Tourist Rail line Expansion Opens up Expanded Tourism Possibilities

The Warren County Supervisors have a tough job on a week by week, day by day basis. The decisions they make affect every segment of our business climate and the quality of life for area residents. At a recent meeting I attended (I try to attend as many as my schedule will permit) one topic of hot discussion was the continued funding and support for the expansion of the "tourist rail" lines that could eventually link the North Creek Station to Saratoga. The County is already in for a considerable amount of funds as well as a signer on a grant that would infuse more dollars. The question appears to lie on just how much more will need to be spent and should additional funds be allocated and sought to build "real stations" at strategic points or would simple platforms suffice.

What a blissful marriage this historic tourist rail program would be! Saratoga is already an easy destination for NYC dwellers who do not own cars but can easily get to Saratoga via rail. Having that additional amenity of a rail connection to North Creek could enhance not only the viability of this quintessential North Country village year round--but also provide viable reasons for economic development and tourism promotion to the small towns and villages that dot the tracks along the way. Towns like Thurman, Stony Creek and even Lake Luzerne (though over the river) can and would all benefit from this added rail link with creative and progressive thinking and their own communities support. There are special interest hobbiests and clubs who seek out historic rail excursions, and non-profit groups have already seen some great results from hosting events on the train. I can envision full schedules of fall foliage tours, Christmas Holiday Santa Trains, School trips, Red Hatters, Senior bus tours, etc. etc. A growing Destination Wedding marketing effort is panning out as well! (see our article in our 08 vacation guide which highlights the Upper Hudson River Railroad and a wedding held there). As part of being able to lure tour operators to our region having a unique cache of itineraries to offer is key to landing them here.

Our economic tourism generator is always in need of new things to keep our region fresh and competative. When we, as a chamber, go promoting our region at national travel expos it is normally the first or second question we get asked...."what is new??" Of course this is always what media and travel writers want to know as well. It behooves us, our tourism-based businesses and yes, the county fathers and mothers to always be looking for opportunity when it comes knocking...or in this case...tooting its whistle!

APA seeking input on Snowmobile trail access

Is snowmobiling threatened in the Lake George Area? The Adirondack Park Agency recently published a press release noting they are seeking public comment and opinions regarding snowmobiling in the Adirondack Park.

From this writers viewpoint---(literally looking out at a major snowmobile hub at Prospect Mtn), --Snowmobiling in the Lake George Region is key to the economic viability of our region in the winter months. We have year round flag hotels that are depending on a growing winter and year round season to survive. Our Winter Carnival events each weekend in February have many events which capture the attention and support of snowmobilers. Several recent news articles have noted that the proposals on the table would enhance some trail access and broaden linkages between hamlets and towns. It bears review and a deeper look into!

According to the APA article, the public comments are "being gathered as the agency will be reviewing its policies in early March regarding the extent of snowmobiling in the Adirondacks". APA Staffers and Dept. of Environmental Conservation representatives presented their recommendations to the APA on Feb 7. These recommendations "propose limiting snowmobile trails to 849 miles".

We encourage our blog readers to check out the proposal directly and forward comments to the APA quickly. According to the news article which appeared in the Adirondack Journal recently, you can access the APA proposal and comment section at:

www.apa.state.ny.us/press/slideshow/text.htm

Written comments can be sent to: James Connelly, Deputy Director, Planning at the Adirondack Park Agency, PO Box 99, Ray Brook, NY 12977

(photo image by L. Duffy-LK Geo. Winter Carnival Cmt)

Lake George Region Looses "Mind's Eye" Naturalist Photographer-Richard "Dick" Dean

It is with deep regret that we acknowledge the passing of Richard "Dick" Dean who for decades has been recognized as the pre-eminent naturalist photographer in the Adirondacks and our Lake George Region. Many in the area know that I am "a new comer--and most likely will be one for as long as I live--and that's okay with my fresh eyes. One of the very first things I recognized having only moved to the region four years ago was that no matter where I went, or what website I used to research before my move I was continually reminded of the magnificent and sheer natural splendor of this area through the eyes of Mr. Dean and his "Dean Color" hallmark. It is that "minds eye" way of looking through the lens of a camera that makes a split second in our world part of a lasting legacy on printed paper.

