The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is anticipating increased interest in stargazing among visitors to the Adirondack region of upstate New York in 2024. Public interest in astronomy post-eclipse, additional celestial events taking place throughout the year, and the region’s reputation as a prime stargazing location support the growing trend of travel to areas offering natural, starry skies and dark nights. Staggering statistics indicate that light pollution is increasing at 10 percent each year globally; and it’s estimated that eighty percent of Americans cannot see the Milky Way, due to the glow of artificial light. One way to measure the darkness of the night sky for a particular location is the Bortle Scale, a nine-level scale that quantifies light pollution with Class 9 being the most extreme amount of light pollution typically found in a big city. Most of the Adirondacks are a Class 2 on the Bortle Scale, which is described as a "typical truly dark site." The region offers minimal light pollution, relatively low humidity, and elevation – all important factors for viewing the stars. The area’s mountain tops, open fields, lakes, campgrounds and even within the area’s small towns offer prime viewing areas. The Adirondacks’ clear, dark skies, weather conditions, solitude and wide open spaces provide the perfect conditions for celestial observation. According to Jane Hooper, communications manager at ROOST, the Adirondack Park is known for its scenery, day or night. “The Adirondacks is an exceptional location for viewing the nighttime sky,” she said. “While it is known for its mountains, lakes, lush green trails and spectacular fall foliage, the nighttime sky is equally beautiful - it’s an incredible place to stargaze. Clear, cool nights offer millions of bright twinkling stars set against ink-black skies. The Adirondack region offers incredible views, day or night.” Visitors to the Adirondacks will have myriad opportunities to take part in stargazing, as a casual observer with the naked eye, with binoculars, or personal telescope. People can also visit the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, the Adirondacks’ only public astronomy-based organization for close-up views of deep space through their many high-powered professional telescopes. Its president, Seth McGowan, is also preparing for increased interest this year, with public events and viewing opportunities scheduled throughout the year. McGowan is excited about the anticipated increase in Adirondack region astrotourism. “Undoubtedly, the recent solar eclipse will lead to an increase in curiosity regarding celestial events throughout the year as it did in communities along the path of totality in 2017,” he commented. “I believe that more people will seek out opportunities for stargazing - there will be an increased interest in the Milky Way and its stars, planets, comets, and other celestial activity this year. I am thrilled to be able to provide information and assist with making the universe more accessible to our visitors.” The Adirondacks offer some of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation in a beautiful, natural setting; it is within a day’s drive for 25 percent of the entire North American population. Stargazing is certainly one of the region’s most beautiful experiences. Celestial activity in 2024 includes: Lyrids Meteor Shower - April 22 - 23Produced by dust particles from the C/1861 G1 Thatcher Comet, the Lyrid shower produces 20 meteors per hour. This annual event peaks on the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd with meteors that can produce bright trails lasting for several seconds. The full moon will likely block out all but the brightest meteors this year. Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower - May 6 - 7 The Eta Aquarid shower, produced by Halley’s Comet, is capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour in the Southern Hemisphere and 30 per hour in the north. The meteor shower will peak during the night of May 6 and the morning of May 7. The moon’s phase will offer dark skies, providing optimal viewing. Perseids Meteor Shower - August 12 - 13 The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, produced by dust from the Swift-Tuttle comet. It offers 60 bright meteors per hour, from July 17 to August 24; peaking during the night of August 11 and morning of August 12. The moon sets after midnight, creating dark conditions for viewing. Saturn - September 8The ringed planet will be at its closest to Earth on September 8; its face fully illuminated by the sun. The planet will be brighter than any other time of the year, and visible throughout the night. A medium-sized telescope will allow stargazers to see Saturn's rings and a few of its brightest moons. This will be the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons. Supermoon / partial lunar eclipse - September 18 A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through Earth's shadow, or penumbra, with a portion of it passing through the darkest shadow, or umbra. During this eclipse, part of the moon will darken as it moves through the shadow. In 2024, the September moon is considered to be a “supermoon” meaning it is closest to Earth, making it appear much larger than is typical. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of North America. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet - October 13Comet observers are hoping that this comet will be easily viewed, beginning in late September. Comets can be somewhat difficult to predict but many astronomers believe that it will become visible with the naked eye. Orionids meteor shower - October 21 - 22 The Orionids, produced by dust left behind by Halley’s Comet, produce up to 20 meteors per hour. It takes place each year throughout the month of October, peaking on the night of October 21 and the morning of October 22. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Leonids meteor shower - November 17 - 18This meteor shower takes place throughout most of November, with approximately 15 meteors per hour, resulting from the Tempel-Tuttle comet. This meteor shower is unique in that it has a cyclonic peak about every 33 years where hundreds of meteors per hour can be seen - the last peak was in 2001. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Geminids Meteor Shower - December 13 - 14The Geminids is considered to be the best meteor shower for viewing, with up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour. The meteors are produced by debris left behind by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon. The event takes place each year from early to mid-December; in 2024 it will peak during the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th. The nearly full moon will block out all but the brightest meteors this year.