Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce

Shout out to the Plum Point Lodge management team who was awarded Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance's 2020 Customer Service Award. Congratulations! FLTA chose Plum Point for "embodying the best in Finger Lakes lodging, food & beverage, and experiences" and demonstrating "remarkable commitment, determination and professionalism."

Yay! There are two more weeks to enjoy "Holiday Lights Schuyler Style!" Houses and businesses are illuminating our region through Sunday, Jan. 17. Vote for your favorite display! https://www.explorewatkinsglen.com//vision-federal-credit/

The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler’s Franklin Street Gallery has a brand new on-line store to get great art what a super way to gift yourself or others a reminder of all the beauty of Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, Schuyler County and The Finger Lakes!

More news from the Governor's office:

Consistent with recent CDC guidance, quarantine for individuals exposed to COVID-19 can end after ten days without a testing requirement if no symptoms have been reported during the quarantine period. Below is a link to the New York State Department of Health summary.

Seneca Lake wineries and Watkins Glen get high marks from travel blog YourTimeToFly.com, which shares tips for planning your safe and savory wine tastings.

Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings from Schuyler County Tourism and Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. Hoping all is merry and bright!

Cheers, Glen Dairy Bar!

WENY put a spotlight on "Holiday LIghts Schuyler Style!" -- check it the news story. The ights will be shining through Jan. 17.

Castel Grisch Winery in Watkins Glen is hosting a light display now through Jan. 31. Featured are spectacular lanterns, animals, dinosaurs, and colorful flowers, plus a 50-ft tall Christmas tree. Limited reservations available. Buy tickets and learn more at: https://castelgrisch.com/festival-of-lights

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill last night. Learn more at: https://inserocpa.com/blog/covid-19-relief-bill/

We are wishing you a holiday season that is calm and bright ... in addition to the well-wishes sent via your holiday folder (aka holiday card), filled with nougats and nuggets of knowledge, words, wisdom. The Chamber offices will be closed for the next two weeks. Our team looks forward to working closely with you in 2021!

It’s Christmas week ... and the ideal time to pick up delicious treats at Paradiso’s Village Bakery in Montour Falls -- at their recently expanded location at 224 W. Main Street.

Happening Now! The community is invited to enjoy a new holiday tradition that is safe, merry, and bright as Holiday Lights Schuyler Style! illuminates the area ... featuring 17 decorated residences and businesses now thru Jan. 17. The public can view the light displays as drive-by or stroll-by. Grab a map and vote for your favorite at ExploreWatkinsGlen.com (under "Things to Do")

As the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region digs out today, please be sure to contact businesses and organizations before you venture out today, as some area businesses have closed for the day or are closing early. Wishing you all safe travels!

WOW! Witness the moment the falls break through the ice! So, guess what's not canceled in Montour Falls and Watkins Glen? Nature!

Enjoy cozy Winter Wine Weekdays in Finger Lakes Wine Country with a new package presented by Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel! Now through April 2021, book a weekday stay and receive VIP Tasting Passes for two at 15 Seneca Lake Wine Trail wineries. Learn more at https://www.watkinsglenharborhotel.com/specials

The Finger Lakes Wine Country is inviting the community to mask up. There are so many reasons to wear a mask. Share your reason along with a selfie of you proudly sporting a mask and use the hashtag #MaskUpFLX online at MyFLXFamily(fingerlakeswinecountry.com). Pictured are four Schuyler County mask mavericks: Michael from Watkins Glen International; Amanda from Harbor Hotel; Judy from SCOPED; and Tim from the County offices. WGACC thanks our partners for helping convey the importance of mask-wearing for our neighbors and visitors alike.