As I have the pleasure to now visit so many businesses in our area as the Executive Director of the Lake George Regional Chamber I am reminded how many people understand, recognize and value his work as well--and have for generations. Each week I see his photographs in a shop, office, reception area, hotel guest room, or at minimum on countless websites. the Dean photographic image of Lake George and our beautiful Adirondack Mountains is all around us. I would venture a guess that many of our visitors to the area carry home their own framed photo or at minimum send a postcard with a Dean Color image on it. Here at the chamber we commissioned Mr. Dean many, many years ago to create a plethora of photographs for us to use in our marketing and media work. Many of these images are still used today by our staff because they are as timeless as the subject matter itself.

While one of his daughters remarked recently that she ventured " millions of copies have been made of Dad's photographs over the years" I can honestly say that each time you see one its like you are sitting at that very moment seeing that sunset, casting out that line or turning to see the snowfall on the branch for the very first time. Our area has truly lost a legacy-- who through his generous eyes we all can benefit for future generations to come.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Dean Family. Dean Color has been a member of our chamber for many, many years and helped to shape the "Minds eye" image of the Lake George Region forever.

Spoke too soon!

There is ice on Lake George but several recent press reports as well as word of mouth reports say that there are some very thin spots and that people need to be very, very careful. We simply have not had the one-two weeks of really cold weather yet to snap up the lake completely. The Lake George Winter Carnival folks are trying to make their events happen but may or will post changes as they occur on their website. its always best to check that out before planning your day. you may need to route to one of their alternate locations if they feel the lake is insufficiently frozen for whatever they had planned to do there.

The chamber has created "Winter pages" on our website now to make searching for hotels, restaurants, attractions and shops that are open year round much easier. The pages also interface with our popular events calendar which lists events being held all over the region. Check it out!

as an update, they are working feverishly on the new "retro looking" Prospect Mountain Diner on RT 9 heading north towards Lake George Village. Its looking pretty good...and very shiny! LOL.

We did receive another 8-12 inches of snow this past Weds and now expect to get some snow every day this week. The snowmobilers should enjoy that. Prospect Mountain's gates are open and welcoming snowmobilers. The landscapes all around here look absolutely beautiful as the snow today is a heavier one that clings to the pine branches, etc....but as always our road crews have done a fantastic job so there is no trouble getting around. thats the difference between the North Country and parts to our south....we know how to handle snow removal.

Ice Fishing is happening on Lake George

The ice fisherman and women have returned. Yesterday the bay between Green Island and Bolton Landing was seeing quite a bit of activity and the parking lot at the town park was at least 1/3rd full. Likewise, the southern basin in LGV (lake George Village) this morning had at least a dozen people out fishing. You may want to check one of my archived blogs on ice fishing that shows a streaming video shot on the lake by an ice fisherman.

Kick off weekend for LG Winter Carnival--i bet that commitee is breathing a "cold sigh" of relief for the ice!

ICE IS IN! it's Winter Carnival Time!!

The ice is in on the southern basin and many of the bays of Lake George and this weekend, Feb 2 & 3 is the kick off weekend for Winter Carnival! For information check out our chamber website at:
http://www.LakeGeorgeChamber.com . Our events pages are FULL of things to do in the Lake George Region in winter. There are also some very terrific deals to be had on hotel rooms.

Remember...if you get some great winter photos of the Lake George Region please submit them to our online photo contest. If selected as the best--you can win a get away weekend package for FREE! See details on the site.

FYI: There is an ICE SLIDE in Shepard Park---yeah...a cold fanny...but lots of fun!!

Elvis Festival Info Available!

ELVIS SEEN ON THE BEACH ROAD IN LAKE GEORGE!!

It's never to early to start planning for our 'warmer' weather fun activities and events here in the Lake George Region. Considering it was about 10 degrees outside my back door this morning envisioning a warm sunny day sailing on the lake is even more inviting.

We have had a request posted on the blog for Elvis Fest information. I am happy to oblige as the event group is a member of our chamber so we always have up to date info and closer to the event we will have programs, etc. in our office.

(Photo: George-the official mascot of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce wears his Tribute Artist Costume complete with blue suede shoes to meet one of the many Elvis Tribute Artists at 2007 event)

2008 5th Annual Lake George Elvis Festival and Competition:

May 30 through June 1, 2008

This year's theme: "Aloha from Lake George"

and will feature various venues including competitions, memorabilia and of course--concerts!

Check out their website at: http://www.lakegeorgeelvisfest.com