As featured in Connextions Magazine Issue 14.
by Manny Valesquez-Paredes

The Sagamore - a family vacation resort

The Sagamore is located in the picturesque town of Bolton Landing and opened its luxurious doors in 1883. It was fully reconstructed in 1930 after experiencing two fires, one in 1893 and another in 1914. Due to financial difficulties in 1981, The Sagamore closed its doors and one hundred years after its doors first opened, it was restored to its former grandeur and reopened. The Sagamore is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and a recipient of the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award.  While the Sagamore is noted for their luxurious accommodations, don’t let that scare you from bringing the toddlers for a fun-filled adventure in the adirondacks.  

Before arriving, we had arranged to take a ride on The Morgan, a complimentary scenic boat cruise, which cruises twice a day from May to October. It so happens, our cruise was the last one of the season and we almost missed it because of traffic, but the front desk and Assistant Manager, Tyler, called The Morgan and asked them to wait as we ran to the ship. The Morgan takes visitors through the best scenic views of the Adirondacks.  

Babysitters can be arranged for hourly rates. Weekend activities include culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, history tours, bonfires, mini-golf, and swimming in the indoor heated pool, downhill and cross country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or simply strolling or hiking through the woods and mountains just to name a few. If relaxing and pampering are your style, the newly renovated Spa and Salon caters to rejuvinate.  

We stayed on one of the lodges facing the lake near The Wapanak Castle, which is an historic six-bedroom, four-bath home located on the lake next to The Sagamore’s Historic Hotel, which is also available for up to 12 guests. The castle features five gas-logged fireplaces, a large modern kitchen and dining room, a formal living room and a uniquely decorated family room leading out to the lower deck and lake. The upstairs bedrooms are individually air-conditioned, while ceiling fans and refreshing lake breezes cool the public area.  

We thoroughly enjoyed the majestic views at sunrise from our private balcony, and enjoyed quality time with the kids.

Whiteface Lodge

The second part of our adventure took place in Lake Placid, which is home to two Winter Olympics games (1932 and 1980). We stayed at the award winning Whiteface Lodge.

The Lodge features unique wood creations, or rather - works of art, and much of the timber used on property was hand-milled on-site. Accents, such as handcrafted Adirondack furnishings and beautiful antler chandeliers adorn the interior  spaces creating a wonderfully elegant, luxurious and authentic cabin ambiance.

Each suite is designed to conjure the essence of the Adirondack great camp tradition. All 94 suites welcome guests with handcrafted furnishings, forged accents, and (in most suites) cast-iron fireplaces, as well as fully complemented kitchens, radiant-floor heat, jetted tubs, pillow-top beds, private cedar and mahogany balconies.  Our two-floor suite featured two upstairs bedrooms, including the master bedroom, a third bedroom that was located on the first floor, along with a kitchen and open space dining room and living area. Our kids played hide and seek and found several closets and three bathrooms.

Full access to all of the resort amenities, from platform tennis, to ice skating, indoor pools and hot tubs, Kamp Kanu for the kiddies along with nightly s’mores are all part of the daily complimentary activities.

Whiteface Lodge is a non-smoking, pet-free property. The Premier Lake Placid NY Spa is located in Whiteface Lodge and it is ranked among the Top 100 Spas in North America by Condé Nast Traveler.  This 5,800-square-foot spa blends the rustic beauty of its setting with an extremely relaxing and serene ambiance, featuring saunas and steam rooms. I was able to enjoy some alone time at the steam room, followed by a very relaxing full body, hour-long massage on our first night.  My partner Jose enjoyed a scalp and foot massage.

We visited Kanu, the Lodge’s American cuisine premier restaurant, which offers three- or four-course wine-pairing experiences featuring fresh ingredients sourced from local farms.

One particular morning, we were pleasantly surprised as we awoke to see a blanket of snow that had covered the grounds. Anna, the Lodge’s Concierge, had booked an afternoon of fun and games for our kids in Kamp Kanu, in order for us to enjoy a romantic lunch.  

Enough snow had accumulated overnight so the kids were thrilled to learn the ice skating rink was now open. It was on this trip, that we realized our little boy, Max, at three years old, is a natural on the ice. He put on those skates and was fearless, and all I kept thinking was please let him come back with all of his fingers and no broken bones.  Thankfully, he was successful.

It was an absolutely beautiful vacation.  So much so, that we are considering the Whiteface Lodge as a place to host our upcoming nuptials.  

As always, it is not the destination that counts, but the journey we take and the memories we make.

Fall Fun for the Whole Family in Macedon, NY

The Amazing Maize Maze at Long Acre Farms in Western New York is much more than a walk through the corn. 

