Thing to do along the Seaway Trail

Here's a rather long press release I received regarding things to do along the Seaway Trail in January and February.

PRESS RELEASE: Immediate Use 1/5/10
Contact: Teresa Mitchell, 315-646-1000
High and web res jpgs - see http://www.seawaytrail.com/winterfun.html - on request: publicist Kara Lynn Dunn, 315-465-7578, karalynn@gisco.net

Attached: Children learn and practice 18th century military life at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY. The historic fort, located at the junction of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, is reached by traveling the Great Lakes Seaway Trail.

Ice Climbing, Polar Bear Dipping, 1812 Battle, Bavaria on the Byway Make 2010 Great Lakes Seaway Trail Winter Fun Tips

Ready to climb sheer faces of vertical ice this winter, go back in time for a leisurely ski through a frosty pioneer village or a sleigh ride past venerable Victorian architecture, or jump into the shocking St. Lawrence River in February for a good cause?

These experiences, Olympian-owned ski slopes and cool places for sleigh riding, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing are in the 2010 Great Lakes Seaway Trail Winter Fun Tips for the 518-mile America’s Byway and National Recreation Trail.

Photograph Spectacular Ice Dunes
Waves surging inland from Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River form spectacular ice dunes all along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail’s shoreline. Presque Isle State Park along Seaway Trail Pennsylvania in Erie is perfect for photographing the dunes and hearty souls ice boating on Presque Isle Bay, or rent cross-country skis or snowshoes to explore 11 miles of natural and groomed trails. The Bay also offers outdoor skating and fishing, but know how to check the ice thickness for safety before stepping out. Check the Winter Report at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/winter/winterb.aspx?park=6200 or call 814-833-7424.

Sleigh Riding and Hot Tubbing
“Lake Effect” snows create Great Lakes Seaway Trail winter playgrounds when cold winds cross the warm freshwaters of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Horse-drawn sleigh (or wagon) rides through Chautauqua Institution’s Victorian-era National Historic Landmark landscape in Chautauqua, NY, start at 1 pm and run about every half-hour weekends through January to February 28. Purchase same-day tickets after 12 noon at the Institution bookstore.

Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky dog sled demonstrations, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, winter camping and cooking will be outside at Jamestown’s Audubon Center’s Snowflake Festival on Saturday, February 6, 2010, with live bird, hand-quilting, Master Gardener demos and bluebird box building indoors. A $5 pre-event sale coupon book includes chances for a handmade Swedish afghan and one week of summer day camp for a child of your choice. For details: 716-569-2345 and http://snowflakefestival.wordpress.com/.

Where can you find 27 slopes and trails for crisp wintry downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing followed by a warm, relaxing dip in an outdoor hot tub? Peek’n Peak Resort & Spa, 1405 Old Road, Clymer, NY, 716-355-4141, http://www.pknpk.com.

Send Your Kids to 18th Century Winter Camp
Need your kids to burn energy on their mid-winter break February 16-18? Send them to camp on the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. Old Fort Niagara offers three day-long programs for kids to learn how to light a campfire with flint and steel, write with a quill pen, cook a colonial-style meal, snowshoe and race with fur traders. The 8:30am to 4:30pm program includes an 18th-century puppet show and building a model of the historic fort at the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario. Registration is $40 and limited to first 20 children/day. Call 716-745-7611 for details.

Hockey for Heroes in Buffalo
Travel the Great Lakes Seaway Trail to exciting Buffalo Sabres’ National Hockey League action! Military service members from Western NY can apply for “Tickets for Troops” to see a game courtesy of Sabres’ defensemen Chris Butler. Find application online at http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=501129. Not military, call 888-GO-SABRES for tickets.

