Oktoberfest - It's Wunderbar!

The 17th annual Oktoberfest takes place October 4 & 5 at the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center in Wilmington. It's always a fun time, so come out and enjoy the music, dancing, German food, craft vendors, rides and kids activities. There may also be some beer available (!)

Admission is $14 per adult and $7 per junior/senior. Gondola rides are available at a discounted rate of $8 per person.

For more information and to see the full schedule of activities, click here. Or call Whiteface Mountain at (518) 946-2223.

To find places to stay close to the mountain, click here.

Here Comes Autumn

The end of the summer season is here and the weather is very summer-like (yeah!). But . . evidence of the coming Fall season is apparent. The leaves are definitely beginning to change, and as nice as the days have been recently, there has been a bit of a chill in the air at night. Great camping weather!

We celebrate the coming of the Fall season with the annual Festival of the Colors. This year the festival will be held on Saturday, September 13 in Wilmington at the field on Springfield Road (just off Route 86). It's a new location this year because the festival has grown and a larger space is needed. Each year local artists and craftsmen exhibit their work, and locally grown produce will be available.

New this year is a live children's comedy performance by "Pipsqueak" the clown and her assistants. Back again is local blues band Zip City. Be sure you don't miss the Pie Baking Contest, tug of war with local teams, art demonstrations, BBQ and children's activities. Admission is free.

Later in the season, Oktoberfest returns to Whiteface Mountain on October 4 & 5.

For more information, contact the Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau at (888) 944-8332.

Wilmington Town Wide Yard Sale Aug. 16

Wilmington's 13th Annual Town Wide Yard Sale is on Saturday, August 16.

Residents from all around town will be participating. You can get a map of the official locations at any of the yard sale locations as well as area businesses. You may even find a few "unofficial" locations not on the map. It's always a fun day. Let's hope Mother Nature will be kind!

Jay Artists Studio Tour - Saturday, July 26

The annual Jay Studio Tour (in Jay, New York) is scheduled for Saturday, July 26 from 10am to 6pm. You can visit the showrooms and workplaces of at least 12 artists to view their works and discuss their techniques.

Each studio will have a map of all the participating studios, or you can visit www.jaystudiotour.com for a copy of the map and more information.

Summer Concert Series Begins

On Thursday, July 3, the first summer concert at the beach kicks off at 6:30pm with a performance by the Celtic dance band, Inisheer. Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy the extended swimming hours at the Wilmington Town Beach, located on Bowman Lane just off Route 86 (look for the Lake Everest sign). Concerts are scheduled every Thursday in July and August. For a list of the concert schedule, click here.

On Saturday, July 5, the first JEMS summer concert takes place on the Village Green in Jay at 6:30pm with a performance by The Bill Stokes Ensemble, featuring dynamic swing music, standards and jazz. A different band or performer is scheduled every Saturday evening in July and August. For a full list of the JEMS series schedule, click here.

UPHILL RACE RESULTS ARE IN!

On Sunday, June 15, about 250 bicyclists pedaled their way 8 miles up to the top of Whiteface Mountain. Two weeks prior, many tried it on foot. Some participants tried both races.

Congratulations to super couple Robert Dunkin Douglas and Kim Douglas, of Honeoye Falls, New York, for being crowned this year's King and Queen of the Mountain. Robert posted the best overall combined times for both races, coming in first in the Foot Race and third in the Bike Race. Kim posted the best combined times in the women's division.

For all uphill bike race results and combined race results, visit click here.

For uphill foot race results, click here.

June is Race Month

The Whiteface Region is gearing up for a variety of races in the month of June.

First up is the annual Uphill Foot Race on Sunday, June 1, followed by the Uphill Bike Race on June 14. Both races follow Veterans Memorial Highway 8 miles up to the top of Whiteface Mountain - at an 8% grade.

On June 21, it's the first annual Wilmington/Whiteface Road Race, a US Cycling Federation-sanctioned event.

For more information visit www.whitefacenewyork.com or call the Visitors Bureau toll free at (888) 944-8332.

1st Annual Wilmington-Whiteface Road Race

Team Placid Planet announces its first annual Wilmington-Whiteface Road Race on June 21. This is a us Cycling Federation-sanctioned cycling event that will offer a variety of distances for racers ranging from Cub Junior level boys and girls (age 10-12 and 13-14) to the top men’s and women’s field of professionals and elite amateurs, and including men and women of all ages. Recreational cyclists of all ages who like to go fast and have thought of racing are encouraged to take part. The race course will be a challenge for all, with the final uphill climb to the finish line on one of the Adirondack Park’s most scenic peaks. Not only will racers be able to boast about riding an inaugural event, but they will be the first to take on the challenge of our local backroad racecourse and its exciting, roller-coaster-like terrain.

For more information, call Jim Walker at (518) 873-2413 (before 9pm). Or visit www.teamplacidplanet.org. You can also register online at www.bikereg.com.

Two-Fly Challenge Coming Up

Calling all fishermen! There's still time to sign up for the annual Ausable River Two-Fly Challenge, to be held Saturday, May 17 in Wilmington. Call the visitors bureau at 1-888-944-8332 or visit their fishing website at www.ausableflyfishing.com.

