Corning's Chocolate Trail is a yummy adventure

Like chocolate? Check out my article in today’s Buffalo News travel section (January 30, 2011) about Corning’s Chocolate Trail. Corning, about a two and a half hour drive from Buffalo is a fun day trip or weekend getaway.

http://www.buffalonews.com/life/travel/one-tank-trips/article328192.ece

Winterfest 2011 at Made in America Store

The Made in America Store will be hosting Winterfest 2011 on January 29th from 11am to 6pm. Activities include a giant snowman construction, winter activities, live alpacas and a crocheting demonstration. There will be product demonstrations by vendors, chainsaw carving by Matt Hannah, and a hot dog BBQ.

Buffalo Bills alumni will be on hand and there will be musical entertainment provided by country singer Ricky Lee. There will also be special snowmobile events; snowmobilers are encouraged to come on their machines. Access Trail S45 is nearby.

Made in America Store, 900 Maple Street Elma, 716-652-4USA, http://www.saveourcountryfirst.com/

Yummy Thai food at Yummy Thai

My daughter and I enjoy Thai food, so after reading the review in last night's Gusto, we decided to try out Yummy Thai on Webster Street in North Tonawanda. We got a late start going out today and did some shopping first, so we didn't get to the restaurant until about 3pm. It was a good time to go as the lunch crowd was gone and the dinner crowd hadn't arrived yet.

I had my usual Pud Thai and my daughter tied the sesame chicken. Both dishes were good and the portion size was enormous. We brought half of it home (for a snack this evening!) We also had the Thai fried chicken spring rolls, which were also very good. Naturally, we had our favorite beverage, Thai iced tea.

Yummy Thai, 92 Webster Street, North Tonawanda 716-694-1763, www.yummythairestaurant.com

News from Lake Erie Wine Country

Below is a press release I received yesterday from Lake Erie Wine Country

For Immediate Release
January 12, 2011
Contact: Julie Pfadt, executive director (814) 746-8414

Lake Erie Wine Country Update: New Name, New Website, Wine and Chocolate Weekend and Visit Visa Program Announced

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail has been incorporated for more than a decade, and with the new year, the organization announces some big changes. To begin with, the Wine Trail is now officially known as Lake Erie Wine Country (LEWC), a consortium of 23 wineries located in America's Grape Country between North East, PA and Silver Creek, NY.

The mission of this non-profit organization is to "support and to market the wine and grape industries in Chautauqua County, New York and Erie County, Pennsylvania through the promotion of excellence in wine products, in winery and associate member facilities, and in the tourism experience in the region.

"Our local wine industry creates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact in the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies. With over30,000 acres of contiguous vineyards, we are the largest Concord grape-growing region in the world. The majority of our grapes are native varieties, but we also grow almost 3,000 acres of more than 30 varieties of wine grapes."We believe the new name better reflects our region and eliminates confusion," said Bob Mazza, current LEWC president and owner of three regional wineries.

"The new name will allow us to expand easily and become more inclusive in the future. 'Lake Erie Wine Country' will also benefit us on the internet, as search engines will pick us up more easily. "In addition to the new name, LEWC officials have named a new executive director, North East, Pennsylvania native, Julie Pfadt, and they have launched an exciting, new website at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. A 2011 brochure/map is now available and can be picked up at LEWC wineries or at brochure stands around the region. They can also be downloaded from the new website or ordered via phone at (877) 326-6561.

Lake Erie Wine Country's event season begins with "Bare the Barrels, a White Sale" January 14-17. The 2010 grape harvest was abundant, and wineries are eager to make room for upcoming vintages. Visitors are invited to the wineries during this four-day event to find bargains and stock up on favorite wines. Each of the wineries will promote special discounts on wine and merchandise, and many will provide snacks or entertainment. The event is free and no tickets or reservations are required.

LEWC's first ticketed event is their popular Wine & Chocolate Weekend,February 4, 5 and 6. New this year, Fridays have been added to the event schedule with no increase in cost. Now ticket holders have more time to spend at each of 21 participating wineries where they can enjoy a special wine paired with a delicious chocolate creation. Five "host wineries" will provide a non-chocolate food pairing to provide some savory stops. As in the past, ticket holders will receive a wine glass, recipe booklet, a $5 voucher for wine purchase and a gift. Tickets are now on sale for Wine & Chocolate Weekend at $35 per person. They may be purchased online at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org or by calling (877)326-6561.