It is a 5 acre game with 2 1/2 miles of paths, music piped throughout, 2 bridges, a tower, 12 hidden mailboxes, 12 clues, and a beautiful walk.  There's enough to do for an entire day of fun for the kids, along with wine tasting for the adults.  Check out Western New York's first 'jumping pillow!' 

View below for a photographic look at Long Acre Farms corn maze.  Open annually during September and October.

www.longacrefarms.com

Enjoy culture, diversity, and spectacular views in ITHACA, NY!
 
As a child, I can recall camping trips to Ithaca, visiting Buttermilk Falls and Robert H. Treman State Park.  Riding bikes and swimming during the day, then eating smores while laying flat on the picnic table staring at the blanket of stars that glisten in the clear night sky.  It wasn’t until much later in life when I was able to appreciate the fascinating culture and delectable diversity offered in a community as gorgeous as Ithaca.

It is no surprise to me that Ithaca made the list as “Most Liberal Places in America” by www.epodunk.com, or that The Utne Reader named the city “America’s most enlightened Town.”  Home to the prestigious Ivy League Cornell University, it would not be unusual to see a local walking through the infamous Ithaca Commons with dreadlocks, a backpack, and no shoes in this college town.

Ithaca may not be a place where ’everybody knows your name’… but the LGBT community certainly feels welcomed, rather than just accepted.  Partners walking hand-in-hand don’t get the‘double take’ from passers by.   

Statistics from city-data.com show lesbian couples account for 0.8% of all households and gay men account for 0.5% of all households.  This may seem like a small percentage but compared to a larger city such as Rochester, NY, where the population difference is over 203,000 more residents, their statistics show only 0.4% for lesbian households and 0.5% for gay men.

You ask:  "What is there to do in Ithaca?"  I say: "What ISN’T there to do in Ithaca? 

Set on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake, sailboats, fishing, and tours on the water are pristine when weather permits.   Imagine a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary with more than four miles of walking trails, found at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology/Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary.   Take a scenic hike through a one mile long gorge at Fall Creek with waterfalls, cascades and rapids!  When seeking shelter from the temperamental weather in Central New York, visit several art galleries, find plenty of unique gifts in ‘the commons’ shopping strip, or maybe a wine tour is just up your alley!  For a great history lesson, the Museum of the Earth at the Paleontological Research Institution, as well as the Earth Science Center are great ways to practice reverse psychology on the kids!

Did you know?
- The Tompkins County Public Library in Ithaca hosts a used book sale twice a year and it is claimed to be the 3rd largest used book sale in the United States.

- In June of 2008, 6,000 Ithaca residents set the unofficial world record for the largest human peace sign at Stewart Park.

- In 2006, VegNews Magazine listed this unique town as one of the “12 Hippest Hometowns for Vegetarians.”

- According to a poll taken by www.city-data.com, East Ithaca is #49 on the list of “Top 101 zip codes with the most full service restaurants in 2005.”

So whether a camping trip with the young ones is on the agenda, or a romantic getaway at a quaint B&B would better suit your needs, consider the breath-taking views, liberal attitudes, and unique atmosphere in Ithaca, for your next trip.  As the locals would say, “Ithaca is gorges!”

Intimidated by the Big Apple?  Trust me... there's no need to be.  I'm from small town America and made my way into the big city at 16 years old, the weekend after I was privileged with my drivers license.  Not eveyrone has been this adventurous, even many of my family members, who live less than 4 hours away, have never even been to the world's best city! (My opinion, of course.)

It's not just a concrete jungle like the media portrays it to be.  It's urban design is unlike any other.  Mixed with parks and recreation, along with office and retail space, all on one small island, packed with millions of people, there's more tourist options than you can imagine.  Whatever tickles your fancy, you are sure to find it in NY.

Let your kids imagination run wild and show them the sights they have only seen in photographs.  We've mapped out a trip for you and your family that will make you feel safe in the City and offer you AND your little followers, the time of your life.

The view in the photo above, can be seen from the hotel we are recommending.

NYC-JC is a hotel with extended stay suites, owned by my very good friend Jarl Haugedal.  This hotel is located in Jersey City, which is directly across from downtown Manhattan, along the Hudson River. 

Rates are reasonable, and if you mention Connextions Magazine, you can get yourself a 20% discount.  The rates do not increase with additional guests, so bring ALL the kids along! 

