Weekly Fall Foliage Reports Available at iloveny.com

"Foliage Fridays" Social Media Campaign Encourages Visitor to Submit Photos Showcasing New York State Foliage

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the start of New York State's 2019 fall foliage season, which includes the popular I LOVE NY weekly fall foliage reports. Additionally, the #NYLovesFall social media campaign returns this year to further promote and encourage visitation to New York’s picturesque autumn locations and attractions.

ESD Acting Commissioner, and President & CEO-Designate Eric Gertler said, "Each fall, New York State welcomes millions of visitors who travel here to experience some of the world’s most vibrant fall foliage. Tourism is vital to our state and regional economies, supporting businesses and jobs, and this season is the perfect time to explore all the state has to offer."

New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "Breathtaking foliage is just the beginning of an amazing New York State fall getaway. ‎When paired with an afternoon sampling the harvest along a craft beverage trail, exploring one of our world class museums and finding outdoor adventure hiking, biking or paddling, there really is no better way to experience fall. We invite everyone to come and make memories this autumn on a New York State escape."

The I LOVE NY weekly foliage report includes a detailed map charting fall color progress and suggested vantage points for enjoying the spectacular color change. The report uses information gathered by a team of approximately 65 volunteer Leaf Peepers, located throughout the state’s 11 vacation regions, who track the weekly foliage changes. Reports are provided every Wednesday through the end of the foliage season, and are available on the I LOVE NY website with recommended autumn getaways and weekly event listings. Reports are also offered toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada. For information on how to volunteer, please contact [email protected].

To promote the state's spectacular autumn sights and scenery, I LOVE NY will continue to host its social media campaign featuring photos taken by Instagram users. Each week throughout the foliage season, one outstanding New York State fall foliage photo posted using the #NYLovesFall hashtag will be selected and shared on the I LOVE NY Instagram page on "Foliage Fridays." To qualify, users must tag photos with the image location.

Thanks in part to its size and location, New York State has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country. On any weekend from late September through mid-November, part of the state is likely experiencing peak foliage. Fall is also one of the state’s most popular travel times, attracting visitors from around the world who explore communities and support local economies.

About New York State

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions, with landmarks like 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: outdoor fun - snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, 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. Learn more at iloveny.com.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand.  For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

Contact:

Adam Ostrowski (ESD) | [email protected] | (518) 292-5148

ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313