Last minute holiday shopping tips from Orange County Tourism

GOSHEN — Still holiday shopping? Stumped?

Orange County Tourism has some nifty gift ideas recently gleaned from its Facebook page news feed.

"Of course, we think gifts that spread the word about Orange County and spark visits to this beautiful corner of the Hudson Valley region are just the right thing for everyone," tourism officials said in their press release detailing their ideas. "Link into museums, historic sites and special events pages from www.OrangeTourism.org too! In addition to the tips that follow, gifts of museum memberships, special events tickets, gift certificates to attractions, restaurants, and overnight getaways at cozy B&Bs or deluxe hotels are sure to be appreciated."

The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame catalog has everything horsey that you can possibly imagine including jewelry, clothing, toys, books, household goods and weather vanes.

It’s a wish book for all horse enthusiasts including kids just dreaming about owning their own pony. Find it at www.harnessmuseum.com. To see the merchandise before you buy, browse the huge gift shop inside their interactive Goshen museum. It’s open seven days a week, year round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Here’s a gift that gets to “the Point.” West Point that is! Proceeds from sales of the 2014 West Point Calendar benefit the Cadet Activities Fund. Get one for yourself, too.

The stunning images of our nation’s first military academy set in the scenic Hudson Highlands will have everyone humming “America the Beautiful!” We hope it inspires lots of visits to all their famous attractions like Trophy Point, the Cadet Chapel, Michie Stadium, Eisenhower Hall, the West Point Museum, and the historic Thayer Hotel.

To order on line, plug this link into your browser: http://bit.ly/1aRMrod.

Swans are back! These original collectibles were made in the 1960’s through the 1990’s by skilled glassblowers at the historic Gillinder Glass Company in Port Jervis.

The delicate sculptures are all unique and never became a production item. The glass artists created them during their lunch hour or after work on their own time. They’re famous in Port Jervis!

Each comes with a card of authenticity signed by Charlie Gillinder and must be picked up on site.

While you’re there, take a fascinating factory tour. Just a few swans are available, but there are lots more beautiful glass treasures in the gift shop.

Don’t forget to take a look at the fabulous glittering items that can be ordered from their web site, too: www.gillinderglassstore.com.

Orange County landscapes are breathtaking, especially when captured by nationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer, Nick Zungoli. Exposures Gallery in Sugar Loaf Art & Craft Village is filled with Nick’s gorgeous photos, great for a last minute gift.

His web site is another great resource: www.exposures.com. Twelve of his wonderful images depicting local landscapes and working farms are on the 2014 Orange County Land Trust Calendar. You’ll be helping this non-profit maintain the wonderful nature preserves found right here in the county.

Visit www.oclt.org for a list of places where this very affordable gift is sold. It can also be conveniently ordered online.

Wish your friends a healthy, happy New Year with an apple gift pack from Soons Orchards. Pick from Empire, Red Delicious, Ida Red, Macoun, Golden Delicious, Cameo, Braeburn, and Gala or send a variety pack.

You can shop on line at www.soonsorchard.com, but if you make the trip to New Hampton, pick up some hard cider for a New Year’s toast at their recently opened Orchard Hill Cider Mill next to the farm market.

Yes, Orange County Choppers is located in this Orange County, not California or Florida! Their new show, now airing on Country Music Television, continues to expand their huge fan base and brings lots of curious folks from around the world to their Newburgh showroom.

It’s definitely a treat to see their unique choppers in person, but for holiday shopping convenience, click on http://shop.orangecountychoppers.com for their cool collection of items for all ages.

Gift cards for the Castle Fun Center are “fun-size-fits-all.” Check out their ever-growing list of amusements when you visit the www.thecastlefuncenter.com.

You can order the gift cards from the web site, but if you stop by one evening before January 5th, enjoy their free Christmas Lighting Spectacular with music and over 100,000 lights. It’s a sight to behold!

The lists of attractions, lodging, and events at www.OrangeTourism.org will help you plan your 2014 getaways. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com, or call 800-762-8687. Orange County Tourism is headquarters for tourism in the county and is part of the I LOVE NY program.