Gateway to Snow-Cruising and Snow Strolling through Historic Landscapes
Snow-cruising aboard a snowmobile is a refreshing way to experience the byway’s beautiful wintry landscape and its historic architecture. For example, 8 miles west of Albion, NY, ride the only road that passes under the Erie Canal. Culvert Road is a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not highlight. Check out Trailwide snowmobiling and winter trail resources at www.seawaytrail.com

Ancient glaciers helped create a 19th century dolostone wall and extinct waterfall at the Nature Center at Genesee Country Village. On Saturdays and Sundays, for $5-10 rent skis and snowshoes, some small enough for 3-year-olds, to explore 6 miles of trails through chickadee- and deer-filled meadows and woodlands. Enjoy self-guided “snow strolling” 12 noon-4pm past the 40-plus historic buildings representing American pioneer life from 1795 to 1920. Call ahead to 585-538-6822 x262 to confirm conditions are right. Find more details online at www.gcv.org

Bavaria on the Byway
Check out Bavarian Ski Day on January 24, 2010 at Brantling Ski Slopes where now-retired Olympian downhiller Diane Roffe–Steinrotter once trained. The special event features music, traditional Bavarian food and drink: sausage, sauerkraut, German potatoes, German beer and wine. Lift, lesson and rental package is available for $33-$46. You can also snowboard here, 4051 Fish Farm Road, Sodus, NY, 315-331-2365, www.brantling.com

Outdoor Fun Galore
What’s your winter recreation pleasure? Fair Haven Beach State Park on Lake Ontario on Route 104A has it all – from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and winter birdwatching opportunities along trails and 1500 feet of beach. This historic park dates to the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps built cabins and pavilions here. Call 315-947-5205 or check www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks for details.

Ice Climbing at Salmon River Falls
Play It Again, Salmon; Mate, Spawn & Die; Shale We Climb – all names of ascents, some as high as 100 feet - for ice climbers at Salmon River Falls Natural Area in Altmar, NY. When crisp winter temperatures set, the frozen falls become a mecca for ice climbers. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation manages the area and requires that climbers observe strict safety precautions and register daily to climb. Call 315-298-7467 for ice conditions – generally best in February-March. Find more details and photos at http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/tn/MoreFun/IceClimbing.aspx.

Are You Crazy? Polar Bear Dipping in the St. Lawrence River
Ready to jump into freezing water for a good cause? The 20th annual Friends of River Hospital Polar Bear Dip is February 27, 2010. Hearty, and harnessed, souls from all over the U.S. will plunge into the St. Lawrence River through a hole cut in the ice off the Rum Runner’s Dock at Bonnie Castle Resort at Alexandria Bay, NY. Minimum entry is $100; funds raised purchase equipment for the hospital. Prizes are awarded for Best Costume, Best Dipping Technique, and Most Money Raised. The Bay’s resort hotels offer preferred or reduced rates. The celebration includes a Feburary 21st Snolf (snow golf) Tournament, and has raised more than $50,000 in a single year. More info: 315-482-5421, kvpeters@ridgeviewtel.us.

On February 20-21, 2010, the British Crown forces will slip across the St. Lawrence River to attack the Americans at Ogdensburg in a recreated battle of the War of 1812. Reenactors bring to life Forsythe’s Rifles Regiment at the future site of the recreation of historic Fort de la Presentation. Watch for details as the event approaches.

To reach Robert Moses State Park at Massena, NY, drive underneath the Eisenhower Lock that allows six-story-tall freighters to travel the Saint Lawrence Seaway. The Park’s Nature Center offers cross-country ski and snowshoe rental for exploring 25 km of tranquil trails along the St. Lawrence River. Park entry is free. Call 315-764-5630 or check http://www.rmspnaturecenter.org/contact_us.html for dates for moonlight skiing, family snowshoe hikes, and indoor “snowy meadow” painting and carving classes.

Learn more about traveling the Great Lakes Seaway Trail in your time, at your pace, in your style at www.seawaytrail.com http://www.seawaytrail.com or call 1-800-SEAWAY-T.

Lunch at the Palette Cafe

Went out to lunch for my birthday with my friends Mary and Linda to the Palette Cafe in North Tonawanda. This cute little tea room and cafe is part of the Hodge Podge store and art gallery, which is right across the street from the Riviera Theater.

I had the daily special panini, which had a baked chicken breast with avocado and red onions; I also had the mushroom soup. Linda had a chef salad, which had a nice variety of greens, Mary had the mushroom soup and a turkey panini. For dessert, I had the cinnamon roll, served warm, while Mary opted for the lemon bar, which tasted just like lemon meringue pie.

