Looking to get out and enjoy the warmer temperatures? There’s so much to explore here in Amsterdam.
Take a walk on the MGVO where the Tulips are in full bloom. The smell of these fresh flowers is amazing and you won’t be disappointed. Listen to the birds chirping and the water flowing below on the Mohawk River while you explore the history of the MVGO and all its beauty.
Feeling Hungry?
Head on over to the Southside to Evolve Eatery for some delicious food prepared from locally sourced produce and the freshest ingredients.
After you refuel, enjoy a scenic walk or bring your Bike on the Erie Canalway Trail just steps from Evolve Eatery.
So many places to explore locally in our County and we would love to hear, what is your favorite?
The City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department’s 2nd Annual WingFest Sponsored by Saratoga Associates will take place Monday, April 26th through Sunday, May 2nd. This year’s event will not be a traditional one day WingFest but will be ReImagined for 2021 with 17 local restaurants featuring an array of chicken wing themed specials throughout the week.
The Fulton Montgomery Chamber of Commerce is seeking updated Brochures, Rack Cards, Menus etc. from all Tourism Properties/Businesses in Montgomery County.
We are currently looking for updated and new information to expand our Tourism Center and need your help.
Please email mctourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org if you have anything to provide to us. Pick-up’s can be arranged or you can drop off to our location at the Amsterdam Riverfront Center.
We look forward to hearing from you and expanding our Tourism Center. Thank you!
With New York State beginning to open more and an increase in gathering sizes allowed in public spaces, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, has opened a call for applications for 2021 canal-related event funding.
Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for $500 sponsorships for events that promote or celebrate the distinctive historic, cultural, or recreational resources throughout the Canalway Corridor. Events that actively include or serve people with disabilities or people from underserved populations are encouraged to apply.
“We are eager for a return of safe events that showcase New York State’s extraordinary canal heritage and recreational resources. Pre-pandemic research shows that events and tours draw hundreds of thousands of people to the canal each year and deliver $1.3 billion annually in economic benefits to communities,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
“As New York begins to reopen and return to normal, we’re thrilled to be working with canalside communities and partners to uplift local economies and remind New Yorkers of the tremendous historic significance and opportunity offered by the Erie Canal,” said Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “Alongside the efforts of Governor Cuomo to reinvigorate upstate cities and towns along the canals through the Reimagine the Canals program, these events will bring New Yorkers together in a safe way and bring a much-needed boost to communities along the length of the Canal.”
Applications are due by April 16, 2021 and events must take place from May 1 through October 31, 2021. A minimum one-to-one match is required. Eligible events must comply with New York State COVID-19 guidelines.
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor works to preserve the Nation’s extraordinary canal heritage, promote the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and foster vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York. www.eriecanalway.org
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing have been very popular events this winter. Schoharie Crossing is a wonderful place to get some fresh air with beautiful scenery. Parking is available at the Visitor Center, on 129 Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter.
The total mileage on this walk was about 5 miles. There are other options – from the Visitor Center there is a mile loop along the Woodchuck Walk and a left (westward) back on the Towpath Trail. Walking just to or from Yankee Hill is about 2.5 miles and can be the same distance as a return on the Towpath Trail or Empire State Trail (Canalway bike path). Folks could also park at Yankee Hill or the Southside of Amsterdam to just walk the Eagle Trail.
David writes- “After checking out the remains of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct, start your day on the Woodchuck Walk (blue trail) along the towpath of the original Erie Canal “Clinton’s Ditch” from the Visitor Center to Empire Lock 29 –near the center of our historic site. (You can almost hear those mules pulling barges) It is where the original canal eventually (in 1845) became the feeder for the Enlarged Erie Canal. There is quite the noticeable difference to the landscape between those two eras of canal, and in the magnitude of the locks as well. It is THE place to witness those two canal eras so closely side by side. Then cross over Empire Lock by use of footbridges where the gates once operated and head further eastward on the red marked Towpath Trail toward Yankee Hill Lock. During that couple of miles, we’ll pass by a portion of old stone quarry, the Wemps Basin on the canal, and travel directly between the old canal prism and the Mohawk River. If you’re lucky, we may see some seasonal waterfowl or other scurrying little critters along the way.”
Schoharie Creek Aqueduct, located off the Overlook Trail
Once you head eastward-you will find the red marked Towpath Trail toward Yankee Hill Lock.
“When you make your way to Yankee Hill Lock, you will encounter the Putman Canal Store which operated from about 1855 to 1910, servicing canal needs from hay and oats to leather goods, rope, lamp oil, candles, food, and alcohol. Just across the river is Old Fort Johnson, and Yankee Hill has had a long history from the colonial era to the modern day. Stop for a moment and enjoy the rich history and beautiful scenery. The Empire State Trail through Montgomery County used to be the West Shore train line on the southside.”
A couple Friends of Schoharie Crossing on the Towpath Trail at Empire Lock #29.
Sign on the Towpath Trail before reaching Yankee Hill Lock.
Stopping for a few moments at the Putman Canal Store to enjoy the historic locks and listen to the train passing by on the northside of the Mohawk River.
“This two and a half mile extension along the old Erie Canal towpath is a more natural and unpaved walking path then the bike trail, but it provides a closer and better view of the River along the way with a tree canopy for shade on summers sunny days. The Eagle Trail currently hooks up to the Empire State Trail just west of the bocce ball courts and boat launch in South Amsterdam – formerly Port Jackson on the canal.”
