Miss New York tours North Country Learns about residents, lifestyle, and farm-to table

Nov. 4—ESSEX — Though her tiara was toted around in a protective case and not worn, and except for the sash proclaiming her title of Miss New York 2023, Amelia Collins blended in with the populace of the North Country.

Accompanying Ms. Collins was Taryn Delanie Smith, Miss New York 2022, who assisted in documenting the visit, as well as Jane Hooper, Communications Manager Regional Office of Sustainable Management (ROOST).

One of the first lessons learned while touring the Hamlet of Essex was that this is not considered "Upstate", New York, but preferred to be noted as the "North Country". Essex Town Supervisor Ken Hughes accompanied the ladies through the historic hamlet and the timing allowed them to witness another local attraction, the Lake Champlain Ferry.

SEEING THE SIGHTS

Ms. Collins toured the Lake Champlain Region and Adirondacks in support of her work with the Miss America Organization. As part of her journey she intends to promote train travel throughout New York state and particularly the New York City to Montreal route which has stops, and possibly destinations, such as Ticonderoga and Westport.

Among the aspects which the tour primarily focused on was the fall foliage, historical aspects, and the upsurge of new farms and produce that is not only sold locally but finds its way into eateries.

Collins visited the communities of Essex, Westport, Moriah, Ticonderoga, Elizabethtown and Keene. She attended a number of events, visited local businesses, hiked some of the area trails such as to the Belfry fire tower, and met with a number of civic and business leaders. She was also afforded the opportunity to speak with local residents, visitors to the region, business owners and regional tourism officials.

TELLING THE STORIES

According to Hooper, ROOST undertakes a media relations strategy as part of its overall marketing effort.

"We work with travel writers, editors, and social media content creators to encourage story development about the Adirondack region; ultimately sharing information about travel to, and within, the area."

Additionally, Hooper said, "Writers and social media content professionals present the Adirondacks to their audiences which contribute to the story of the Adirondacks through words, photos and video. The stories are also reinforced through ROOST's advertising campaigns, encouraging potential visitors to begin planning their own Adirondack adventure."

LIVING IN AND AROUND HISTORY

After their visits, Taryn and Amelia expressed their views of their excursion.

"The historic homes so beautifully preserved and intact in downtown Essex were my favorite part," said Taryn whose tour was abbreviated due to prior commitments.

"To see a community still living in and around history is so exciting to see. History in a museum is one thing, but history continuing to be included in the everyday function of a community is unique to see."

Taryn continued, "The farm-to-table sentiment is taken very seriously in this agricultural community. I loved the emphasis at restaurants we visited had on choosing to center their menus on what the local farms produce. We visited a farm which supplied the dinner we had at a local eatery, and it was so inspiring to see how much the area's local business thrived and worked in tandem with local farms for that success."

In conclusion, Taryn added, "I was Miss New York 2022, and so excited to support the Miss New York I crowned, Amelia, in her journey now as Miss New York 2023."

NORTH COUNTRY 'SUSTAINABLE'

Relating to her North Country experiences, Amelia said, "I found Fort Ticonderoga very fascinating. New York has such a rich history and it was an honor to visit a place that played a huge role in American history. There was an awning that we passed under that named other individuals that had also walked through. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were among those names and I found that so cool. I also really loved the Champlain Peony Company. It was my first time going to a venue that had four businesses all in one place. It was so unique."

Amelia ate at several restaurants that served locally produced menus as well as visited farmers markets.

"One thing I learned about the North Country that I found to be significant is its ability to be sustainable. I found it so cool that most regions are farm-to-table communities. I love that the residents in these areas nurture the mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and business owners."

Miss New York's experiences in the Lake Champlain region, and throughout the state, will be available on Instagram @missamericany and @newyorkbyrail.

E-mail: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com

Twitter: @jlotemplio