Staycation n. (STAY-cay-shun) 1. A short vacation spent close to someone's home, prompted by economic conditions. 2. The 2009 vacation and travel buzzword. 3. A great way to feature the 1000 Islands.
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"Staycation" stories are becoming increasingly popular as viewers and readers look closer to home for fun. The 1000 Islands is less than a two-hour drive from Central New York, Ottawa and Montreal; four hours from Toronto, Buffalo/Niagara Falls; and less than a day's drive from New York City, Boston and Connecticut.
Affordable, value-driven attractions add to the region's "Staycation" appeal. Here are several vacation features perfect for "Staycation" stories. The Tourism Council can organize a tour of these or any of the hundred other attractions in the 1000 Islands. Ask for Corey Fram, marketing/communications coordinator. 1-800-847-5263 or corey@visit1000islands.com.
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What: Boldt Castle on Heart Island
Where: Alexandria Bay, NY
How much: $6.50 adult, $4 children (US funds)
The story: Boldt Castle is home to 'the saddest love story every told.' The castle was being built in the early 1900s by millionaire hotelier George Boldt, proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria in New York City, as a testament of love to his wife Louise. Her sudden death in 1904 prompted the grief-striken Boldt to cease all construction. The castle was vacant until 1977 and in the 30 years since has been returned to its former glory. It is open to the public and is accessible by boat tours leaving the U.S. and Canada, as well as private vessel. A shuttle connects the castle to the extravagant Boldt Yacht House on Wellesly Island, which is also open for public touring. Castle staff is well-versed in history and tourism and accommodating to the media.
For more information or to arrange a tour, contact the Tourism Council at 1-800-847-5263. For more information, www.boldtcastle.com.
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What: 1000 Islands Parkway
Where: Ivy Lea, Lansdowne, Rockport, Mallorytown, Canada
How much: Skydeck ($8.75 adults, $4.75 children, CAN); Parkway bike path (free); Boat tours (as low as $16.50 adults, $ children, CAN)
The story: The 1000 Islands Parkway is a cluster of waterfront communities that share the St. Lawrence River border with the United States. Together these communities provide plenty of affordable, unique and fun outdoor vacation opportunities. A day on the parkway can include riding the scenic riverfront bike path, camping along the water, a round of golf, a boat tour or fishing trip and a farmers' market tour. It's a perfect place to feature for an affordable family vacation weekend story. Contact the Gananoque Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-561-1595 or www.1000islandsgananoque.com for more information. As always, the Tourism Council can coordinate a media trip.
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What: The 1000 Islands Ag Tour
Where: Throughout Jefferson County, NY
How much: Free! Exclusive discounts, as well.
The story: The Ag Tour was unveiled in 2009 as a way to give visitors a free, self-guided, first-hand look at farms, wineries and crop stands that dot the 1000 Islands region. An audio tour (315-221-5104) gives two-minute overviews of each of the 18 participating farms and encourages visitors to stop by and learn more. Colorful owners - including military veterans who fell in love with the area and opened wineries and petting zoos - make for a great story and alpacas, goats and pigs provide lively, interactive images. Farmers use the tour as a revenue-generator, offering discounts and deals to Ag Tour visitors. It's a perfect way to feature cheap attractions and an innovative agritourism project.
Go to agvisit.com for a full list of farms and contact the Tourism Council at 1-800-847-5263 to arrange a media tour.
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