The Adirondack Hub is full of unique shopping opportunities where you’ll surely find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. You won’t find chain stores here, but rather the cutest mom and pop shops full of uniquely crafted gifts and treasures. 

Pine Cone Mercantile 

The Pine Cone Mercantile is a wonderful space in Schroon Lake where you’ll find plenty of beautiful decor for your home or camp. The store is packed full of artwork, furniture, decor, and more. You’ll definitely find a wonderful gift here for someone special on your list, or maybe just for yourself! Northwoods Bread Co. is in the back for fresh bakery goods, and there is a small market space within the store as well for fresh produce from local farms. 

Pine Haven Cottage

Owner Jayne handcrafts many of the items in this cute shop in Newcomb. This little gift shop is full of camp, cottage, and woodsy decor, baby items, cards, florals, vintage items and more, with an eye for retro camp style decorating. If you're shopping for the person who has everything, and you need to find a truly unique piece, this is the place. 

Cloud-Splitter Outfitters 

Cloud-Splitter Outfitters, located in Newcomb, is the perfect place to buy someone the gift of experience. Snowshoeing, hiking, whitewater rafting, whatever it may be, Cloud-Splitter Outfitters' experienced guides will take you on amazing Adirondack adventures in the great outdoors. 

The Towne Store 

This 6,500 square foot anchor store offers a wide array of items including unique gifts, jewelry, souvenirs, Adirondack books, women’s boutique clothing and accessories, Adirondack decor, linens, bath and kitchen accessories, camping equipment and supplies, sporting goods, toys, and brand name footwear. Pretty much whatever you need, you can find it at the Towne Store in Schroon Lake. 

Bark Eater Outfitters

Bark Eater Outfitters is full of unique and custom apparel for the Adirondack lover who probably already has too many t-shirts, but one more couldn’t hurt to remember their favorite trip. The store has an entire line of mens, womens, and childrens Adirondack apparel, but they also have a special Schroon Lake and Paradox line. You can find them online or right in downtown Schroon Lake. 

Paradox Brewery

Located in North Hudson, Paradox Brewery is the area’s beloved brewery. They recently opened their new location down the road from the new Frontier Town Campground with a brand-new indoor tasting room. They’re serving up delicious beers, but you can take some home too, and grab a piece of their merchandise to pair with it for the beer lover in your life.

Home is where the heart is

I love to eat out. Possibly because, contrary to my son's belief that I am the 'world's best baker,' I am a horrible cook. (Oliver is 6, so I figure I can get away with holding my title for just a few more years before he discovers the truth.) However, I am not a solo diner by nature. I like the social aspect of a restaurant experience — I want to chat about life issues, debate hot topics, and sample my companions' meals. If I am alone, I usually opt to grab something quick and snack on the go. So, as I head to Pitkin's Restaurant in downtown Schroon Lake, I am a wee bit out of my element. But I am on an adventure, and my 2016 bucket list includes overcoming my shyness. So today I can, and will, eat alone. Dang it.

Of course, here's the thing about Pitkin's: Every time I walk in the door, I feel welcome. If you adhere to the old saying "home is where the heart is," Pitkin's slogan could easily be "Welcome to Marie's home."

Breakfast of my (childhood) dreams

Honestly, whenever I drive past Pitkin's I am instantly transported back to my youth. Growing up I spent at least six to eight weeks each year at our primitive camp on Hoffman Mountain. As a child, after two or three days without running water or electricity, I was always ecstatic to hear my dad announce we were going into town for breakfast. This meant one thing, and one thing only — Pitkin's. The family-run restaurant was our favorite place, and the fact that we were always greeted with a smile was probably one of the reasons.

After years of doing breakfast here, we had our 'usual' down pat. My dad would order eggs over easy and sausage with a side of wheat toast, and coffee light and sweet. I waffled (not literally) — my choice was either the delicious pancakes with crispy bacon or a bacon and cheese omelet with a side of hash browns. And that last side, my friends, I have never been able to find better anywhere else. Hash browns -— not home fries — shredded, browned delicately and oh, so good. I still randomly order them when I see them on a menu, but never have they lived up to what Pitkin's served up for the formative years of my childhood.

By the time I graduated high school, my father had started building his dream retirement home on our five wild acres, and before I graduated college he had permanently changed his address to Old Sweeney Farm Rd. And, while his camp was no longer primitive in nature (we even had indoor plumbing!), it was still always a treat for us to head into town for a meal when I came to visit. It was a family tradition — one I'm glad to continue today, even if I'm by myself.

Back to the present

As I enter Pitkin's it's 11:45 a.m. on a random Wednesday in March. It is fairly quiet, just one large group of guys in the corner and a couple of two-tops. I am greeted with a friendly hello and an invitation to sit wherever I like. I grab a booth, and I'm quickly transported back to younger days (and just to age myself, by younger I mean 30-plus years or so.). I have always loved the wall art in the restaurant. Made locally by regional artists, the pieces vary in size, shape, and theme, and honestly, the eclectic collection of pieces just make me happy to look at.

