Finger Lakes Visitors Connection

Add some holiday flavor to your business travel! 🎄 Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum is back with their beloved Canandaigua Christkindl Market for 2024. This volunteer-run, juried holiday craft show has been a huge success in the past, attracting vendors and shoppers from the Finger Lakes region and beyond. Mark your calendars for Friday, November 8th, through Sunday, November 10th, for a festive weekend of holiday cheer! Not available this weekend? Catch the enchanting Festival of Trees every weekend in November. 🌟 https://lnkd.in/epkjRwZR #FLX #FLXperience #ChristkindlMarket

Have you met Valerie Knoblauch? She is our trailblazing Director of Tourism for Ontario County! Hired in 1984 and the first to hold this position, Valerie brings a wealth of experience from her background as a tour guide and public relations manager at Gold Seal Vineyards Barn. Her passion for the wine and travel industries has shaped her approach to tourism development in the Finger Lakes region. With an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology, a Bachelor’s degree in English Education, and a CTP designation from the National Tour Association, Valerie is a recognized leader in destination management, strategic planning, and marketing. She's frequently invited to speak at national conferences, sharing her expertise on shaping unforgettable travel experiences. https://lnkd.in/ebwvYQnT #FLX #FLXperience #teamspotlight 

Tracey Burkey, CDME had an incredible experience representing Finger Lakes Visitors Connection alongside This is Cooperstown at the Destinations East Conference! The event was packed with valuable insights from speakers like Dahlia El Gazzar and Saladin Allah, who shared expertise on experiential design and community engagement. With 18 productive appointments with hosted buyers—qualified professionals in meetings and incentives—the conference led to at least three RFPs and several requests for site visits. We were also proud to represent The Waterfronts of NYS, a cooperative program and grant-funded initiative spotlighting New York’s boutique hotel and waterfront destinations. This program unites partners across 1000 Islands, Chautauqua & Lake Erie, Cooperstown, and Watkins Glen. We’re thrilled to bring back fresh ideas and new connections to fuel future projects! #FLX #FLXperience #DestinationsEast

Stay in the know with the best of the Finger Lakes! Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter for exclusive insider tips, travel inspiration, and updates on upcoming events. Whether you're planning a visit or looking for local insights, we've got you covered! https://lnkd.in/eS2M458u #FLX #FLXperience #Newsletter

Discover how Ontario County in the Finger Lakes region can offer a unique and inspired setting for your event. Download our meeting guide to learn more about top venues, accommodations, and activities that will make your next gathering truly unforgettable! https://lnkd.in/e4STGAB #FLX #FLXperience #meetingguide

Exciting news! Tracey Burkey, CDME will be attending Destination East, the premier event for meetings and incentive professionals in the East. She’ll be representing The Waterfronts of NYS—a co-op promoting waterfront meeting destinations in the Finger Lakes, 1000 Islands, Chautauqua, Cooperstown, and Watkins Glen. This hosted-buyer event is a must for anyone sourcing top-tier programs, and Tracy is eager to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities for exceptional event planning. We’re looking forward to her insights and updates from the conference! https://lnkd.in/dkWiSm-U #FLX #FLXperience 

Last week, our Board of Directors had the privilege of participating in an engaging advocacy session led by Josiah Brown of Famous Destination Marketing. The key takeaway? The visitor economy in Ontario County and the Finger Lakes is thriving—and the benefits ripple throughout our community. 🌟 Our region isn’t just a great place to visit, it’s an amazing place to live and work. Let’s all do our part and become Destination Ambassadors, helping to share the beauty and opportunity our area has to offer! #FLX #FLXperience

Theresa VanWormer had a fantastic time at FINGER LAKES REGIONAL TOURISM COUNCIL INC’s media night at Rooftop Reds in Brooklyn! Rooftop Reds is a unique rooftop winery growing Finger Lakes varietals, with a strong commitment to sustainability through its connection with Cornell University. The event brought together sustainable-focused beverage makers from the Finger Lakes region and over 30 travel writers, TV hosts, and wine reporters. COUNTY OF CAYUGA's Karen Khul and Visit Ithaca’s Rob Montana were also among the attendees, all there to promote sustainable tourism, products, and the rich history of the Finger Lakes region to the NYC media scene. We brought Inspire Moore Winery to represent our area, and hosted a fun photo booth for attendees to capture the evening. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with media professionals and share more about what our region has to offer! #FLX #FLXperience #medianight

This Indigenous People’s Day, learn about the rich history of Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, NY! Once one of the largest and most vital Seneca towns of the 17th century, this remarkable site offers a deep dive into five centuries of art, culture, and history. At Ganondagan you can explore interactive exhibits at the Seneca Art & Culture Center, browse unique artisan items in the Gift Shop, and step back in time with a tour of the full-sized replica of a 17th-century bark longhouse. 🏞️🛶 Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eqd3uMFe #FLX #FLXperience #indigenouspeoplesday

For your next team building activity, take your group to Crafty Ales and Lagers, housed in the oldest building in Phelps! Known for their small-batch craft beers and complex ales, this nanobrewery is the place for your team to relax, bond, and enjoy some local flavors. Whether you're celebrating or simply unwinding after a productive day, there's always something special brewing! 📷: @cpassalacqua17 https://lnkd.in/etFVgD8s #FLX #FLXperience #teambonding