Ticket holders will plan their own itinerary, enjoying each winery at their leisure on Friday, February 4 from noon-5 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday, February 5 and 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Transportation is not provided. Wine & Chocolate Weekend is sponsored by Dove Chocolate Discoveries. Designated driver tickets are available for only $20 and include everything except wine and the $5 voucher.

Finally, LEWC's new Visit Visa, is now available! This first-edition Wine Trail coupon passport, valid for one year from purchase, provides generous discounts at wineries, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, gift shops and other local businesses. The booklet contains over $500 of retail value in wine, merchandise, and services from businesses all over Lake Erie Wine Country.

The cost is only $20 each, and they can be purchased at any LEWC wineries,t he North East Chamber of Commerce, the Blue Heron Inn Gift Shop in Findley Lake, the Boston Bean Café in North East and on-line via PayPal at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. Funds earned through sales of the Visit Visa will help Lake Erie Wine Country sustain their marketing efforts of the region.

Currier and Ives Sleigh Rally

Here's a press release about an upcoming event that sounds interesting

NATIONWIDE INSURANCE CURRIER & IVES SLEIGH RALLY at CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION
Sunday, January 16, 2010

Classes begin at 11 am in the Parking Lot adjacent to the Welcome Center on Rt. 394.
“Currier & Ives” parade through the grounds at 1 pm; bobsled rides by the Stateline
Draft Horse Club from 1-3 pm (tickets required).

Sleigh bells ring – horses of all sizes (Mini to Draft) put to Portland Cutters, “teacup” sleighs,
bobsleds strut their stuff in pleasure classes, an obstacle course, timed trotting race, and
drive through the historic Chautauqua Institution – a unique bit of Americana and great
family fun! Free parking & free admission to the Sleigh Rally.


Re-positioned to this three day weekend (Martin Luther King holiday) to be featured along with

* Bare the Barrels" at all the Wine Trail Wineries (great discounts; free tastings) on Sat-Sun-Mon

* Mardi Gras Party at Zebro's Harbor House in Barcelona -- jambalaya, crawfish, frog legs & other New
Orleans favs -- great food & hot time on Lake Erie! (Sat & Sun)

* Bobsled rides through the Institution by Stateline Draft Horse Club (Sat & Sun). Tickets $4 adults &
$2 children available at the Chautauqua Bookstore.

* OPEN DOORS JAMESTOWN on Sat., 10 am – 4pm: free admission to Lucy-Desi Museum (including the re-creation of the sound stages for the I Love Lucy shows, nightclub, etc.), Fenton Historical Society (including the Festival of the Trees in the 1863 Mansion -- 4 floors of history from the underground railroad to steamers on Chautauqua Lake in the former home of Gov. Fenton), Jamestown Audubon Society (walking/snowshoeing trails; eagle exhibit; nature discovery room), Roger Tory Peterson Institute (including Charlie Harper Art Exhibit, Peterson's collection); Robert Jackson Center (honoring the Chief Justice who presided over the Nuremburg Trials after WWII).

Package options include:

BELLINGER HALL on the grounds of historic Chautauqua Institution -- absolutely beautiful in the snow with many homes still decorated for the holidays. Dormitory style rooms (double occupancy) with private baths and a lovely fireplace lounge common area. $69.99 plus taxes ($78.74 per room, dbl. occupancy, per night) includes continental breakfast and use of Turner REc facilities which is only a block away (pool, gym, fitness center) -- bring crosscountry skiis or snowshoes to hike around the grounds or golf course. Bookstore, diner, & some shops open on grounds. Horse-drawn bobsleds rides on Sat. & Sun. ($4 adults; $2 children).
For reservations: Christine Hawkins 357-6389 chawkins@ciweb.org

