CONTACT:  SUSAN TOLCHIN                                                                                      (914) 995-2932

                       DONNA GREENE                                                                                      (914) 995-2935

  LYDIA A. RUTH (Tourism)                                                                        (914) 995-8500                                                                   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                         April 28, 2008

PLAN YOUR SUMMER VACATION –  THE WESTCHESTER WAY

*Travel, Play and Stay Close to Home*

You may live in Westchester, but not realize it’s a tourist’s Mecca. With gas prices soaring, why not plan your vacation at home? You can save money on gas and have a great time.

It’s the season for outdoor activities, concerts and theater as well as garden tours. Westchester offers a wide variety of entertainment and activities from the renowned Caramoor International Music Festival to  performing arts to world class historical sites such as Lyndhurst and Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, museums, art galleries and antique shops to lush gardens and nature centers. Enjoy the county’s two magnificent waterfronts: the majestic Hudson River and beautiful Long Island Sound. And don’t miss the great shopping opportunities that abound.

For the adventurous, Grand Prix New York in Mount Kisco gives you the opportunity to drive open-wheel cars in an exciting indoor racing facility. Make your own wine at MYO Wine in Elmsford and if you’re feeling lucky, play the odds at Empire City at Yonkers Raceway, which has thousands of video gaming machines, live harness and simulcast horse racing.

Special rates and packages are being offered by some of the county’s finest hotels. And Westchester’s outstanding selection of restaurants offers something for everyone’s taste and budget including an impressive variety of international cuisines, seafood, steak, classic American and “pub grub.” 

So start planning your summer getaway now.  Travel, play and stay close to home – The Westchester Way - New York’s “Golden Apple.”  For more information, including a free 2008 Travel Guide, tourism map and special interest brochures, visit www.westchestertourism.com or contact the Westchester County Office of Tourism at 800 833-9282.