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

Here we are, mid August already and it is time to kick off Antique Week in Madison County.  Tents are already going up in Bouckville and preparations are in full swing.  The first dealers will start pulling into town and setting up on Sunday!  Here is a little primer for the week:
Show Dates and Times:  (Heading East to West along US 20)
Cherry Valley Auction Barn: Sunday-Sunday 9am-5pm Free Admission, paid parking
Madison County Tourism Visitor Center: Sunday-Sunday 8am-5pm, Free Parking, Free Admission, Free public restrooms
Quaker Acres West Wednesday-Sunday 9am-5pm, Free Admission
East Expo Show Field Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm, Free Admission, Paid Parking
Butternut Hill Antique Show Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm Free Admission
Hinman's Motel Out Front Antique Show Sunday-Sunday Free Admission
The Madison Bouckville Outdoor Antique Show -- Friday Early Buying 7am-4pm $40 for 1, $75 for 2.  Saturday 7-5, Sunday 9-5, Weekend admission $7 for one day, $8 for two day pass.
Mohawk Arms & Indian Opening Antique Fest -- Thursday-Sunday 9am-5pm Free Admission
The Gallery Antique Show -- Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm Free Admission
The Station House Antique Show- Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm Free Admission
Bono's Show Field Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm Free Admission, Free Parking
The Depot Antique Show -- Sunday-Sunday 9am -5pm Free Admission, paid parking.
Canal House Antiques -- Sunday-Sunday 9am-5pm Free Admission
Bring your walking shoes, as these show fields are spread out over a 1/5 miles stretch of US Route 20.  You will also want to stop into the over 30 shops that are open year round in both Madison and Bouckville while you are there!

RICHFIELD SPRINGS, N.Y. -- The Route 20 Association of New York State, stewards of the Route 20 Scenic Byway, has a new website to assist travelers plan trips along the scenic route.
The website, www.nyroute20.com, was developed by MVIntech of Rome, and provides a wealth of information about the communities onand near Route 20  and all there is to see and do along New York's Route 20 Scenic Byway.
On the website, visitors can gather information about the byway and learn about attractions, dining, lodging, shopping and more.
"The site has an excellent radial search function," said Association Administrator John Sagendorf. "The way it works is simple. For example, a visitor wants to know about Cherry Valley. They go to the About section on the site. Click on communities. From the list of cities, towns and villages, they click on Cherry Valley. Here, they have a choice of calling up listings or view a color-coded map for attractions, lodging and dining within a 15-, 30-, 45- or 60-minute drive from the community," he said.
The website also features search functions that produce in-depth listings for attractions, shopping, lodging and dining for all of the Route 20 Byway, in addition to the radial search around a particular community.
"We encourage the communities listed to review the information on the website to ensure its accuracy," Mr. Sagendorf said. "We also hope that those involved in the Route 20 communities will submit their special events. Photos as well are welcome." Submissions may be emailed to info@nyroute20.com.
A place for visitors to Sign up for the Association's e-newsletter also is availble on the website. "It's a great way to stay up to date about activities along the corridor,' Mr. Sagendorf said.
The new website is part of the Association's 2010 marketing campaign. Other elements include a new Route 20 map and brochure.  Additional components include media outreach, a Route 20 presence on Facebook and Twitter, and new logos for the Association and Byway. New signage identifying the Byway is expected to be erected in 2011.
"All of these marketing elements are part of  our effort to create more awareness, travel and visitors along Route 20," said Mr. Sagendorf.
The New York State Route 20 Scenic Byway stretches 108 miles from Duanesburg (Schenectady County) to Lafayette (Onondaga County). It travels along the historic Transcontinental U.S. route through Central New York. The Route 20 Scenic Byway offers a reflection of Americana with its working landscapes, lakes, tranquil communities and historical places.
The Byway is home to such fascinating communities as Sharon, the scene of a Revolutionary War battle in 1781; Cherry Valley, once the gateway to the American Frontier; Richfield Springs, which has three national historic districts; Eaton, with the Geographic Center of the state (Pratts Hollow); and Pompey, site of Pompey Hill that affords a view of seven counties. 
The Route 20 Scenic Byway received its New York State designation as a Scenic Byway in 2005.
To contact the Route 20 Association of New York State, either e-mail info@nyroute20.com or call 518-817-3770.

A number of years ago, US Route 20 through Madison County was designated a Scenic By-way.  The promotion of that designation has been lackluster to this point.  All of that is changing thanks to federal monies earmarked to market the highway.  The Utica O-D has a great story on the plans to continue marketing Scenic US 20.