THE BEST OF UPSTATE NEW YORK DAY TRIPS AND MULTI-DAY PACKAGES

You can't turn back time, but you can take a trip through history while enjoying the spectacular scenery and attractions of upstate New York. Traveling through the Mohawk Valley (Adirondacks) and the legendary Catskill Mountains you can cruise the historic Erie Canal aboard one of Erie Canal Cruise's tour boats, the Lil' Diamond's. You'll hear about the legends and history of the canal from Captain Jerry, Captain Chrissie or Captain John.

Our cruises originate from GEMS ALONG THE MOHAWK, an official Visitors Center located directly at Exit 30 of the NYS Thruway ( I-90 ). GEMS ALONG THE MOHAWK has a unique 70 store boutique type gift shop and a wonderful restaurant located directly on the Mohawk River and Erie Canal, the WATERFRONT GRILLE.

A typical cruise is 90 minutes and takes your group past the second oldest surviving church in New York State and then into Lock 18. Lock 18 is a marvel at 100 years old and still operating flawlessly with all original equipment . Once inside the lock the upper gates are closed and the vessel is lowered twenty feet. The lower gates are then opened and the vessel departs the lock into the scenic Mohawk River. After a short trip in the river, the vessel reenters the lock and is raised twenty feet.

Next, it's off to the world famous Herkimer Diamond Mines where you'll prospect and sluice mine for these fabulous "diamonds". You get to keep what you find. You'll really enjoy both the jewelry shopping and the Diamond Museum. After the diamond mines it's time to visit Cooperstown's many attractions including the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the incredible Farmers Museum and the Fenimore Art Museum. Cooperstown Village has some of the finest restored Victorian residences in the country.

Dinners and lunches are all at unique venues including a private dinner at Brooks Roost , a log cabin overlooking a beautiful valley (Rachel Ray's favorite BBQ place), lunch at the interesting Fly Creek Cider Mill with its unusual flavorful offerings (you can test taste most of them), the amazing Otesaga Hotel with its marvelous 35 item buffet lunch and the Waterfront Grille for lunch or dinner ( right next to Lil' Diamond's dock) overlooking the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. So many great choices--what to choose--what to choose?

The next day take a scenic ride to Arkville, NY and "All Aboard" on New York's most luxurious train, the Rip Van Winkle Flyer. Your host, Dave, will provide you with a lively narration while you enjoy a first class sit down lunch complete with linen, china and big band sounds while traveling through the legendary Catskill Mountains.

Packages can also include TURNING STONE CASINO, just minutes away in Verona, New York. So, if you're looking for something new, different and exciting for your group-why not consider the beautiful Mohawk Valley in Upstate New York?? We've got it all! Your group will thank you, over and over.

Erie Canal Cruises Inc.
Captain Jerry Gertz
Herkimer NY 13350
315-866-5989
www.eriecanalcruises.com