News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, July 11, 2015
Contact: Emily Palumbos, (315) 781-2030
There Are Many Ways To Have Fun This Summer In The Finger Lakes- All Within A Day's Drive
Legislative column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

Why go away for vacation when you could "staycation" in your hometown in the Finger Lakes? The Finger Lakes Region offers an abundance of natural beauty and plenty of family-oriented activities.

Between the attractions, entertainment and outdoor fun, it's no surprise that Conde Nast Traveler has ranked the Finger Lakes Region as one of the top lake vacations spots in the US. The website highlights the region's dozen lakes and surrounding attributes, including over 100 wineries and several historic museums.

If you're looking to take your family away for a few days, or just need a way to spend your Saturday, the Finger Lakes have plenty to offer for family fun. We all know how difficult it can be to keep the kids from boredom while on summer vacation, so invest some time in rediscovering the beauty that's right outside your front door. Need inspiration? Check out all of the events, attractions and outdoor fun at http://iloveny.com/summer/finger-lakes.

LETCHWORTH - THE GRAND CANYON OF THE EAST

If you are looking for something more adventurous or if you want to see some of the most magnificent scenery in the US, I recommend visiting Letchworth State Park. Along the Genesee River, Letchworth is a multi-faceted park that offers a wide variety of activities. Hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting and hot air ballooning are just a few ways to enjoy this local state park.

A TREAT FOR THE ADULTS

Wine and cheese is one pair that belongs together, and the Finger Lakes Region is a great place to find the dynamic duo. The award-winning vineyards surrounding Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca Lakes make up the Finger Lake Wine Trails. Each one offers exciting wine and food pairing events throughout the summertime. The Finger Lakes Cheese Trail showcases local artisan cheese makers and their delicious locally-produced cheeses as well.

TO HELP PLAN YOUR STAYCATION

Start planning by visiting http://fingerlakestravelny.com. Here you can pick and choose dates, locations, and find what most interests you. This website is also a great place to learn about the Finger Lakes regional history and everything it has to offer. If you would like to expand your vacation options to the entire state, visit http://iloveny.com.

TOURISM HELPS CREATE JOBS, SUPPORTS ECONOMY

Spending time in the Finger Lakes with your family will allow you to soak in all the beautiful scenery of the region, and it will also help the local economy. Every dollar spent staycationing - or vacationing for those outside the area - helps to support and preserve the natural wonder and beauty of the Finger Lakes Region, which truly is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Tourism accounts for tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity each year. By investing in the area, employment and revenue will increase, each with substantial benefits to the rest of the region. I hope you all have a chance to enjoy the bountiful recreational opportunities in the Finger Lakes this summer.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.