Seneca Iroquois National Museum Has Some Great Programs Scheduled for the Summer of 2016

The Seneca Iroquois National Museum is a wonderful museum located in Salamanca, New York. The museum has standing exhibits, special exhibit and cultural and educational programs. They are offering some fabulous programs, exhibits and events for the Summer of 2016! 

On June 4, 2016 at 4:00 pm, the Seneca Iroquois National Museum is hosting a summer exhibit with free admission. The exhibit is called "The Seneca History Through Fashion Show". Also that weekend is the Smoke Dance Competitions, which is an alcohol and drug free event. The competition starts at 1:00 PM and dancers registration begins at 11:00 AM. Both are excellent programs at the museum to share and learn about the Seneca history and culture.

On July 15 and 16, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, professor Richard Hammell is hosting a display and presentation entitled Wampum. Professor Richard Hammell is a retired author and lecturer and is an associate professor emeritus on Monroe Community College’s Department of Geosciences. He is part one of the associate members of the museum and has hosted prior presentations on wampum. In 2013, he co-hosted an similar program with Jake Edwards, where they displayed and discussed three wampum belts and the meaning behind many wampum belts throughout history, according to Tony Astran of the Seneca Allegany Casinos.

Regular Programming

The museum has special exhibits, standing exhibits as well as educational tours and student programs.  There is a 60 minute Gallery Tour by a Museum Interpreter who discusses topics that include Onöndowa'ga:' history, clothing, culture, tools, living quarters, storytelling and more.  There are activities for younger children as well as group tours. The museum acting director, David L. George-Shongo, Jr. and seven other staff members and associate members provide wonderful exhibits, programs and events at the museum. 

Gift Store

The gift store is located in the museum as well as select items can be purchased on-line. The gift shop has spectacular gifts created by local artist as well as other merchandise including DVDs, CD, books, note cards and calendar. The gift store often has featured artist items the store and on line, which highlights the artist's talents and provides a feature story that allows you to know more about the artist.

Gift Store Featured Artist

The gift store features artist from Canada and New York. Some of the artist include:

Beverly Doxtator - Corn Husk Dolls - Six Nations Reserve in Canada
Robin Laxor - Baskets - Akwesasne
Penelope Minner - Baskets, Corn Husk Dolls and Graphic Arts - Allegany Territory
Antoinette Scott - Corn Husk Dolls and Beadwork - Cattaraugus Territory
Luis R. Lee - Beadwork and wood carving - Seneca Nations Allegany Indian Reservation
Hayden Haynes - Carving and Sculpting
Susanne Rose Sanford - Beads, Quills, Corn Husks, Wood, Leather and Gourds
Tom Huff - Mix Media and Found Objects Sculpture

Permanent Exhibits.
This is Where We Walked, the Log Cabin and Long House Room exhibits are some of the permanent exhibits that museum has to offer, The exhibits fetcher prints, materials, structural, items and models.

Regular hours

The museum is usually open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Their website post any changes to the schedule as well as special exhibits.

Museum Address and Contact Information

814 Broad Street

Salamance, NY

716 945-1760

www.senecamuseum.org

Salamanca Rail Museum is an Experience for Train Lovers of All Ages

The Salamanca, New York train station and warehouse are alive and well to day as a functioning train and rail museum. The train station houses the museum, which included artifacts from early train travel. The station, built in 1912, has been restored with its high ceilings, the covered platforms, oak benches, metal work stone work and more. The original warehouse is being restored and will house many more artifacts documenting the history of train travel. A trip to the Salamanc Rail Museum is an experience for kids of all ages, and will leave you wanting more experiences for the trains of yesterday.

The majestic Salamanca Train station is a work of art, with its peaked roof, ornate woodwork, custom stone and metal details. You can not only see the craftsmanship in the station but the train cars, clothing, designs and artifacts in at the museum. Stan Carlson works at the museum and is more than just a tour guide. He is a walking encyclopedia on trains and the history on the lines in Western New York. He stated that he worked on trains that serviced Western New York within the past twenty years. His grandfather worked on the Western New York train lines when they actually stopped at the Ellicottville Train before it was moved and is now the popular Elliccottville Depot Restaurant. He is more than happy to share stories about the train lines, show blue prints of the Salamanca station, roundhouse and turntable, as well as tell you about the train cars and steamers that are still running in the area. Stan Carlson is also an artist; and his paintings are on display at the museum. He has been painting trains and stations for years, and one of his paintings will be used on the cover of a book from a local author. His stories paint a picture of what life was like when the steamers and deisels rolled through the station.