Kevin, Marie's grandson, is my waiter, and the delicious smells of lunch are wafting from behind the swinging kitchen door. (I can admit I was a bit sad to have missed breakfast — why, oh why, didn't I start my trip earlier?) I quickly glance at the menu and the specials board, but again, I have spent enough time frequenting the joint to know what my order will be. I choose the turkey club with fries, and just to deviate from my childhood choice of chocolate milk, I go with some strong fresh-brewed coffee.

Within minutes of ordering, I start to become a bit overwhelmed (did I mention that I am really shy and rarely a solo-diner?). I have my back to the door, but it keeps opening. Folks of all ages are piling in. By 12:15 every booth is full, the place is full of happy chatter, and I am double-checking that this is, indeed, a Wednesday morning in March.

However, there is no need to be shy; conversation flows easily at this town diner. I am soon happily chatting with my booth-neighbors, Heather and Martha. I mentioned spending many of my days at the town beach in the '70s and '80s, and Heather asked if I knew, "...it only became a public beach by one vote." Well, no, I did not know that, and I'm totally intrigued. I spend the next few minutes talking with the ladies about old family ties and a bit of lake history. (If we're lucky, Martha might even write a blog or two about the good, old, Schroon days!)

As I look around the restaurant, I can't help but note that it's a great mix of locals and travelers. I think one of the coolest things I witnessed in my hour at Pitkin's was how absolutely friendly everyone was. I even watched diners juggle their seating so other groups could be better accommodated. Y'know... it's the little things that really make an impression and keep folks coming back!

I chat with a few more locals and hear that Marie's famous St. Patrick's Day dinner is coming up. I'm told it's definitely worth making a return trip for. I'll have to keep that in mind as the Irish half of my ancestry does dictate a good corned beef meal every March!

Everyone had an opinion on their favorite go-to meal, and they were more than willing to share (their opinion — not their meals. Those were disappearing too quickly for me to grab a taste!).

My lunch arrives, and I'm not going to lie — it's as delicious as it looks. That's really all there is to say about it.

My only regret? Not ordering the homemade split pea and ham soup. As I glanced around at my neighbor's tables, there was at least one or two cups of soup on most of them. It is obviously a favorite. Hmm, maybe I should have asked before I ordered.

Well, lesson learned, I ask Kevin about dessert. And yes, he assures me, "they're all made in-house by my grandmother every day!" (Did you happen to get a look at the Special's board - if not, take a moment to really read the writing on the board below!)

I can't decide and they're so affordable, heck, I order the top two recommendations. Sometimes a girl just has to be a bit crazy.

No regrets: I don't care if you are eating breakfast or dinner — order dessert. Eat it there, bring it home, whatever. Just do it. You will thank me, even if your waist doesn't. Oh, my. Yum.

So, now that I've had my cake and eaten it, too, I'd say it's time to go for a walk by the lake. Today just solidified my love for this Adirondack village — it's nice to know some things just get better with age! I will be making a trip back to Schroon Lake soon, with my son. I think it's time I continued the Pitkin's tradition with him, followed by a hike up my childhood favorite, Mt. Severance.

Also, keep in mind Pitkin's is currently on their winter hours and only serving breakfast on the weekends — and, here I thought I was late to arrive! You may want to call ahead to make sure they are open before you head over to grab your hash browns! From what I gathered, March hours are Monday through Friday from 11am-3pm, Saturday & Sunday from 8am-3pm. Pitkin's will start opening for dinner daily beginning April 1, and of course special hours for St. Patrick's Day dinner!

(Now, someone needs to let Marie know how much I enjoyed my visit, since she assured me, "Young lady, I never go near the internet!")

Spending the night indoors is a fine way to pamper yourself, and it’s pretty easy to prepare for a trip when there’s a bed waiting for you on the other end. But if you really want to be immersed in nature and take in all of the sights and sounds of an Adirondack forest, you need to get out there and live in it, even if it’s only for a night or two. In the Adirondacks, finding a campsite to fit your style can be as easy as finding a Starbucks in the city — they’re everywhere. Want a hot shower? We have it. Want a bit of luxury with your fire pit? That’s easy! Want to wake up to the sun glistening off of a mountain lake? Get your backpack ready and keep reading to learn more! 

Family camping

Minerva Town Beach

This town-run campground is all about quiet comfort. Its fifty-six tent sites are all within a short walk from the tennis courts, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, concession stand, playground, and Donnelly Beach. The restrooms have hot showers and there’s a public boat launch for non-motorized boats.

Camp Tin Box (now Spacious Skies Adirondack Peaks)

Camp Tin Box is the best way to get away from it all while having it all at the same time. It’s basically a mini tourist town tucked back in the woods. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, spa, sandy beach, boat rentals, fishing, 18 hole mini-golf, gift shop, snack shop, mini mart, and game room. And that’s not all! The campground also hosts all sorts of daily activities like movies, ice cream socials, and theme weekends. 

But what about camping? Camp Tin Box has more than one hundred sites available ranging from basic tent sites to 50-amp pull throughs. They even have camping cabins, two-bedroom cabins, and trailer rentals.

