PAUL SMITHS – A proposal to create a state-designated cuisine trail connecting Saranac Lake, Paul Smiths and Tupper Lake is moving forward.

More than 30 businesses and organizations have expressed interest. The next step is to gain letters of support from those interested in participating or supporting the initiative.

A public information meeting is scheduled for 6 tonight at Paul Smith’s College in the Pine Room of the Joan Weill Student Center.

This local effort is part of an overall initiative in the Adirondacks to apply for state-designated cuisine trails through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The department will designate cuisine trails throughout the state.

Cuisine trails are designed to promote greater marketing opportunities for local products through regional promotional efforts. Eligible businesses include farms, restaurants, retailers, food stores, breweries and artisan producers.

The draft concept is for the proposed Adirondack Lakes Cuisine Trail to follow a transportation loop connecting Saranac Lake, Paul Smiths and Tupper Lake.

A regional group of businesses and organizations in the Paul Smiths, Lake Clear and Upper Saranac Lake area have also discussed the idea of connecting southern Franklin County through a series of themed trails to attract visitors and residents alike. This informal group aims to more broadly market existing activities, to create themed events and to make connections to surrounding regions. The goal would be to support existing activities and events through themed promotion. In general, interest in food and local products, from farmers markets to restaurants and breweries, continues to grow.

For more information on the proposed Adirondack Lakes Cuisine Trail or to RSVP for the public information session on Wednesday, contact Paul Smith’s College Chief Marketing Officer Shannon Oborne at soborne@paulsmiths.edu or 518-275-8149, or Ernest Hohmeyer of the Lake Clear Lodge at mountaincommunityvisions@live.com or 518-891-1489.