK Distilling for a tour and a tasting of ADK Vodka – an international award winner! Next you’ll visit Woodland Beer, a hop farm and craft brewery in Marcy, NY. Enjoy some pints or flights and visit the on-location food trucks for a fun end to a busy day. We know you’ll remember this as a vacation of a lifetime in Central New York!

For more information on this tour or many more like it contact:

Lori Solomon

Van Tourism Specialists

(518) 322-2067

2596 Edgewood Ave. Schenectady NY 12306

 

 

               

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Historic Palmyra

Located in the village of Palmyra located at mile marker 253 on the Erie Canal, Historic Palmyra is a must see on any trip within the Erie Canal Corridor. With 5 museums within easy walking distance from Palmyra’s Marina, Palmyra has been a vital community throughout the history of the Erie Canal, and is as important today as it was 200 years ago.

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The Bridge House Brat’s

No matter where your travels take you on the Erie Canal, one of the best encounters you could have would be with the Bridge House Brat’s of Phoenix NY

They are a group of local volunteer kids who strive to make their community better. They serve food from the local restaurants to boaters and anyone who wants to come join them from land. They host events throughout the summer for all to enjoy, they keep the streets cleaned and full of fresh flowers. join them down on the Canal, sit on the dock and enjoy music and some of Phoenix’s finest local foods!

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Canal NY Mission Statement / Strategic Plan

Canal New York, Inc.

 

Mission:

To increase awareness and promote greater use of the NYS Canal navigable waterways in the Villages, Cities and Towns along the NYS Canal System through tourism marketing, legislative advocacy and business collaboration. Encourage and promote economic development for existing and future businesses.
Strategic Plan 2018-2022:

  1. Partner with local and state tourism centers to promote businesses and events in the communities along the NYS Canal System.
  2. Be strong advocates on the state and local level regarding recognition & importance of the NYS Canal System.
  3. Participate in related Canal related conferences and trade shows.
  4. Develop Marketing programs with focus to increase marketing partners through mobile internet, GPS, Social media and mobile technology.
  5. Update current website: includes marketing partners, communities’ website links along the NYS Canal System, strategic plan, and information on membership importance and opportunities.
  6. Develop Policy and Procedures for the officers, members and employees of Canal NY.

 

 

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Locktoberfest Seneca Falls 2018

Join in on the fun as Seneca Falls celebrates their second annual Locktoberfest. It’s an awesome autumn celebration of our local heritage, farms, craft-beverages, food and cuisine, Artisans, crafters, boaters, families and community all along the Seneca Falls Canal Harbor along the “wall”
The party kicks off first thing Sat. morning Oct. 6th. as the Seneca Falls Rotary Club sponsors a Pancake Breakfast. Pancakes will be flipping at the Seneca Falls Community Center.
Proceeds will help the club support many local projects which include the United Way backpack programs, literacy volunteers, reading in the schools, the House of Concern Thanksgiving Dinners, Camp Onseyawa, educational scholarships, Project Graduation, National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls Children’s Committee and many others.
The pancake breakfast goes from 7am. – 11am. $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 12 and under.
Take a Hayride down the Ludovico Sculpture Trail.
Hayrides will take you from the Locktoberfest location on the North Side of the Canal to the South side and down the beautiful Ludovico Trail. The Ludovico Sculpture Trails is a trail that parallels the south shore of the Cayuga-Seneca Canal in Seneca Falls. It will eventually be part of the Erie Canalway Trail that reaches across New York State.
This trail is special in that it is a sculpture garden as well as a trail. The first sculpture that was installed along the trail is called, “The Status of Women” and commemorates six important points in women’s history. You will also find statues of Amelia Bloomer and Mary Baker Eddy, two prominent women in women’s suffrage.
After a day of family fun, live music and food, help us create an unforgettable night by lighting up the Canal Harbor with your personalized Floating Lantern. Floating Lanterns will be available for decorating and personalization throughout the day during Locktoberfest. Once the sun has set, the lanterns will be launched.
Music starts at 12:00 and runs all day through 10:00 when the festival concludes. For more information visit the Locktoberfest  website 

Locktoberfest Seneca Falls is sponsored by the Seneca Falls Business Association  

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Boom & Bust: America’s Journey on The Erie Canal

Boom & Bust: America’s Journey on the Erie Canal

 

Caption: Dr. Dan Ward aboard the canal schooner Lois McClure, a full-scale replica of an 1862-class sailing canal boat, constructed in Burlington, Vermont.

The H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego is proud to host Dr. Dan Ward as part of its 2017 History Lecture Series on Saturday, June 24th at 1:30 pm. Ward is a co-producer of “Boom and Bust: America’s Journey on the Erie Canal,” a documentary that tells the story of industrial expansion and decline along the Erie Canal. After a screening of the film, Ward will discuss his upcoming journey with fellow co-producer, Steve Zeitlin, who will be traveling by canal boat from Brooklyn to Buffalo screening “Boom and Bust” in canal ports large and small along the way in celebration of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal’s construction.    

 

Ward is an historian, folklorist and film maker based in Syracuse, NY. He is also a member of the Board of the Canal Society of New York State and serves as the Education Curator for the Canal Society’s newly-opened Old Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron, NY. He holds a Master’s degree from the Cooperstown Graduate Program and a PhD in American Culture from Bowling Green State University. Mercedes Niess, Executive Director of the Maritime Museum stated “we have a long history of successful projects with Dan Ward, and are excited to feature him in our exceptional 2017 lineup of speakers.”