Newcomb Cafe and Campground

"Disconnect, unwind, and get outside and explore" is the motto at Newcomb Cafe and Campground. This RV park also has sites for tents and there a few cabin rentals as well. Sites have water and 30-amp electric hook-ups, but those are just some of the amenities. The campground has a shower facility, bathrooms, a dumping station, and firewood available for purchase. There's even a pond onsite for fishing! Newcomb Cafe and Campground is a "digital detox" zone, but WiFi is available in the cafe. Even if you truly do want to unplug, you definitely don't want to miss a meal at this delicious cafe! 

Equestrian camping 

Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area

The newest Adirondack camping experience, Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area, is going to be a hit with overnighters of all stripes, but what really makes it stand out is its equestrian camping area, which boasts space for thirty-three equestrian camping sites including American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant features, such as two ADA compliant horse mounting ramps. 

The equestrian sites aren’t just little dirt patches that have been carved out of the forest, either. Each has electrical hookups, hibachi-style grills, two tie stalls, and water spigots within 250 feet of the site. There’s also a stud stall with room for up to sixty-six horses, and for people there’s a shower building and a pavilion with electrical outlets and interior lighting.

Equestrians staying at the campground will have easy access to trails that offer stunning Adirondack scenery. The easiest way to take a ride is by heading out from the campground on a rural road. They are a mixed of pavement and hard packed gravel, and see little vehicle traffic.

With a little traveling, horseback riders can also head to Newcomb and explore the gorgeous Boreas Ponds area’s 25 miles of woods roads and trails, take the 5 mile ride to Great Camp Santanoni, or check out the Essex Chain Complex’s 22 miles of woods roads and trails. 

Glamping 

Lake Harris House Lodge

Luxury camping, or glamping, is the answer to the age old question: How do I get outdoors without feeling like I’m roughing it? OK, maybe that’s not an age-old question, but glamping is a thing and you can do it in the Adirondacks. 

Opening this summer, the Lake Harris House Lodge in Newcomb will give glampers-in-waiting four glampsites to choose from. Each is a heavy canvas tent on a wooden platform. Nothing special, but inside is where the magic happens. Peel back the corner of the tarp and you’ll find a queen bed, dresser, seating area, ceiling fan, and electrical outlets. Outside there’s a porch with more seating that faces the lake.

The lodge itself will have a restaurant, bar, ninety tables, and three fireplaces, making this a great all-season choice. Did we mention glamping guests will be able to order room service from the lodge? 

Backcountry camping

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area

For access to the great outdoors and options galore, nothing beats the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area. This 46,283-acre area has fourteen lean-tos and thirty-eight designated tent sites that are marked with yellow “Camp Here” discs. All are first come first serve and all are primitive, meaning you won’t find any amenities beyond a fire pit at them, but what you will find is a wilderness experience like no other. The sites around the 441-acre Pharaoh Lake are especially  popular, and with good reason. The Milky Way is the star of the show in the night sky above the lake, and loon calls and owl hoots are a common occurrence. There are more than half a dozen smaller lakes and ponds to camp on as well!

The vast Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area can be accessed from any of the nine parking areas that dot its perimeter. The hiking here isn’t particularly difficult, but it does take a walk to get to any of the sites and backpackers should be prepared to go farther if the spot they wanted is occupied. The good news is once you’ve settled in, you’ll have the forest at your disposal. Swimming, fishing, and relaxing by the water are all recommended, and if you’re looking for a challenge you should put hiking to the summit of Pharaoh Mountain on your list — the view is incredible.

Campers who want the Pharaoh Lake experience but prefer more amenities can camp at one of the following nearby campgrounds: Putnam Pond, Paradox Lake, Rogers Rock, Scaroon Manor, or Eagle Point.

Stock up before heading into the woods, hire a guide if it's your first time camping, and rent a room if you want to get out of the woods and back into civilization!

For some time I've been curious about a little spot on the map that I thought was called Chalice Pond. Chalice--like a medieval goblet or something you'd use for communion. Two guidebooks refer to it as Challis Pond. A History of Essex County, edited by H. P. Smith in 1885, refers to an early settler named Timothy Chellis who lived on a road near the area and Barbara McMartin's guidebook attributes the name to him. The DEC sign at the trailhead says Chalis Pond although the DEC website says Challis.

The name has become a hook making me more and more curious. It has some originality. I don't know the official count of Long Ponds, Mud Ponds, Round Ponds, Clear Ponds or Moose Ponds but I know of at least three of each.

The trail to Challis Pond (since that's the way you'll find it in the guidebooks) leaves the Ensign Pond Road about 2.5 miles east of Rte 9 in North Hudson. Parking is around the corner at the trailhead to Moose Mountain Pond and Bass Lake.

April 18 the trail still had a generous amount of ice so I strapped on some traction. In places where the ice had melted there were wide puddles. I delivered my annual walk-in-the-trail-so-you-don't-widen-it-and-cause-erosion sermon to the youngsters with whom I was hiking. They willingly made the mud and snow melt into instant recreation.

The trail winds along for a bit more than half a mile with nice sound effects from a stream that comes from the pond. We walked through a lot of cedar trees and eventually arrived at the big rock fireplace at the shore of an almost perfectly round pond.

To the right the outlet that feeds the little stream was tangled with logs, which made for tricky crossing. That turned out to be the theme of the route around the pond. After a short stretch along a fisherman's path there was a long stretch of very tangled blowdown that made passage very slow. I stepped over logs and went three feet down into pockets of snow that probably won't melt until July. Finally we walked on top of the downed trunks, zig zagging until we could get where we were headed.

