The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has begun its efforts to assist local businesses, communities, residents, and visitors in planning for the solar eclipse, taking place next April. The Adirondack region anticipates increased visitation leading up to this celestial event. Solar eclipses have proven to be a significant draw for visitors who travel to experience being in its “path of totality.” During the afternoon of April 8, 2024, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun and creating a shadow over much of the Adirondacks. Most of the region will be in this “path of totality” meaning that the most significant part of the moon’s umbra, or shadow, will be directly over the region, plunging it into darkness during the normally bright afternoon hours. ROOST’s solar eclipse planning includes a public meeting for businesses, communities, and local residents. ROOST is also developing a business resource toolkit with eclipse-related information and materials for local businesses and community members. A new website has also been created to share eclipse-related information with people who plan to visit the region during the eclipse; or for those who would like to learn more about viewing the eclipse locally. The public meeting will take place on May 10 at 5:30 p.m., and will provide information about various aspects of eclipse planning for businesses and communities. Meeting organizers will discuss the impact that a solar eclipse can have on a region, along with considerations for businesses and communities. The meeting will take place via Zoom and will be open to all business owners, town officials, community-based organizations and residents. Advance registration can be found at ROOSTAdk.com/eclipse2024. According to ROOST Director of Marketing Michelle Clement, the Adirondack region is within a day’s drive for 25 percent of the entire North American population. As a result, it is expected that many will visit the region, hoping to experience the total solar eclipse in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, with its open vistas and clear skies. “Preparing for an influx of solar eclipse enthusiasts is important, especially during what is typically one of the quieter times of year in our communities,” she said. “ROOST is being thoughtful about planning and ensuring that we are helping our businesses, attractions, and towns maximize this opportunity.” In preparation for the public meeting, ROOST has designed a brief survey to assess plans that businesses and community organizations are considering, and to learn about additional guidance that businesses and organizations may require. It is also geared to learn what businesses may not be open for business during the 2024 eclipse so that plans can be made accordingly. The survey is currently open to all Adirondack region businesses and communities, and can be accessed at ROOSTAdk.com/eclipse2024. ROOST has also developed a website that shares specific information about viewing the solar eclipse from the Adirondacks. 2024-eclipse.com features a countdown clock, background information about the eclipse, a map showcasing the path of totality, frequently asked questions, and information about events in the region. The website will be updated with additional information as it becomes available throughout the year. Local businesses and communities are encouraged to share the website with residents, visitors, and potential visitors to the region. “Beginning these conversations early will allow the Adirondack region to be as prepared as possible for the unprecedented April event. Throughout the year we will be working with our communities, local organizations, and business owners to put plans in place,” commented Clement. 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

The Adirondack region of upstate New York is preparing for increased visitation leading up to and during the total solar eclipse taking place on April 8, 2024. As part of the preparation, the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has developed a website that shares specific information leading up to and during the celestial event. 2024-eclipse.com features a countdown clock, background information about the eclipse, a map showcasing the path of totality, frequently asked questions, and information about events in the region. The website will be updated frequently with additional information, business materials, news, and plans for local events and activities. User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Designer Emilee Hazelden explained that the site has been designed to be user-friendly so that users can easily access the information when planning their visit. “We are excited that most of the Adirondacks will be in the path of totality, and we are confident that this site will help guide anyone to the Adirondacks who is looking for the ultimate viewing experience.” Solar eclipses have proven to be a significant draw for visitors who travel so that they can experience being in the “path of totality.” During the afternoon of April 8, 2024, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, blocking the face of the sun and creating a shadow over much of the Adirondacks. Most of the Adirondack region will be in the “path of totality” meaning that the most significant part of the moon’s umbra, or shadow, will be directly over the region, plunging it into darkness during the normally bright afternoon hours. The Adirondack Mountains offers some of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation in a beautiful, natural setting; it is within a day’s drive for 25% of the entire North American population, making it an easy vacation destination. It is anticipated that, due to ease of travel to the region, its open spaces, expansive vistas and unobstructed views of the sky, many people will choose to travel to the region ahead of the eclipse. In anticipation of increased travel, local businesses, attractions and communities are beginning to plan events, determining optimal places for viewing, and establishing various activities throughout the region. 2024-eclipse.com will serve as a central location for sharing information about these activities and events, as businesses, attractions and communities prepare. Visitors, potential visitors and those interested in learning more about the solar eclipse are encouraged to refer to the site ahead of their visit. According to ROOST Director of Digital Strategy Jasen Lawrence, preparing for the eclipse is imperative. “ROOST encourages vacation opportunities in the Adirondacks throughout the year, and certainly during interesting and unique events,” he said. “The website will help to ensure that visitors to the region during the eclipse have all the information that they need, while also assisting our local communities plan their eclipse-related events and share them with the public. The website is an important tool for information distribution, event planning, sharing ideas, communicating with visitors, and offering resources.” Hazelden echoed those sentiments, adding that the website’s design needed to account for different types of users. “We took so many things into account with its design, making certain that it shares a wide range of information,” she said. “Over the next year, we will add additional information as it becomes available. This is expected to be a very dynamic website that people can use to help plan for their business, their community, or their Adirondack eclipse adventure.” 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

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