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has reviewed and calculated the estimated direct spend of Essex County overnight visitation during the total solar eclipse. Initial estimates are valued at more than $2.7 million. According to Mary Jane Lawrence, chief operating officer at ROOST, “This is a conservative estimate, which shows significant impact from travel to the region to witness the solar eclipse, representing an estimated $2.2 million increase over the same time period last year,” she said. ROOST has calculated $2,779,434.00 million in estimated direct spend within Essex County during the days immediately leading up to, and immediately after, the eclipse. Overnight visitation was calculated using a 95% occupancy rate at traditional lodging and short term rental properties, at an average daily rate of $258 per night, and an average stay of 2 nights. This estimate also includes in-market activity such as food, attractions, and retail expenditures based on traveler spend information from the 2023 Essex County Leisure Travel Study report. Lawrence continued, “This estimate does not include day trippers or those who stayed with family or friends, which we know to be a substantial number of visitors. This will be reflected in the county’s sales tax revenue.” Based on traffic volume, overnight visitation, the number of restaurant patrons, attraction visitors, and viewing location visitors, along with the significant amount of “day-trip” traffic on Monday, the overall number of visitors to the region was significant. Initial reports indicate that the eclipse had a very positive impact on businesses throughout Essex, Franklin, Hamilton counties, and the entire Adirondack region. Complementing the estimated direct economic impact data, ROOST also takes into account in-person, online and telephone interactions with visitors, along with ticket sales and estimated number of visitors at various eclipse viewing events throughout the Adirondacks. ROOST recorded more than 65,000 sessions on its eclipse-focused website (2024-eclipse.com), over 500,000 views of the online map of viewing locations and designated parking areas, and thousands of in-person visits at the visitors centers throughout the region. ROOST staff members also answered over 700 calls on its helpline, established to answer visitor questions and provide information to those traveling within the region. Lawrence also explained that preparation and work of many organizations and agencies contributed to the success of eclipse events throughout the region. “The cooperation from all local, county and state governments and agencies contributed greatly to the preparedness and success of the eclipse in the Adirondacks,” she said.

Love Your ADK campaign encourages important environmental practices The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) encourages all who appreciate the Adirondack region of upstate New York to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by committing to principles that help ensure environmental sustainability and stewardship. Increased visitation during the recent total solar eclipse serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of environmental preservation. Tens of thousands of people visited the Adirondack Park to witness the total solar eclipse. Local officials spent well over a year planning events with meticulous thought and coordination to minimize significant environmental impact on the region. ROOST collaborated with community organizers to ensure a responsible and informed approach to the eclipse event, emphasizing designated viewing areas as a way to minimize trail impact, reminding people to avoid springtime trails, encouraging adequate trash and recycling options, and supporting towns throughout the Adirondack Park with eclipse plans to ensure that visitors were well-dispersed throughout the region. Sydney Aveson, communications coordinator at ROOST, expressed gratitude for the public’s respect for the environment during the eclipse. "We know that people who visit the Adirondacks appreciate the natural beauty of the region,” she said. “While not surprised, I was grateful to see our communities respected. The day after the eclipse in Saranac Lake, you wouldn't have known that thousands of people had just come through. The success of the eclipse event serves as a testament to the power of collective action." ROOST is a member of the Leave No Trace organization, which educates outdoor enthusiasts about responsible outdoor recreation; its goal is to minimize human impact on natural areas. "The Adirondack Park was established in 1892 to ensure that this beautiful region would be protected for generations to enjoy; it has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts since its inception,” noted Jane Hooper, communications manager at ROOST. “To this day, ROOST and many other organizations continue to promote environmental care and stewardship. Leave No Trace principles provide the foundation for our Love Your ADK program. Our dedication to promoting these principles aligns perfectly with the Adirondacks’ ongoing commitment to environmental care." LoveYourADK.com offers information about caring for the region and encourages travelers to pledge their commitment to doing so. Love Your ADK is an effort spearheaded by local organizations and dedicated to fostering environmental consciousness among outdoor enthusiasts; ensuring that the Adirondacks remain beautiful for generations to come. It shares information about the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace and encourages taking a pledge to show their commitment. According to Aveson, the organization invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to celebrate Earth Day by participating in the "Love Your ADK" campaign. "Earth Day is not just a single day of observance,” she said. “It's an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our relationship with the planet and take meaningful action towards its preservation. We encourage those who love the Adirondacks to visit LoveYourAdk.com for additional information and to take the pledge.” ROOST is offering a prize bundle for individuals who take the pledge. The prize includes an Adirondacks, USA water bottle, stickers, and an Adirondack Council Adirondack Map. The contest will run from April 15-27, with winners announced on April 29th. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Essex and Hamilton Counties, which includes the Lake Placid region, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.