The Salamanca Rail Museum has several cabooses, box cars and worker cars on site. The museum is hands on, so you can walk through the cars to see the bunks, stoves, and equipment that was used when in services. Daily, Stan proudly hangs two karosene caboose lanterns on the back of their original  Pittsburgh / West Virginia line caboose. The lantern has a red lens on the back side with blue side lenses, to warn trains approaching the train from behind. The museum has conductors hats and uniforms, railroad crossing signs, railroad company logos, and a working N scale train city. The N scale train runs through a scenic countryside with many lines that can be controlled by switches. There are model trains of all sizes and even ones that sound like and smoke like a real steamer. Each year there are featured portrates, rolls in history or tributes to the trains of yesterday. The exhibits are at the museum and on their facebook page. 

The Salamanca Rail Museum is a great piece of history that is sure to please all train, history and architectural enthusiast. Kids and adults can spend hours strolling through the museum. The museum is free, but they do accept donations to help keep up the museum. The museum relies on countless hours of volunteers to help restore and preserve it's rich history. The donations go along way. They also have a gift shop with train memorabelia, kids trains, books and even Stan Carlson's accrilic paitings and prints.



Do you need lodging for your trip?

Caboose Kerosene Lantern

On your next trip out to Ellicottville,  Salamanca or anywhere in Western, New York; take a afternoon trip to visit the Salamanca Rail Museum and you will take home a piece of history. Kids and adults will love the inspiring archetecture of the station and marvel at the artifacts from the prime days of train travel in the United States. Make sure that you talk with Stan Carlson and you will become a train lover too!

2013 July 4th Fireworks Displays and Weekend Events Around Ellicottville New York



Holiday Valley Resort Fireworks

Fireworks are a family favorite every Inepenance day celebration accross the United States. There are some great displays and activities scheduled during the July 4th weekend surrounding Ellicottville, New York.  Ellicottville has some great summertime attactions, including golf, the rodeo, the Sky High Adventure park with aerial park and mountain coaster, museums, casino and a new 8 lane bowling alley at Tim and Bonnie's Pizza . Ellicottville has activities for more fun to accompany your thirst for fantastic fireworks and summertime adventure. The July 4th holiday for 2013  is on a Thursday, so why not create a weekend of activities to celebrate!



Holiday Valley Stage for Summer Festival

The village of Ellicottville, NY has enough activity for the entire family for every July 4th! 2013 is no exception to the rule. There is a full lineup of events planed over the July 4th week in Ellicottville, which include the Summer Festival of the Arts, A juried Arts and Craft show, The Pet Parade, the Strawberry Festival, The Ellicottville Champonship Rodeo and the Gazebo series concert. Over the long weekend you are bound to run into one of the fantastic events. There are also fun activities such as The Double Black Diamond golf course, Elkdale Country club golf course, the three tier outdoor pool complex at Holiday Valley resort, the Sky High Adventure Park, Red House lake and Quaker Run areas of the NY State Park, Little Rock City, Griffis Sculpture park and more. The calendar of events are as follows:

Wednesday July 3, 2013

4:00 pm to 10:30 pm Allegany State Park - July 4th celebration at Quaker Beach - Live music! Other features of the celebration could be treats and snack bar and an ice cream truck. FIREWORKS display at dusk. Located off I-86 near Salamanca, NY in the Quaker Run area.

9:40 pm - FIREWORKS spectacular at the Seneca Allegany Casino  Add a spark to your holiday weekend with the best fireworks show in the region! Free and open to the public! The Casino is located in Salamanca, New York just off Exit 20 on I-86.

Salamnca is about 10 to 15 minutes away from Ellicottville!

Thursday July 4, 2013

8:00 pm - A Moments Notice band performs at the Gin Mill
7:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables (Click for Tickets) FIREWORKS after rodeo!

Friday July 5, 2013

All afternoon - Family Entertainment at the downtown Gazebo.

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm live music entertainment at Balloon's Restaurant

7:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables (Click for Tickets) FIREWORKS after rodeo!
8:00 pm  live music at the Gin Mill8:00 pm Comedy Night sponsored by the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival - Comedians Tammy Pascatelli and Toney Deyo and more.

Saturday July 6, 2013

10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Juried Craft show in downtown Ellicottville

11:00 am - Annual Pet Parade for Summer Festival of the Arts on Washington Street

2:00 pm -5:00 pm - Midnight Riders performs a FREE concert at the Ellicottville NY downtown Gazebo as a kickoff to the Thursday night Gazebo Series.

6 - 10:00 pm live music entertainment at Balloon's Restaurant

7:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables (Click for Tickets) FIREWORKS after rodeo!