Riverside views off the Eagle Trail of today’s canal infrastructure at Lock E11
The southside of Amsterdam is a great place to explore and take a break for a nice lunch or dinner. There are plenty of restaurants to explore. Please visit www.visitmontgomerycountyny.com, or https://www.amsterdamny.gov/our-city/visiting-amsterdam for dining, lodging, and shopping options! It is a good idea to call ahead to ensure tables are available.
Check it out in every season. Looking forward to walking this trail in the summer as well, then walk around the MVGO and Riverlink Park. Spring is around the corner! Wait until the tulips bloom.
Special thanks David Brooks, to the Friends of Schoharie Crossing, and Amsterdam Community and Economic Development team Amanda Bearcroft, and Gina DaBiere-Gibbs for contributing pictures, and participating on this cold, sunny day!
Amsterdam’s St. Paddy’s Day Pub Fest Re-Imagined Sponsored by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
The City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department will present the 4th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Pub Fest Re-Imagined Sponsored by Jackson Hewitt on Thursday, March 11th – Wednesday March 17th.
In a typical year Amsterdam’s St. Paddy’s Day Pub Fest is one of our most popular and highly anticipated events. However, to ensure the safety of everyone, the event has been reimagined for 2021. This year’s event will take place over seven days and will showcase local restaurants and bars and their St. Paddy’s Day food and drink specials and giveaways. Dine in or take out and support our local businesses throughout the city.
There will be no shuttle service this year but there will still be plenty of great food, drinks and fun!!
Participating Locations: Lorenzo’s Southside, (518) 212-2256 DomAdi’s Deli, (518) 212-6444 Evolve Eatery, (518) 212-5674 Herks Tavern, (518) 842-9881 Shorty’s Southside Tavern, (518) 842-7800 Creek Stone, (518) 684-6272 G’s Famous Lemon Cookies, (518) 212-5177 Fresh Basil Pizza, (518) 212-2700: Russo’s Bar & Grill, (518) 842-2630: Polish American Veterans, (518) 842-3909 Mundos Café, (518) 212-2989: Rosito’s Bakery, (518) 842-2616 Europa Café, (518) 843-6036 Cuba Havana, (518) 212-2679 Sharp Shooters Billiards Pub, (518) 627-4634 5 Corners Deli, (518) 843-9271 Miss Blues Pet Boutique, (518) 627-9668
Have you taken a “Tour of the Mohawk Valley” yet? Support the Montgomery County Office For Aging and purchase a coupon booklet! Enjoy shopping, dining & more! Local businesses are ready to safely serve you.
The Fort Plain Museum & Historical Park is proud to present a George Washington’s Birthday celebration with three FREE Virtual Events by three Distinguished Historians on three Nights. Please note the dates and start times. These events are made possible through an Anonymous Donor.
Edward G. Lengel – George Washington and the Nemesis of War – Monday, February 22, 2021 – 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
Mary V. Thompson – “The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret”: George Washington, Slavery, and the Enslaved Community at Mount Vernon – Thursday, February 25, 2021 – 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
James Kirby Martin – Remembering George Washington: In Context – Monday, March 1, 2021 – 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
Empire State Development Announces “Raising The Bar” Restaurant Recovery Fund
Empire State Development is offering grants of up to $5,000 for restaurants adjusting to COVID-19 safety guidelines. The $3M+ Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund—supported by Diageo North America, Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits (a division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits), National Development Council and ESD—offers NYS restaurants up to $5K to support COVID-19-related upgrades.
“Raising the Bar” grant funding can be used for COVID-19-related improvements and equipment that will allow the business to comply with social distancing guidelines, expand take-out/delivery operations, or accommodate outdoor dining such as plexiglass barriers/partitions, signage promoting social distancing and hygiene protocols, heaters, heat lamps, weatherization upgrades and insulated delivery bags; improvements that will allow the business to continue operating through the winter months such as filtration system upgrades and food heaters to maintain temperature for to-go orders and purchasing PPE and sanitation supplies necessitated by the pandemic; and COVID-19 related business improvements like patio heaters or contactless technology. Qualifying purchases and expenditures must be from September 1, 2020 onwards to be eligible. Initial round of grants are up to $5,000.
Initial grant funding will be awarded based on the received applications and dispersed independently by NDC, an experienced national economic non-profit that has been in operation since 1969.
The Landis Arboretum aims to foster appreciation and understanding of trees and other plants and their importance in our environment. The educational curriculum is a major component of the Arboretum’s program. Events and workshops designed for elementary school classes as well as the general public focus on the flora and fauna of the Arboretum. Associated activities are as wide-ranging as botanical drawing classes, garden and trail tours, astronomy nights, and bird- and owl- watching sessions. The Arboretum as a dynamic, outdoor classroom of hundreds of acres is reflected in its wide-ranging Calendar of Events.
Landis is currently offering a wide range of Virtual Classes and Workshops. Click here (opens in a new tab) to visit their website and click on Videos to access all Virtual Classes and Workshops.
fresh flowers is amazing and you won’t be disappointed. Listen to the birds chirping and the water flowing below on the Mohawk River while you explore the history of the MVGO and all its beauty.