The reward of battling the blowdown was that we saw lots of animal tracks and bird sign. It was too early for songbirds but a woodpecker was drumming out its version of a love song. No frogs or peepers yet—there was still ice on the shady side of the pond. Too early for good fishing as well. The mammoth burl on a yellow birch was the treasure of the day.

When we came back to the campfire ring it was raining so we only stopped for a few minutes then headed back under the tree canopy. By whatever name, Challis Pond is a short trip that's manageable for very young hikers who want to carry their own pack or fishing rod.  Also amusing for anyone who's curious about ponds with unusual names. It will make a nice ski or snowshoe trip in winter. 

Tucked away on the edge of Main Street in downtown Schroon Lake, things are brewing at 9 Mile Coffee. The hum of the La Marzocco espresso machine and whir of the grinder greeted me as I walked into the small but cozy coffee shop just five minutes from the Adirondack Northway (I-87). Two customers tucked into a comfortable looking booth seemingly at work and another gentleman sat in front of the window enjoying his morning cup ‘o joe. I instantly felt at home surrounded by the oh so familiar sounds of a real coffee shop, just like the one I frequent back home.

This was a place I could find myself spending some time with friends, or working. But we all know what the real question is, how's the coffee? The menu, handwritten on a chalk board above the counter, features most of the coffee shop staples you’d expect, including several pour over options, cappucino, latte, cortado, nitro brew, fresh chai, and more. A small sandwich menu also caught my eye, but I've got only one thing on my mind. I order my golden standard for coffee shops, a Latte. I’m generally a coffee with cream and sugar kinda guy, no Carmel-Moccha-Frappa-whatever here. But when there’s a proper latte to be had, so simple yet so perfect, I can't resist. Served in a convenient to-go cup with their attractive logo on the sleeve, the latte was smooth and strong. A nice well rounded flavor with little need for improvement (I did add just a touch of sugar). Don’t worry 9 Mile, you’ll see me again!

A local dream

9 Mile Coffee Company is the collective work of four young locals who share a vision of creating a place where people and good coffee meet in their hometown. Why ‘9 Mile’? It refers to the length of the town's namesake Schroon Lake which is a half a block away from their front door. They're not only passionate about their coffee, they're also passionate about their hometown and excited to be able to bring their own flair to Schroon Lake's Main Street. To that end they're also feverishly at work on a new location across the street from where they opened this past summer, which will be completely renovated in the coming months. 

“We hope the pleasant surprise is that you can walk into your small town coffee shop and feel like you're in a big city coffee shop, both in the quality of the drinks and the atmosphere.” says owner Brian Hosan.

The interior is cozy and friendly. But don't get too attached, there's a brand new shop coming summer 2019!

Small town shop, small farm beans

9 Mile isn’t just bringing a fresh new coffee shop to downtown Schroon Lake, they're also bringing locally roasted beans. All the coffee at 9 Mile comes from Kru Coffee Roasters based out of Saratoga Springs. Kru sources all of their beans from farmers around the world who produce the best product and are socially responsible toward their workers. All of their coffee is Fair Trade, Direct Trade, or Rainforest Alliance Certified. 9 Mile also carries several single origin (one region) and ‘micro lot’ (one farm) beans from Kru, so you can know exactly when and where your cup comes from. A fact that the team at 9 Mile is proud to share. 

A brewing evolution

9 Mile Coffee is the latest exciting addition to the Schroon Lake scene. It's bringing high end artisanal coffee to their little slice of the southern Adirondacks. There's already a loyal local following developing, so don't miss the train! The next time you're in the Schroon Lake Region, or even driving by on I-87, give it a try! I'm excited to see what the future holds for this little coffee shop in the mountains. 

Interested in seeing what the hype is all about? Start planning your trip to Schroon Lake today!

5 Sweet Peaks With Sweet Peeks

What, the High Peaks are closed!!!!???? Well, no, they are not closed, but it is highly recommended that you stay off the higher elevation trails while they dry out for the season. The DEC, ADK, and other trail crews work very hard to keep the trails you love so much from deteriorating during the months where water and mud are present in abundance. Excessive mud causes unnecessary erosion and can damage a trail quite a bit. Much of the excess trail erosion comes from those hiking around the mud and not through it. This widens trails and adds to erosion over time and simply widens the muddy territory.

Let’s look at the positives of mud season. The leaves are still off the trees giving views that are not there in the summer. There’s the warm smell of spring in the air, and you don’t have to bundle up quite as much. This also gives you time to enjoy the smaller mountains and lower elevation trails that surround the Schroon Lake Region and see something a bit more off the beaten path. Take a gander at these 5 sweet escapes in the region and don’t forget to check out what else we have in store for you when you find yourself wanting more.

Treadway Mountain

This gem of a low peak can be found and accessed from the Putnam Ponds State Campground. The campground is still closed for the season but right about this time they are starting to ramp up and clean up for a successful summer season. Hiker parking is found within the campground by following the campground road to the left, you can’t miss it. From the parking area you will access the trail to the far back and hike along a very popular trail around Putnam Pond. Once on the west side of the pond you will access the Treadway Mountain Trail and enjoy one of the most scenic hikes in the region. The open trail dries out fast as it gets warmed in the spring sun and open views are quite literally jaw-dropping.