8:00 pm live music at the Gin Mill

8:00 pm - Gretchen Wilson performs at at Holiday Valley Resort

approx. 9:30 to 10:00 Holiday Valley Resort FIREWORKS (following Gretchen Wilson performance) (Click for Tickets)

Sunday July 7, 2012

10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Juried Craft show in downtown Ellicottville

12:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Strawberry Festival at the downtown Gazebo
2:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables (Click for Tickets)

8:00 pm - Creedance Clear Water Revisited performs at Holiday Valley Resort (Click for Tickets)

OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA OVER THE INDEPENDANCE DAY WEEKEND

  



Sky High Adventure Park

In addition to the fantastic events planned; local pubs and establishments have live entertainment throughout the village. There are over 12 bands performing over the weekend, including ones at the Gin Mill and Balloon's Restaurant. As usual, there are plenty of unique stores, restaurants and shops to visit throughout the village. Stop by for a scoop of ice cream at Katie's Cafe or grab some homemade candies at Watson's Chocolates. There is a full line of restaurants the serve quick sandwiches, salads and soups to gourmet restaurants for a full sit down lunch or dinner. In the fall of 2012, Tim and Bonnie's Pizza opened with an 8 lane bowling alley. The bowling alley is a few blocks east of downtown Ellicottiville and has cosmic bowling. The alley is a great addition to the fund activities in the getaway town. 

The town also has the Ellicottville Winery and the Ellicottville Brewing company to taste some local handcrafted wines, beers and ales. The winery is releasing the new EVL White wine this summer, so stop by for a tasting. Play a few rounds of golf at one of the fantastic golf courses, pack a picnic for one of the parks or check out the Sky High Adventure Park. Catch all of the great fireworks in Ellicottville, Salamnca and at Quaker Lake in the Allegany State Park; all within 20 minutes of Ellicottville and on different nights. Some people say that the fireworks are the main attraction during July 4th weekends; but in Ellicottville there is a full lineup of fun to make weekends complete for the entire family.

Do you need lodging? Visit http://www.rustedwindmill.com/ to plan your fireworks getaway!

2012 Ellicottville, NY Fireworks Displays and Events Calendar

Holiday Valley Fireworks



Are you looking for someplace to go to watch fireworks and have a little fun along with them? You could go to the local community center or drive to a near by city that has fireworks displays and the come home that night; but it is a short lived thrill. Why not take a long weekend and have even more fun with your thirst for fantastic fireworks and summertime adventure. The July 4th holiday for 2012  is on a Wednesday, so there are two weekends and the week in between to extend that fireworks fun!



Holiday Valley Stage for Summer Festival

There is a solution. The village of Ellicottville, NY has enough activity for the entire family for every July 4th! 2012 is no exception to the rule. There is a full lineup of events planed over the two weekends in Ellicottville, which include the Summer Festival of the Arts, A juried Arts and Craft show, The Pet Parade, the Strawberry Festival, The Ellicottville Champonship Rodeo and the Gazebo series concert. Over the 10 days, you are bound to run into one of the fantastic events. There are also fun activities such as The Double Black Diamond golf course, Elkdale Country club golf course, the three tier outdoor pool complex at Holiday Valley resort, the Sky High Adventure Park, Red House lake and Quaker Run areas of the NY State Park, Little Rock City, Griffis Sculpture park and more. The calendar of events are as follows:

Thursday June 28, 2012

8:00 pm - A Moments Notice band performs at the Gin Mill

Friday June 29, 2012

All afternoon - Family Entertainment at the downtown Gazebo.

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm live music entertainment at Balloon's Restaurant

8:00 pm  R2R performs live music at the Gin Mill

9:00 pm - Sister Hazel performs at Holiday Valley Resort (Click for Tickets)

Saturday June 30, 2012

10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Juried Craft show in downtown Ellicottville

11:00 am - Annual Pet Parade for Summer Festival of the Arts on Washington Street

2:00 pm -5:00 pm - Midnight Riders performs a FREE concert at the Ellicottville NY downtown Gazebo as a kickoff to the Thursday night Gazebo Series.

6 - 10:00 pm live music entertainment at Balloon's Restaurant

8:00 pm Zephyr performs live music at the Gin Mill

8:00 pm - Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs Stars and Stripes Forever at Holiday Valley Resort

approx. 9:30 to 10:00 Holiday Valley Resort FIREWORKS (following Orchestra performance) (Click for Tickets)

Sunday July 1, 2012

10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Juried Craft show in downtown Ellicottville

12:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Strawberry Festival at the downtown Gazebo

8:00 pm - The Guess Who performs at Holiday Valley Resort (Click for Tickets)

Monday July 2, 2012

9:45 pm - FIREWORKS spectacular at the Seneca Allegany Casino (Rain date: Tuesday, July 3 ) Add a spark to your holiday weekend with the best fireworks show in the region! Free and open to the public!