MAPLE SPRINGS LAKESIDE INN on Chautauqua Lake, near Bemus Point, is offering two nights lodging (dbl. occupancy) in their gracious inn plus two sleigh ride tickets for $179 per couple (includes taxes; coffee available but no other food service during the winter).
For reservations: Rose Stage, 386-2500 http://www.mslsi.com/

GREAT TREE INN & STABLES -- luxurious accommodations for people & their horses in Mayville, just up the road from Chautauqua Institution. Special Sleigh Rally rates: $90 per room (single or double occupancy) plus taxes ($11.25) includes a hearty country -style breakfast. $20 stabling (large box stalls, includes bedding).
For reservations: Samantha Alexander, 1 800-421-0082 http://www.greattreeinn.com/

CHAUTAUQUA SUITES -- new hotel near the Institution with lovely rooms, Olive's Restaurant and Bellini Lounge. Sleigh Rally Getaway Package for Two includes one night lodging (dbl. occupancy), two prime rib dinners, continental breakfast, two horse-drawn bobsled ride tickets for $143 per couple (taxes & tips included).
For reservations: 269-7829 http://www.chautauquasuites.com/

NATIONWIDE INSURANCE CURRIER & IVES SLEIGH RALLY
at CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION
SUNDAY, January 16, 2011
Rt. 394, Chautauqua, New York
Judge:
Registration begins at 9:30 am -- $5 per class
Classes begin at 11 am
Please join us for a day of friendly driving competition!
Supported by the Lou Eibl Corral & Catt-Chaut. Chapter of the NYS Horse Council
Proceeds toward Horse Trail Development
Secretary/Info: Carol Lorenc (716) 962-3412 lorencfoxefarm@netsync.net
DIVISIONS: Draft Horses, Light Horses, Ponies and Very Small Equines, Junior
(Mules & Donkeys included in division by their size; Juniors pinned separately)
CLASSES:
Pleasure Driving – To be shown at the walk, collected trot, working trot, trot on (footing permitting; gaited horses welcome to show at their respective gaits). To be judged on way of going, apparent ability to give a pleasant drive & manners, including ability to stand quietly in line up. Sleigh & harness to be safe and well fitted.
1. Single Draft Horse
2. Single Light Horse
3. Single Pony/VSE
4. Team Draft Horse Hitch
5. Multiples Light Horses/Ponies
Obstacles - To be judged as a timed obstacle class; time faults given for knockdowns.
4. Single Draft Horse
5. Single Light Horse
6. Single Pony/VSE
7. Team Draft Horse Hitch
8. Multiples Light Horses/Ponies
Currier & Ives – To be judged on turnout & overall impression, appointments to count. To be shown in ring before departure for approx. 3 mile pleasure drive through the historic Chautauqua Institution grounds. Terrain is hilly. Approximately 1:00 pm.
9. Draft Horses
10. Light Horses
11. Ponies/VSE
Timed Trotting (or equivalent gait) Race
12. Single Draft Horse
13. Single Light Horse
14. Single Pony/VSE
15. Team Draft Horse Hitch
16. Multiples Light Horses/Ponies
Drive & Ride – Single horse to be driven at the walk, collected trot, working trot then unharnessed (headers and other assistance encouraged) & saddled to be ridden at the walk, trot, canter or lope (footing permitting), reinback. To be judged on performance, way of going, manners both in harness & under saddle. Gaited horses welcome (showing at equivalent gaits to trots).


ENTRY FORM

Owner’s name___________________________________ email____________________

Address_________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________ phone____________________

Driver’s Name____________________________________________________________

Horse’s Name_________________________________ Breed______________________

__________________________________ ______________________

Vehicle Information_______________________________________________________

Division: ___Draft ___Light ___Pony or Very Small Equine ___ Junior

Classes: __ Pleasure __Timed Trotting __Currier&Ives __Obstacles __Drive&Ride

Number of classes @ $5.00: ___; total enclosed $_______
(check payable to Lou Eibl Corral)

Mail to: Carol Lorenc, Secretary
1880 Thornton Rd., Cherry Creek, NY 14723

Information: (716) 962-3412 lorencfoxefarm@netsync.net

Lodging & Stabling available at The Great Tree Inn, Mayville 800-421-0082.