BfloGirlTravel: Lake Erie Wine Country

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Jonnymccullagh

Lake Erie Wine Country, along the southern shore of Lake Erie in both Pennsylvania and New York, offers 23 unique wineries that have won hundreds of national and international wine quality awards. The wineries themselves have been evolving over the past few years to include other agricultural beverages such as distilled spirits, hard ciders, and microbrews.

“Some of our wineries now provide wine-by-the-glass, seating areas, beautiful gift shops, extended hours, and a great variety of entertainment,” says Lake Erie Wine Country executive director and author Julie Ellis. “On any given weekend throughout the year, visitors may find live music, vineyard walks, winemaker’s dinners, or wine and art events. We even have wineries that now provide food. That was unheard of just a few years ago.” 

Lake Erie Wine Country is a thriving destination for tourists and wine lovers, and it continues to grow.  There is proof in the fact that several wineries are expanding their production and wine tasting areas.

“Those who haven’t visited our region in the past couple of years will be pleasantly surprised to see the new facilities, events, beverages, and wine offerings.” said Ellis.

Lake Erie Wine Country’s 23 wineries are wrapping up their grape harvest and preparing for two Harvest Celebration Weekends, Friday through Sunday, November 4-6 and November 11-13. Ticket holders can visit participating wineries where they can enjoy a special wine paired with a delicious “harvest” food sample. As in the past, ticket holders will also receive additional tastings, a wine glass, recipe booklet, a $5 voucher and a gift. Hours for each of the two Harvest Celebration Weekends are: Friday, noon-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ticket holders can plan their own itinerary, enjoying a self-guided tour to each winery they choose to visit. Tickets are now on sale for the Harvest Celebration Weekends at $35 per person. One ticket is needed for each weekend and is good for all three days. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as tickets are limited, and they are usually sold-out before the event begins; tickets can be purchased online at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org. Designated driver tickets are available for only $20 and include everything except wine; an alternate beverage is provided to designated drivers. The region now offers a Friday and/or Sunday only ticket for just $31.

The food and wine sample pairings for all wineries can be found at www.lakeeriewinecountry.org along with detailed information on the double-weekend event. The website also lists events all year long for all 23 wineries. Wineries are open year-around for tours and tastings.

Quotes in this piece provided by Lake Erie Wine Country.

BfloGirlTravel: Watkins Glen International – 8/7/16

NASCAR track No. 2 in a 10-day span was my “home” track, Watkins Glen International in the Finger Lakes region. The Glen on Sunday is a madhouse – tons of people all over the place, vendors, sponsor booths, driver appearances – but making it even crazier was the announcement of a new team for 2017, as Erik Jones jumps into a second car at Furniture Row Racing with 5-Hour Energy as a sponsor. Here are a few of my photos from the weekend – more can be found at paulathompsonfreelance.com and its associated Facebook page.

Ferris wheel at Toyota display 

The new No. 77 for Erik Jones and Furniture Row Racing

Martin Truex Jr.

Michael McDowell

Joey Logano and Ryan Newman

The flyover

My sentiments exactly!

Aric Almirola

Smoke

BfloGirlTravel: Pocono Raceway – 7/29-30/16

It’s been a couple of big weeks of photography for me, having visited Pocono Raceway July 29-30 and Watkins Glen International on August 7, plus throwing in a race at Lancaster National Speedway for good measure. Pocono is a trip I look forward to because you can get up close with the cars and the stars behind the wheel. Here are a few of my photos from the weekend – more can be found at paulathompsonfreelance.com and its associated Facebook page.

Chase Elliott 

Danica Patrick

Tyler Reddick and Daniel Hmeric

Kyle Busch

Ryan Newman

Tommy Baldwin

Regan Smith

AJ Allmendinger

Tony Stewart

BfloGirlTravel: Progressive Field – July 7, 2016

A number of years ago, I started going on bus trips to see my favorite MLB team, the NY Yankees, in action. My favorite place to see them – besides Yankee Stadium, of course – is Cleveland’s Progressive Field. D&F Travel puts on a great trip, complete with an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord through the middle of the seventh inning. It makes the trip worthwhile even if the Yankees don’t win…but they did, so that makes it even better!

** note – all travel was paid for by me, and all opinions are my own.**

BfloGirlTravel: Boldt, Singer Castles in the 1,000 Islands opening soon for 2016

Boldt Castle
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

The 1,000 Islands region’s two castles – Boldt Castle and Singer Castle – will both soon be open for the 2016 season.

Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region of New York (approximately four hours’ drive from Buffalo), opened to the public for the 2016 season on May 7. Constantly in a state of renovation, 2015 saw the opening of the Kitchen and Servant’s and Maid’s Dining Rooms; additional work will be done on Alster Tower and the Yacht House.

Boldt Castle will be open to visitors from May 7-June 17 from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., June 18-August 28 from 10 a.m-7:30 p.m., August 29-September 25 from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., September 26-October 10 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and October 11-16 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission to the castle is $9 for adults (13+), $6 for kids 6-12, and free for kids under 6; additional admission is needed to visit the Boldt Castle Boat House. For a list of tour boat operators offering trips to the castle, visit www.boldtcastle.com.

Singer Castle
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Singer Castle on Dark Island, once owned by the head of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, is set to open May 21. From May 21-June 27, the castle will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. From June 27-Labor Day Monday, the castle is open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last tour at 4 p.m.). After Labor Day-October 9, the castle will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Visitors can take a 45-minute guided tour of the castle, or stay in the Royal Suite, which accommodates up to six people. Singer Castle tours are $14.25 for adults, $6.25 for children 4 and over, $12.25 for military adults and $5.25 for military children; children under four are free, but must be carried by adults (no strollers). Boat transportation to the island is available at Uncle Sam Boat Tour in Alexandria Bay and Schermerhorn Harbor Shuttle in Hammond, New York. For more information on Singer Castle, visit www.singercastle.com. 

BfloGirlTravel: Jam in the Valley – June 30-July 2, 2016

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dori

One of the most popular country music festivals in the area, Jam in the Valley returns with its annual Independence Day weekend lineup of country music and fireworks at Buffalo Hill Village in Varysburg, NY. Headlining the three-day show this year: Easton Corbin, Sam Hunt, Jana Kramer and Jake Owen.

Campsites are still available – find out more here.

Tickets are already on sale, with a number of options available. A three-day general admission ticket is $109 (plus $10.50 service charge), and daily admission tickets are as follows: Thursday - $25, Friday and Saturday - $50 each day (plus $10.50 service charge each day). Reserved seating for all three days is $145 (plus $10.50 service charge), with daily reserved seating as follows: Thursday - $30, Friday and Saturday - $67.50 each day (plus $10.50 service charge each day). VIP seating for Thursday is priced at $40 (plus $10.50 service charge), and for Friday and Saturday is price at $115 each day (plus $10.50 service charge each day); three-day VIP tickets are also available. Find out more about tickets here.

The complete Colton RV main stage lineup for Jam in the Valley:

Thursday, June 30

• Dylan Jakobsen – 4:10 p.m.
• The Hootz – 5:45 p.m.
• Ray Scott – 7:15 p.m.
• Easton Corbin – 9 p.m.

Friday, July 1

• Scott and Christian – 4:10 p.m.
• Old Southern Moonshine Revival – 5:45 p.m.
• Old Dominion – 7:15 p.m.
• Sam Hunt – 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 2

• Sasha McVeigh – 2:40 p.m.
• Eric Van Houten – 4:15 p.m.
• Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys – 5:45 p.m.
• Jana Kramer – 7:15 p.m.
• Jake Owen – 9 p.m.

Get additional information on Jam in the Valley as the date gets closer at jaminthevalley.com. 

BfloGirlTravel: Ellicottville announces “Green Season” event line-up

credit: Bullpen PR

The Ellicottville Outdoor Expo, an exciting new interactive event and family experience that showcases all the area has to offer during the Green Season, will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5. The event is designed to give visitors a ‘taste test’ of the diverse activities and experiences available to them in “E-ville.”

Booths and venues will be located in and around the village and visitors will be able to try their hand at everything from soft-adventures such as local hiking and Fly Fishing 101 by Orvis to more challenging pursuits like kayaking or local mountain and road biking. They will also be able to find out more about their current interest, or discover a new passion through informative exhibits, demonstrations and discussions with experts and other sports enthusiasts, as well as take advantage of preseason sales on the latest gear and special discounts offered for future adventures.

credit: Bullpen PR

“This area is about so much more than skiing,” said Brian McFadden, executive director of the Ellicottville Chamber of Commerce. “Ellicottville and Cattaraugus County are true four-season adventure destinations and we have something for every age, interest and ability level.”

“Ellicottville is the trailhead of the Enchanted Mountains,” he continued. “Visitors can make it their home base, go off and experience incredible green season activities and then come back and enjoy the ultimate après everything - shopping, dining, nightlife and spas, as well as a fantastic line up of festivals and events in a quaint, historic setting. We have one of the best combinations of adventure, experiences and après you’ll find anywhere in the northeast and it just keeps getting better.”