Tuesday July 3, 2012

4:00 pm Allegany State Park - July 4th celebration at Quaker Beach - Live music from Crusin and other bands. Other features of the celebration could be treats and snack bar and an ice cream truck. FIREWORKS display at dusk (if scheduled). Located off I-86 near Salamanca, NY in the Quaker Run area. (at the time of the article, the fireworks and concession details had not been finalized)

Thursday July 5, 2012

7:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables (Click for Tickets) FIREWORKS after rodeo!

7:00 pm - Girls Gone Mild band performs at the Ellicottville downtown Gazebo as part of the Thursday night FREE Gazebo Series

8:00 pm - A Moments Notice band performs at the Gin Mill

Friday July 6, 2012

7:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables (Click for Tickets) FIREWORKS after rodeo!
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm live music entertainment at Balloon's Restaurant
8:00 pm live music entertainment at the Gin Mill

Saturday July 7, 2012

7:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables (Click for Tickets) FIREWORKS after rodeo!
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm live music entertainment at Balloon's Restaurant
8:00 pm live music entertainment at the Gin Mill

Sunday July 8, 2012

2:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables (Click for Tickets)

Sky High Adventure Park

In addition to the fantastic events planned; local pubs and establishments have live entertainment throughout the village. There are over 12 bands performing over the weekend, including ones at the Gin Mill and Balloon's Restaurant. As usual, there are plenty of unique stores, restaurants and shops to visit throughout the village. Stop by for a scoop of ice cream at Katie's Cafe or grab some homemade candies at Watson's Chocolates. There is a full line of restaurants the serve quick sandwiches, salads and soups to gourmet restaurants for a full sit down lunch or dinner. The town also has the Ellicottville Winery and the Ellicottville Brewing company to taste some local handcrafted wines, beers and ales. The winery is releasing the new EVL White wine this summer, so stop by for a tasting. Play a few rounds of golf at one of the fantastic golf courses, pack a picnic for one of the parks or check out the Sky High Adventure Park. Catch all of the great fireworks in Ellicottville, Salamnca and at Quaker Lake in the Allegany State Park; all within 20 minutes of Ellicottville and on different nights. Some people say that the fireworks are the main attraction during July 4th weekends; but in Ellicottville there is a full lineup of fun to make weekends complete for the entire family.

Do you need lodging? Visit http://www.rustedwindmill.com/ to plan your fireworks getaway!

Mountain Biking and Hiking in Ellicottville, NY

What is there to do in Ellicottville, NY after the snow melts? Well, once the ground semi-drys up, the hills and single track trails are wide open territory for hiking and mountain biking. That is correct, there are plenty of single track hiking and mountain bike trails surround the Ellicottvile in the New York State Forest, the New York State Parks and trails located in Holiday Valley Resort. Take trip out and explore the hills and parks for some great scenic exercise and fun.

Little Rock City Forest

The NY State Forest trails are in the Golden Hill Road forest, the Little Rock City forest and the McCarthy Road forest and are maintained by the Western New York Mountain Bike Association (WNYMBA) (www.wnymba.org). They produce topography maps of the mountainsides and list all of the current trails in the area. Maps can be purchased at the Ellicottville Bike shop for about $6, which helps the organization maintain the trails and is a great way not to get lost!

The Golden Hill Road forest has two main trails, a red blaze and a blue blaze trail. The trails are challenging, crossing ravines, riding around tress and have exhilarating hills. The red trail intersects the blue trail about halfway from the red trail head off of Golden Hill road.The area also has plenty of maintenance roads to ride and hike around on too.

The McCarthy Road has direct access to a trail with starts with an uphill climb. There is ample parking just outside the trail head. The trail later connects to the ridge trails across Holiday Valley Resort and the Little Rock City forest trails. Some of the trails are Porcupine, Big Merlin, Pale Ale Trail, Four Rocks Trail, Buzzards' Breath and more. Definitely pick up a map when exploring this area.

Finally, the Little Rock City forest trails wind among large boulders. There are two main trails that are better suited for hiking, but the area connects to all of the single track trails on the ridge. There are a pink and white blaze trails in this area. Bring you camera for some scenic shots and views of gigantic boulders. There is plenty to explore. There are also picnic areas at the trail head. Remember, take out what you brought in to the forest. 