The Adirondack region in upstate New York is home to 32 golf courses, many with incredible scenery and historical significance, all while providing incredible value. Golf courses in the Adirondacks, set against breathtaking landscapes and myriad outdoor adventures, provide an exceptional golfing experience while also serving as a link to the rich history of the sport. Courses have published their 2024 rates, available on each course website. Golfers will find many affordable courses in the Adirondacks, all offering greens fees of less than $100; with the majority under $40. The Adirondacks have been a hub for golf since the late 1800s, coinciding with the Gilded Age and its rise of grand hotels and great camps in the region. Renowned designers such as Donald Ross, Seymour Dunn, and Alexander Findlay left their mark on the landscape, creating courses that have a legacy dating back over a century. Among the featured courses is the Schroon Lake Golf Course, with its scenic 9-hole layout crafted by Seymour Dunn in 1917. Meanwhile, the Tupper Lake Golf Club, designed by Donald Ross in 1932, offers a challenging 18-hole experience that has tested golfers for decades. Other notable courses include the Lake Pleasant Golf Course, originally designed by Ross in 1922, and the historic Westport Country Club, dating back to 1898 and featuring unique amenities like Winton's 1898 Tavern and a team of sheep that tend to the course’s landscape. The picturesque Cobble Hill Golf Course, established in 1896 in the historic town of Elizabethtown, along with the Ticonderoga Golf Club, which expanded to 18 holes in 1932, are examples of courses that tell stories intertwined with Adirondack history. "We are thrilled to showcase the beauty and affordability of golf in the Adirondacks," said Sydney Aveson, communications coordinator at the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. "These courses offer an exceptional value and also provide a unique glimpse into the region's storied past, making them must-visit destinations for golf enthusiasts of all levels." Golfers can embark on a journey surrounded by nature in the Adirondacks, while enjoying the sport they love. The following list provides an introduction to some of the finest golf courses across the region. 1. Lake Placid Club Golf Courses - Offering 45 holes of championship golf, the Lake Placid Club Golf Courses feature stunning views of the High Peaks and Mirror Lake. With three distinct courses, including the Links, Mountain, and Woods, golfers will experience a variety of landscapes and challenges in one breathtaking location. TheLakePlacidClub.com 2. Cobble Hill Golf Course - Situated in the charming town of Elizabethtown, this picturesque 9-hole course provides a tranquil setting for golfers seeking a relaxed round amidst Adirondack beauty, adjacent to the Giant Mountain Wilderness area. The course's rolling hills and scenic vistas make it a favorite among locals and visitors. 3. Schroon Lake Golf Course - Tucked away near the shores of scenic Schroon Lake, this 9-hole gem offers a perfect blend of challenge and relaxation. Golfers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains while navigating through well-manicured fairways and greens. Schroon.net/golf-course 4. Westport Country Club - Boasting panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, the Westport Country Club offers an unforgettable golfing experience. This 18-hole course, designed by renowned architect Geoff Cornish, features strategic bunkering and undulating greens, providing a true test of skill for players. ​​WestportGolfCC.com 5. Ticonderoga Country Club - Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, the Ticonderoga Country Club offers 18 holes of challenging golf set against the backdrop of Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains. With tree-lined fairways and meticulously maintained greens, this course promises an exceptional golfing adventure. TiconderogaGolfCourse.com 6. Lake Pleasant Golf Club - Golf architect Donald Ross designed the Lake Pleasant Golf Club in 1922. It’s part of the Hotel Morley Complex, now known as the Hamilton County Adirondack Club at Lake Pleasant. The first tee shot of this 9-hole, par 35 layout is most appealing, hitting downhill into the course towards the West Canada Lake Wilderness area and Sacandaga Lake. 7. Saranac Lake Golf Club - Founded in 1910, the Saranac Lake Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the Adirondack region. This 9-hole course, set amidst towering pines and rolling hills, offers a peaceful and scenic setting for golfers to enjoy the game in harmony with nature. SaranacLakeGolf.com 8. Tupper Lake Golf Club - Surrounded by the tranquility of the Adirondack wilderness, the Tupper Lake Golf Club invites golfers to experience its scenic 18-hole course. With pristine fairways and challenging greens, this course promises a memorable golfing experience for players of all abilities. TupperLakeGolf.com The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Essex and Hamilton Counties, which includes the Lake Placid region, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) is encouraging community residents of Hamilton and Franklin counties to plan for the 2024 Great Adirondack Garage Sale, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. The event takes place along a 200-mile route through the area, along NYS Routes 28, 30 and 3. The annual event is 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. The Great Adirondack Garage Sale website, developed by ROOST, provides information about the sale. It features an interactive map, allowing sellers to add their sale location, list of items and photos, which can then be accessed by shoppers as they make plans to take part. According to Trisha Hosley, ROOST’s 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 as a seller for the event is free, and will ensure that your sale is listed on the map,” she said. 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 Hosley. “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.