Modern amenities and decor, along with a full kitchen and laundry facilities in each room, make this accommodation perfect for a trip with kids.  They can have their bowl of cereal before bed!  The Hudson Market is located in the same building as the hotel, so you can stock your fridge, grab a breakfast bagel in the morning, and on the way home, make sure to get yourself a sweet treat... the creme brule is to die for!

www.nyc-jc.com

What's the best part about staying at NYC-JC?  Well, that's a tough question, since I am partial to ALL the offerings of this hotel, but for those of you who have never been to NYC, you will be happy to know you never have to drive your vehicle directly into the city.  Park in the hotel garage and take the path train into Manhattan.  The path train is 2 blocks from the hotel, and delivers you in less than 2 minutes, to the World Trade Center. 

Not comfortable on a subway system?  Not comfortable riding through a tunnel under the Hudson River?  No problem, take the kids on a ferry ride, which is only 1 block from the hotel. 

Another notable mention is that the Statue of Liberty is located just minutes from the hotel.  Many people come to NYC to see visit Miss Liberty... why?  When she's actually located in New Jersey.

There are SO many sights to see that entrepreneurs are making a good living, just delivering daily events to tourists and residents alike.  We have listed just a few of our favorites:

Empire State Building
Visit the most photographed landmark on Earth, according to scientists at Cornell University.  It will cost $25 per person for a ride up to the observation deck, and they are open every day, rain or shine from 8am to 2am.  http://www.esbnyc.com/

My personal favorite is the Skyride!  It is New York's only virtual tour simulator where you sit in a chair and fly across the skyline and under the Hudson.  Narrated by Kevin Bacon, the ride lasts 30 minutes and it is a MUST-SEE for kids AND adults!  I don't know who enjoyed it more, me or the kids.  For tickets and info: http://www.skyride.com/

Times Square

A visit to NYC isn't complete without a stop in Times Square.  This is what they kids think of when they picture New York.  You can find a dozen tourist shops on every block and this is a great place to stop for lunch because all the familiar favorites are located here.  Be prepared for a wait, no matter which restaurant you choose, but the kids will never forget it!

Bronx Zoo

Administered by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Bronx Zoo is one of the best zoological parks in the world. There's over 265 acres, full of exhibits, so plan on spending the entire day.

Ticket prices are as follows: $29.95 adult/$19.95 ages 3-12 but if you buy tickets online, you can save 10%.  They also offer military discounts.

http://www.bronxzoo.com/

After an exhausting day in the city, you can rest easy when you land back in Jersey City for the night and enjoy the peace and quiet.

If you are flying in, NYC-JC offers car service from all the major airports.

HAPPY TRAVELS!

The cascade of colors cover the mountain side like a fine made quilt, as though each color carefully chosen and placed precisely in the perfect spot. Deer graze in a picturesque setting that one could only dare to imagine and only hope to see at least once in a lifetime.

Fresh water travels down the creek, kissing the rocks as it passes by, serenading the forest with a lulaby of relaxation and calm.

Going to Allegany State Park for the first time was like stepping into an Ansel Adams photograph and leaving the technological insanity of everyday life behind for moments of peace. 

Small cabins tucked away amongst the trees in little communities gives you the opportunity to ground yourself back to what life truly is about – living, breathing, nature and beauty. Without this annual “outing,” I would not be able to respectfully appreciate myself for what I am.  What we all are. We are living creatures amongst this planet, just as the trees, the lakes and the animals that inhabit them.  We get so caught up in the mainstream of today’s society and “keeping up with the Jones’,” that we have forgotten how to just stop. “Stop and smell the roses.” Take a little time for ourselves, for our family, for our friends without the persistant robotics of today, keeping us wired to devices that, guess what… we CAN live without.

You will be amazed, mesmerized and pleasantly surprised by how much enjoyment you and a group of loves ones will have.  Whether hiking, biking, fishing, boating, exploring, or cooking in the cabin… the list goes on, or just sitting by a fire conversating, there surely is no disappointment to be found here. But don’t shake your head if you are not the tent pitching, camping type. These cabins come in all different styles. Some even with electricity! There are options for your accommodations at Allegany State Park to help ease your mind. And if you ‘must’ pick up your communication device at some point, a short ride to town will once again get you “connected.”

Once you take the small step into this breathe-taking landscape of living, you will be saddened to have to leave and will absolutely count down the days until you can return.  In 2010, Allegany was one of several State Parks in New York to be closed due to funding, but thankfully they survived. Gather your friends for an annual inexpensive memory making trip… doing so also keeps our parks alive and gives your family memories that last a lifetime!