Overall, there are over 14 trails in the combined areas of the New York State forest to explore. Organized trail rides are offered by the Ellicottville Bike shop on most Monday night at 6:00 during the summer. Individual trail guides for other times may be available (http://www.ellicottvillebikeshop.com/)

Red House Lake

The NY State Park trails are located in the Red House and Quaker run areas of the Allegany state forest (www.nysparks.state). Trail maps are available at the entrance gate or at the Administration building in the Red House area. There are plenty of roads to just ride around and enjoy this scenic area. Then head off road and hit the mountain bike trails in the Red House area. There are plenty of trails that are hiking only as well. They all offer scenic views and plenty of challenging terrain! Overall there many trails to mountain bike, plenty of scenic road rides and trails to hike int both areas!

Finally, you can explore ares on top of the Holiday Valley Resort, including the Holiday Valley Race Loop. You can ride or hike non-golf course areas at Holiday Valley Resort at your own risk. There are access roads across the ski resort that will take you to the top or stroll across the bottom of the mountain. To access the maintenance roads, park at  the Holiday Valley Training Center / Sky High Adventure Park shop (near the Tannenbaum Lodge parking lot). Head up the crushed stone / dirt maintenance roads to the top ridge of the resort. From there you can explore the ridge, Spruce Lake, the Holiday Valley Race Loop and access some of the NY State forest trails. Holiday Valley Resort also has mountain bike rentals.

Overall, Ellicottville is the perfect place to getaway and explore nature on foot or mountain bike. Enjoy the exhilarating terrain and the scenic views. From lakes, to streams, to forest, to mountain tops; this area has it all. Pack a picnic, take a hike or ride and enjoy every acre. It is well worth the drive to Ellicottville to enjoy this great slice of nature.

Ellicottville NY has the Grand Finale of Events Scheduled for July 4th Weekend in 2011

Every spring, the annual quest beings to find a location to visit for the July 4th weekend that has fireworks other fun activities for the family. The usual suspects make the list: going to the local community center, drive to a near by city that has fireworks, go to see a baseball game with fireworks afterwards or to some family member's home in a state where it is legal. Like normal, the usual suspects don't get you fare enough away from home where you can enjoy other fun activities. There is a solution. The village of Ellicottville, NY has enough activity for the entire family for every July 4th weekend!

2011 is no exception to the rule. The events planed over the weekend in Ellicottville are the Summer Festival of the Arts, A juried Arts and Craft show, The Pet Parade, the Strawberry Festival, The Ellicottville Champonship Rodeo and the Gazebo series concert. Over the four day weekend, you are bound to run into one of the fantastic events. The calendar of events are as follows:

Thursday June 30, 2011
     7:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Sudden Urge – Gettin’ Down w/ Dance and Disco band performs at the downtown Gazebo Series Concert. This is a free event. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the show. 
     8:00 pm - A Moments Notice band performs at the Gin Mill


Friday July 1, 2011
     All afternoon - Family Entertainment at the downtown Gazebo.
     7:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables
     8:00 pm - Rusted Root performs at Holiday Valley Resort
     9:45 pm - Seneca Allegany Casino and Hotel Fireworks 777 Seneca Allegany Boulevard  Salamanca, NY 14779.  Enjoy FREE fireworks display from their parking lot.


Saturday July 2, 2011
     10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Juried Craft show in downtown Ellicottville
     11:00 am - Annual Pet Parade for Summer Festival of the Arts on Washington Street
      1:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables
      7:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables --- After the rodeo - Nashviille Country Recording Artist Amanda Nagurney performs live!
      8:00 pm - Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs the Sounds at Disney at Holiday Valley Resort
      approx. 9:30 to 10:00 Holiday Valley Resort Fireworks (following Orchestra performance)


Sunday July 3, 2011
      10:00 am to 5:00 pm - Juried Craft show in downtown Ellicottville

      12:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Strawberry Festival at the downtown Gazebo
        2:00 pm - Ellicottville Championship Rodeo at the Sommerville Valley Stables
        4:00 pm Allegany State Park - July 4th celebration at Quaker Beach - Live music from Crusin, treats and snack bar and there will be an ice cream truck. Fireworks display at dusk. Located off I-86 near Salamanca, NY in the Quaker Run area.
        7:30 pm - KC and the Sunshine Band performs at Holiday Valley Resort


Monday July 4, 2011
     Relax and wind down after the fantastic weekend!
     Great time to visit Griffis Sculpture park for a picnic, some exercise and fantastic art sculptures.

