PLATTSBURGH — Front-desk staff and others gathered recently to learn about local attractions so they can inform guests about opportunities in the North Country.
Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau Director Michele Powers told those in attendance at the Front Desk Training and Trade Show event how important it is for them to learn about the area's attractions so they can give visitors a better experience.
About 30 displays were featured at the session.
"It'll give you a great taste of the area," Powers said.
front line
The event was organized by the Visitors Bureau and held at Airborne Speedway, which also used it as an opportunity to offer test drives on its new go-kart track.
Sherm Hamel, who handles sales and marketing at the West Plattsburgh track, said it is a great place to bring a family for the races held every Saturday.
"You guys are the front line. People are always looking for something to do," he said.
Airborne co-owner Steven Fuller said the go-kart track, which just opened May 28, has already been very busy.
Once school is out, the track will be open seven days a week: 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Friday and noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Go-kart track manager Bruce Jarvis said anyone 6 or older can drive the go-karts. Racers get 10 laps for $5.
'GOOD EXPOSURE'
Beartown Ski Area Board of Directors President Tim Howley said he was trying to get the word out about the Ski Area, located in the Town of Beekmantown.
The facility offers a family-friendly atmosphere at bargain prices, he said, with both alpine and Nordic skiing.
"It's good exposure," he said of the session. "This will help local businesses that may not know us. We'll let them do our marketing for us."
SPOKESPERSONS
Patty Husband, who owns The Kayak Shack on Route 9 in the Town of Plattsburgh, said it is great when local hotel staff know what's available in the region.
"They get asked all the questions. They're like little spokespersons for your business," Husband said.
She also took part last year and definitely saw an increase in business in the months following the event.
WORTH A TRIP
Town of Plattsburgh Recreation Director Melanie Defayette was on hand with a display about the town's disc-golf course, located in the Cadyville Rec Park on Goddeau Road.
She said the second nine should be complete in about three weeks.
"We're very excited to have people come out to play the 18-hole course," Defayette said.
She was handing out a lot of maps and brochures; several people told her they didn't know the course was there.
There is no charge to play, and people can even borrow discs at Plattsburgh Town Hall, 151 Banker Road.
"It's free, and it's great exercise. It's worth a trip out there," Defayette said.
OFTEN ASKED
Megan Avery of the Best Western on Route 3 in the Town of Plattsburgh was there to learn more about what's available for their guests, who constantly ask staff for recommendations.
"I didn't have any idea that some of these things were in our community," Avery said.
That included the disc-golf course.
"It's free, and it's not very far away," Avery said.
She also didn't realize so many wineries were located in the North Country.
Avery was bringing new brochures back to display in the hotel's common area.
"It's nice to get a bunch of different ones today to give our guests more variety."
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