Showing posts with label Montreal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Montreal. Show all posts

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Fall Fun Getaways at 7 Craft Breweries & Distilleries


The Catskills Beverage Trail.
from Connections: Two-Day Rail Drive Itineraries
More than the home of a historic village and picturesque views, the Catskills have their very own beverage trail. Visit Honey Hollow, the only farm brewery in Greene County, Crossroads voted "Best Restaurant in Greene County" or enjoy tastings at Hudson-Chatham winery. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Catskill Creek and stay a night at Caleb Street's Inn, or enjoy some more craft beverages at Hammo's Brewpub & Lodge-paired with comfort food and a warm bed. Enjoy the next day continuing down the beverage trail or exploring the historic village of Catskill.

Photo from Hillock Estate Distillery


Hillrock Estate Distillery
(22.0 Miles from Hudson Amtrak Station)
Turning grain into gold since 2011," Hillock Estate Distillery is one of the world's few distilleries that floor malts its own naturally grown grain and hand-crafts fine spirits traditionally in small batches on the estate. On Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 12 to 5 p.m. the estate will be celebrating their annual Fall Open House with farm and distillery tours, tastings, sales and bottle signings from Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell.





Photo from Adirondack Distilling Co.




Adirondack Distilling Co.
(1.1 Miles from Utica Amtrak Station)
A doctor, lawyer and a political consultant walk into a bar... Sure, it sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it was actually the start of something special. With a shared loved of spirits—vodka in particular, the owners and distillers at Adirondack Distilling Co. began in 2011 using a state-of-the-art custom-crafted copper still from Germany, and a proven distilling process, quickly becoming Central new York's latest gem.

Photo from Ausable Brewing Co.





Ausable Brewing Co.
(3.4 Miles from Port Kent Amtrak Station)
The first true farm brewery in the Adirondack Park, Ausable Brewing Co. offers seasonal and limited edition beers and sodas. Sample beers like Plowman's Lunch, North Country Common, Face Cord and Full Cord IPAs, using locally-sourced ingredients from across the region and their 140-acre farm. Their tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday in the afternoon.







Photo from Flying Bison Brewing Co.

Flying Bison Brewing Co.
(1.5 Miles from Buffalo-Exchange Amtrak Station)
From award-winning brewer, Tim Herzog, comes Flying Bison Brewing—the first standalone brewery in the City of Buffalo since 1972. Returning to the brewery on September 10, 2016, is the annual Bisonfest: Oktoberfest at Flying Bison Brewery. Enjoy the smell of sauerkraut, bratwurst, pretzels and malty beers as their aromas fill the air. The sound of the alpenhorn heralds the coming of autumn and invites you to eat, drink and be merry. $25 gets you a plate full of German food, three hours of music, a new Bisonfest souvenir mug and three drink tickets to fill it with.



Photo from Cirka Distilleries


Cirka Distilleries
(4.6 Miles from Montreal Amtrak Station)
The first grain to bottle artisanal micro-distillery open to the public in Montreal, Cirka uses local grains and sustainable practices to create their quality non-GMO craft Vodka and Gin Wild. Visit for a tour, private group bookings and tastings at their location in the heart of Montreal, or at close to four dozen bars across the city!








Photo from Hop'n Moose Brewing Co.


Hop'n Moose Brewing Co. 
(0.3 Miles from Rutland Amtrak Station)
A little over two years old, Hop'n Moose Brewing is the first and only brewery in Rutland, VT. With unique hand crafted ales and lagers, amazing wood fired pizzas and a family friendly menu—complete with a Kid's menu, wine list and full bar. Beginning on September 12, 2016 visitors will be able try Hop'n Moose's unique brews  any day of the week when the brewpub's doors open 7 days a week and begin weekly Monday specials!

Friday, February 19, 2016

Take Amtrak to See the Top Hockey Teams and Arenas in New York State and Further!

Whether you like being out on the ice, or watching from the boards, Amtrak provides you with an easy train ride to some of New York State’s top professional and major college hockey teams and arenas. Aside from watching a great game, you can also enjoy some of the other exciting activities that these arenas have to offer, such as concerts and behind-the-scenes tours.  All of these locations are accessible via Amtrak. Visit New York By Rail for more information and discounts.