In addition to the fantastic events planned; local pubs and establishments have live entertainment throughout the village. There are over 12 bands performing over the weekend, including ones at the Gin Mill and Balloon's Restaurant. As usual, there are plenty of unique stores, restaurants and shops to visit throughout the village. Stop by for a scoop of ice cream at Cooling's Cafe or grab some homemade candies at Watson's Chocolates. There is a full line of restaurants the serve quick sandwiches, salads and soups to gourmet restaurants for a full sit down lunch or dinner. The town also has the Ellicottville Winery and the Ellicottville Brewing company to taste some local handcrafted wines, beers and ales. Catch all of the great fireworks in Ellicottville, Salamnca and at Quaker Lake in the Allegany State Park; all within 20 minutes of Ellicottville and on different nights. Some people say that the fireworks are the main attraction during July 4th weekend; but in Ellicottville there is a Grand Finale of events and activities to make the weekend complete for the entire family.

Golf Deals around Ellicottville NY

With the state of the economy, everyone is looking for a deal. The television networks have shows on extreme couponing, local newspapers publish articles on ways to save money and coupon sites are all over the Internet. So why not search for golfing deals to save a few buck on the greens fees, get free items or save on lodging for an entire golf weekend. Ellicottville, NY has 6 great golf courses within 18 miles of the village; and the golf deals are ripe for the taking!

Greens Fees

All six golf course have great deals on greens fees. Double Black Diamond and Elkdale Country Club have afternoon special that allows you to get on a great course for a reduced price (18 holes afternoon rates without golf cart):

Double Black Diamond at Holiday Valley Resort: Mon - Sat after 4 pm or Sun after 2 pm - $22
Elkdale Country Club: Fri., Sat. or Sun. after 3pm - $23

One of the best deals in at the St. Bonaventure 9 hole course. The course was built in 1929, and is on the St. Bonaventure University campus. You only have to pay one green fee and can play all day long. Monday through Thursday is is $12 and Friday through Sunday is $15. There is no charge for replays. If you rent a golf cart, you will have to rent it for each 9 holes ($13). But that is still a great value. Concord Crest has a great deal for Jr. who walk the course, just pay your age!

The other two 9 hole courses have reasonable replay rates that offer great value for 18 holes all day long. Birch Run Golf Course is $25 for 18 holes with a cart Monday through Thursday, while $28 from Friday through Sunday. Ischua Valley Country Club has a similar deal, with with $23 Monday through Thursday and $28 Friday through Sunday for 18 holes with a cart. For the golfers that want to save a few more bucks on these courses, just drop the cart! Birch run is only $16 for 18 holes on Monday through Thursday and $18 on Friday through Sunday. Ischua is even better, with $15 for 18 holes Monday through Thursday and $16 on Friday through Sunday. 

Value or Free Items

Holiday Valley resort and Holiday Valley Rental Management have lodging and golf packages. Their two-day play package provides some great golf at the Double Black Diamond course. The package includes a free gift, which is either a golf hat or visor, two days of 18 hole play, a cart and free club cleaning and storage. The lodging and golf are already a great deal, and the $5 more per person  for the 2 day package (over the two-day green fee and cart) gets the gift and club cleaning and storage over the 2 days. Greens fees with a cart for Monday through Thursday are $48, while $58 from Friday through Sunday.

Additionally through Holiday Valley Rental Management, an overnight rental at one of their rental properties receives free pool passes to the Holiday Valley Resort 3 tier pool complex for the duration of the rental and for up to the maximum occupancy of the unit. For example, if the unit sleeps four people you would receive 4 passes. The adult pool passes are valued at $8 each, with the children's at $6 each. For a 4 person unit, that is $32 of value for free.

Lodging

Holiday Valley Rental Management (HVRM) has some great lodging deals. If you are looking for studio town home that sleeps four, there standard rate including taxes and fees is $150 per night this summer. If you stay two nights, it drops to $135 per night. As mentioned above, the rental also includes free pool passes to the Holiday Valley Resort pool for the duration of the stay for the maximum occupancy of the unit (pool passes valued at $8 for adults and $6 for kids). A 3 hours pass for the Sky High Adventure Park ($42) can be purchased for a discounted rate at the HVRM office for $33. Finally, Rusted Windmill Properties has further promotion codes on their Wildflower 55 property, that offers a free $20 Ellicottville NY Gift Cards per night in June, July and August (promotion code WF55SM11). That is less than $95 per night before tax and fees for that unit, plus free pool passes and discounted tickets for the Sky High Adventure park.

In a time where discounts are king, Ellicottville, NY has plenty of golf deals to get more value out of your hard earned dollars. From great deals on green fees to free gifts to discounted lodging; the deals are all "Teed Up"! The search for the discounted getaway golf trip ends in Ellicottville.

*prices and rates are as of June 1, 2011 and are set and maintained by their respective organizations and are subject to change and restrictions.