For a good cause, and a smile, winemakers from a dozen FLX wineries have taken their forms of expression beyond their grapes and their bottles by posing for a pinup calendar called FLXposure. Sales of the 2021 calendar will benefit local food banks and restaurant workers who are out-of-work due to the pandemic. It is for sale at participating wineries. Learn more at FLXposure.org and check out the Spectrum News article: https://bit.ly/349jvOs

Due to the ongoing rise in COVID-19 cases throughout our communities, Elmira Saving Bank branches have converted to drive-thru only as of Friday, Dec. 11. Lobby access is available by appointment only. This change allows bank staff to continue serving customer banking needs while protecting the health and well-being of employees and customers. Visit the locations page of the Elmira Savings Bank website for current branch availability or to schedule an appointment. Online and mobile banking, as well as ATMs, remain available at all times. https://www.elmirasavingsbank.com/about-us/Locations

Watkins Glen International is inviting artists to help them brand the 25th annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival. Now through Jan. 31, WGI is accepting artwork entries that reflect wine and the Finger Lakes Region with a "throwback style" to represent the festival’s silver anniversary. One winner’s artwork will be featured on the official event poster and other promotional mediums. The contest is open to the public. https://www.flwinefest.com/Vanity-Pages/Poster-Contest.aspx

The holiday season in Finger Lakes wine country is one of the most festive and exciting times in the region. Here's the scoop on celebration-worthy wines, local arts and hand-crafted products perfect for gifting, and festive decorations and traditions.

Schuyler County leaders will host a COVID-19 Business Update at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. Leading the discussion will be County Administrator Tim O’Hearn; Public Health Director Deb Minor: and Schuyler Hospital President & CEO Becky Gould. Join the meeting via ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81196326743 Meeting ID 811 9632 6743... Password 931473 See more

Lakewood Vineyards is offering wine tastings with COVID precautions in place. Call ahead to make a reservation. https://lakewoodvineyards.com/now-offering-wine-tastings/

Glenora Wine Cellars is offering a unique opportunity on Saturday, Dec. 12 for wine lovers to create individual bottles of sparkling wine -- you can even decide the sweetness level. Reserve in advance at https://www.glenora.com/Events/Dosage-2020

The Rockwell Museum in Corning is hosting its 6th annual Gingerbread Invitational, on view now through Dec. 31. Eight gingerbread masterpieces crafted by community members honor eight inspiring women, including Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Eileen Collins, and Anne of Green Gables. Visitors may vote for their favorite, which will be recognized with the Community Choice Award.

Visit Hawk Meadow Farm tomorrow during their holiday open house, Saturday Dec. 5 from Noon to 4 p.m. Warm up by an outdoor fire, shop farm products, take a tour of the mushroom yards, and more. Learn more at https://www.hawkmeadowfarm.com/

Join us! We invite the community to participate in a new seasonal tradition kicking off Dec. 15: "Holiday Lights Schuyler Style!" Decorate your house, business, farm, yard, or organization and enter to win cash prizes. Sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union and presented by the Chamber and Watkins Glen Promotions.

Watkins Glen International announces its 2021 schedule - including the return of ARCA for the first time in 20 years

Old favorites meet new traditions at Corning Museum of Glass’s Holiday Kickoff this weekend, Dec. 5 and 6, with discounted admission, festive hot-glass demos, photo opportunities, and more. Learn more at: https://whatson.cmog.org/seasonal/holiday-kickoff

As we turn the calendar to December, and the holidays near, we invite you to shop local and support small businesses. In a TV interview with WENY, Michael Hardy, executive director of Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, shares why it’s important: These mom and pops are really supporting the community and notes the shops offer unique, one-of-a-kind products.

Holiday fun during Small Business Saturday in Watkins Glen and Montour Falls, with visits from Scott and Ally from Wink 106 and two of Santa's helpers. Thanks to all who participated and supported our local businesses!

Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with more than 30 local businesses for Small Business Saturday tomorrow. Join us! Click on the news story to learn about the businesses and all the great deals! 10 am to 4 pm

TV news visited Watkins Glen today to inform viewers of the fun and deals of tomorrow’s Small Business Saturday in the Glen, Montour Falls, and the Fingers Lakes area. Join us! Learn more at WatkinsGlenChamber.com. Big thanks to reporter Elise Kim from WETM - with Michael J. Hardy

Happy Thanksgiving from our neck of the woods to yours and our wishes for a safe holiday season ahead!

So much to buy in Watkins Glen! Put your money where your heart is and shop local this Saturday, Nov. 28 for Small Business Saturday. Learn more and see the deals at https://www.watkinsglenchamber.com Please note: Safety protocols are encouraged, including the wearing of masks and social distancing. #SmallBizSat #ShopSmall #SupportLocal #SmallBusinessSaturday

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 28 for Small Business Saturday! Great Escape will sweeten the pop-up shop offerings at The Chamber’s Visitor Center at 214 N. Franklin Street, selling pies, cookies and ice cream onsite. Jackie from The Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor in Watkins Glen is thankful for those who #shopsmall and support our local businesses. Please note: Safety protocols are encouraged while shopping, including the wearing of masks and social distancing. #SmallBizSat #ShopSmall #SupportLocal #SmallBusinessSaturday

Montour Falls based Welliver helped RIT MAGIC Spell Studios win the Build New York Award -- Congratulations!

Me this Saturday!

Experience the smalltown magic of your favorite holiday TV shows -- by shopping in Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, and the Southern Finger Lakes. The fun specials kick off this Saturday, Nov. 28, with Small Business Saturday! Put your money where your heart is. Learn more and see the deals at https://www.watkinsglenchamber.com

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series to race at Watkins Glen International, August 7 For the first time in more than 20 years, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will race at Watkins Glen International Details: nas.cr/36Os3uI

One week from today we celebrate Small Business Saturday in the Watkins Glen and Finger Lakes area. Enjoy a unique shopping experience while you support local businesses -- and Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is! Please note: Safety protocols are encouraged, including the wearing of masks and social distancing. #SmallBizSat #ShopSmall #SupportLocal #SmallBusinessSaturday

Stock up for the big feast with the Harvest Schuyler’s Pop-up Farmers’ Market on Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Performing Arts Center, 906 Decatur Street. Gather fresh ingredients from a dozen local farms! Presented by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County.

With one week until Thanksgiving, our thoughts are on the holidays -- and our region’s Holiday Happenings and Winter Traditions, which kick off with Small Business Saturday next weekend on Nov. 28. The Chamber invites members to share holiday events so we can help promote your happenings. We look forward to hearing from you.

The splendor of the Shequaga Falls in Montour Falls -- glorious in any season

Next week is Thanksgiving so plan ahead for dine-in or take-out from Veraison’s Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars, from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. On the menu is a three-course Thanksgiving meal, with vegan and vegetarian options. Make reservations now or pre-order your to-go meal through Monday, Nov. 23.

Scott and Ally from WINK 106 will be onsite along Franklin Street during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 -- encouraging their listeners and neighbors to shop local this holiday season :-) Join us!

Susan Silhan of Selah Yoga and Music in Burdett has pledged to #shopsmall, asking for us all to help her create a healthy local community. Join us in Watkins Glen, Montour Falls, and the Finger Lakes area on Saturday, Nov. 28 for Small business Saturday! Please note: Safety protocols are encouraged, including the wearing of masks and social distancing. #SmallBizSat #ShopSmall #SupportLocal #SmallBusinessSaturday

Cheers! Serving up cocktail recipes starring Finger Lakes spirits and red wines

TODAY - until MIDNIGHT - visit www.flxgives.org to make a gift to your favorite Finger Lakes area non-profit organization. From pets to lakes, kids to seniors, and everything in between, your favorite cause or org will be represented. So click through here, find your favorites, and make a gift now! Thanks to the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes for hosting this annual day of giving!