Palette Cafe, 72 Webster Street (in Hodge Podge) 716-694-4091

Historic tours of Elmira

Yesterday my husband and I had the opportunity to go on a walking tour of Elmira's Historic Near West Side district. Our private tour was led by Samuel Draper, who has been conducting tours of the district for over 20 years. This area has a high concentration of Victorian and High Victorian homes and churches.

Elmira is also known for its connection to the author Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain). His wife, Olivia Langdon was from Elmira and the Clemens spent their summers here. We even visited the Clemens and Langdon gravesites at Woodlawn cemetery.

Next year (2010) marks the 100th anniversary of Mark Twain's death. Lots of tours are planned. For more information on the tours visit http://www.historicnearwestside.com/

I am currently working on an article about the tours and Elmira for the Buffalo News travel section which will be published in the next few months.

Perfect snowshoe weather

This past Sunday my daughter, Jennifer, and I ventured down to Beaver Meadow Nature Center in North Java to do some snowshoeing. I got snowshoes last Christmas and wanted to put them to good use. Rentals are available, so we rented a pair for Jennifer. We only were out about an hour or so, but one could probably spend all day there as they have eight miles of trails. We had a lot of fun. The visitor's center has three floors of exhibits, along with a small gift shop.

Beaver Meadow Nature Center 1610 Welch Road, North Java, 585-457-3228 http://www.buffaloaudubon.org/ Visitor's center open Tues-Sat 10-5, Sun. 1-5. Trails are open daily dawn to dusk.

Great beef on weck

This past Sunday my husband and I had dinner at Schwabl's in West Sececa. I had never eaten there before, but definitely will be returning. The beef on weck sandwich is one of the best I've ever had. I also enjoyed the German potato salad and the coleslaw. Of course, I had to have their signature drink, Tom and Jerry, an egg-nog like beverage made with rum and brandy.

Schwabl's, 789 Center Road, West Seneca, 716-674-9821, www.schwabls.com

Things to do in the Tonawandas this weekend and beyond

CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF THE TONAWANDAS MEMBER EVENTS
WHAT TO DO IN THE TONAWANDAS………

Okay, this is a long post. Here are some events of things happening in Tonawanda and North Tonawanda from a press release that was sent to me.


North Tonawanda History Museum
54 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-213-0554

Museum Hours: Mondays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DECEMBER

The North Tonawanda History Museum is pleased to announce the following December events. Our WINTER WALK IN THE GATEWAY CITIES 2009 participation this year begins on Friday, December 4 with our Winter Walk Weekend Kick Off Event at 7 p.m.:

A Polish Christmas presented by the Polish Heritage Dancers, including a performance by the Polish Heritage Dancers, a koledy sing along with English and Polish Carols, and a talk on Polish Christmas traditions. Swiaty Mikokaj, the Polish version of St. Nicholas, is expected to make a visit as well.

On Saturday, December 5, during the all-day shopping extravaganza in the downtown shopping centers on either side of the Erie Canal in the Cities of North Tonawanda and Tonawanda, the History Museum will be open its normal hours of 9 to 5 p.m. with free admission, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Christmas character, Holly Berry, will be present to do Christmas balloons, face painting, and tattoos for kids At 2 p.m. Step in Time will return with A Celtic Christmas and at 3 p.m. there will be An Irish Christmas performance by the Clann Na Cara School of Irish Dance.

Other December programs include Saturday, December 12 from 11 to 2 p.m. with A Christmas Concert by Tim Maloney, the Piano Man, followed at 2 p.m. by The Feast of St. Lucia presented by the Swedish Heritage Festival Committee of Augustana Lutheran Church.

On Friday, December 18 at 7 p.m., A German Christmas will be presented by the Historical Society of North German Settlements in Western New York.


The North Tonawanda History Museum is pleased to announce an addition to its holiday programming. The Niagara Experience Players will present their holiday performance, "Santa's Christmas Count Down" on Monday, December 21, with two performances, at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the History Museum at 54 Webster Street.
Thirteen youngsters will participate in the song and dance performance.

