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Governor Cuomo Launches I LOVE NEW YORK Bus

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  01. October 2014

Long Island, NY - October 1st, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of the I LOVE NEW YORK Bus, a new year-round tourism initiative that offers transportation from New York City to destinations across the state. The service is a result of feedback received during the Governor’s second Tourism Summit to increase transportation access to tourism opportunities in New York, and connects riders to some of the state’s most popular getaway experiences, including wine, beer and cider trails, seasonal festivals and skiing in Upstate New York.

“Tourism is thriving in New York and increasing access to some of this state’s most scenic landscapes and recreational areas is the next step,” Governor Cuomo said. “From the burgeoning wine, beer and cider makers in the Finger Lakes and Long Island, to the world-class winter resorts in the Catskills, Central New York and the North Country and beyond, this bus service will help more people discover and enjoy all that New York State has to offer – supporting jobs and creating economic growth in the process.”

The I LOVE NEW YORK Bus service officially kicked off today for a series of autumn weekend itineraries that depart from New York City, including the North Fork Wine Trail on October 18, 25 and November 1, and Taste North Fork on November 8 and 9. The service also offers day trips and overnights that expand further into the Hudson Valley, such as the Hudson River Valley Art Trail, Hudson River Valley “Leaf Peepers” Cruise and the Platzl Brauhaus Golden Oktoberfest.

New York State has more ski resorts than any other state in the country and the biggest vertical ski drop east of the Rockies. This winter, the I LOVE NEW YORK Bus will offer day trips and weekend ski holidays to a variety of ski mountains, including Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain in the Hudson Valley, Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Central New York and Whiteface Mountain in the Adirondacks. The service will announce additional ski packages that include lift ticket, lesson and rentals, as well as overnight accommodations to New York resorts as the winter season approaches.

The I LOVE NEW YORK Bus will continually add more events to its schedule. The pick-up and drop-off location for the Bus is at the corner of 44th Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan near Grand Central Station, and times of departure and return vary based on each itinerary. On-board ticket sales are available if space permits, but advanced reservations are highly recommended. Reservations can be made HERE.

Empire State Development Division of Tourism Executive Director Gavin Landry said, “The new I LOVE NEW YORK Bus will make it easier than ever for New York City residents and visitors to experience the wide range of attractions throughout the state. Tourism is an economic engine for New York State that generates jobs and creates revenue, and the I LOVE NEW YORK Bus will be a valuable asset in tapping into the significant New York City market.”

The Bus will be operated by Southampton-based Hampton Jitney, a company with 40 years of experience providing transportation in New York State.

Hampton Jitney President Geoff Lynch said, “Hampton Jitney is very excited to partner with the New York State Division of Tourism's I LOVE NEW YORK Bus tours program. We look forward to bringing the great destinations, craft beverages, and events that our state offers to even more New Yorkers as well as the many tourists who visit New York each year.”

North Fork Wine Trail – October 18, 25 and November 1
The first I LOVE NEW YORK Bus tour follows an itinerary that has been carefully crafted for the inaugural journey to provide a great sampling of the North Fork’s beverage trail assets. Guests can choose from a North Fork Winery Tour or a North Fork Brewery and Spirits Trail Tour. The winery tour boasts exceptional wines in a picturesque atmosphere, with stops at Jamesport Vineyards, Diliberto Winery, Pugliese Vineward and Harbes Farm & Wine Barn. The brewery and spirits tour stops at Long Island Brewery, Joe’s Garage & Grill, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company and Long Island Spirits. All tours include lunch, tastings at each location and some complimentary keepsakes. Additional beverage trail tour itineraries will be added soon to expand to wine regions throughout the state.

Taste North Fork – November 8 and 9
The two-day event takes place over Veteran’s Day weekend and includes special tastings, events, discounts and live music. A free “hop on-hop off” shuttle will circulate from noon to 6 p.m. throughout the North Fork to connect the wineries together.

About New York State
New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions feature landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the largest park in the continental U.S. in the Adirondacks and treasures such as the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Corning Museum of Glass. New York State offers diverse activities for all: fishing, hiking and boating, year-round festivals and exploring the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies. Visitors also enjoy the fine cuisine, beverage trails and farm-to-table fresh foods. More information is available at www.iloveny.com and www.thebeat.iloveny.com. Follow and “Like” I LOVE NEW YORK on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for great ideas for your next getaway!

About Hampton Jitney
Hampton Jitney is a pioneer in the transportation field. In 1974, Hampton Jitney started with one van and a commitment to providing the finest personalized transportation service between Eastern Long Island and metropolitan New York. Building on that simple premise, Hampton Jitney now operates a fleet of luxury motor coaches and limousines. Hundreds of thousands of people now travel each year in style and comfort, safely and on time via Hampton Jitney. Hampton Jitney operates 365 days a year between Eastern Long Island and Metro New York, including the airports. In addition, Hampton Jitney limousines, charters and tour coaches operate regularly throughout the northeastern U.S. and Canada. More information is available at www.hamptonjitney.com.

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