 

The Maritime Museum’s History Lecture Series will also be featuring notable lighthouse author Ted Panayotoff on Saturday, August 5th at 1:30 pm. Panayotoff, longtime Maritime Museum and Oswego Lighthouse supporter, will be presenting on aids-to-navigation along the New York State Canal System, continuing with the Museum’s canal themed lineup.

 

The Maritime Museum is partnering with the City of Oswego to host a one act play written by local playwright, Richard Sivers. The Oswego Canal Play will take place on Friday August 17th at 8pm. The story will focus on early Oswego Canal life in the 1830’s. This event is also part of the Erie Canal celebration.

 

This event is free and open to the public. The Maritime Museum and Treasure Chest Gift Shop are open daily, 1-5 pm with expanded hours from 10-5 pm in July and August. For more information regarding this or other Museum programs, contact the Museum at (315) 342-0480, or visit: http://www.hlwmm.org

 

 

 

 

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New York State Canal Conference

ONE WATER: NEW YORK HARBOR
OCTOBER 14 – 16, 2018 | HILTON GARDEN INN, STATEN ISLAND

One Water, New York Harbor is the theme for the 2018 New York Canal Societies’ Canal Conference to be held on October 14th. – October 16th. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island NY.
The conference will celebrate the role that New York Harbor has played in the success of the State’s historic inland waterway system. As New York State continues to celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial, New York Harbor is the perfect venue to commemorate the Centennial of The Erie Barge Canal.
Attending this conference will provide an incredible look into the value the Erie Canal played in New York Harbors
The Canal Society of New York State was formed in Buffalo in 1956 at the annual meeting of the New York State Historical Association. In that first year, membership was open to anyone interested in the history, folklore, and engineering of former canals and the present condition of the state’s remaining man-made waterways. This is still he primary focus of Canal Society Members today.
More than 50 years later, the Canal Society of New York State has an active membership and still organizes two field trips per year as well as an annual symposium, regular tours of European Canals as well as other smaller events. The Society has compiled a high-quality collection of canal artifacts, artwork, books and papers. You can learn more about the Canal Society of New York State on their website http://www.newyorkcanals.org
https://www.nyscanalconference.org/

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 – PRE CONFERENCE TOUR (TBD)
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Boating with the Baymen: Long Island/South Bay Tour
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 – COMMUNITY DAY PROGRAM
12:00 pm
Registration opens for Community Program only
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1:00 pm
Vans depart hotel
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2:00 pm
Interactive Staten Island Ferry Cruise to Manhattan (Ferry ride is 1 hour RT)
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3:15 pm
Walking Tour of St. George Waterfront/North Shore Promenade with stops and tastings at the Flagship Brewery and Oyster Bar
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5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Reception at Arts at Urby – will include remarks and exhibits featuring “Heroes of the Harbor”
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7:00 pm
Dinner on own (will provide maps and restaurant options within 1 to 2 block away)
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15

6:45 am – 3:00 pm
Registration
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7:00 am – 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast
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8:00 am – 9:40 am
Welcome by Conference Chair, Conference Overview & Sponsor Recognition Welcome by Borough President, North Shore Representative & South Shore Representative
Welcome & Presentation by Host Community (Naomi Sturm & Dan Ward)
Presentation by NYS Canal Corporation & NY Power Authority
Presentation by Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission
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9:45 am – 10:15 am
BREAK and Refreshments in Exhibitor Space
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10:15 am – 11 am
Revitalizing Staten Island’s Commercial Waterfront
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11:00 am – 11:15 am
BREAK
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11:15 am – 1:00 pm
Luncheon & Program – New York’s Empire State Trail (Andy Beers)
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1:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Mobile Workshops
(1.) Staten Island Ferry, Lower Manhattan Walking Tour/Canal Slips and South Street Seaport
(2.) Arthur Kill Boat Graveyard, Conference House & “Graves of Arthur Kill” Film Screening
(3.) Sailor’s Snug Harbor & Noble Maritime Collection
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5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Registration
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6:00 pm– 7:00 pm
Reception with exhibitors (cash bar/light hors d’oeuvres)
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7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Dinner and Awards Presentations
Special Presentation: Water Way Youth Video
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16
7:30 am – 11:00 am
Registration
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8:00 am – 9:00 am
Continental breakfast with Exhibitors
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9:00 am – 9:45 am
Break-out Sessions 1
(1.) Barge Canal 100th Anniversary
(2.) Billion Oyster Project
(3.) Coastal Storm Risk Management
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9:45 am – 10:30 am
Break-out Sessions 2
(1.) Developing the Genesee River Waterfront
(2.) Interpreting Erie Canal History & Heritage
(3.) New York’s Iconic Attractions on the Water
(4.) Reimagine the Canals
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10:30 am – 10:45 am
Refreshment break (coffee only)
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10:45am – 11:45am
Break-out Sessions 3
(1.) Matton Shipyard: Preservation & Adaptive Reuse Initiative
(2.) One Water/One Brand
(3.) Shape Your Waterfront: How to Promote Access, Resiliency and Ecology at the Water’s Edge
(4.) Waterfront Recreational Opportunities
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11:45am – 1:00pm
Boxed Lunch
© 2018 Canal Society of NYS – All Rights Reserved
Canal Society of NYS

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