Parking is in the municipal parking lot on Manhattan Street behind the museum building, with Webster Street accessed through the Project Pride Walkway.


The Historic Riviera Theatre & Performing Arts Center
67 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Phone: 692-2413

EXCITING CONCERTS COMING TO THE RIVIERA THEATRE
THE MACHINE – America’s Top Pink Floyd Show – Friday, December 18 at 8:30 pm
THE MACHINE, America’s top Pink Floyd show, as forged a 20-year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating another legacy all their own. The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many, selling out large clubs and theatres across North Central America, Europe and Asia. They have also appeared at renowned music festivals such as The Bonnaroo, Riverbend, and Germany’s Rock of Ages.

THE MUSICAL BOX “Trick of the Tail” – Thursday, February 11th at 8:00 pm
After international acclaim for their re-enactment of Genesis’ FOXTROT, SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND, and THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY, The Musical Box present worldwide, with the help of Genesis and artists involved in the original show, A TRICK OF THE TAIL in painstaking detail including original slides, films, laser effects, special effects and original song list as presented by Genesis in 1976 to capture this important moment in Genesis history.

THE BBC – Premiere Beatles and 60’s Music Experience – Saturday, February 27 at 8:00 pm
Be here for the TIME OF THE SEASON CONCERT II! All ages will enjoy the classic music of the 60’s with The BBC. The premier tribute band performs an unforgettable Beatles and 60’s music experience that will surely touch your heart and evoke memories of a simpler time. Don’t muss your chance to hear what everyone is talking about. Opening will be Tom Lorentz.

GAELIC STORM – Sunday, February 28 at 8:00 pm
Gaelic Storm continue to broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genry by creating compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Irish traditional melody and acoustic instrumentation. Gaelic Storm has sold out numerous clubs and performing arts centers around the country.
GLENGARRY BHOYS – Saturday, March 20 at 8:00 pm
Described as unorthodox, vibrant, and evocative, the Glengarry Bhoys’ hybrid of Canadian Highland Scots and French Canadian musical idioms has evolved into a sound that is weighty, authoritative, and extremely entertaining. Their energy and good humor, as much a part of the show as their musicianship, crosses all cultures and ages.
For further information and tickets, call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413, Monday- Friday, 10 am-4 pm. or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.

CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES
February 4 & 5, 2010
The Historic Riviera Theatre presents “Church Basement Ladies” on Thursday, February 4 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm and Friday, February 5 at 7:30 pm.
Church Basement Ladies is a celebration of the church basement kitchens everywhere and the wonderful, unsung women who work there. Set in 1964-65, the show is a funny, heartfelt reflection on the four women who tirelessly prepare the food and solve problems for the congregation at a rural Minnesota church. The “Church Basement Ladies” include the elderly matriarch of the kitchen, a young bride-to-be, a jack-of-all trades farm wife and the best cook in the church. Together, the ladies stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor on due course as they cope with the changing world. In the span of a year, they plan a record-breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser, and a steaming hot July wedding feast.

Ticket prices: $28; $25; $20 (price does not include $2 facility fee) Group discounts of 15% is available for groups of 20 or more
For further information and tickets, call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413, Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.
For further information and tickets. call the Riviera Theatre box office at 692-2413, Monday through Friday, 10 am-4 pm or order online at www.rivieratheatre.org.


North Tonawanda Public Library
505 Meadow Drive
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-693-4132

Children’s programs presented by the Children’s Department:
Call the library for current programs.North Tonawanda Public Library Programs for adults:
Call the library for current programs.

Benjamin Long Homestead
(Operated by the Historical Society of the Tonawandas)
23 East Niagara St.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-694-7406

Decorated for the Holiday Season by the Garden Club of the Tonawandas.
Open for Winter Walk, December 5, 11 AM to 3 PM - No admission fee during Winter Walk
Open for regular tours Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21 - through Dec. 20, 1 to 4 PM. Admission $4
Christmas Boutique also open at those times.