Severance Hill

This little guy is located right off I-87 at exit 28. In fact the trail goes under the Northway by way of a hiker culvert, an interesting experience in itself. This smaller summit rises to a whopping 1638 feet in elevation, but the views are quite rewarding. At 1.2 miles from your car you can be up and back in no time, with ample time to enjoy an additional destination, but be sure to hang around a bit and soak up the sun’s rays on your shoulders.

Cooks Mountain

Located in Ticonderoga, you can be at the trailhead in a blink of an eye. Built and maintained by the Nature Conservancy this route doesn’t get its due credit for a go-to destination. This forest trail will bring you easily and moderately to a summit with viewing opportunities at a few different locations. It will be 1.75 miles to the end of the trail, where your best views can be enjoyed.

Rogers Rock

Enjoy this short hike on the same day as you enjoy your stroll up Cooks Mountain. Located off Route 9N south of Ticonderoga you will find this trailhead at the Rogers Rock State Campground. While the campground is not open this time of year, you can easily walk the campground roads to the back portion where the trailhead resides. To the top of Rogers Rock is around 1.25 miles over a trail that skirts the open rock ledges above Lake George. Popular for rock climbing, this rock face will surely become a hiker’s favorite as well.

Pharaoh Mountain

Pharaoh Mountain is the big boy of the region. Towering at almost 2600 feet in elevation, it rises high above many of its neighboring peaks and involves a 10-mile, round-trip commitment. Pharaoh Mountain was once a fire tower peak, but even without the tower, the mountain is pretty superb. Sweeping views await you atop this massive land mass. But not only will you get an amazing payoff, you will also enjoy vistas out over Alder Pond, Crane Pond, and Glidden Marsh. While this trail can be a bit daunting for some, only the final 1.5 miles is truly climbing a mountain, the rest is a gentle stroll through the woods.

Mud Season hiking - what a perfect way to warm up those hiking muscles and dust off the winter cobwebs. Get out there and enjoy spring hiking in the Schroon Lake Region, these mountains are open for business!

 

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In related April Adirondack Adventure news:

Feelin’ ducky

Spring in your step

Rapids are calling

Reelin’ in the ladies

Underground railroad stops here

Get it while ya can

Ice out, fish in

This story was originally published in 2015

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Prohibition, meet Sally Miller Smith

Our country’s history is fascinating, and there is no time like the Prohibition Era to get your imagination turning! The 18th Amendment, which was passed in 1919 and stayed in effect until it was repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933, outlawed the sale, transportation and manufacture of “intoxicating liquors.” As quickly as it took effect, the law produced some badass lawbreakers, none more badass than Sally Miller Smith.

A little history

At this time in our history, most women supported “temperance.” Temperance meant abstaining from drinking liquor, which people considered to be bad for families and marriages, and showed a weak moral character. Sally, however, did not agree. She thought Prohibition was ridiculous, and she quickly figured out a way to provide liquor to the people who wanted to drink. According to all accounts, Sally loved her liquor, and she figured Prohibition would be a pain for others who wanted to drink, as well!

One place you can go in the Adirondacks where you can learn a little about the Prohibition Era and a lot about Sally Miller Smith is the Silver Spruce Bed & Breakfast in Schroon Lake. You can find it located on Route 9, an easy drive off the Northway. I visited there this week, looking for information on badass women of the Adirondacks, and met Phyllis and Eldon Steelman, owners of the Silver Spruce B&B.

Visiting the B&B

Phyllis and Eldon happened to be between guests when I arrived, so they had some time to tell me some stories about Sally, who is a local legend. She owned the Silver Spruce B&B long before Phyllis and her late husband Clifford bought it in August of 1981. According to my hosts, Sally added on to her house in 1926, just before Prohibition began, and ran a speakeasy in the basement during the whole Prohibition era. It was set up perfectly for this purpose, too; Sally had purchased the bar from the original Waldorf Astoria in New York City, just before it was torn down (that’s the site of the Empire State Building now). She had the bar brought up to Schroon Lake and installed in her basement. It was there that she held some wild parties, and where she ran the speakeasy when drinking became illegal.

According to legend, Sally knew Prohibition was coming, and she refused to have it cramp her style. Just before the law took effect, she purchased all the alcohol at three local liquor stores, hiding it in a host of places throughout the bed and breakfast. As we spoke about Sally, Phyllis and Eldon showed me around their quaint B&B, pointing out some of the hiding spots, many that I would never have guessed. There were hidden cubbies with shelves behind false walls that looked like bookcases. Walking down the stairs on the left there was a shelf the entire way down. Behind this shelf, that now holds antiques, was another hidden compartment, where Sally hid more alcohol! It was fascinating to find all the hidden spots, and very clever of Sally to build them to help her skirt the law. To keep the speakeasy going during the 14 years of Prohibition, Sally would travel to Montreal, filling her suitcases with booze and shipping them home to Schroon Lake.

