'Winter Is Hot ' in Ithaca!

Third Annual Winter Promotion Offers Festivals, Packages & More

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. October 14, 2008

ITHACA, NY, December 21, 2005. Winter is heating up in Ithaca with the third annual 'Winter is Hot' promotion. From January 1 through February 28, 2006 visitors of the Finger Lakes region will delight in a bevy of festivals boasting great music, delectable food, hotel savings and more. From testing their palate tolerance at the Chili Cook-Off and Winter Festival to scoring some coveted beads at the Mardi Gras celebrations on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, Ithaca keeps visitors to the region warm with festivities.

Ithaca's Winter is Hot 2006 events include:

Light in Winter is an exciting three-day festival taking place January 19-22, which celebrates the fusion of music, art and science. This year features the intrepid multimedia pioneer and NASA's first artist-in-residence, Laurie Anderson. Also performing is Simon Shaheen, master of both the middle-eastern lute and the violin, performing with members of his jazz-fusion group, Qantara. The weekend, Thursday through Sunday, also boast activities for all ages at area museums, theatres and galleries. Late night performances will take place at various downtown restaurants.

It's an explosion of taste, fun and music at the 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Winter Festival on February 18, 2006. From veggie to turkey and anything in between, come feel the heat on the Ithaca Commons as over 25 regional restaurants compete for the sought-after Ithaca Chili Cook-Off trophy. If the mercury gets to high, guests can also enjoy live music and shopping in the heart of Ithaca's historical and vibrant downtown.

Mardi Gras Celebrations on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, February 25-26. Celebrate Fat Tuesday along Ithaca's Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Revelers will sample area wines and taste delectable food throughout the five wineries while collecting coveted Mardi Gras beads. Guests will also be eligible to win a variety of prizes including a treasure of real gold coins, valued at up to $500!. Come dressed in costume for the chance to hold court as the King and Queen of Mardi Gras. The new royalty will also reign over future 2006 events on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail.

Now through March 1, 2006 Ithaca's hotels, inns and B&B's are also heating up with special rates to celebrate the season. Room rates and package offers, which start at $55, can be found at www.visitithaca.com/hotithaca/packages.cfm.*

Below is a sampling of select packages available:

Winter is Hot at the Econo Lodge: Rates start at $55 per room, per night, double occupancy including early check-in and late check-out, breakfast and a welcome gift. Package is valid now through March 30, 2006.

Light in Winter Festival package at Best Western University Inn: Rates start at $89 per room, per night, double occupancy including extended continental breakfast and complimentary transportation to and from the Light in Winter Festival. Package is valid Jan 20, 2006 - Jan 22, 2006.

Snow Guarantee: Available at participating hotels, now through March 31, 2006, guests who request the Snow Guarantee when booking, will receive one percent off nightly room rates for every inch of snow that falls during their stay (10 inches equals 10% off). The more it snows, the more guests will save! For more information visit www.visitithaca.com and click on the "Snow Guarantee" icon.