Locals always seem to know the best places to go; those hidden gems that visitors don't always get to experience.� With that in mind, the Route 5 and 20 Promotion Committee (Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce, Cayuga, Ontario, Genesee & Livingston County Tourism) surveyed the locals to find their favorite places to go and things to do.� The top 'picks' from each County have been incorporated into a pocket-size mini-map that will lead folks through our counties and get them to stop along the way at wineries, antique shops, historic sites, and other attractions.� In Cayuga County, the Seward House Museum was voted the 'Best of the Best!'� Stop by the Tourism Office to pick up a supply to give to visitors this summer or visit www.routes5and20.com.

Visitors can experience, explore and enjoy four seasons of adventure as they hike and bike through Cayuga County and the Finger Lakes Region with our new detailed trail cards to guide them on their way.� Visitors can stop in the Tourism Office to pick up the complete kit or download the cards directly from www.LetsGoHikeandBike.com.

The Cayuga County Office of Tourism's annual familiarization tour for front-line hospitality staff and community leaders is an event that our tourism community looks forward to, as it's not only informative, but also fun!� This year's tour, dubbed the "Team of Rivals" tour for its connections to William H. Seward and the Doris Kearns Goodwin book was the largest ever with 40 participants.� The Baked Alaska served by Sean Lattimore and his staff at The Point in commemoration of Seward's work to purchase Alaska ('Seward's Folly') was possibly the biggest hit on the tour!� Look out for next year's tour details.� They just keep getting better and better.

The Cayuga County Office of Tourism's Annual Meeting was held at Burritt's Caf� in Weedsport with historian Joni Lincoln making a presentation (in character!) about the Burritt's and other Weedsport notables.� New board members, Mary Moore from the Holiday Inn-Auburn and Jackie Komanecky from the Ward O'Hara Agricultural Museum were both elected to serve two-year terms on the Board of Directors.� Departing board members, Linda Knight and Norm Riley were recognized for their past years of service as the rotated of the board.� In addition, 'Outstanding Tourism Partner 2009' awards were presented to Doug Waterbury of the Sterling,NY Performing Arts Center and Bonnie Scoville, owner of the Pleasant Beach Hotel for their work to develop tourism in northern Cayuga County.�� At the July board meeting, officers Dave Miller (Chair), Steve Lynch (Vice Chair), Jackie Lewis (Secretary) and Kathy Walker (Treasurer) were re-elected to one-year terms.

Press tours were conducted this spring with travel writers from About.com and Wine Enthusiast.� Both visits resulted in immediate on-line stories about Cayuga County.� With 71% of consumers using the Internet to make their travel plans, these on-line stories serve to strengthen our presence on the Web.

The Cayuga County Office of Tourism is open Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. during the months of July and August in addition to our regular hours, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.� Please encourage visitors to visit or call the office for itinerary planning assistance.

In an effort to capture a portion of the cross border Canadian market, Cayuga County is investing in the "Prizes and Surprises" Canadian program spearheaded by VisitRochester.�� This new multi-partner program allows us to receive major advertising and editorial space in a special insert created for the Toronto Sun, radio spots, media releases, and on-line as well as participation in the I Love New York media day in Toronto.� We are very excited about this opportunity to create a greater awareness of Cayuga County in the Canadian market.

It's hard to believe but the 2010 Visitor's Guide to Cayuga County is already well underway.� If you have made any changes to your business, please email jesse@tourcayuga.com with your updated information.

• The Seward House Museum was awarded a preservation grant from the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
• 10 Fitch Bed & Breakfast received a "2009 Travelers' Choice for Romance" award from iLoveInns.com.� The award which is new this year, was given to 14 favorite bed and breakfasts & country inns based entirely on guest reviews posted on iLoveInns.com
• The Aurora Inn once again was awarded the AAA Four-Diamond Award!
• The City of Auburn's Historic & Cultural Sites Commission has unveiled a series of three postcards highlighting Auburn's historic and cultural sites, performing arts, and iconic landmarks.� Postcards are available at the sites or at the Tourism Office.