 

Sitting downstairs in the speakeasy, I was taken back in time. I felt like the atmosphere hasn’t really changed in the years since Sally was holding her parties, and you could feel the history in the room. I laid a hand on the bar, and could really appreciate the effort Sally made to make sure she and others could continue to enjoy themselves at a time when drinking was considered evil. As we sat there, Phyllis and Eldon shared a few more stories about Sally, one that I thought was hilarious, and made me wish I could meet her. As the story goes, during one of her parties in her speakeasy, Sally had had a bit too much to drink, and tripped when she was coming down the stairs. She tumbled down the stairs, but when she got to the bottom, she popped up and went right to the bar, saying, “Get me another drink!” Sally was not what you would expect of the women of her time, but the people in the community loved her and her eccentric style.

I certainly enjoyed meeting Phyllis and Eldon, and learning about badass Sally Miller Smith. I will definitely be going back to stay at the Silver Spruce Inn B&B, and I hope to learn more about Sally while I’m there.

Of course, while you're in the neighborhood of the Adirondack Hub, you should plan a stop at some of our local dining establishments - you never know, they may have hidden cabinets and fun stories to share as well!

Schroon Lake is a great weekend destination because it’s easy to get to and there’s plenty to do outside of outdoor winter adventure. You can come for the adventure but stay for the nightlife. Check out my list below of hotspots to cozy up to the fire by this winter with a toasty beverage (or beer, whatever you choose) and hang out with friends, family, and the locals. Expect live music, karaoke, and fireplaces.

Sticks & Stones Wood Fire Bistro & Bar

This very cozy bar and restaurant has a unique menu featuring Neapolitan wood fired pizza. There are drinks, vegan options, and favorites like the Pretzel Burger (add bacon, please). On the weekends you can expect live music on select nights. Sticks & Stones has become a foodie and drink destination in the Schroon Lake Region for locals and travelers alike.

Witherbee’s Carriage House

You must check out the interior of this place. It’s vibrant, with Adirondack memorabilia all over the walls and hanging from the ceiling. You can easily get lost warming up inside on a lazy Sunday. Buy the Sunday paper and sip a bloody Mary. They have a downstairs dining area with a roaring fireplace. Check out why the locals love Witherbee’s.

Flanagan’s Pub & Grill

Since 1952, Flanagan’s has been a Schroon staple. Expect traditional pub fare and good beer. Kids are welcome here. It’s the perfect spot for a Friday or Saturday night dinner.

Timberwolf Pub

This local institution hosts everything from spaghetti dinners to live music. It’s family oriented. I think of it as the “Cheers” of Schroon. They host free karaoke every Saturday night.

Start planning your weekend getaway to Schroon Lake today. Before you hit the bar scene, play in the snow a little!

 

Walk through the campus of the Seagle Music Colony and you’ll be met with the beautiful strains of sopranos and baritones drifting across the summer air from all directions. There are myriad rehearsal spaces at this intense vocal training camp, a piano in nearly every nook and cranny, and the performers definitely make use of all of them.

The Seagle Festival is the oldest summer vocal training programs in the country, and it’s highly prestigious. The Colony brings 32 “Young Artists,” as they call them, from throughout the U.S., and sometimes internationally, to Schroon Lake for the summer, and they work nearly nonstop while they’re here. Their ages range from their late teens to their late 20s, and the Seagle Music Colony tries to act as a conduit to helping them reach the next level of their performing career, no matter what career stage they are currently in.

Intensive vocal training

In the mornings, a few performers do a mock audition, dressing up and going through the motions of a real audition in front of all their peers and instructors. Then they are critiqued on everything — their clothes, greeting, head shots, how they moved, and every aspect of their voice. So although each singer only does a handful of mock auditions, they see and learn from their peers’ auditions as well. When they leave, they are basically audition machines.

After mock auditions, they break off into different rehearsals, one for each of the various performances the group is working on, plus optional time for individual work. Then everyone breaks for lunch for an hour, but some of the performers end up eating and then heading to a piano to rehearse before the break ends. Then they’re in rehearsal until dinner, with an hour and a half break, and then more rehearsal until 10:30 p.m.

And besides all the structured rehearsal time, the elite instructors who train them are willing to spend time outside of rehearsals working individually with each vocalist, late at night or early in the morning, whenever they need it.

Instructors also spend a lot of leisure time with the performers as well, forming strong, lasting bonds. They tell the Young Artists stories about their professional pasts, giving the students insight into a difficult industry that they might not get elsewhere, and they are open to answering any questions the students might have.

The cast and crew put together four mainstage productions, plus a handful of other concerts and reviews throughout the season — a pretty compressed schedule, for anyone who has ever worked on a musical or opera before. The program always includes both musical theater and opera, which is rare in the vocal training world. But the Seagle staff want to make sure that their performers have the best chance to get jobs beyond their time in Schroon Lake, so they help them develop the broadest range of skills possible.

It’s only nine weeks that the students are in Schroon Lake, but because the program is so intensive, they often come out of it looking like entirely different performers.

And it’s not just performers who learn at Seagle. Every aspect of the theater has people there learning their trade, from costumes to sets, lighting to stage management.

One big family

Everyone lives on campus, dining and playing and working together, and everyone has a job to do around the Colony each day, helping to make meals or clean them up, or otherwise pitch in to keep things running smoothly.

