Cruising New York State’s Canals: Affordable Culture, History and Adventure (NAPSA)—Riding a wave of popularity with families that want a vacation with meaning is an adventure on the New York State Canal System. This affordable and relaxing experienceis tied to American history and convenient to plan. This beautiful inland waterway, alive with activity and excitement, is comprised of four Canals. The Erie Canal crosses the state connecting the Champlain, Oswego, and CayugaSeneca Canals from east to west and makes up a 524-mile system of culture and adventure. Beginning in Whitehall, north- east of Albany, the Champlain Canal boasts the birthplace of the American Navy and takes boaters through a historical journey, including sites such as former military outposts dating back to the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars. When boaters connect with the Erie Canal in Waterford, near Albany, families can enjoy the proximity to New York State’s capital, experience the “Tug Boat Roundup,” and view the highest vertical lift in the world at the famous “Waterford Flight.” Many stop for hiking and rock-climbing near Lock E-17 and visit the restored home of the American Revolutionary hero, General Nicholas Herkimer. From thrill rides and sunbathing at the Sylvan Beach Amusement Park on Oneida Lake to Syracuse’s Erie Canal Museum and the Museum of Science and Technology, the Erie Canal offers numerous options for families traveling to Central New York. The Oswego Canal takes families north to Lake Ontario and the bustling Oswego harbor front for festivals and fishing in the “Salmon Capital of the Northeast.” sie di FORGET EUROPE: Just a short drive from New York City and four major Upstate airports, families can lock in an affordable New York State Canal vacation without going overseas. Boaters can experience canal- ling in style on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal while they sample Bacchus’ best at the several dozen Finger Lakes wineries sprinkled throughout the region. From nature to history, this region is also hometo the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, as well as the Rose Capital of the U.S. in Newark. Rochester lies further west, with popular attractions including the Strong Children’s Museum (with an exhibit of Sesame Street), the George Eastman House, mansion of Kodak’s founder, and a spectacular summer laser-light show at High Falls. In Lockport, travelers can explore the longest underground boat ride in the U.S., as well as visit museums and the city’s famoushistorical double-locks. Manyboaters drop final anchor in the Tonawandas, near Buffalo, andcelebrate the trip at one of the largest Upstate festivals of the year. For more information on a New York Canal vacation, visit www.canals.state.ny.us or call toll- free 1-800-4CANAL4.