2011 Ellicottville, NY Area Mountain Bike Race Events

Well the ground semi-drys up, the hills and trails are wide open territory for mountain bikes in Ellicottville, NY. There is prime mountain bike country in the trails surrounding Ellicottville in the New York State Forest, the New York State Parks and trails located in Holiday Valley Resort. The 2011 mountain bike racking season kicks off in June! There are events for all age groups, male / female and team or individual events. Take trip out and sign up for a race if you are up for some competition.

There are many events throughout the summer. The Holiday Valley Resort Mountain Bike Racing Series takes place weekly in June and July 2011. Holiday Valley Resort host the Mountain Bike Race Series on the HV Resort Loop on Wednesday nights. Typically the registration is from 5 pm to 6:15 pm with the races starting at 6:30. You can enter the enter summer series, or just a single night. This is a challenging 4 plus mile course with exhilarating hills and heart pounding climbs! 

The 2011 summer mountain bike event calendar is the following: 

• June 18, 2011 - The Muddy Buddy Duathalon at Holiday Valley Resort
• June 25 and 26, 2011 - The Raccoon Rally in Allegany State Park
• July 17, 2011 - The 6 hours of Power
• July 29 - 31, 2011 - The Ellicottville Mountain Bike Festival
• October 9, 2011 - Fall Festival Mountain Bike Race

The Muddy Buddy Duathalon is starts off the summer events on June 18, 2011. Muddy Buddy is a fun trail run/mountain bike team event with a twist. The start and finish is at Yodeler Lodge. The course is 6+ miles and you alternate with your partner running and riding. Go over, under or around each of the 4 obstacles located at 1-1/4 mile distances then switch places so the runner becomes the rider and vice versa. The final obstacle is a giant mud pit you both crawl through together! Finisher medals are awarded to all who complete the course, and prizes go to the top finishers.

The Holiday Valley Mountain Crew is planning a creative post race shower system utilizing their snow making system. After the event enjoy the Red Hook Beer Garden and Expo.

There's also a mini Muddy Buddy for kids age 4-11. Entrants get a t-shirt and finisher medal. Stay tuned for registration information and details. Start planning now for the COSTUME CONTEST!

FEES: $150 for a 2 person team

           $15 per person for mini Muddy Buddy (kids ages 4-11)

The Raccoon Rally Cycling Festival Weekend is June 25 and 26, 2011 and featuring endless cycling fun and action for all ages! First timer or seasoned pro the Raccoon Rally has you covered. There are road races, short track races and trail races on Saturday and Sunday. There are race and event classes for all ages, both male and female. Registration rates range from $15 to $25, depending on the event and age groups. Chill with great friends, ride or compete in a variety of cycling disciplines over two great days. Or just come down and hang out in Allegany State Park's Superstore of all that is Bike! Local shops, great vendors, tasty eats, hills galore and a positive vibe of slow twitch fun working the pedals during the Annual Raccoon Rally Cycling Festival Weekend.

Road Races, Trials Competition, Downhill, Short Track, Kids Races and the blockbuster Cross Country Race on Sunday helps round out another great weekend in Allegany State Park. Great door prizes, custom awards, pumpin' beats and a fun, friendly atmosphere to live, eat & breathe gears. Pre-register to guarantee your place on any starting line or just come down on event-day to sign up. Everyone is welcome!  Helmets mandatory for all events.

 

The 6 Hours of Power is on July 17, 2011 at the Holiday Valley Mountain Sports Center in Ellicottville, New York. During the 12th Annual Endurance Mountain Bike Race Solo and Two-Person tag-teams compete for awards and prizes on a world class 10-Mile lap featuring some of the finest mountain bike trails in the East. Hand tuned single track, demanding climbs perfect for passing, single track sections that will surely test every level of rider and two aid-stations powered by GU Energy on the course for re-fueling round out one of the most respectable mountain bike races of the year. Old friends, new friends, riders from throughout the nation celebrate what we were born to celebrate: Our own form of adrenalin during the greatest sport on earth! From 10am-4pm competitors vie to complete laps in hopes of placing for awards, or to finish with pride on a course fit for a king. Looking for an absolutely amazing, white knuckle, heart pounding single track? 6 Hours of Power also has this support:

• On-site mechanical support
• refreshments
• a vibe like few other endurance events

FIELD REGISTRATION LIMITS: 200 solo teams and 150 teams is a new format for 2011

The Ellicottville Mountain Bike Festival is July 29 through July 31, 2011. The Ellicottville Mountain Bike Festival, brought to you by the Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association (WNYMBA), celebrates the rich heritage of "all things mountain bike" here in Western New York. Elicottville's seemingly endless miles of single track, widely recognized as some of the best trails the Northeast has to offer, provide a perfect setting for a community oriented mountain bike festival. They will be camping at the base which gives easy access all trails.