(0.0 Miles from Pennsylvania Station)

The New York Rangers are an American professional hockey team based in New York City that competes in the National Hockey League along with three other New York-based teams. Having joined the NHL in 1926, the Rangers are one of the oldest teams in the league, and are considered part of the Original Six, the first group of teams to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Aside from being the Rangers’ home arena, Madison Square Garden hosts the New York Knicks of the NBA, professional wrestling, boxing matches, hundreds of world-class concert series, as well as plays and musicals in The Theater at MSG.

Fun facts: MSG is the oldest and most active major sporting facility in the New York metropolitan area, the oldest arena in the NHL, the second-oldest in the NBA, the fourth-busiest music arena in the world in terms of ticket sales, and is one of the 10 most expensive stadium venues ever built.


 
(6.1 Miles from Pennsylvania Station)

The New York Islanders have left their home since 1972 and have found a new one this season in the heart of Brooklyn.  In its short existence the Barclays Center has already surpassed MSG as the highest-grossing venue in the U.S. for concerts and family show.


With world-class concerts, its new NBA home team the Brooklyn Nets, college basketball games, professional wrestling events, and boxing matches, the Barclays Center is the perfect place to spend an evening out.


 
 
(0.4 Mile from Buffalo Exchange Amtrak Station)

Established in 1970, the Buffalo Sabres are an American professional hockey team that competes in the NHL. Their home since 1996, the First Niagara Center was constructed primarily for the team, seating up to 19,070 fans, making it the largest indoor arena in Western New York.

As well as being the home of the Sabres, FNC is also home to the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League, and a regular stop for major U.S. concert tours such as Garth Brooks, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, and more.


Albany Devils at the Times Union Center
(1.4 Miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station)

The Albany Devils are a professional ice hockey team that compete in the AHL and are an affiliate team of the New Jersey Devils of the NHL.

Their home, the Times Union Center also hosts world class concert series including acts such as Metallica, Green Day, the Grateful Dead, Billy Joel, and their opening show Frank Sinatra. The TUC has also hosted professional wrestling events, as well as the New York State High School Athletic Association’s Wrestling Championships.



(10.7 Miles from Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station)
The Rensselaer Engineers are a collegiate men’s and women’s ice hockey program that represent the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the NCAA Division I level.  

The Houston Field House, the nation’s third-oldest hockey rink, and second-oldest in the ECAC Hockey League, has hosted major touring acts such as The Offspring, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Marilyn Manson, and more in addition to Engineers’ games.


Fun Fact: The Rensselaer Engineers women’s ice hockey program made NCAA history after defeating the Quinnipiac Bobcats, 2-1 after five overtimes, marking the longest game in NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey history.



Utica Comets at the Utica Memorial Auditorium
(0.6 Mile from Utica Amtrak Station)

Founded in 1932, the Utica Comets are a professional ice hockey team competing in the AHL and are an affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. 
 
Affectionately known as “The AUD” by local residents, the Utica Memorial Auditorium also hosts the Utica College Pioneers’ men’s and women’s basketball games, The Skating Club of Utica, The Jr. Comets Youth Hockey Program, and several high school varsity ice hockey teams in addition to Utica Comets’ hockey games.
 
Fun Facts: “The Aud” was one of the first stadiums to have telescopic bleacher seats, and was voted number eight in Complex Magazine’s “10 Coolest Hockey Rinks in the World.”



(4.1 Miles from Syracuse Amtrak Station)

The Syracuse Crunch are an American professional ice hockey team that competes in the American Hockey League, and are currently the primary development team for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL.  Their home, the War Memorial at Oncenter, is also a prominent concert venue of its region, hosting acts such as KISS, Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead, and Aerosmith, as well as professional wrestling events.

Fun Fact: The Oncenter was the first arena to host a WWF professional wrestling “In Your House” pay-per-view event in 1995.


Rochester Americans at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
(1.1 Miles from Rochester Amtrak Station)

Colloquially known as the “Amerks,” the Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team that compete in the AHL and are an owned and operated affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres.  They are the fourth-oldest franchise in the AHL, recently celebrating their 60th anniversary during the 2015-2016 season.

The Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial, in addition to hosting “Amerks” games, is home to the Rochester Razorbacks of the Premiere Basketball League, and the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League. The BCA also presents world class artists such as Phish, Lil Wayne, and R. Kelly, as well as professional wrestling events.




Fun Fact: The Rolling Stones once played a concert at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial that lasted only 7 minutes on November 1, 1965.


