IRVINGTON, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tourism is a $50 billion industry in New York State and the Mayors of three small Hudson River Villages in Westchester County say that they want a piece of the pie. Bolstered by an I Love New York tourism grant, a newly-formed partnership known as the Rivertowns Tourism Board (RTB) has launched a robust outreach program to draw day-trippers to Irvington, Dobbs Ferry and Hastings Villages June 7-9, 2013.
The grant provided the Board with resources to greatly increase tourism marketing to reach a wider metro-area audience to learn about the charms of the three Villages, all under a 45 minute Metro North train ride from New York City.
Mayor Hartley Connett of Dobbs Ferry applauded the value of the grant. “Our local businesses are unique and our Main Street does not have one “big box” merchant. But they need visitors from out of town to help sustain them. Alone, our Village does not have the resources to publicize to a New York City audience. Together we can.”
Restaurants and cafes have expanded greatly in the Rivertowns over the past several years and have gained the attention of out-of-towners. Irvington’s Mayor Brian Smith noted, “Our best known dining is on the Hudson River waterfront which is a memorable experience on a summer evening. Now, audiences that come to our performances at the Irvington Town Hall Theater have discovered our expanding list of Main Street eateries as well – including a new Mexican bistro.”
Visitors can bike or walk the Old Croton Aqueduct State Park trail that connects the Rivertowns. Stroller-pushers, photographers and bird watchers share the trail. Maps and self guided tours are available at www.rivertownsny.org. Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct will lead a guided tour. Bruce Bolger, administrator of the RTB compares this Village to Village walking experience akin to the Italian Cinque Terre. “Breathtaking sites such as Lyndhurst castle, backyards of modest homes, and chances to stop at the cafes in 3 Villages – what could be better?”
Saturday, June 8, offers choices for the art and music crowd: a Pop Up Outdoor Art Gallery and Craft Fair, music in the street, an architectural tour, and a new release independent film. Artist Jeff White will display a collaborative print portfolio “17 tugs” at the Pop Up Gallery. Mr. White describes woodcut as “the elemental antithesis of today’s digital fog.”
The weekend highlights diverse family entertainment. Mayor Peter Swiderski of Hastings-on-Hudson commented, “Sports are big here, but the same middle-schooler may also enroll with the Clocktower Players and perform in a musical theater production.” Visitors from New York City with children will find plenty for the whole family to do, and may find themselves visiting a realtor on their next trip.
The three Villages have been known for their rich historic buildings and connections to the Gilded Age of robber barons and millionaires. Louis Comfort Tiffany spent summers during his youth in Irvington and the fully restored public reading room that the Tiffany Studio designed will be open. Visit rivertownsny.org for more.