New 'agritourism' webisode series shows the best local getaways for New Yorkers

EscapeMaker.com, guide to local weekend getaways and day trips within a day’s drive or train ride of new york City debuts “The Tastes of new york State,” an agri-tourism webisode series featuring 5 popular areas around New York State known for their unique agri-focus.

The Spring webisode kicks off the seasonal series and features local farms and products, restaurants that use organic and local produce, wine tasting and local vineyards, the Culinary Institute of America, and maple events just in time for Maple Weekends on March 21-22 and March 28-29, 2009. Maple producers showcase their products and maple-themed events with pancake breakfasts, sugar bush rides, candy, festivals and everything maple one can imagine.

Made possible with a grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and produced by the Emmy Award winning Factory Films, Inc., Escapemaker.com ‘s host Marissa Copeland and foodie extraordinaire, travels the state with a Spring menu in hand — seeking out the best in local ingredients and getaway ideas.

Follow Marissa Copeland as she samples culinary delights from The Greater Niagara Region to Lewis County in the Adirondacks to Madison County in the Central Leatherstocking Region. From there, she continues south to Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley and then finally on to The Town of Southampton on Long Island.

“Agriculture and Tourism are New York State’s top industries, so it’s only natural they would go hand in hand,” comments Caylin Sanders, EscapeMaker.com’s CEO and President. “We want to inspire people to plan day trips and getaways but also to educate our users that Agri-Tourism is not just about the food and local ingredients, but also all the activities that connect you with nature and the land — fishing, renewable energy wind farms, educational farm tours, parks and nature preserves — the opportunities are endless!”

Over the course of 2009 EscapeMaker.com will distribute 3 more webisodes, each focused on a seasonal menu for summer, fall and winter. In addition EscapeMaker’s Agri-tourism section will include lodging resources, attractions and farm listings, agri-tourism getaway themed packages, a pick your own fruit calendar, event calendar and recipes!

“Apple picking in the summer, pumpkin picking in the fall, wine tasting in the winter– these are things most people will expect” says Sanders, “but our ‘Tastes of new york State’ Webisodes uncover some surprising Agritourism getaway ideas that give touring New York a whole new spin!

For more information on the Webisode series, visit Escapemaker.com and the special Agritourism section at http://www.escapemaker.com/agritourism.