Montrèal Canadiens at Centre Bell
(0.3 Mile from Montrèal Gare Centrale Amtrak Station)
 
Founded in 1909, this Canadian professional hockey team, and Original Six league member is the longest continuously operating professional ice hockey team worldwide, and the only existing NHL club to predate the founding of the NHL. The Montrèal Canadiens have earned the most league championships of any NHL team, with 24 Stanley Cup wins throughout their 107-year history.

In addition to being the home of the Canadiens, Centre Bell, the largest hockey arena in the world, hosts basketball games, major concert tours, theatrical events, hemicycle legislation debates, and was the venue of the first Ultimate Fighting Championship Mixed martial Arts event


(0.2 Mile from Toronto Union Amtrak Station)
 
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a Canadian professional hockey team competing in the NHL and one of the Original Six league members.  The Air Canada Centre, their home since 1999, is also home to the Toronto Raptors of the NBA and the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League, as well as the host of major North American concert tours.

Fun Facts: The Toronto Maple Leafs have an estimated worth of US$1.3 billion, making the Leafs the most valuable franchise in the NHL, followed by the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens. In 2015, they were ranked by Forbes as the 37th most valuable sports team in the world, and were the only NHL team to be in the top 50. The Air Canada Centre is the largest arena in Canada.


(2.6 Miles from Toronto Union Amtrak Station)

The Toronto Marlies are a Canadian professional ice hockey team competing in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. They are the major rival of the Rochester Americans.

In addition to Marlies games, Ricoh Stadium is used for agricultural displays, trade shows, concerts that include The Who, Genesis, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and more, as well as hosting professional wrestling events.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Have Some Fun at 2015’s Food and Drink Festivals



Have Some Fun at 2015’s Food and Drink Festivals


Whether you’re a food, beer or wine lover, there are some great offerings out there in the coming months. Food and drink festivals are being held all across New York state, and here are seven that we recommend you to check out! All are accessible via Amtrak’s fine, scenic routes: 


Montreal Beer Fest 
22nd Annual Montreal Beer Fest (takes place at Montreal Convention Center, 0.5 miles from Montreal Amtrak): Beer lovers and professional brewers will commence from June 10-14 this year at the Montreal Beer Festival. Not only will there be beer tastings, but workshops will be held where attendees can learn the art of beer brewing. Founded in 1994, this event is a hallmark of the brewing industry in Quebec and its success has led to similar showcases in Rio de Janeiro and Europe. Admission to the event itself is free, but the samplings of beer go at a rate of one dollar per ounce. 

NYC Bourbon Bash (takes place in multiple locations in NYC, you can get to all of them via Penn Station Amtrak): On June 13, at eight different bars, you can enjoy the best bourbon the Big Apple has to offer hopefully without blacking out! For $65, you can also indulge in great food and rock out to great music. A portion of all the proceeds go to various non-profit and charitable organizations. Tickets are to be ordered online and you must check in from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm sharp. The event goes on until 10:00 pm.


Saratoga Brewfest 
Saratoga Brewfest (located at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 6.6 miles from the Saratoga Springs Amtrak): Also on June 13, the Saratoga Brewfest will showcase some of the best local, regional and national craft beers along with great live music. More than 75 breweries are expected to participate with over 250 brews available to taste in samples. The event will also feature speakers from the craft brew industry. The festivities go on from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm, but VIPs can enjoy from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm. General admission tickets are $45 in advance and $55 at the door, while VIPs get in for $60. 

Empire Brew Fest
World of Beer Empire Brew Fest 2015 (takes place in the Chevy Court at the New York State Fairgrounds, 4.1 miles from the Syracuse Amtrak): For its 2015 outing, going from June 26th to 27th this year, this annual festival returns to Syracuse with more brewers and craft beers to go around. There will also be a Cornhole Tournament and interactive games which will test your knowledge of craft beer in addition to Giant Jenga and Giant Scrabble games for groups of friends to enjoy together! For those who are not big beer connoisseurs, there is a wine festival this year as well attached to the annual festivities. Admission breaks down like this: all day samplings are $35, the pay as you go rate is $10, and the designated driver rate is $5.

