ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
May • 2023
EXPLOREADIRONDACKFRONTIER.COM
RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER ADVERTORIAL
Explore Adirondack Frontier: Where Mountains and Lakes Meet Downtown Charm Are you looking for an adventurefilled weekend getaway? Or a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Look no further than Explore Adirondack Frontier Region, the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts! Spending a weekend in the Adirondack Mountains has never been easier and more affordable with direct flights from JFK and Logan airports to the Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake, New York, The Capital of the Adirondacks. Franklin County, New York, is also known by its destination name, Explore Adirondack Frontier. How about taking a break from city life and exploring all that the region has to offer? Whether you're an avid golfer or just looking to unwind on the greens, the Adirondacks have something for you. Golf enthusiasts will love our four fantastic Adirondack golf courses, including the renowned Malone Golf Club, a 36-hole PGA Championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones. Booking a weekend
LC BEACH © COURTESY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
getaway may be just the breath of fresh air you need to improve your game! If you're looking to get back to nature, lace up your hiking boots and head to
Explore Adirondack Frontier, where you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in the country. With four of the 46 high peaks located in Explore Adirondack Frontier, there's no shortage
of breathtaking views and challenging climbs. But if you're not quite up for the high peaks yet, don't worry—the Tupper Triad offers a series of three hikes that are a bit easier and more relaxing. While you’re out exploring, Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) is an excellent place for family-friendly outdoor fun! The walking trails at the VIC are wellmaintained and are a great place to see local wildlife—who knows; you might even spot a moose! If the water is calling your name, we've got you covered. No need to bring your own kayak or canoe, the Saint Regis Canoe Outfitters in Saranac Lake has all the equipment you need to rent, and they'll even help you plan your paddling excursion. And with their own boat launch, it's never been easier to get out on the water and explore the beauty of the Adirondacks. When the sun sets, the fun doesn't stop! The streets of downtown Saranac Lake are flooded
with music! The Waterhole Music Lounge is one of many stops downtown that offer live entertainment with an excellent selection of pub fare to take in the local sounds! Also located downtown is the remarkable Hotel Saranac, an upscale destination all on its own. From dining at the Campfire Bar & Grill (the tableside s’mores are a must) to pampering yourself at the spa after a fun day of exploring, you’ll feel refreshed and ready for another day of adventure before heading home. We're thrilled to share the hidden gem that is Explore Adirondack Frontier with you. Whether you're looking for mountains, lakes, or downtowns, it's what we do best. So what are you waiting for? Plan your getaway today and experience all that the Adirondacks have to offer. For more ideas on how to plan your trip, visit ExploreAdirondackFrontier.com
Paint the Town Green: The Colorful Story of Santa Catarina Palopó Art and nature have long been the keys to inspiration for many. One can't help feeling recharged when looking at a picture-perfect view, and studies have shown that art decreases cortisol levels and makes people happy. Nestled on the banks of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, Santa Catarina Palopó is a small town brimming with vibrant colors and stunning natural views. Despite its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the community struggled with economic development and poverty for years until they had the opportunity to harness the power of art and transform the town. Led by a group of visionaries, Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó was born out of a desire to bring color and life to the town's façades while also providing economic opportunities for its inhabitants. The project's main goal was to paint all 960 buildings with traditional symbols and designs inspired by the huipil (blouses) woven by local women. Through this endeavor, the project aimed to
attract cultural tourism, create new jobs, and instill a sense of pride and empowerment in the community. Under the leadership of Claudia Bosch and the Casa Palopó hotel, the project took shape with the support of local authorities, volunteers, sponsors, and, most importantly, the community. The project team, including Guatemalan journalist Harris Whitbeck, his niece Melissa Whitbeck, and local designer Diego Olivero, established their headquarters in Santa Catarina Palopó and quickly got to work. The painting process was structured to ensure efficiency and community involvement. Local families were brought into the process, working with project teams to decide how their homes would be painted. The family would then help sand, clean, and prime the walls before the professional painters joined in to complete the painting process. Throughout the project, the team ensured that no family was left behind, and the professional painters
© COURTESY OF SANTA CATARINA
provided guidance and supervision to ensure that every building was exceptional. “Everything has meaning,” said Bosch, explaining that the paintings symbolize hope and progress—and how harnessing that symbolism can be transformative. The impact of Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó goes far beyond just painting buildings.
