Newly Renovated I-87 Service Area In Sloatsburg Reopened Newly Renovated I-87 Service Area In Sloatsburg Reopened
Newly Renovated I-87 Service Area In Sloatsburg Reopened The New York State Thruway Authority announced the reopening of a newly renovated service area in Hudson Valley. The service area in Rockland County in Sloatsburg is on I-87 northbound between Exit 15A and Exit 16.  According to the State Thruway Authority, it is the 19th location overall to open and the first of four to undergo extensive renovations as part of the $450 million private investment to redevelop and modernize all 27 service areas. Featuring two floors and more than 31,000 square feet, the Sloatsburg Service Area is the largest of the 27 service areas on the NYS Thruway s…
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows It appears tourists just can’t get enough of Long Island. Travelers spent a record-breaking $7.5 billion across Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2023, according to data from New York State’s annual Tourism Economics report.  That figure far surpassed 2022’s record-breaking spending of $6.6 billion by 12.7 percent. Tourists spent the most, 36 percent, on food and beverages, followed by lodging at 20 percent, the report found. Retail and service stations added another $1.2 billion, or 16 percent of total spend. Suffolk County saw the biggest increase in tourism dollars in 2023, with 15.6…
Film, TV Productions Filmed In Westchester Score 32 Emmy Nominations Film, TV Productions Filmed In Westchester Score 32 Emmy Nominations
Film, TV Productions Filmed In Westchester Score 32 Emmy Nominations Westchester has once again proved itself to be a winning destination when it comes to filming, as shows produced in the county over the past year have earned over 30 Emmy nominations.  The nominations for the 76th annual Emmy Awards were announced on Wednesday, July 17. Of the list, a whopping 32 were garnered by productions filmed in Westchester, county officials said. Some of these productions include: Amazon Prime's "Fallout," which was filmed at the Verplanck quarry in Cortlandt and secured 16 nominations in acting, production, and writing categories; FX's "Feud: Capote & The…
Despite Lack Of Ocean Front, PhilaPort New Homeport For Cruise Line Despite Lack Of Ocean Front, PhilaPort New Homeport For Cruise Line
Despite Lack Of Ocean Front, PhilaPort New Homeport For Cruise Line Vacationers can set sail to Bermuda from the Port of Philadelphia beginning in 2026. PhilaPort on the Delaware River will serve as the home port for Norwegian Cruise Line's Norweigan Jewel, according to port management.  The Norweigan Jewel will ferry up to 2,330 guests to Bermuda in 26 calls to Philadelphia scheduled from April to October 2026, said PhilaPort in a statement.  The ship will dock in Bermuda overnight during the planned seven-to-nine-day voyages, "giving guests more time to enjoy the island’s stunning turquoise waters and pink-sand beaches," management sa…
NY Man ID'd As Tourist Found Dead In Greece NY Man ID'd As Tourist Found Dead In Greece
NY Man ID'd As Tourist Found Dead In Greece An American tourist recently found dead in Greece has been identified as a Long Island horse trainer. Toby Sheets’ body was found on Sunday, June 16, on a rocky beach on the Greek island of Mathraki, according to CBS News New York. Sheets, 55, was a native of Arkansas and lived in the Nassau County village of Floral Park, where he worked as a horse trainer at Belmont Park. His cause of death is still being investigated.  He went missing after being seen at a cafe on Tuesday, June 11, and was dropped off at his rental home that night, The New York Times reported.  On Thu…
'America's Got Talent' Judges Not Spellbound By Salem Witch, Now They're Hexed 'America's Got Talent' Judges Not Spellbound By Salem Witch, Now They're Hexed
'America's Got Talent' Judges Not Spellbound By Salem Witch, Now They're Hexed A well-known Salem witch failed to ensorcell the judges or the crowd during their "America's Got Talent" audition this week.  Borah the Witch appeared on the "Audition 3" episode of the popular talent show on Tuesday, June 11.  Video of Borah's audition was not released online, but a summary said the comedian did a tap dance while boiling a potion on stage before being buzzed by the judges and booed by the crowd.  Borah hexed those who X'ed them before leaving the stage. The potency of the magical shunning is unclear as the show continued without issue.  Borah, better …
Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In Irvington: Here's What To Do Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In Irvington: Here's What To Do
Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In Irvington: Here's What To Do Following several sightings of an invasive insect known to cause harm to local forests, agriculture, and tourism, village officials in Westchester are advising residents to manually remove them by any means necessary.  According to an announcement from Irvington village officials on Tuesday, June 4, numerous residents have reported sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect from Asia known to negatively impact plant life in New York.  The insect feeds on many plant species, including grapevines, red and silver maple, walnut, sycamore, rose bushes, oak, birch, fruit tr…
Travel Advisory For US Citizens Issued By State Department: Here's What To Know Travel Advisory For US Citizens Issued By State Department: Here's What To Know
Travel Advisory For US Citizens Issued By State Department: Here's What To Know The US State Department has just issued a worldwide travel advisory for Americans. The statement, issued Friday, May 17, warns of the “potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests.” The department said it is advising US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.  "The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events," the statement noted. The department said US citizens should: Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, in…
Love-Themed Poconos Motel Famous For Romantic Getaways Closes After 50 Years Love-Themed Poconos Motel Famous For Romantic Getaways Closes After 50 Years
Love-Themed Poconos Motel Famous For Romantic Getaways Closes After 50 Years The Land of Love is letting go. After nearly 50 years, Pocono Palace Resort — a popular love-themed getaway in the Poconos — has closed its doors. The East Stroudsburg motel, which reportedly opened in 1976, was sold, with the transition of title set for Thursday, May 2, according to a statement on its website: "We understand that this news may be disappointing, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause." The resort's sister locations, Cove Haven Resort and Paradise Stream Resort, will remain open. Pocono Palace is closing its doors. Courtesy of Charlene Pedicone…
Airport In Region Undergoing Upgrades, Modernization Airport In Region Undergoing Upgrades, Modernization
Airport In Region Undergoing Upgrades, Modernization Construction has begun on an international airport in the region to modernize and create state-of-the-art gateways. The Sullivan County International Airport in Swan Lake is receiving a facelift and modernizations to increase tourism and fuel economic growth, said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday, March 22. The project, which was awarded $18.5 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will replace the original 55-year-old terminal with a spacious, new 15,000-square-foot, energy-efficient building that will become both a…
New Details Released On $20M Upgrade For Atlantic City's Boardwalk New Details Released On $20M Upgrade For Atlantic City's Boardwalk
New Details Released On $20M Upgrade For Atlantic City's Boardwalk The most iconic part of Atlantic City is getting tens of millions of dollars in upgrades. But many millions more are needed to fully repair the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The city held a news conference on Tuesday, Mar. 12 to discuss the next steps in the major undertaking to fix up the boardwalk. Atlantic City and Asbury Park got the largest shares of the $100 million from the state's Boardwalk Preservation Fund. Each city will receive $20 million to make vital improvements to their boardwalks. The media event was also an opportunity to show off the work already being done on the boardwalk,…
Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades
Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades Jersey Shore communities are getting $100 million in state grants to make crucial repairs to their boardwalk, officials said. The Boardwalk Preservation Fund money will go to 18 municipalities in Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday, Feb. 23. The state Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) will give out the funds to invest in "state-of-the-art materials that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer lasting infrastructure." In a news release, Gov. Murphy said the money will help coastal tourist destinations stay vibrant. …