Historical Society of the Tonawandas
Historical Society Museum of the Tonawandas
113 Main Street
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-694-7406

Museum Hours: Wednesday 12 to 4; Thursday 10 to 4; Saturday 10 to 2
During Winter Walk – Saturday, December 5 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Historical Society of the Tonawandas has a new display on exhibit at the North Tonawanda Public Library (505 Meadow Drive). The exhibit "150 Years of Scrapbooking" is based on the extensive collection of more than 100 scrapbooks of the HST. Check it out!


WINTER WALK IN THE GATEWAY CITIES
Sponsored by the
Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda
and the
Swiftwater Business Association of Tonawanda

Friday, December 4 – 7 p.m. – Christmas in Clinton Park, Clinton & Broad Streets, City of Tonawanda. Lighting the Park, arrival of Santa Claus, Clinton Express rides, Glo
sticks for the first 300 kids, hot chocolate and cookies by the City of
Tonawanda Senior Citizens.

7 p.m. – A Polish Christmas, North Tonawanda History Museum, 54 Webster St.,North Tonawanda. Presented by the Polish Heritage Dancers, including a performance, a koledy sing along (English and Polish carols), a talk on Polish Christmas traditions, a visit from Swiaty Mikokaj, the Polish version of St. Nicholas.
.
Saturday, December 5 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prizes and refreshments, shuttle bus available all day
Breakfast with Santa at Nestor’s Restaurant (102 Webster, North Tonawanda) – pre-sale tickets only
Free student performance – Buffalo Suzuki Strings Musical Art Center (4 Webster, North Tonawanda)
Free hands on train display – Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier (111 Oliver, North Tonawanda)
Free Petting Zoo (Tremont St. & Webster St., North Tonawanda)
Free Pony Rides (Adam St. at Main St., Tonawanda)
Free Hay Ride through the Tonawandas
Santa on the Carrousel – Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum (180 Thompson, North Tonawanda)
Free art exhibit - Carnegie Art Center (240 Goundry, North Tonawanda)
Free Open House – Historical Society of the Tonawandas (113 Main, Tonawanda)
Free tours – Benjamin Long Homestead, decorated for holiday season (24 E. Niagara, Tonawanda)
Free wine tasting, cookie decorating, and much, much more………
Grand Prize - $300 shopping spree at participating T-NT merchants
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Holly Berry at the North Tonawanda History Museum – free face painting, balloons,
and tattooing for kids
2 p.m. A Celtic Christmas – presented by Step in Time at the North Tonawanda History Museum
3 p.m. An Irish Christmas performance by Clann Na Cara School of Irish Dance


Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
180 Thompson Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-693-1885

Museum Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – Noon to 4 p.m.

December 5 Lunch with Santa – 11:00 – Noon – Reservations Required. Stay for the entertainment.

Santa on the Carousel – Noon – 4 p.m. - Jim Menke Marionettes at 1 p.m.

December 12 Lunch with Santa – 11:00 – Noon – Reservations Required. Stay for the entertainment.

Santa on the Carousel – Noon – 4 p.m. Matt James Music for Kids at 1 p.m.

December 19 Santa on the Carousel – Noon to 4 p.m. – Visit with Mary Poppins & Bert

December 26 Post-Christmas Activities


Vietnam Veterans Chapter 77 Museum
57 Main Street
Tonawanda, NY 14150
716-693-4479

Peter Tycz II Scholarship Fund Raiser Dinner - Thursday January 28th, 2010
4:00pm to 7:00 pm - $6.00 all you can eat spaghetti and meatballs, salad and bread at the
American Legion Post 264 - 60 Main St. Tonawanda - includes a 50/50 drawing and basket raffle


The Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier
111 Oliver Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120

Saturday, December 5 – Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Station will be decorated in holiday themes, with Lionel trains running.

Check out this new book about the Erie Canal

I have enjoyed articles published by fellow travel writer Deborah Williams for a number of years, but had never met her until I went to one of her book signings a few weeks ago. Her newly released book about the Erie Canal is very comprehensive and a must-have for history buffs and boaters alike. Published by the Countryman Press, who also published my book Western New York Explorer's Guide, the book takes you from Buffalo to Albany, offering history as well as attractions, lodging, restaurants and more along the way. It's available in bookstores and online. For more information, check out her website http://www.deborahwilliams.com/