In commemoration of the re-launch of the North Shore Promotion Alliance and its website, www.longislandheritagetrail.com
 
(Stony Brook, N.Y.) The North Shore Promotion Alliance is celebrating the beauty, culture and history of the North Shore of Long Island with “Backroads and Byways,” a photo and video contest spotlighting this magnificent region. The North Shore Promotion Alliance was created in 1995 by volunteers from many diverse cultural and historic organizations on Long Island’s North Shore in collaboration with local businesses and chambers of commerce.  The Alliance works in cooperation with the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau to support the promotion of Long Island as a multi-interest destination.
 
Once home to the likes of the Vanderbilts and Roosevelts, “The Gold Coast” today still remains a destination site visited by thousands each year for its mansions, quaint villages, museums and historic sites. Route 25A originated in the early 1700s as “Kings Highway.” George Washington traveled this same route in 1790 in a horse-drawn carriage to thank his Long Island supporters and the spy ring for their help in winning the American Revolution. Honoring this Presidential journey, this area of Route 25A has been designated by New York State as the Long Island Heritage Trail.
 
Grand Prizes will be awarded in each category for “Backroads & Byways” as follows: 
 
Photo Entry Winner:  Overnight Stay for two (2) at Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate, Cold Spring Harbor and dinner for two (2) at 4-star Mirabelle Restaurant/Three Village Inn on Stony Brook Harbor
 
Video Entry Winner: “Behind the Scenes” Private Tour for four (4) of Old Westbury Gardens and Gold Coast Package at the Roslyn Claremont Hotel – overnight stay for four (4) in their Parlor Suite, dinner for four (4) at Christina’s in their Atrium Lobby and continental breakfast in their Library Lounge.
 
Contest is open to amateur artists 18 years and older and the area of focus is from Port Washington to Port Jefferson, North of Route 25A.  Eleven self-drive tours can be explored and the Official Entry Form with full details can be downloaded at www.longislandheritagetrail.com or www.stonybrookvillage.com. Entries may be submitted now through December 1, 2010 and must be mailed to The North Shore Promotion Alliance Organization, P. O. Box 572, Stony Brook, New York 11790 or delivered to NSPA c/o WMHO, 111 Main Street, 2nd Fl., Stony Brook. (Office hours are Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm) More than one entry can be submitted and there is a $25 entry fee. For further information call 631-751-2244.
 
The North Shore Promotion Alliance is a non-profit organization established in 1994 whose sole purpose is to promote the culture, beauty and history of the North Shore of Long Island.