Written for AdirondackHub.com by guest blogger and boat builder Nathaniel Atkinson.

A pack canoe trip in the Adirondack Hub, and the history behind the craft

When you think of going for a paddle, it’s easy to picture a solo adventurer making their way through a winding stream by kayak, or maybe even a pair of canoeists setting out for a weekend camping trip on the lake. Here in the Adirondacks, there is an equally picturesque method of travel, one that is spreading in popularity across the country, but can trace its roots back home to Northern New York. For a growing number of paddlers, the pack canoe is the perfect companion for their floating adventures, and it is easy to see why. Come along for some history of the Adirondack pack canoe, and a beginner-friendly trip in one!

History of the pack canoe

The pack canoe combines the straightforward ease of kayaking and the lightweight versatility of canoeing into one easy-to-carry, cartop, maneuverable package thanks to its deckless design.  It provides stability and comfort even in choppy waters and windswept lakes thanks to the sit-on-bottom seating style. Pack canoes are also sleeker than the average solo canoe or kayak, making for efficient paddling and more time for exploration. With a variety of options available today from local manufacturers like Hornbeck Boats, Placid Boat Works, Slipstream Watercraft, and the Adirondack Canoe Company, paddlers have their choice, whether it’s for long-distance tripping or remote pond fishing. 

While the pack canoe may seem like a simple idea, it took just the right place, time, and people to come up with this style of watercraft. It was crafted out of the minds of John H. Rushton and George W. Sears, better known by his pen name Nessmuk. Nessmuk was a small individual and was ailing from Tuberculosis when he requested that the master boat-builder of Canton New York craft him the lightest boat he could manage. In 1880 Rushton produced the Wood Drake, coming in at only 18 pounds over its ten-foot length. This boat was a stark departure from any other light canoe of the time. In 1879 the lightest canoe offered was a thirteen-footer coming in at 35 pounds. Nessmuk canoes quickly became a top seller at Rushton’s shop, and a friendly alternative to the most common boat of the day, the Adirondack Guideboat. Guideboats were rowing craft and required higher skill to manage as well as requiring the operator to sit backwards. 

When wood canvas canoes became popular in the early 1900s, the pack canoe saw a lull in popularity. Wood canvas canoes required less skill to make and could be mass-produced for a cheaper price. The real cost was the weight, small solo canoes of this style came in at 50 pounds. Paddlers had sacrificed portability in favor of the economy. It was the composite canoe movement that saved the pack canoe and brought it back to the public eye. Fiberglass and Kevlar canoes laid up in molds could reach weights akin to their old cedar lapstrake cousins but at the speed and price of canvas canoes. A revival in the Nessmuk style canoes was led by individuals who carefully measured the old wooden boats held in the collections of museums and private boathouses.

Rich and Harris Lake in Newcomb

With my paddling partner in a Vermont Canoe Co. “Tupper”, designed by local builder Rob Frenette of Raquette River Outfitters, and myself in a cedar lapstrake version of the same boat, our paddling trip was a clear comparison of modern pack canoes and their wooden predecessors. The most remarkable observation was just how similar the experience was for both of us. As we put in at Rich Lake and made our way east to the Newcomb, our canoes tracked along nicely and made quick work of the short rocky carries that lay along Rich Lake outlet on the way to Belden Lake. Obstacles that would stop a tandem canoe in its tracks required only a simple shoulder carry to traverse and we were back on our way. We were only day-tripping this time but could have easily stayed overnight at the Lake Harris State Campground, which I highly recommend! Our pack canoes don’t interfere with bigger camping packs, one of the perks of these agile crafts. 

As we passed the Great Camp Santanoni gatehouse I was reminded of the times when these boats first began gracing our Adirondack waterways and great camps like these were thriving across the region. What was once a summer retreat for wealthy adventurers is now a haven of public lands and waters for all to enjoy. Boats like ours help to make these beautiful places accessible for all. Pack canoes can easily be cartopped by one person and carried into the most far-flung reaches of the Adirondack Park. This allowed us to complete our trip in one short evening after a full day of work. By the time we reached our rendezvous at the Newcomb Town beach, on Lake Harris, the sun was just getting low in the sky, canoes were lashed to our roof racks, and we were treated to a beautiful sunset as we drove along Route 28 on our way home. 

This straightforward one-way pack canoe trip from Rich to Harris Lake is beginner-friendly, and should be tried by any water recreation enthusiast! While you’re in Newcomb, be sure to stop at the Adirondack Interpretive Center trails or the fire tower on Goodnow Mountain (which you’ll spot on this pack-canoeing trip!). 

This story was written by Adirondack guide boat builder Nathaniel Atkinson.

If you like to quilt, you will love Aunt Polly's Material Girls.

This charming shop, tucked along the scenic shores of the Hudson River, is a crafter's delight. Wonderful fabrics, plenty of notions, specialty tools, and local wool are all available at this full service quilting shop.

Though I am not a crafter or quilter, I do enjoy the end products. This place helps anyone see the appeal.

