Image courtesy of Visit Finger Lakes Facebook page

Feeling the cabin fever as the harsh spring weather finally grinds to an end? A group of tourism businesses in New York’s Finger Lakes region are are hoping Canadians are ready to travel and have rolled out special deals to encourage them to cross the border.

Finger Lakes, home to the famed lakes for which it is named, also encompasses such visitor favorites as Syracuse and Rochester as well as lesser-known cities like Corning, Elmira, Seneca Falls and Watkins Glen. The area boasts a variety of leisure activities as well as famed attractions like the New York State Fair, the George Eastman International Museum of Photography and the Corning Museum of Glass.

For a limited time, a number of area hotels, attractions and restaurants are offering special savings for Canadian travellers.

“This type of Canadian cross-border incentive program is a game-changer for Canadians, who have told us time and time again that they’re looking for area businesses to meet them halfway during times of dollar disparity,” said David Holder, president, Visit Syracuse.

Destiny USA at Par Package, Syracuse
In Syracuse, the Holiday Inn Liverpool has teamed up with Destiny USA, the state’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment facility. Together, the two are introducing the Play and Stay Getaway, offering “at par” rates for Canadians. The package includes a nightly rate of U$ 75 at the Holiday Inn, free shuttle service to Destiny USA and admission to up to four Destiny USA attractions at a savings of up to 50% off the full price, plus the additional “at par” savings for Canadians. The offer must be booked through April and is only available to Canadian residents.

Golf at Bristol Harbour
Golfers can enjoy vacation packages including golf at two area courses: Bristol Harbour, an 18-hole, Robert Trent Jones-designed course with beautiful views of Canandaigua lake and the Bristol Hills; and the Ravenwood Golf Club, an 18-hole, Robin Nelson-designed course. Two night packages start from U$ 139 with the option to add an extra night for U$ 76. The package includes two days of unlimited golf, cart, overnight accommodations and a $50 gas card.
www.ravenwoodgolf.com

Ontario County’s “More Loot for Your Loonies”
Ontario County has organized “More Loot for Your Loonies,” including discounts on hotel stays, ski packages, golf excursions and shopping sprees:

Comfort Inn & Suites, Victor, N.Y.; 20 per cent off stays
Inn on the Lake and Bristol Mountain, Canandaigua, N.Y.; 30 per cent off on Ski & Stay packages
White Springs Manor, Geneva, N.Y.; 40 per cent off stays

Savings Galore at Eastview Mall
At Eastview Mall, Canadian visitors receive a gift bag with special deals and offers throughout the mall. Offer expires May 30, 2016.

“More Loot for Your Loonies” runs through May 31, 2016 and from November 1, 2016 – May 31, 2017.

Ithaca and Tompkins County

Canadian Neighbors Overnight Experience
Halsey House B&B, Trumansburg, N.Y.
Through the end of April, Halsey House Bed & Breakfast is offering Canadians a 10 per cent discount on all room rates on two-night stays. Included in the packages is a dining gift certificate for up to $100 at the Hazelnut Kitchen, one of the top farm-to-table restaurants in the region. Halsey House is located next to Taughannock Falls State Park, featuring the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River—three stories taller than Niagara Falls.
www.halseyhouse.com

Hillside Inn, Ithaca, N.Y.; 10 per cent off nightly rates
www.hillsideinnithaca.com

Camp Earth Connection, Freeville, N.Y.
Canadians who stay two nights can get the third night free at Camp Earth Connection, a family-friendly, LGBT-friendly and pet-friendly campground with tent and cabin camping. www.campearthconnection.com

Kitchen Theatre Company; Ithaca, N.Y.
Get 25 per cent off theater tickets with proof of Canadian residency.
www.kitchentheatre.org

The Cornell Store at the Shops at Ithaca Mall; Ithaca, N.Y.
Show your Canadian ID to receive 20 per cent off your purchase of Cornell-branded gifts and clothing items.

Schooley’s Jewelers, Ithaca, N.Y.
Receive a 10 per cent discount on all in-stock items, including Rolex watches, diamonds, precious gemstones and fashion jewelry. Offer excludes loose diamonds.
www.schooleysjewelers.com

Sunny Days; Ithaca, N.Y.
Canadians receive a discount of 15 per cent on all items in the shop—many of which are made in New York.
www.sunnydaysny.com

All of the above offers are available throughout 2016.

Rochester’s Regional “A Welcome Surprise” Program

In Upstate New York, hotels, attractions and events have joined to together to create the “A Welcome Surprise” campaign targeting Canadian travellers. Offers are constantly changing, but include:

Special Canadian Exchange Offer
Darien Lake Amusement Park
The package includes 30 per cent off select vacation packages, $100 in Darien Dollars (in-park credit), a free daily buffet breakfast at Beaver Bros. Restaurant and unlimited park admission for the length of your stay. The offer is valid June 17-September 5, 2016.
www.darienlake.com/canadian-exchange

For more information on visiting Finger Lakes, visit www.fingerlakes.org.

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