Where to go, what to do
WARWICK — The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce recently distributed more than 40,000 copies of the 22nd annual Warwick Valley Tourism Guide, Events Calendar and Business Directory for the villages of Florida, Greenwood Lake, Warwick and the five hamlets.
The guide includes an extensive listing of events occurring in the Warwick Valley during 2013- 2014.
Major highlights, for example, include EXPO, Ladies Night Out, A Taste of Warwick, Applefest, Home for the Holidays and the dates and locations of local farmers markets. Much improved and user -friendly maps, featuring keys to the location of advertisers, also combine town-wide details to help navigate the area.
“Out-of-town visitors have come to rely on this valuable 20-page resource guide as much as area residents do to help find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Warwick,” said Marketing Director Janine Dethmers of Corporate Impressions, the publisher. “The Tourism Guide answers what to do, where to go, and where to dine, shop and stay.”
Once again, Dethmers managed this year’s project for the chamber from her Warwick office. Her background includes marketing, public relations, sales promotion and trade show/event planning.
The value of tourism
Michael Johndrow, executive director of the chamber, reported that tourism is one of the most revenue-producing industries in Orange County and a powerful economic force in the area. The organization is currently working to promote Warwick as a four-season tourist destination.
“The chamber,” he said, “continues its commitment to excellence and success in building awareness of the Warwick Valley as a tourism destination renowned for its well earned status of a ‘Quality Community.’ Promoting the Town of Warwick’s rich history, countryside, orchards, and vital downtown districts is crucial to area businesses.”
Essential information
The 2013-14 Tourism Guide is distributed free at locations throughout the Hudson Valley, including the Thruway Information Center near Harriman, West Point and Woodbury Common, as well as in Sussex and Bergen counties in New Jersey.
The guides are also placed in informational packets left for guests in hotels throughout the area including several in nearby Vernon, N.J.
Guides are available to the public at more than 90 local businesses, including banks, restaurants, lodging establishments, retail merchants, town and village halls, the chamber’s headquarters at the South Street Caboose or by visiting www.warwickcc.org.
- Roger Gavan