Things to do, places to eat, shows to see, places to stay in Madison County, NY      

Well the winter storm that has plagued the middle of the country is headed our way dumping much needed fresh snow on the  trails.  The forecast is for 6-10 inches across most of Madison County.  This should freshen up and smooth out the trails.  we have been quite lucky with the weather this year, but the lack of fresh snow over the past two to three days has caused the trails to become choppy.  This snow should fix that and the groomers will be out in force to smooth everything out.  Ride safe!

The age old question starts popping in to your mind over the next few weeks.  How can I make this Valentine's Day one to remember?  Where can we go for a special meal, one that we will tell all of our friends about?  This year is no different, but this year you will be a hero and it really will be a special occasion when you spend your Valentine's Day in Madison County. 
Many of the historic country inns and B&B's in Madison County are offering great specials to celebrate this holiday of love.  For example, you can enjoy dinner for two at the Lincklaen House in Cazenovia, including a bottle of their house wine and don't worry about driving because they are reserving a room for you all for only $169 plus tax and tip.  Do you want a room with a Jacuzzi?  Well then ask for it and it will only cost you $30 more. 
Of course your options in Cazenovia are many.  How about a great Valentine's Dinner at the Brewster Inn?  This historic inn was once the summer home of Benjamin Brewster.  This inn is a multi-year award winner in the annual Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) and Wine Spectator loves their wine cellar and you will too.  Make it even more romantic and book a room while there and save $50 off your room when dining and staying in the same trip.
Looking for a New England experience without leaving upstate New York?  The village of Hamilton offers two outstanding New England Country Inns that make the perfect Valentine's Day escape.  The Colgate Inn offers fine dining and over 40 guest rooms in a beautiful inn.  Book a room at the inn and feel right at home when you arrive in your room to find a bottle of wine and cheese, crackers & fresh fruit for two for an extra $60.  That will certainly make your escape something special.  The Hamilton Inn, on East Lake Road, offers wonderful views, an outstanding menu and beautiful guest rooms that will help you be a hero this year. 
Of course there are many options and specials for you to choose from making finding the perfect escape quite easy.  For more ideas and options for year round escapes visit our main website and you will never run out of ideas for a special occasion in Madison County.

WOW! Don’t Miss A Great Winter Event!  When:Sunday, February 8, 2009
Time:  1:00 PM Race Start
Where:Cazenovia, New York - Middle School 31 Emory Ave., Cazenovia, NY, 13035
Attendees:    Expecting well over 900 participants coming from CNY,all over NY State and the northeast!   A post race party/chili cook-off hosted by Cazenovia College featuring chili from  area restaurants and festive beverages.
  *Registration on race day at Cazenovia Middle School $25*

The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of light heavyweight champion Jose Torres. He passed away January 19, 2009 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was 72.. Born May 3, 1936 in Playa Ponce, Puerto Rico, Torres won a silver medal at the 1956 Olympic Games. He turned pro in 1958 and under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Cus D'Amato, he won the world light heavyweight title from Willie Pastrano in 1965. During his career he posted a 41-3-1 (29 KOs) record that includes wins over Don Fullmer, Wilbert McClure, Tom McNeeley, Wayne Thornton, Eddie Cotton and Hall of Famer Carl (Bobo) Olson. He stayed active in boxing as chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission (1983-88) and as president of the World Boxing Organization (1993-95). An accomplished author, he penned boxing books Sting Like a Bee about Muhammad Ali and Fire and Fear about Mike Tyson

“Jose Torres was one of boxing's finest ambassadors,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “'He was an Olympian, a world champion, author, commissioner and a true gentleman. The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his passing.”

An email from Hall of Fame director Ed Brophy announced the passing this afternoon:

In 1997, Torres was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame

The frozen weather has been great for the snowmobile trails.  Most of the trails are groomed and in excellent condition.  The forecast for this week is perfect with below freezing temps and a little snow each day to keep the trails covered.  For more detail click on the links to the right and happy riding!

Six more inches of snow fell last night in Chittenango with a little more the further south you go in Madison County.  The snowmobile trails are open and in great shape.  The rain earlier this week served to create a frozen base and the new snow on top has created outstanding snowmobiling conditions.  Don't forget to order your snowmobile map from us and enjoy safe sledding.

If riding is not your cup of tea, you might think about heading out for snowshoeing this weekend.  Madison County offers miles of trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  You can check out many of the area trails right here.  My two favorite spots to go are the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia and the Great Swamp Conservancy in Canastota.  Both places give you ample opportunities to get out and enjoy the beautiful winterside in Madison County.  Take you camera and send us some pictures of your adventure and we will post them right here!

The third annual series of Canalside Talks for 2009 has been set according to Joe DiGiorgio, president of Canal Town Corporation, sponsors of the popular historical talks.
Leading off the monthly wintertime series will be "Railroad Days in Canastota" by longtime Canastota newspaper editor and publisher Mike Milmoe on Monday, January 12, at 7 p.m.  The talk and slide presentation will be held at the Canal Museum Education on North Canal Street, three doors east of the Canal Museum. The talk is free and refreshments will be served.