A kid's fishing derby will also be held at Steven's Pond (located next to the Toll House on Veteran's Memorial Highway, Route 431) from 9am-12noon.

Got Coffee?

The visitors bureau has recently developed its own blend of coffee which is available for purchase. Whiteface Mountain Sunrise Blend (regular and decaf) is a fair trade, organic blend that was developed specifically for the visitors bureau by Adirondack Coffee Roasters of Peru, New York, one of our newest members.

The ground coffee is available at the information center in small one-pot bags as well as larger bags, in addition to bags of whole beans you can grind yourself. The cost is $10.00 for a 12 oz. bag and $2 for a 2oz. (one pot) bag. Discounted prices are offered to visitor bureau members.

So if you drink coffee, why not drink coffee and support the visitors bureau at the same time?

Spring Awakenings

Spring has sprung! The trees and flowers are starting to bloom, and various attractions that typically close for the winter are starting to open again. Here's a brief listing of some area attractions that will be opening soon:

High Falls Gorge - now open

Bedore's Flea Market - May 3

Putt N Play Mini Golf - May 15

Ausable Chasm - May 16

Whiteface Mountain Memorial Highway - May 17

Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain - June 20

Mountain Biking at Whiteface - June 22

Santa's Workshop - June 28

For more information, contact the Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau toll free at (888) 944-8332.

Historic Iron Mine Tour - Saturday, May 3

The Wilmington Historical Society presents its annual "Stephenson Range Historic Iron Mine Tour" on Saturday, May 3. Join licensed guide, Guy Stephenson at 9am for a 4 mile hike to the mine.

The tour requires a fair amount of walking and exertion as it is a moderate to strenuous hike. Be sure you are physically able to participate in the outing as described and dress appropriately and prepare for variable conditions. The hike will take approximately 5 hours and will be held rain or shine. Bring your own lunch or snacks plus water or other beverages.

Details about where to meet will be explained when reservations are made. The guide fee is $15 for Wilmington Historical Society members and $20 for non-members. Advance registration is required and payment is due at time of registration. Space is limited.

To make reservations, call Guy Stephenson at (518) 946-2318. Payments should be mailed to Wilmington Historical Society, PO Box 174, Wilmington, NY 12997.

Not a member? Consider joining the Wilmington Historical Society. Click here for a membership application.

JEMS Saturday Artists

The JEMS Saturday Artists Workshops continue at the new Amos & Julia Ward Theatre in Jay.

The next workshop is Adirondack Pack Baskets schedule for May 3. All workshops are open to the public. A participation fee and materials fee apply and vary with each workshop.

For more information, visit the JEMS website at www.jemsgroup.com or call them at (518) 946-7362.

New York's Best Kept Secret: Wilmington

We all know people have heard about Lake Placid, host of not one but two Winter Olympic Games. And since Whiteface Mountain was the site of the 1980 downhill ski events and continues to be a world-class mountain, it is also associated with Lake Placid.

But Whiteface Mountain is actually located in the town of Wilmington, ten miles outside of Lake Placid. And for many people who stay in Lake Placid and don’t go beyond the mountain, they miss out on some of the great features of Wilmington. That’s why we consider it New York’s Best Kept Secret. Some of our little-known treasures include:

Lake Everest - a fabulous little sandy beach on the Ausable River with a playground, picnic area, fishing access, lifeguards in July & August, and live concerts every Thursday evening in the summer.

Skate Board Park and Ice Rink – located next to the Youth Center on Park Lane, the skate board park is great for kids in the summer, and in the winter it becomes a free outdoor ice rink. Works are underway to improve the skate board park to make it even better. Also next to the skate board park is a great playground.

Veterans Memorial Highway – also known as Whiteface Mountain Highway, is not actually a highway but a scenic, winding road that takes you to the top of Whiteface Mountain. Most people are familiar with the Cloudsplitter Gondola at the ski center, which takes you to the top of Little Whiteface. But if you want an unobstructed, panoramic view of the Adirondacks, go 3 miles past the ski center and make a left turn to drive up to the top of (big) Whiteface (admission charged). Elevation is 4,867 feet and on a clear day you can see forever. Did you know Whiteface Mountain is the 5^th highest mountain in the Adirondacks and the highest mountain in the park (and in the state) that you can drive to?

Events – the Two-Fly Challenge in May, the Uphill Foot Race and Uphill Bike Race in June, Ironman Competition in July, Town Wide Yard Sale in August, Free Summer Concerts at the Beach, the Festival of the Colors in September. These are just some of the events and activities you can experience here throughout the year.

Lots of conveniences – many people who have not visited Wilmington are under the impression that there is not much here. Yes, it is a quaint, somewhat quiet town, but that’s part of the attraction. And we have a little bit of everything you need, including more than 7 restaurants, over 13 motels and inns, several campgrounds, tons of vacation rental properties, several shops, 4 churches, a miniature golf course, a library, and even a gas station. What we don’t have are traffic lights and parking meters, but we think you can get by without these modern devices.