By the end of each season, performers, crew members, and instructors have become one big family, and that continues throughout their careers. Whenever a former Young Artist needs help, their Seagle colleagues are there for them.

Performances

Seagle now resides at what used to be two farms, and performances are held in a barn that’s more than a century old, converted decades ago into a theater. The organization is now working on a longterm plan that will add a new theater space, but that will be a few years down the road. For now, the barn is a challenging space with not much room backstage or in the loft, but the artists who work on each performance are creative about how they deal with those challenges. And the barn brings a quaint touch of rustic to the high-end art form that opera is often considered.

The local community and visitors are lucky to have a number of performances open to the public throughout the summer. Prices vary for each production. Here’s the full performance schedule for this season:

Mainstage schedule:

The Most Happy Fella, a 1956 musical by Frank Loesser about a romance between an older man and a younger woman.

July 6, 7, 9 at 8 p.m.

July 8 at 2 p.m.

The Elixir of Love, or L’elisir d’amore, a comic opera by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti first performed in 1832.

July 20, 21, 23 at 8 p.m.

July 22 at 2 p.m. ‡

Roscoe, the world premier of a new opera based on William Kennedy's acclaimed novel about Roscoe Conway, the motor of Albany's political machine who longs to retire.

Aug. 3, 4, 6 at 8 p.m.

Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. ‡

The Music Man, the classic American musical first debuting on Broadway in 1957 about a con man who brings a small town hopes of a children’s band.

Aug. 17, 18, 20 at 8 p.m.

Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.

Children's Opera: Jack and the Beanstalk, a retelling of the classic English fairy tale.

July 9 at 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Free at the Boathouse

‡ pre-show lecture 1 hour prior to curtain

Events and performances:

Community Concert

June 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Schroon Lake Central School

 

Old Friends & New

June 25 at 8 p.m.

 

Patrice Munsel Gala

July 16 at 6 p.m.

 

Seagle Music Colony Guild Luncheon

Aug. 4 at 11 a.m.

The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing

 

Vespers Concerts

August 14, 21 at 5 p.m.

Oscar Seagle Memorial Theatre

 

Great Songs & Great Singers

Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Oscar Seagle Memorial Theatre

 

 

 

"People who ride a bicycle know that in life nothing is ever flat."

-René Fallet

For the past ten years, cycling in and around the Adirondacks has been a central component of my life. The exploratory nature of cycling is one of its most enticing elements, and the backdrop of an Adirondack exploration provides a uniquely delectable buffet of visual confections. But through all my two-wheeled travels, my routes had never brought me through the Adirondack Hub region. After finally getting to experience these roads, René Fallet’s words would make for the perfect greeting card: “Welcome to the Adirondack Hub, where nothing is ever flat.”

Indeed, anyone biking through the Hub will be met with rolling hills and sharp climbs (translation: fast descents), but the extra watts are worth their weight in gold. Cyclists will be met with beautiful, winding, lightly trafficked roads while surrounded by the peace and wonder of the Adirondacks. I invite you to the Hub to try any one of the provided routes below, each with the ability to connect to another for a longer adventure.

 

Minerva: 20 miles, 1,642 ft. elevation

Named after the Roman goddess of wisdom, anyone would be wise to ride this 20-mile loop from Minerva. Trout Road and Hoffman Road offer your big climbs for the day, but you will be rewarded with a 2-mile descent down Hoffman to spin some life back into your legs. With 1,642 feet of elevation, this shorter course will give you a bang for your buck. Want a longer day? Head east on Wamsley Road or Hoffman Road to connect to our Schroon Lake route.  

When you are done with your ride, cool off in the waters of Minverva Lake at Donnelly Beach before heading to grab a bite--and a pint--at Sporty’s Iron Duke Saloon. Be sure to visit the Minerva Historical Society Museum and explore the prints of watercolor paintings by Winslow Homer, an artist whose work was largely inspired by his frequent visits to Minerva, NY. 

Route Starting Point: Donnelly Beach (Beach Road; Minerva, NY)

Directions:

(0.0) Head towards Longs Hill Road

(0.5) Turn right, Longs Hill Road

(0.9) Turn left, Route 28N

(2.9) Veer left, Main Street 

(4.5) Veer left, Trout Brook Road 

(11.2) Turn left, Hoffman Road

(17.3) Veer right, O’Neil Road

(17.7) Turn left, Longs Hill Road

(19.3) Turn right, Minerva Beach Road

(20.0) You’re done!

 

Schroon Lake: 26.2 miles, 1,657 ft. elevation

This loop offers beautiful sights from beginning to end as you circumnavigate the 9-mile long Schroon Lake. Those who are looking for a flatter ride should U-turn on East Lake Road upon reaching the turn for Red Wing Road for a 27-mile out-and-back route. But for those who want every day to be #LegDay, a turn onto Red Wing Road is just what the doctor ordered. Be prepared for the 2-mile climb that starts around the 18.5 mile mark, but don’t worry--your efforts will be rewarded with a 2-mile descent (with a few punchy climbs thrown in to keep you on your toes).