The project aimed to support children's education, strengthen family interests, and promote community development, economic development, and cleanliness within the home. With community empowerment projects and cleanup days throughout the community, the project has transformed Santa Catarina Palopó into a
cultural destination for local and international visitors to Lake Atitlán. The project's efforts have paid off, with over 800 buildings painted and several public spaces, such as the municipality, public school, and health center, among others. The project has increased cultural tourism awareness, created new jobs, and improved the overall quality of life in the community. Bosch shared that alongside this project, the community has worked to champion growing and celebrating local produce, ensuring that each house is equipped with a garden or access to a community garden space. Now, Santa Catarina Palopó is a town that has harnessed the power of art to transform the lives of residents and visitors alike. The colorful façades have become a symbol of hope and progress, inspiring other communities to embrace the magic of art in their own ways. Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó is proof that color and community can come together to create something truly magical.
ADVERTORIAL
Spring into Chenango County! In Chenango County, like the rest of Central New York, we all look forward to the change of each season, and after the long, cold winter, spring is an unparalleled favorite. The warmer weather allows us to venture into the great outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and a myriad of activities. Revel in a family adventure, explore the trail systems, and travel the picturesque roads to take in our beautiful landscape. Visit our historic spots, and take respite in quiet little pubs and restaurants. What makes us different? The outstanding beauty of our trails, the area lakes and streams, our small-town rural charm, the numerous parks, and most of all—the chance for relaxation no matter what option you choose. Throw a f ishing rod in one of our 235 miles of trout streams, 115 miles of warm water rivers, and many ponds and lakes. Or jump into the canoes and kayaks and float down the waterways of Chenango and beyond. Another of our great outdoor
assets is Bowman Lake State Park . Many visitors have described it as a camper’s paradise. Today, with 11,000 acres of State Department of Environmental Conservation forest land bordering the park, Bowman Lake retains a unique and special wilderness aspect for all to enjoy. Considered by most as a family-fun vacation spot, campers come f rom all over New York State and beyond to spend time in the woodland atmosphere and the remote 660 acres of the large, shaded campsites. Want more of our outdoors? Another outdoor destination is The Greenway River Trails, which started out as the “City of Norwich Greenbelt Park Project.” Envisioned as a public, multi-use, run-walk-bike trail system along the Chenango River within the city limits, we see it as a public destination with an overlook to sit, relax, watch the river, observe wildlife, and just enjoy the outdoors. From the Greenway River Trails, the Greenway Conservancy
group has moved to another location to expand a new outdoor arena that is in the making. What was previously coined as the “Stone Quarry” has now become a cherished recreational destination for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country s ki i n g , m o u n t a i n b i ki n g , exploration and storytelling by generations of Norwich children and families. Chenango County is in Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 7 and the Berry Hill Fire Tower is located near McDonough State Forest. The tower is open to the public year-round f rom sunrise to sunset and at an elevation of 1,960 feet, the fire tower is one of the highest points in Chenango County. We encourage you to pack a lunch and hike to the fire tower where the views are spectacular no matter what season you visit. Prefer indoor activities? They also abound here. We have the Northeast Classic Car Museum, The Chenango County Historical Museum,
FLY FISHING © COURTESY OF COMMERCE CHENANGO
art galleries, and our very own wineries and breweries that serve a myriad of craft brews and specialty wines. Regardless of the season, Chenango County has something to offer. Those of us who live here every day take for granted the beauty and attractions all around us.
Explore Chenango County
We want everyone to know how privileged we are here in Chenango County and will welcome you warmly. For ‘Everything Chenango’, go to our website – visitchenango.com, or call 607-334-1400 to get your free visitors guide.
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@CmrceChenango