Ellicottville’s Green Season festivals and events get underway in June, go into full swing during Independence Day (and Canada Day) weekend and keep going through to fall. These events include:

• June 18 - The 5^th Annual Holiday Valley Mudslide – A mud run where the emphasis really is on having FUN. There’s a 3.5 mile family friendly course or a more challenging 5.4 mile course with a bit of uphill running.
• July 1-3 - Summer Music Festival – One of the biggest and best outdoor music festivals in small town America, featuring Rusted Root Friday, July 1, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performing the tunes of your favorite heroes and villains with fireworks Saturday, July 2 and  Southern Rock legends 38 Special closing out the weekend on Sunday, July 3. Parking is free. Picnic baskets are welcome.
• July 30-31 - Jazz and Blues Weekend – A weekend-long extravaganza for Jazz and Blues aficionados. Wander through the village and choose from a variety of venues including restaurants, bars and nightclubs and street-side.
• August 13-14 - Taste of Ellicottville – Sample the best of what Ellicottville’s fine restaurants have to offer as they set up “Café Style” throughout the village. A “must” event for foodies, with so much to try for just $1 to $4 for each selection.
• September 16-18 - Rock N Roll Weekend – A great way to close out the summer season with top notch live bands performing at multiple venues throughout the village and the always popular Classic Car Show on main street Sunday, September 18 from noon-5 p.m.
• October 8-9 - Fall Festival – Ellicottville’s oldest and largest festival is a fun, family-friendly weekend featuring unique food, an Arts and Craft Show, carnival rides, live entertainment and much more.
• October 29 - EVL Half Marathon –A Hallowe’en themed event that features both a Half Marathon and a 5k through scenic, rolling rural roads. Participants are invited to run in costume and enjoy other Hallowe’en related activities, but this is by no means mandatory.

Learn more about Ellicottville’s events and activities at www.ellicottvilleny.com.

credit: Bullpen PR

Quotes and information in this piece provided by Bullpen PR.

BfloGirlTravel: 2016 sports bus trips with Know How Tours

Visit Watkins Glen International with Know How Tours
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Know How Tours is offering a number of sports bus tours for the 2016 season, including trips to three baseball stadiums and a NASCAR race.

• Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays – on Saturday, April 9, head across the border to catch the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays in a 1:07 p.m. game. Cost is $115 per person and includes round-trip motorcoach and ticket to the game.
• Los Angeles Angels at Pittsburgh Pirates – on Saturday, June 4, the Angels visit Pittsburgh for a 4 p.m. game. This package – cost is $129 per person – includes round-trip motorcoach, ticket to the game in section 204 and an all-you-can-eat package with hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, peanuts and more.
• New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians – on Sunday, July 10, the Yankees and Indians match up for the final game of a four-game stand at 1:10 p.m. Cost is $135 per person and includes round-trip motorcoach, ticket to the game and an all-you-can-eat package with hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, peanuts and Pepsi products.
• Cheez-It 355 @ The Glen – NASCAR visits the Finger Lakes region on Sunday, August 7. Cost is $125 per person adult and $95 per person child 19 and under, and includes round-trip motorcoach, frontstretch grandstand seating and the pre-race Fan Walk ticket.
• New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays – on Saturday, September 25, cross the border to catch the Yankees and Blue Jays in a 1:07 p.m. game. Cost is $115 per person and includes round-trip motorcoach and ticket to the game.

BfloGirlTravel: 2016 sports bus trips with D&F Travel

The view from the "suite" seats in Cleveland - 2015
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

D&F Travel doesn’t specialize in sports bus trips, but it does know how to make each sporting adventure a great one. Here are some of this year’s trips for sports fans:

• New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays – there are two dates for fans on this one – Thursday, April 14 (7:07 p.m. game) and Saturday, September 24 (1:07 p.m. game). Each trip is $99 per person and includes round-trip motorcoach and ticket to the game.
• New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians – catch one or all four games in this series, with trips scheduled for July 7, 8, 9 and 10 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) to Progressive Field. These trips include round-trip motorcoach, “suite” seat to the game and all-you-can-eat food and non-alcohol beverages until the middle of the 7^th inning – this is a great deal at $130 per person! (I’ve done this trip the last two seasons – great seats and lots of great ballpark food and more!)
• Cheez-It 355 @ The Glen – NASCAR visits the Finger Lakes region for one of two annual road course races on the Sprint Cup Series schedule on Sunday, August 7. Cost is $125 per person and includes round-trip motorcoach, grandstand seating and the pre-race Fan Walk ticket. 