Before hitting the open road, start your day with a stop at 9 Mile Coffee Co. for a perfectly roasted caffeine kick. Once you’ve finished looping the lake on your velocipede of choice, take a well-deserved dip at the Schroon Lake Town Beach. While you’re in an aquatic state of mind, take a trip to the Schroon Lake Marina for boat rentals--including canoes, rowboats, standup paddle boards, and pontoons--and relax on the water. Have you ever seen the Adirondacks from horseback? If not, the Circle B Ranch is a must during your next Hub adventure. Don’t forget to treat yourself at any of the various restaurants and shops Schroon Lake has to offer. 

Route Starting Point: Schroon Lake Town Beach (Dock Street; Schroon Lake, NY)

Directions:

(0.0) Head down Dock Street, turn left onto Route 9

(8.5) Turn left, Glendale Road

(9.2) Turn left, East Shore Road

(13.7) Turn left, Red Wing Road 

(22.1) Turn left, Alder Meadow Road

(24.3) Turn left, Route 9

(26.2) Turn left, Dock Street

(26.2) You’re done!

 

North Hudson: 57.3 miles, 4,894 ft. elevation

Attention climbers of the world:  North Hudson awaits your arrival. This loop is hilly. Period. 

For those who aren’t in the mood to feel the burn, cyclists have the option of an out-and-back trip along Route 9 for a relaxed 19-mile ride. Simply U-turn at the corner of Hoffman Road and enjoy the journey back to the beach. 

As for the rest of you, start playing your favorite climbing mental playlist (cue guitar of Angus Young) and dial in. Hoffman Road consists of two 3-mile climbs separated by a 2-mile descent to catch your breath. The big climbing party starts just before the 23-mile mark and continues for the next 5 miles. To keep our climbing-theme consistent, the next 20 miles includes a series of climbs before the long 10-mile descent to finish your day.  

For those of you paying close attention, you may have noticed the hidden challenge of an already challenging course: the majority of your elevation occurs within a 38-mile stretch. Take it away, Angus…

Once you’ve completed climb-a-palooza, I invite you to lay down at the North Hudson Town Beach and not move for the foreseeable future. But once you are ready to rally, be sure to visit the Adirondack Buffalo Company to pick up some fresh produce, baked goods, rustic furniture, and other souvenirs before heading out to the deck to enjoy the views of the forty buffalo on-site (yes, you read that right. Buffalo. Real, live buffalo). If you have anything left in your legs, North Hudson provides plenty of options for enjoyable hikes to round out your day.

Route Starting Point: North Hudson Beach Park (Park Road, North Hudson; across the road from the North Hudson Town Offices)

Directions:

(0.0) Turn right, Route 9 (heading south)

(9.6) Turn right, Hoffman Road 

(20.7) Veer right, O’Neil Road

(21.1) Turn left, Long Hills Road

(23.3) Turn right, Route 28N 

(37.4) Veer right, Blue Ridge Road

(37.7) Veer right to stay on Blue Ridge Road

(56.6) Turn left, Route 9

(57.3) You’re done!

 

Newcomb: Route A) 30 miles, 1,858 ft. elevation; Route B) 64.3 miles, 5,264 ft. elevation 

Riding from Newcomb presents you with two options: a mild out-and-back trip connecting with Long Lake or a tour of the Adirondack Hub.  

While there are cyclists who avoid out-and-back routes in order to explore new roads, the route to Long Lake has views so nice, you’ll want to see them twice. Simply head west on Route 9 and turn around at the 15-mile mark. But for those who prefer a day of gallivanting, consider the 64-mile Adirondack Hub tour. If you peek at the elevation map at the top of this blog, you will notice sections of mild terrain break up the larger climbs. North Hudson certainly makes you earn those KOM and QOM titles, but you will have the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishment as you coast down the final miles back into Newcomb.

Whether you’ve seen the sights of Long Lake or completed a tour of the Hub, Newcomb is the perfect place to relax, recover, and recreate. Fuel back up at the Newcomb Cafe before hitting the town. Get some sun at the Newcomb Town Beach or enjoy the stillness of fishing at Balfour Lake or the Boreas River. Visit the Adirondack Interpretive Center for guided naturalist walks or indoor exhibits. The Newcomb Historical Museum is a great option for those wishing to learn more about the area. Up for a round of golf? Enjoy the scenes from greens at the High Peaks Golf Course. Whether I am visiting Newcomb or just passing through, a stop at the Newcomb Overlook Park and picnic area is always on my list. Complete with a viewer’s guide to identify each peak, this unique southern vantage point of the High Peaks is a sight to behold.

Route Starting Point: Newcomb Town Beach (Lake Harris Road, Newcomb; used for both routes)

Directions (ADK Hub Tour):

(0.0) Turn left, Route 28N (east)

(3.9) Veer right to stay on Route 28N

(18.4) Turn left, Longs Hill Road

(20.4) Turn right, O’Neil Road

(20.8) Veer left at the fork

(20.9) Turn left, Irishtown Road (becomes Hoffman Road)

(31.9) Turn left, Route 9

(40.9) Turn left, Blue Ridge Road 

(60.2) Turn right, Route 28N

(64.2) You’re done!

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No matter which loop you choose, all paths in the Adirondack Hub lead to a day filled with fun times, great rides, and unforgettable memories.