These are just some of the gems here in Wilmington. If you’re planning a trip to the Adirondacks, be sure to take some time to visit us to see what you’re missing. While in town, be sure to stop in at the Visitor Information Center at 5753 Route 86 (located between the Methodist Church and the Library), or visit them online at www.whitefacenewyork.com.

Skiing Continues at Whiteface thru April 20!

Old Man Winter is hanging on at Whiteface Mountain. The ski center is able to stay open a little longer than usual this year, so skiing will continue Wednesday, April 16 through Sunday, April 20.

The annual Pond-Skimming contest was postponed from last week due to icky weather and will now take place this Saturday, April 19. Register at the Guest Services desk before 11am if you want to get in on all the silly action, which gets underway at 12noon.

BIG SALE! April 9 & 12

If you love a bargain and haven't visited the Riverside Thrift Shop, you don't know what you're missing. Clothing, shoes, furniture, kitchen items, books and much more at great prices. Take advantage of their Big Sale on Wednesday, April 9 and Saturday, April 12 from 9am-2pm. Fill a 13-gallon bag for only $5.

The Riverside Thrift Shop is operated by the Whiteface Community United Methodist and is located behind the church at the corner of Route 86 and Haselton Road.

Ski Passes for 2008-2009 Available March 28

Season passes for skiing at Whiteface Mountain next winter will go on sale March 28. A non-holiday pass starts at $399 for adults if purchased by May 28. A full season pass (including holidays) is $690 if purchased by July 11.

There are all sorts of programs and add-ons available as well. Call Whiteface Mountain for all the details (518) 946-2223.

JEMS Events

On Friday evening, March 28, the Jay Entertainment and Music Society (JEMS) presents Crossing North: Uncontrived Acoustic Music with a Spare Sweet Sound. At 7:00pm the Covered Bridge Coffee House located inside the new Amos and Julia Ward Theatre (town of Jay, at the Village Green - Route 9N at Route 86 intersection). Admission $5.

On April 18, it's Karen Glass & Too Human: Stories , Jazz, Swing and Food!

For more information and other upcoming performances, call JEMS at (518) 946-7963.

Fishing Season Almost Here!

Happy Last Day of Winter! It's time to think Spring, and here in the Wilmington/Whiteface Region, Spring means Fly Fishing. The legendary Ausable River provides some of the best fly fishing in the northeast.

On Saturday, May 17, the Annual Two-Fly Challenge will be held in Wilmington. Coupled with the myriad natural wonders of the Adirondacks, the Ausable and its productive pocket water offer the solitude and challenge no fly fisher can resist. Each year this event attracts fishermen from all over the country.

Register online at Active.com or visit the Visitors Bureau's Ausable Fly Fishing website. You can also call the Visitors Bureau toll free at 1-888-944-8332.

For expert information about fly fishing, contact the Adirondack Sport Shop at (518) 946-2605 or the TCO Fly Shop at the Hungry Trout (518-946-2117).

Awards Presented to Some Local Favorites

For those of you who know anything about fly fishing, you may have heard of Francis Betters, especially if you have fished the Ausable River here in Wimington. Fran is world-renowned for his knowledge on fly fishing as well as some of the flies he has designed, particularly the Ausable Wulff. Fran has also authored many books on fly fishing and fly tying and has attracted fisherman from all over the world to his Adirondack Sport Shop for many years.

On Tuesday, March 11, Fran Betters was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau. Fly fishing has been one of the region's greatest tourism attractions, and Fran's enthusiasm and dedication to the sport has been a big reason why.

On the same evening, Mary Preston was named Wilmington's Citizen of the Year. In addition to the community service she has provided over many years, Mary is also a great asset to the Visitors Bureau. On most peak summer and fall weekends, you can find Mary at the information center helping visitors and answering their questions. Anyone who has ever met Mary considers her an absolute delight, and the Visitors Bureau thanks her for all her efforts!

Photos courtesy of Al Armstrong

Spring Skiing at Whiteface Mountain

Spring is almost here (and most of us can't wait!). Although it has been a long and snowy winter, this has meant a tremendous ski season at Whiteface Mountain. There's still plenty of snow on the ground and probably more snow will fall before it's all said and done. So come on out and enjoy Spring Skiing at Whiteface Mountain.

Starting March 18, the lift ticket rates drop to $50 per adult per day (even less for kids, teens and seniors). Most lodging properties in the town of Wilmington (the town at the base of the mountain) offer stay and ski packages that provide even greater bargains. Just visit http://www.whitefacenewyork.com/ and click on the Packages and Hot Deals button.

Welcome to our new blog!

This is the first posting for the new blog created by the Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau. We hope this site helps visitors and residents keep informed of what's going on in the Whiteface Region, including the towns of Wilmington, Jay, Lake Placid and the surrounding areas.

First of all, we hope you check out our new website, www.whitefacenewyork.com. Although it was launched just under a year ago, it is a completely new website and web address from what we had been using previously (which still exists at www.whitefaceregion.com), so we are still getting the word out about the new site.

Check out the new site for information on lodging, dining, activities, events and more in the Wilmington/Whiteface region.