Visiting Orleans County During the Pandemic
This post is in response to those trying to circumvent the COVID-19 pandemic by social distancing and still remain active. Despite the fact that we are taking directives from our leaders very seriously and several events have been cancelled, Orleans County still welcomes visitors while encouraging everyone to exercise caution during these vulnerable times.
We are offering some suggestions to visitors and our residents to take full advantage of the assets that remain open:
- Support our small businesses. Many of our restaurants and wineries are remaining open and offering take-out with curbside pick-up and/or delivery. Check their Facebook page or call them if in doubt. Gift certificates are available from many of our specialty shops and healing arts providers who sincerely appreciate your patronage.
- Celebrate Spring! The days are longer and outdoor temps are on the rise this week providing us an opportunity to get out and enjoy our parks and trails. With the weather cooperating, this is a perfect time to get some fresh air or get a jump on Earth Day activities and clean up litter along the Erie Canalway Trail or Oak Orchard River at Point Breeze.
- Fishing: Lake fishing is early this year and a few boats are in the water ready to host anglers looking to catch their first fish of the season on Lake Ontario. Steelhead are still being caught in the Oak Orchard River and tributaries as well as along the lakeshore. Follow our “At the Oak” Facebook page to connect with some of our charter captains. Keep informed by reading our weekly fishing report.
- Wildlife: Did you know that over 10,800 acres of wooded swamp, marshland and meadows at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge provide a stopping point for an estimated 100,000 Canada geese and 266 species of birds during their spring and fall migrations? What better time to view some of those migrations! The INWR offers outdoor activities including nature trails, overlooks, photography blind (by permit), canoeing in designated areas, fishing and hunting (by permit). Please respect the flora and fauna by staying on designated trails and keep dogs on leashes.
- Learn about all there is in Orleans County and schedule a visit after the storm passes. Our 2020 Travel & Adventure Guide will be available (if all goes well) for distribution by the end of April. Meanwhile, we will post it online in the very near future.
Further directives and information from New York State regarding COVID-19 can be obtained at ny.gov/coronavirus or Genesee & Orleans County Public Health at https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/health/ or https://www.facebook.com/GOHealthNY/.
Please exercise sensibility, patience and understanding during these difficult times. Together, we will get through this and flatten the curve!