Just one more day left to sign up for Small Business Saturday! Businesses across the Watkins Glen and Finger Lakes area are invited to take part in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 -- day after Black Friday (aka the Saturday after Thanksgiving), which for more than a decade has encouraged shopping local The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce last year partnered with more than 30 local businesses to ensure local dollars stay in our community. This year's deadline for registering is Friday, Nov. 13. WGACC members receive complimentary participation while non-members may register for a $50 fee including pop-up business that don’t have a storefront. Learn more at watkinsglenchamber.com or contact Liz Salamendra, WGACC Events Manager, at (607) 535-4300.

NEW UPDATES FOR BUSINESSES RELATED TO COVID-19: The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce wishes to share new updates from the Governor: Restaurants, bars, and other State Liquor Authority licensed establishments must close at 10 pm daily Curbside service of food may continue after 10 pm (but not liquor).... Gyms must close at 10 pm daily. Parties at private residences capped at 10 people. These new restrictions take effect Friday, November 13, 2020, at 10 pm and remain in effect until further notice. The Governor indicated additional restrictions may be needed, such as reductions in indoor dining capacity, if the outbreak of the virus continues. We at the Chamber will provide updates as they become available. As always, the best source of the most up to date information is NYFoward web site https://forward.ny.gov/ We recommend visiting the site often (one or two times a day) and signing up for the daily briefings/e-blast updates. Please let us know how the Chamber team can assist in anyway.

We salute our veterans today and everyday...thank you!

Travel blogger Lori Tripoli declares that Watkins Glen is not only a winner for tourism but as a safe destination during COVID: Watkins Glen is a great place for a scenic getaway where outdoor activities in every season allow for social distancing.

An Eddie Van Halen-themed race car -- that once raced the Watkins Glen track -- is now on display at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in Daytona. The car features designs of the musician’s famous FrankenStrat.

Enjoy this gift of warm weather with some outdoor dining! This weekend, Seneca Harbor Station in Watkins Glen is open Friday for dinner and Saturday for lunch and dinner, serving outdoors on the deck as well as inside. Bon appetit!

The latest from NYS regarding traveling to our state: Shared here is the Executive Order relating to new quarantine travel restrictions, as announced on Saturday.

The Fulkerson's Wine-Maker's Appreciation Dinner that takes place every year on the second Saturday in January is currently postponed due to COVID. They will be working with their Chef to come up with a possible format that will work and will keep us updated on the progress. Fulkerson Winery would like to thank you for your support!

DON'T MISS IT! Our next B2B Meet Up for leaders from all area businesses and non-profits offers networking and educational opportunities - all via Zoom to keep us together but safe! Click the link inside the event to join us THIS WEDNESDAY at 2 p.m.

The Business Council of New York State recently shared this important information for our members' reference during this important election season: Election Fact Sheet: This fact sheet provides information on state’s voting laws, some recent history on federal elections, and a post-election timeline of procedural steps to finalize the national vote. It also provides recommendations about identifying election-related disinformation, provided by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Click this link to view the U.S. Chamber Election Fact Sheet. https://www.uschamber.com/electionfacts

Even a rainy day can’t damper the natural beauty and small-town charm of Montour Falls in Schuyler County

Red Newt Cellars Winery & Bistro introduces Tadpoles to go ... personal 6 oz .bottles of wine -- 20 varieties from which to choose! Red Newt is located just outside the hamlet of Hector on the east side of Seneca Lake and offers a light-fare menu. Check out this video re Red Newt's Tradpole Pack: https://rednewt.com/wp1/2020/10/16/tadpole-pack-trailer/

The Watkins Glen area is at peak foliage! Welcome leaf peepers -- we are ready for you to enjoy our community and breathtaking beauty! Check out the I Love NY guide to foliage in the Finger Lakes region: https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/fall/foliage-report/

The "Hallmark Falls" of Montour Falls -- featured at the start of the Hallmark Channel series "Aurora Teagarden Mysteries."