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

Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association is holding its first-ever Wanderers’ Ride on June 26 and 27, to raise funds to support the organization’s shelter in Canastota and its education and outreach programs throughout Central New York. The ride is expected to become an annual event.
New fundraising levels have been added to encourage friends and co-workers to form teams of cyclists to ride in the two-day ride through scenic, historic Madison County. Registration is $25 per rider. There are now four fundraising levels for the two-day ride:
Individuals raise $375 to ride
Two people registering together raise $350 each to ride
Three people registering together raise $300 each to ride
Four or more people registering together raise $250 each to ride
Wanderers’ Ride also welcomes one-day riders – people who are unable to devote two days to the ride. Registration is $25 per rider. There are now two fundraising levels for the one-day ride:
Individuals raise $200 to ride
Two or more people registering together raise $150 each to ride
The ride begins on Saturday morning, June 26 at Verona Beach State Park and covers 50 miles to Hamilton. During the overnight in Hamilton, dinner will be catered by the Colgate Inn, and overnight accommodations and breakfast will be provided by Colgate University. On Sunday morning, June 27, cyclists leave Hamilton and cover 40 miles as they return to Verona Beach State Park.
It is a fully-supported ride with support vehicles, water stops and food included.
The ride takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in Central New York and includes the Erie Canal and Peterboro, an important stop on the Underground Railroad. With an overnight in Hamilton, the ride is ideal for couples or groups ready to enjoy a cycling “vacation” together.
For more information visit the ride website at wanderersride.org.

As is often the case, the best travel ideas come from the visitors to Central New York themselves.  We received the following email over the weekend from a pair of travelers that took our Architectural Trail and turned it into a bike tour of the county:

Hello,

I wanted to send the folks at madisontourism.com an e-mail to say how much my sister and I enjoyed the Madison County Architectural Heritage Trail.  We learned about the trail through an article in the Post Standard, and immediately thought it would be an interesting multi-day bicycle tour.  So this past September we took to the road in Oneida, NY and followed the trail starting in Sherrill all the way around to Rte. 31.  We camped the first night at the Lebanon Reservoir, and the second night on the Stoney Pond State Forest land before returning home on the third day.  We thoroughly enjoyed the architectural highlights, and appreciated the well-written descriptions in the online pamphlet. 

Along the way we met some amazing people, including a man who gave us an inside tour of Madison Hall, the owner of the Lebanon Reservoir Campground who graciously offered us warmth next to her wood stove, even a pair of bicyclists on a 7-year bicycle ride around the world!  We also discovered many other "hidden attractions" of Madison County, including spectacular views of Oneida Lake, the Fenner wind farm, the "Red & White Café" in Deruyter, and the nordic ski trail at Stoney Pond.

Thank you again for creating the trail and publishing it on the web. In addition to many wonderful memories, we have a new appreciation for the varied terrain, interesting architecture, wonderful people, and different attractions that make Madison County so unique!

Sincerely,

Andy and Jenny Cleary

Andy and Jenny

Thanks for visiting and sharing your story with us.  We are so glad you enjoyed your trip! Come back soon.