Cyber Monday Deal Offers Discounted 2013 Empire Passport

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites is getting into the holiday spirit early.The Empire Passport will be discounted from $65 to $40 during a special Cyber Monday online promotion.

"One cannot put a value on all the benefits of spending time outdoors," said State Park Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Whether you are purchasing the discounted Empire Passport for loved ones or for yourself, I am pleased that we are able to offer the affordable, yet indispensable gift, of health and fun this holiday season."

The discount will strictly apply only to online orders placed between midnight and 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26. Purchases will be accepted online at www.nysparks.com during this time, but will not be accepted in person or by phone. Each customer will be able to purchase up to three passes at the reduced price.

The Empire Passport offers unlimited vehicle access to New York State Parks for all four seasons.As stated on the website, the NYS Parks Department advises residents to "be aware that a number of our parks on Long Island were severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy and may not fully open as scheduled for the 2013 season."

The 2013 Passport will be valid now through March 31, 2014, at upwards of 250 state-operated parks, recreation areas, boat launch sites, arboretums and forest preserve sites.

For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.