BfloGirlTravel: 2016 Buffalo bus trips with Know How Tours

Fontana Boathouse
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Know How Tours is another great company to travel with by bus, and in 2016 a few of their day trips will be focused on Buffalo. Here’s a quick look at each:

• Buffalo’s Outer Harbor – on Thursday, June 30, explore the great outdoors with visits to Tifft Nature Preserve, Wilkeson Point and Buffalo Light House Park, lunch at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery and a visit to Flying Bison Craft Brewery. Cost for the trip is $105.
• Buffalo – The Way You Haven’t Seen Before! – on Wednesday, July 27, start the trip at Fontana Boathouse, followed by a trip to City Hall and lunch at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery. After lunch, take a two-hour sightseeing tour with Buffalo River Historic Cruises and stop at Silo City. Cost for the trip is $109. I took this tour a couple of years ago and it’s very informative – and a camera is a must!
• Buffalo’s Happening – on Tuesday, August 16, take a guided tour of Shea’s Performing Arts Center, followed by lunch at the Hamlin House. After lunch, a guided Buffalo City Highlights tour shows off places like the medical corridor and new canal-side developments, followed by a 90-minute cruise with Grand Lady River Cruise. Cost for the trip is $109.

There are plenty of other trips offered by Know How Tours this year, including multi-day trips to New Orleans, Mackinac Island and Montreal – find out more about these and other tours at www.knowhowtours.com. 

BfloGirlTravel: 2016 Buffalo bus trips with The Way To Go Tours

HarborCenter is featured on the Best of Buffalo Tour
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

I’m a big proponent of bus trips and bus travel –it’s inexpensive, fun and someone else gets to do the driving! I’ve been to four MLB baseball stadiums, Watkins Glen International, the QVC Studio and many more places on buses, and I’m always on the lookout for new places to explore.

If you’re looking to do some local exploring this spring, The Way To Go Tours has a couple of Buffalo-based bus trips on their schedule:

• The Best of Buffalo – check out HarborCenter, Silo City and 500 Seneca, have lunch at Chef’s, take a bus tour through the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Campus and visit Blue Moon Brewery in this one-day tour on Monday, February 22. Cost for the trip is $89.
• Gourmet Buffalo at Easter – get ready for the holiday with this tour, starting at the Broadway Market and moving on to the European Sausage Shop, Nickel City Cheese, lunch at Scharf’s, D’Volio, Paula’s Donuts and Landie’s Candies. Trip takes place Wednesday, March 23 and the cost is $99.

Find out more about these and other trips, including day trips to the Lilac Festival in Rochester and Corning Museum of Glass, at thewaytogotours.com. 

Celebrate fall 2015: Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion

credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion, located at 151 Charlotte St. in Canandaigua, has a few fall-inspired events coming up before the facilities close for the season on Saturday, October 31 – take a road trip for one of these fun events.

History Symposium: Gone Fishin’ – Saturday, September 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Patricia Tice, curator of Genesee Country Village’s John L. Wehle Gallery talks about the Village’s latest exhibit, Gone Fishin’: The Artist and the Angler. Event includes lunch and park admission. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

Fall Day Car and Motorcycle Cruise – Sunday, October 4 from noon to 4 p.m. Music, food, classic cars, bikes and wine tastings are in order on this fall day. Vehicle registration is $6 per vehicle before September 30 or $12 the day of the show; registration begins at 10 a.m. Admission to the show is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (60+) and AAA members, $6 for students and military with ID and youth ages 13-17, $1 for kids 4 to 12 and free for ages 3 and under.

Fall Gardening Symposium – Saturday, October 10 features a day-long seminar with Wayne Cahilly of the New York Botanical Garden on historic landscapes around the U.S. as well as a guided tour of the Sonnenberg arboretum. Admission is $75 for Sonnenberg members, $85 for the general public.

Mansion Mysteries – Friday through Sunday, October 16-18 and Friday and Saturday, October 23-24, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 4 to 6 p.m. on October 18. Take part in a "whodunit" at Sonnenberg: guests can take part in this live-theater event by uncovering clues that will solve the mystery and bring the guilty party -or parties- to justice! Guests are welcome to attend in costume if desired. Tickets are $24 for general admission and $20 for Sonnenberg members and youths 12 to 18.

Haunted Garden Stroll – Sunday, October 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Hear strange Sonnenberg tales and encounter spooky characters during the walk. $5 per person, children under 5 free.

Find more information about these events and Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion at www.sonnenberg.org.