For a complete itinerary, cost breakdown and camping list, click here:  

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Halloween is supposed to be a spooky night, but parents don’t have to be scared about their kids’ safety if they follow some simple safety tips from Safe Kids of Otsego County. It’s essential for parents to prepare their children properly to stay safe while trick-or-treating. Over a recent five-year period, on average, twice as many child pedestrians have been killed on Halloween as have been killed on average throughout the rest of the year.

To promote Halloween safety the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard will host Safe Kids of Otsego County on Saturday and Sunday, October 22 & 23 from 10:00 until 4:00 providing safety tips, reflective zipper pulls and stickers to Mill visitors. The excitement of the holiday can make everyone less cautious.  "Parents need to remind kids about safety while walking before they go out trick-or-treating," says Rich McCaffery, a Community Educator with Bassett Healthcare Network and Safe Kids of Otsego County. "Children should bring flashlights or glow sticks with them, carry reflective bags, or have reflective tape or stickers on their costumes, so as to increase their visibility to drivers. Children should not wear masks that may inhibit their ability to see hazards. Ensuring kids are seen this Halloween is essential to keep this holiday fun for everyone.”

Safe Kids’ Tips for Parents and Drivers

Safe Kids recommends that children under age 10 do not trick-or-treat without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to go trick-or-treating without supervision, make sure they go in a group and stick to a predetermined route with good lighting.

Parents should also remind kids to:

• Cross streets safely. Cross at a corner using crosswalks and obey traffic signals. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and continue looking while crossing. Walk, don’t run, across the street.
• Walk on well-lit sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk in familiar areas with minimal street crossings.
• Be a safe pedestrian around cars. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.

Drivers need to do their part to keep trick-or-treaters safe from harm. Safe Kids also reminds motorists to be extra careful this Halloween and recommends that drivers:

• Be especially alert. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period between 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• Drive more slowly. Slow down and anticipate heavier than usual pedestrian traffic.
• Turn lights on. Be sure to drive with full headlights on so children can be spotted from greater distances.

Although pedestrian safety is the main concern on Halloween, parents also need to keep in mind that there are other hazards for their children on this holiday. Parents must check treats for choking hazards or signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Safe Kids of Otsego County suggests that parents look for non-flammable costumes and non-toxic designations in Halloween makeup, and make sure their children wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to prevent trips and falls. Finally, children should only go to homes where the residents are known and where outside lights are on as a sign of welcome.

For more tips on how to keep kids safe while walking on Halloween and throughout the year contact Rich McCaffery at 607-547-5256.  Safe Kids of Otsego County works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 and under. Safe Kids is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury. Safe Kids of Otsego County was founded in 2000 and is led by Bassett Healthcare Network. 

The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard is located just minutes from Cooperstown in Upstate New York.  The Mill is open daily from 9:00 until 6:00 until December 19.  The Mill’s On-Line Store is open year-round at www.flycreekcidermill.com.  Safe Kids Weekend is free to the public and registration is not required.  Parking is free.  For additional information on the Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard call toll-free 800-505-6455 or visit their website at www.flycreekcidermill.com.
288 Goose Street
Fly Creek, NY 13337
607-547-9692

A Foster Care and Adoption Information Session for LGBTQ People will be held on Wednesday, November 9th, from 6 until 8 pm, at the Q Center, 617 West Genesee Street, Syracuse.  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer individuals and allies with an interest are invited to come and learn more about the foster care and adoption process as a pathway to parenthood.  A light dinner will be provided.  The event is free but reservations are requested.
 
Attendees will gain an understanding of the foster care certification and adoption process, hear from parents who have gone through the process, pick up free information, speak one-on-one with agency representatives, and have the opportunity to network with other LGBTQ parents and prospective parents.
 
According to organizers, “Many LGBTQ individuals and couples may not be aware that the foster care system is open to them as a way to create or expand their families.  In fact, more than 14,000 US children are already living in lesbian- or gay-led foster families. Here in New York State, the child welfare system is in constant need of foster and adoptive families for the approximately 23,000 children in its care.  More than ever, members of the LGBTQ communities are taking their places as temporary or permanent parents to some of these children and youth.”
 
Session sponsors are the Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project (www.PrideAndJoyFamilies.org), A Thousand Moms (www.athousandmoms.org), 
Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth (www.berkshirefarm.org), and The Q Center @ ACR (www.aidscommunityresources.com).
 
This event is the first of four adoption and foster care information sessions to be held throughout Upstate New York.  Future sessions are planned for Albany, Binghamton, and Ithaca. 
 
To RSVP or learn more about the information session, including opportunities for public and private child welfare agencies to participate, please contact Claudia Stallman, Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project, at [email protected] or 607.724.4308.