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

The Great Swamp Conservancy Inc. is hosting its fourth Winter Hibernation Festival Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is an opportunity for central New Yorkers to shake off the winter blahs, cool down their cabin fever and come out of hibernation to play in the snow before the winter wonderland gives way to spring.

Outdoor activities include skating on the pond, ice conditions permiting, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing along the trails and a search for the GSC medallion. Skis and snowshoes will be available in limited sizes, or visitors may bring their own. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

There will be special activities for kids of all ages: meet the GSC groundhog, a tug-of-war in the snow, building an ice/snow fort, construction of a quinzhee (powder snow cave), team sled races and a snow sculpture contest with prizes awarded. The sculpture must have a nature theme; no spray-paint or anything that would hurt the environment; food coloring and props are acceptable.

There will be a bonfire to warm participants, toast marshmallows and bake bannock bread and story-telling around the fire.

Inside the nature center, warmth is provided by a wood burning stove, not to mention hot chocolate. Children can try their hand at making paper snowflakes, bird seed ornaments and a few other nature-oriented crafts. Educational displays include birds' nests, waterfowl, animal furs and a stuffed river otter.

Special displays allow visitors to test their knowledge of hibernating animals, identify winter weeds and practice pronouncing Eskimo terms for snow.  At 1 p.m., Sharon and Owen Brown of Beaver Sprite of Dolgeville, will present a program about co-existing with beavers.

It has been a long time coming, but it looks like we might get enough snow to open the trails back up this week sometime. The forecast is calling for 4-8 inches tonight so lets all go to bed praying for the 8 end of things.  That would give most trails 5-10 inches of snow on them with more snow and cold weather forecast for this week.  In the meantime, keep checking back and we will let you know when the trails are ready to go.

We've told you about I Love NY's Cozy Inn promotion this winter and Inns and B&B's around the Central Leatherstocking Region have opened their doors to welcome you in.  Those are not the only deals available in Madison County this winter.  How about dinner for two with a bottle of house wine, a wonderful guest room and continental breakfast the next morning for $169?  That is the offer being extended by the Lincklaen House in Cazenovia this winter, and it is good any night of the week!  So get a baby sitter, and make plans for you and that special someone to steal away this weekend. While in town take a country drive and tour some of Madison County's Bicentennial Barns.  Give us a shout and we will gladly send you a map of their locations.  Its the perfect winter scavenger hunt that will let you discover new places and wonderful things to do.

Almost a foot of it in December!!!  Yesterday was the snowiest December 16th in the history of Central New York.  What was forecast as a huge 'nor easter was more of a mild storm but that being said there is great snow for winter activities all over Madison County this morning.  The snowmobile trails open tomorrow so stay tuned to this blog for more updates on trail conditions all season long.  Click here to send us an email to get your free Madison County Snowmobile Map today!
If power sports aren't your style now is a perfect time to set tracks with your cross country skis or snowshoes.  As always, send us your pictures of fun and we will post them on the blog.

There is always something pretty cool about the first snow of the season.  I'm not sure if it just brings back memories of being a kid and running home to sled down a hill, but I love the first snow of the season.  While the snow out my window in Morrisville isn't sticking to the ground it sure is flying through the air this morning from time to time.  Now is the time to think about great winter activities in Madison County including snowmobiling and cross country skiing.  Stay tuned to this blog as we continue to update all winter long about the snow conditions for both snowmobilers and cross county skiers.  If you would like a free snowmobile map follow the link and we will put one in the mail.  Till then, lets hope for an Indian Summer real soon.