Little Falls Cheese Festival (takes place in the historic West End of Little Falls, NY, 21.6 miles from Utica Amtrak): On July 11, the scenic town of Little Falls, NY will host its annual festival showcasing delicious cheeses of all kinds. Plenty of other related products will be on hand as well, including yogurt, artisanal breads, jams and handcrafted cutting boards. Local restaurants will also be participating in a competition for the best pizza, which is the town specialty. Live music will be there, and just added is a one-act mystery play entitled “Where’s the Cheese?” performed by the town’s theater company. Admission is free, and you can call Utica Enterprise for pickup from the station to the event at (315) 736-0002.

Bounty of the Hudson Wine and Food Festival (takes place at Benmarl Winery, 11.2 miles outside the Poughkeepsie Amtrak): From July 25-26, you can sample some of the Hudson Valley Region’s finest wines and produce from local restaurants. All fourteen wineries located in the Shawangunk Wine Trail are participating this year. Along with the wines, visitors can sample local cheese, honey and baked goods while listening to some great live music. Admission is $28 and your ticket will cover the samplings from each of the wineries, the live music, and a souvenir Shawangunk Wine Trail glass. There are bus and taxi services at the station. 
Buffalo Wing Festival 

The National Buffalo Wing Festival (takes place at the Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, .2 miles from the Buffalo-Exchange Street Amtrak Station): This festival is known as the Super Bowl for the chicken wing industry, with total attendance of over 865,000 people and 4.5 million wings served since it began in 2002. This year it will take place from September 5-6. Participating restaurants showcase their wing sauces in a competition for best sauce known as the National Sauce-Off. Other competitions include the United States Buffalo Wing Eating Championship, the Baby Wing Contest, the Amateur Wing Sauce Competition, the XXXHot Wing Eating Contest, and bobbing for wings in a bowl of blue cheese. All weekend there will also be live music and trivia contests. Admission is $5 per day, but children under 8 get in for free. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate.

There’s food and fun for everyone this year! So come on down and dive into some of the best in food and drink that each of these locations has to offer. You can get to each one of them through Amtrak , and as always, you can look into our discounts for additional savings, including our 15% discount courtesy of ILOVENY. For any other inquiries, visit the New York By Rail website.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

A Winter Weekend in Montreal

As temperatures go south, leave New York City and head north for a fun winter weekend. Amtrak is running a promotion that allows customers to buy a $90 round-trip ticket between any two Adirondack stations, even going as far as Montreal, Canada. This promotion is valid through April 27, 2015. For more details about this offer, check out Amtrak's website.

From Penn Station in New York, the trip to Montreal takes about 10 hours. While it may seem long, the trip is 10 hours of relaxation, wifi access, comfy seats, dining services and beautiful Hudson River scenery. The train brings you right to downtown Montreal, where you can check in to The Queen Elizabeth hotel, which has direct access to the Amtrak station. As soon as your arrive, Montreal will charm you with its combination of old and new: beautiful Victorian buildings alongside modern skyscrapers, which cannot be taller than Montreal's Mount Royal, to maintain the city's natural
beauty.

If you're looking to celebrate the winter, MONTREAL EN LUMIERE is one of the world's largest winter festivals, held from February 19 to March 1, 2015. Prepare yourself for an abundance of delicious foods, performances and tons of free activities for adults and kids. If the cold weather has you longing for the indoors, you can spend your time in the RESO, Montreal's underground city, which spans over 20 miles. The underground city is a huge tourist destination because of its shopping, hotels and museums, via street and metro access.

MONTREAL EN LUMIERE festival.
Photo credit: Kristina Servant
One of the best parts about taking Amtrak is that you step off the train and are in the heart of downtown Montreal. You don't need a car for your weekend in this beautiful city because of the Montreal Metro. All of that lends itself to a relaxing and fun weekend in one of Canada's most vibrant and exciting cities.

If you don't want to head as far north as Montreal, consider using your $90 round-trip Amtrak ticket to visit Saratoga Springs or Lake Placid this winter. In Saratoga Springs, you can warm up in the cold at the Saratoga Chowderfest on January 31st during Saratoga's Winterfest Week. If you get off at the Westport stop, you can take the Amtrak Thruway bus service to Lake Placid, the village known for the 1980 winter Olympic games and its small town charm; here you can play winter sports to your heart's content or enjoy restaurants and boutique shopping.

If you need a break from New York City this winter, use Amtrak as your means to get away. You may not escape the cold in Montreal, but you will get a change in atmosphere and a fun weekend in an amazing city, with no hassle on an Amtrak train. For more information on Amtrak Adirondack route destinations, visit New York By Rail.