  

WNYMBA's mission is to make mountain biking better in Western NY, both by working towards getting new or existing trails open to bikes, and by keeping those trails in good shape. The thousands of person hours of WNYMBA members over the last 13 years have created 30 miles of new single track, helped to maintain miles of existing trails, and helped to keep open an increasing number trails to bikes in Western New York. The Festival is located in the Holimont Ski Area, Ellicottville NY.

This Festival includes: 

• Weekend Camping
• Rides for all levels of ability
• Fun events -Hill Climb, Night Ride, Bike Toss, Skill Clinics
• Campfire
• Live music
• Saturday evening chicken barbecue dinner

Finally, the Fall Festival Mountain Bike race will be held on October 9, 2011. The event is part of the fall Oktoberfest celebration in Ellicottville, NY.

Take a trip out this summer and enter one of these awesome mountain bike events. It is a great way to test your skills, have some fun, enjoy the outdoors and getaway for a weekend. Bring your "A game" and enjoy some friendly competition on the awesome trails at each of these events. Registration forms can be found on the events respective websites and links are available at http://rustedwindmill.blogspot.com/. Relax, Play and Getaway in Ellicottville, NY!

Golfing Paradise in Ellicottville NY

Now that you have found the golf clubs in the corner of the garage, cleaned them up, reloaded the bag and knocked the grass off of your shoes from the fall; you are ready for the golf season. The big decision is where to go. Do you hit the usual courses or venture out for a new challenge. If you are looking to getaway for a few days and golf some challenging courses with awesome mountain scenery, Ellicottville New York may be your place.

Ellicottville NY is a small town with great character. There are outstanding restaurants, shopping and pubs to make the weekend complete. Within 18 miles there are 3 challenging 18-hole golf courses as well as 3 9-hole golf courses. The 18-hole courses are Double Black Diamond at Holiday Valley Resort, Elkdale Country Club and Concord Crest. The 9-hole courses are Ischua Valley Country Club, St. Bonaventure Golf Course and Birch Run Country Club.  Each course has its own challenge and skill level. This is perfect for a little variety on a golf trip and to make your own outing with friends.

The Double Black Diamond course at Holiday Valley Resort was redesigned in 2009, and has a par 70 and measuring 6,500 yards. The course is a blend of mountain and flat terrain. There are weekend package discounts when you purchase golf packages and stay at one of their Holiday Valley Rental Management Properties or the Inn. Elkdale Country Club opened in 1927 is a semi-private club. There is public play any day of the week with a reserved tee time. The course is a par 70 and measures 6,100 yards and is also a blend of mountain and flat terrain. Finally, Concord Crest is located at the foothills of the Allegheny mountains. The course opened in 2001 and is a par 72 measuring 6,400 yards. The bent grass. elevated tee boxes and spacious fairways are a plus. Each of the 18-hole coursed has the spectacular mountain views and makes for a great golf trip.

If you are looking for value with a challenge course, stop by one of the 9-hole courses. St. Bonaventure Golf Course was built in 1928 and is a par 36 course measuring 2,900 yards. When playing St. Bonaventure , you pay for 9 holes and can replay it for free! The exception is that if you rent a cart, you have to pay for the cart rent for each 9 holes. Still, it is a great value. Ischua Valley Country Club was built in 1970 and is a par 36 course measuring 3,200 yards. Finally, Birch Run Country Club was built in 1954 and is a par 35 course measuring 3,187 yards. Both Ischua Valley and Birch Run have discounted replay to make them a great value too.

If you bring the whole family, there is plenty of activities to do for the non-golfers. There is the 3 level swimming pool complex (daily fee or included with rentals at Holiday Valley managed properties) and the Sky High Adventure Park at Holiday Valley Resort. The adventure park is opening in June 2011, and features a mountain coaster and high wire aerials and bridges in the trees. There are plenty of activities in the hills surrounding Ellicottville including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, road cycling and more.  You can also visit one of the near by parks including Griffis Sculpture Park, Little Rock City, Red House and Quaker Run areas of the NY State Parks, Finally, there is always shopping at one of the specialty stores in town or going to the Ellicottville Oasis Spa or the Falling Waters Spa at Holiday Valley Resort.

From the big picture, Ellicottville NY is a great place to getaway and golf. The challenging courses, mountain scenery, value prices and extra activities, restaurants and shops makes Ellicottville the place for golfers.  At the end of the day, enjoy one of the fantastic restaurants or pubs for dinner and enjoy a great meal and brag about the best shots of the day. Ellicottville is a duffer's paradise!