The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is offering a destination optimization program to assist local businesses with improving their web-based content, so that consumers can easily access their business information online. The destination optimization program comprises two free virtual workshops, taking place on April 26 and May 17. Morning and afternoon sessions of each workshop are available. Businesses and attractions can register for the workshops at ROOSTadk.com/business-workshops. The April 26 workshop will address fundamentals of Google profiles, discussing the importance of a business’ Google profile and providing an overview of the tools available to assist businesses. It will also focus on the importance of maintaining business profiles and ensuring that the information remains current. On May 17, the workshop will assist attendees with maximizing their business’ exposure. Topics will include responding to customer questions, posting updates, responding to reviews and understanding Google Insights data to help guide their efforts. According to Jasen Lawrence, director of digital strategy at ROOST, hosting business improvement workshops is one way in which ROOST supports local business, while also ensuring that visitors to the region can easily access local information. “A business' Google profile is a significant source of online exposure and can often be the first impression that a business makes, long before a visitor arrives,” he said. “These workshops will help businesses and attractions ensure that their online information is clear and easy to find which can be especially important for travelers as they are often somewhat unfamiliar with the area.” The destination optimization workshops are offered in conjunction with Miles Partnership, a strategic marketing company focused exclusively on travel and tourism. Miles Partnership works with destinations and hospitality industry businesses around the world; this work led to the development of its destination optimization program, assisting businesses with maximizing the potential of the Google Business Profile platform. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com Learn More & Register

Residents are encouraged to plan for the 2023 Great Adirondack Garage Sale, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. The annual event takes place throughout communities along a 200-mile route, along NYS 28, 30 and 3. The annual event has become a popular kick-off to the summer season, with residents and visitors embracing the opportunity to buy and sell unique household items, gently used home furnishings and quirky treasures. According to Katie LaLonde, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Hamilton County and Tupper Lake marketing manager, those interested in participating are encouraged to visit GreatAdirondackGarageSale.com for more information and to register individual sale locations. “Signing up for the event is free, and we are encouraging everyone to ensure that their sale is listed on the map,” she said. The interactive website indicates each garage sale location and allows sellers to list items along with photos. The Great Adirondack Garage Sale takes place each Memorial Day weekend, as visitors return to the region and homeowners have had time to clean out their homes throughout the winter months. “We know that home and camp owners throughout the region often take advantage of this fantastic spring cleaning opportunity,” laughed LaLonde. “It is the best way to reduce, reuse and recycle.” The Great Adirondack Garage Sale route meanders through the communities of Old Forge, Inlet, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Tupper Lake, Cranberry Lake, Piercefield, Wanakena, Newcomb, and Speculator, with additional stops at small hamlets and rural locations in-between. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-578-6328 (cell)​​​​​​​jane@roostadk.com

The Ausable Two-Fly Challenge will bring more than 100 anglers to the Adirondack region of upstate New York from May 18-20. Organizers are encouraging those who’d like to take part to register early, as the event is quickly rebounding to pre-pandemic levels Once again, the event will take place along the West Branch Ausable River, stretching from Lake Placid to Wilmington; a river that is world-renowned among fly fishing enthusiasts. The Ausable Two-Fly Challenge promises some of the best fishing in the region with four competitive categories: junior, men, women and professional. The premise of the two-fly challenge is that anglers must catch fish within the catch-and-release section of the Ausable River, using only two flies each day. The 3-day event begins with a kickoff celebration at the town beach on Thursday evening where participants can meet, share stories and discuss tournament strategy. The kickoff event will feature local music, a bonfire, food trucks and beverages. Participants are also invited to a fly tier’s reception Friday evening at Rudy's Scar Bar and Grille. The weekend wraps up Saturday evening with a banquet at the Hungry Trout, complete with prizes, raffles, and awards. Two-fly challenge participants must fish with a partner, record the total number of fish caught, the length of each, and the cumulative number of inches. Only fish handled by the angler and successfully released will count toward the participant’s total score. The winner is determined by the highest cumulative length of fish caught. Official rules will be sent with registration confirmations. According to Michelle Preston, director of the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau, the Ausable Two-Fly Challenge brings anglers from across the nation to the region. “This event has grown so much over the years,” she commented. “It has served to elevate the Ausable River’s west branch with anglers. They enjoy being able to take part in this event year after year and feel good knowing that their participation benefits local sustainability efforts.” The Ausable River is known for its diversity, luring anglers from across North America to explore its renowned West Branch. The river holds vast amounts of oxygen supplied by cold water tumbling over the rocks and boulders, which also provide plenty of hiding places, food and resting spots. The river is famous for the large amount of pocket water, where the best trout often live. The river also harbors slower sections that are deep and cool with undercut banks. Anglers can learn more and register for the event at AusableFlyFishing.com. Proceeds benefit conservation efforts in the region; raising money and supporting non-profits that work to educate, preserve the river’s ecosystem, and monitor its health. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office Of Sustainable Tourism518.621.3662 or 518.578.6328 | jane@roostadk.com

