Over 100,000 copies to be distributed throughout New York and across the U.S.
Kingston, N.Y. (May 3, 2012) – Ulster County Executive, Mike Hein, announced today the release of the 2012 Ulster County Travel Guide. A follow-up to the 2011 award winning publication, the guide features both new and improved components for visitors, with hundreds of business listings, event information and more.
“We’re very excited to introduce our 2012 Ulster County Travel Guide,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “We’ve received extremely positive feedback on the 2011 Travel Guide, and I’m certain this year’s magazine is even better. It is an incredible resource for both residents and visitors alike”
Features of the 68-page, full-color magazine include:
- Listings for places to stay, outdoor recreation activities and indoor recreation activities throughout Ulster County.
- Improvements to the recreational pullout map, including shopping and strolling maps for 13 towns/hamlets across Ulster County. It also features the county’s key attractions and cultural spots.
- A stunning graphic design that highlights the county’s most beautiful nature and popular attractions.
- Cover shots and many other photos provided from a highly successful photo contest held in conjunction with the Ulster County Photography Club.
- Advertising that generated a record amount of revenue, which went toward the production of the Travel Guide so it paid for itself. All additional proceeds have been returned to the tourism budget to help with additional advertising in 2012.
“We’re very proud of this publication and everything in our beautiful county that we are able to showcase,” said Ulster County Tourism Director Richard J. Remsnyder. “The Travel Guide features every activity one can imagine in Ulster County, as well as the gorgeous natural landscape you simply can’t miss when you visit.”
Many of the photographs of the county’s beautiful scenery were supplied by a photo contest organized by Anita Defina Hadley, a member of the Ulster County Photography Club. A total of 112 pictures were submitted including those by first-place winner Steve Aaron of Valley Cottage, N.Y. for his photos which are used on the cover. Second-place went to Defina Hadley, whose picture, Ashokan Sunset graces the back cover of the map, and third-place was awarded to Meghan Currier. Prizes will go to the winners: an overnight stay at the Emerson in Mt. Tremper, NY, for first place; a gift certificate for two to Savona’s Trattoria in Kingston for second place; and a basket of cheer with a bottle of wine in it from Whitecliff Vineyards, Gardiner; Adair Vineyards, New Paltz; Robibero Family Vineyards, New Paltz and Happy Bitch Wine, a Hudson Valley start-up that has already won an award. Ellenville native and grand prize winner, Aaron, has had his work published in Ulster Magazine, and will have photographs displayed later this spring at the Sam’s Point Preserve visitors’ center in their upcoming show, “Through The Lens: Sam’s Point Landscapes.” He’s also donated several images to Sam’s Point Preserve to be published as postcards.
This is the earliest in the calendar year the Travel Guide has ever been published. It will be available at numerous locations in Ulster County, multiple rest areas on the New York State Thruway, at over 500 locations in 10 counties outside Ulster County, all-weather kiosks and the County Office Building, 244 Fair St., Kingston. It will also be distributed to 49 states via direct mail.
Ulster County, located less than 90 minutes from midtown Manhattan, has 250,000 of forever-wild acres encompassing 35 peaks and 350 miles of hiking trails. From biking to hiking, from kayaking to wind surfing, from hitting the sweet spot on one of our 12 golf courses to horseback riding and fly-fishing, it is truly a four-season recreation area. The county’s rural vistas provide beauty for each one.
The Travel Guide highlights locations and events in the categories of outdoor recreation, unique lodgings, attractions and more. In addition, there are features on happenings such as the 125th Ulster County Fair and the Phoenicia Festival of the Voice — a unique summer music festival filled with world-class performances from around the globe.
Other elements unique to this year’s guide include a look into little-known “Hidden Gems” tucked away in the corners of Ulster County, and “Famous Faces,” a feature on some of Ulster County’s most recognizable residents, including the late and celebrated Levon Helm.
The Travel Guide includes a QR code that allows readers to scan the back cover with their mobile device to quickly access a form to be added to the mailing list for the 2012 Travel Guide.
Readers can learn about the most widely known parts of Ulster County, or the parts of the region that are usually only known to locals: the most abundant farmers’ markets or where the best live music is on a Saturday night. It’s all accessible in the 2012 Travel Guide.
For a copy, please call the Ulster County Tourism office at 1-800-342-5826 or email your request to tourism@co.ulster.ny.us.
About Emerson
Surrounded by the natural splendor of the legendary Catskill Mountains, the Emerson is a hidden treasure located a mere two hours outside Manhattan. The tranquil property offers spacious accommodations in the Adirondack-style Lodge and unique Eastern-inspired suites in the adults-only Inn. Featuring an award-winning spa, Contemporary Catskill Regional Cuisine in The Phoenix restaurant, cozy dining in the Catamount Restaurant, the shopping haven of the Country Stores and the Kaleidostore, the Emerson provides a memorable yet affordable respite from the demands of the outside world. Overlooking the Esopus Creek and one of the region’s most magnificent peaks, Mount Tremper, the Emerson is also an idyllic location for special events, including corporate retreats and destination weddings. Pets are welcome. For more information please visit www.emersonresort.com and for reservations call (877) 688-2828.
