Southern Franklin County Cuisine Trail moves forward

PAUL SMITHS, NY (05/04/2016)(readMedia)-- A proposal to create a state-designated cuisine trail connecting Saranac Lake, Paul Smiths and Tupper Lake is moving forward.

More than 30 businesses and organizations have expressed interest. The next step is to gain letters of support from those interested in participating or supporting the initiative.

A public information meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Paul Smith's College in the Pine Room, located in the Joan Weill Student Center. Please RSVP by Tuesday, May 10.

This local effort is part of an overall initiative in the Adirondacks to apply for state-designated cuisine trails through the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets.

Cuisine trails are designed to promote greater marketing opportunities for local products through regional promotional efforts. Eligible businesses include:

• Farms

• Restaurants

• Retailers

• Food stores

• Breweries

• Artisan producers

The Agriculture & Markets department will designate cuisine trails throughout the state.

The draft concept is for the proposed "Adirondack Lakes Cuisine Trail" to follow along a natural and historic transportation loop including two scenic byways that connect Saranac Lake, Paul Smiths and Tupper Lake.

A regional group of businesses and organizations in the Paul Smiths, Lake Clear and upper Saranac Lake area have also discussed the idea of connecting southern Franklin County through a series of themed trails to attract visitors and residents alike. This informal group aims to more broadly market existing activities, create themed events and connections to surrounding regions.

Establishing a state-designated cuisine trail could help southern Franklin County become a natural destination area. The goal would be to support existing activities and events through themed promotion. The interest in food and local products from farmer's markets to restaurants and breweries continues to grow.

For more information on the proposed Adirondack Lakes Cuisine Trail or to RSVP for the public information session on Wednesday, May 11, please email Paul Smith's College Chief Marketing Officer Shannon Oborne at soborne@paulsmiths.edu or call 518-275-8149. You can also email Ernest Hohmeyer of the Lake Clear Lodge at MountainCommunityVisions@Live.com or call 518-891-1489.

About Paul Smith's College

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.