​The Whiteface Mountain region of upstate New York is gearing up to host a series of race events this June. The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike and Foot races, along with the Wilmington Whiteface mountain bike race, take place in early June. The Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run takes place a few weeks later, closer to the end of the month. According to Michelle Preston, director of the Whiteface Visitors Bureau, the events entice participants from throughout the Northeast who love the region’s natural beauty and challenging courses. “We are so excited to host these events again this year,” she said. “The races provide an opportunity to showcase the area's rugged backcountry terrain, beautiful scenery, and abundant forests, allowing participants to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the great outdoors while participating in a sport they love.” The events kick off with the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race and Uphill Foot Race on Saturday, June 3, at 5:30 p.m. The two races begin in downtown Wilmington and end at the summit of Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-highest peak in the Adirondacks. The uphill course covers eight miles along the mountain's Veterans’ Memorial Highway, featuring an eight percent grade from base to summit, an awe-inspiring view along the route and 360-degree views from the top. The bike race begins at the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau, while the runners begin a short distance away, at the intersection of highways of 86 and 431. Finish lines for both uphill races are in exactly the same place, near the summit. The uphill bike race will welcome more than 200 riders from across the Northeast, Southern Ontario and Quebec. Spectators can count on at least a couple of riders who add to the challenge by completing the race on unicycles. Interested bike race participants can learn more by visiting whitefacerace.com/bike. After a multiple-year hiatus, the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Foot Race will take place at the same time as the bike race; re-organized in response to public demand by those who have competed in the past. Race organizers encourage runners to utilize the clothing transportation option - participants are able to place a backpack with warm clothes into the bed of a pickup truck that brings those items to the summit, as temperatures can be 20-30 degrees cooler at the finish line. Those interested in registering or learning more about the uphill foot race are encouraged to visit whitefacerace.com/run. The Wilmington Whiteface 100K and 50K Mountain Bike race returns on Sunday, June 4, at 7:00 a.m. The course features a mix of rugged backcountry roads, stretches of smooth singletrack, and plenty of climbing, making it a challenge for mountain bike enthusiasts. The race begins in Wilmington, traversing the well-known backcountry route to Elizabethtown, another mountain bike center within the Adirondack region of upstate New York. All participants will receive a post-race meal, finisher medal, and athlete gift. Aid stations will be located along the course, offering energy hydration, water, fruit, and light snacks. Additional information can be found at wilmingtonmtb.com. The 6th annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run will return to the region later in the month. This fundraiser, benefitting the Wilmington Historical Society's building fund, features a 5K and 10K race. The event will begin at Preston Field in Wilmington on Saturday, June 17. Whiskey Run participants can take part in the races and enjoy a fun festival that includes whiskey tastings and food, history displays, music, craft vendors, raffles, and entertainment. Those interested in registering for the race or learning more about the festival should visit adkwhiskeyrun.com. The Whiteface Mountain region race events are perfect for those who love outdoor adventures and want to challenge themselves. Registration is currently open for all events. To learn more about each race and to register, visit whitefaceregion.com or call the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau at 518-946-2255. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

The 2023 Great Adirondack Garage Sale will take place on Memorial Day weekend, May 26 - 28, within the Adirondack region of upstate New York. The event takes place throughout communities along a 200-mile trail, along NYS routes 28, 30 and 3. The annual event has become a popular kick-off to the summer season, with residents and visitors embracing the opportunity to buy and sell unique household items, gently used home furnishings and quirky treasures. According to Katie LaLonde, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Hamilton County and Tupper Lake marketing manager, the popular event appeals to people from within the local communities, as well as from outside the region. “This regional garage sale brings people to the region from locations throughout the northeast, with some planning a trip to the Adirondack region to take advantage of the event," she said. The Great Adirondack Garage Sale route meanders through the communities of Old Forge, Inlet, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Tupper Lake, Cranberry Lake, Piercefield, Wanakena, Newcomb, and Speculator, with additional stops at small hamlets and rural locations in-between. LaLonde explained about visitors’ love for the region. “People visit the Hamilton County and Tupper Lake region for its big outdoor experiences, but also to visit the region’s small towns. During the Great Adirondack Garage Sale, visitors can also take part in an activity that really puts them in touch with local communities. These unique small towns are packed with character, and this event will most certainly showcase that,” she laughed. The garage sale route can be easily followed by using one of the printed maps available within each community. The event website, GreatAdirondackGarageSale.com, also includes an interactive map that showcases sale locations. Each listing includes information about available items, entered by the seller. Those wishing to add details about their garage sale can also use the event website; using the “add your sale” section.The listing is free. This regional garage sale originated in 2010 when the community of Long Lake coordinated its efforts with Old Forge, Inlet, and Indian Lake to promote 70 miles of garage sales. Hamilton County and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism eventually expanded and promoted the event. Contact Katie LaLonde at katie@roostadk.com to learn more about the event. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Hamilton and Essex counties, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com