So much color

The idea of sandwiching a layer of padding between two layers of fabric is a very old one, as seen in the origins of the word "quilt" from the Latin "culcita," meaning "a stuffed sack." It is a noun, meaning something to keep us warm in bed, and also a verb, as in the act of making one.

Proprietor Maggie prides herself on providing good value. She buys her fabric on sale and passes the savings on to her customers. The choices, and variety, are staggering. Just looking over the sumptious colors and patterns is a visual feast. Whatever the occasion, or whoever the recipient, there is probably something here that would fit exactly.

Quilting fans recognize three types of patchwork. There are the whole cloth quilt, known as counterpane, where the fabric sheets are all of a piece and the design comes from padded or corded stitching.
Next there are applique quilts, in which smaller pieces of fabric are sewn onto a larger background fabric. This was a step up in elegance.

The third one is what most of us think of, known as the pieced, or patchwork, quilt, where pieces of fabric are stitched together to make a pattern. The patchwork quilt was a "utility" quilt meant to be used in daily life, while the applique quilt was a way of showing off a woman's skills.

A patchwork quilt was first a way of getting another use from worn out garments, but then turned into a kind of family history, and an heirloom to hand down from generation to generation.

This helps explain why I saw so many themes in the fabrics I would have never would have thought of, like American Presidents, scenes from history, and lots of nature themes. Especially Adirondack.

My grandmother was an expert seamstress, famous for visiting "the big city" and coming home to recreate the latest fashions on her sewing machine back on the farm. Sadly, I did not inherit this particular skill.

The last time I tried sewing a button on my winter coat, I sewed the button to the coat, the coat to my pants, and all of us to the couch.
I am not allowed to sew on buttons any more.

So much local

There are delightful gifts to be had in various sections of the store. PIllows, charming bags, mysterious quilting tools, and yes, actual quilts, are all available. These are made by local crafters, and would make wonderful gifts.

If you have a knitter on your list, prepare to have them jump up and down when they open their gift of local wool. Upper Hudson Woolery is from right in the area, and you can buy it as skeins, or ask about something that has already been made from it.

Happy, spoiled, sheep lead to happy, spoiled, gift recipients. Talk about putting a face to the story. Here they are.

Get to know your wool.

One summer, I tried to learn knitting from my other grandmother, who was a known expert. But my little square was always lopsided and by the end of my summer's visit my grandmother admitted defeat. I just could not keep the tension right, even with the "cheating" known as a crochet hook. Fortunately, my mother is gifted, and keeps us all in lovely scarves each winter.

So it is not like I cannot appreciate fine crafting.

So much choice

I asked about quilts for sale, and was very impressed with the beauty of the quilt below. Maggie spread it out on a bed in a spare room to let me photograph it in all its lovely glory.

There was something adorable around every corner. I may be especially vulnerable, since I cannot make my own. There was jewelry, handmade stationery, and the elusive coin purse, which is so hard to find as a quality item.

There are lots of threads and specialty tools available. They also come in gift sets, as seen below.

One holiday season in grade school we got burlap and yarn and big plastic needles to learn embroidery. I did a sunset and the teacher said I had a "real love of color."
So be assured that even someone like me, with a very craft-challenged background, had a wonderful time at this shop.

Do try to visit sometime. You are sure to feel welcome.
Pick some lodging. Arrange some dining. Explore the shopping.

Love nature? Love fall? Love marathons? Well then grab your running shoes and start preparing for the Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival, happening Sept. 22-23. This is a weekend of fun and running, or walking, in the beautiful Adirondacks during one of the most spectacular times of the year to be here. The leaves will be turning and the days are pleasantly cool, promising perfect weather for a run or walk outdoors.

This festival, which features a marathon, a half marathon, a relay race, and kids races, has been a mainstay in Schroon Lake for 22 years. All levels of experience are welcome at this festival, and you can even form a relay team with friends to share the task of running a complete marathon. Past runners have raved about the race’s beautiful Adirondack scenery, gentle rolling hills, and the location’s laid back appeal. After the race you can jump into the lake to cool off at the picturesque Schroon Public Beach.

Coming to town for the marathon? Start planning your trip today. Check out our other attractions while you're here.

 

One of the challenges of the gift-giving season is how everyone on the gift list deserves something special. Yet, finding that something special can be a tough task in a world full of stuff that is all alike. The many artists of the Schroon Lake Region are up to that challenge. Here are five fine shops with unique ideas.

Stocking stuffers

One good rule is to buy a gift that isn't that expensive, but would be something the person would never get themselves. Stirring Creations has handmade candles, lip balms, and craft soaps in interesting combinations and heady scents.

They also make soap, cell phone, and business card holders of polished local stone. For really gorgeous artisan indulgence, there are stone sinks and tabletops available.

Handmade holidays

Crafters who visit Aunt Polly's Material Girls will find a treasure cave of materials for their own crafting. If time is short, there are also crafts made by others, from coasters and purses all the way up to exquisite quilts.

Aunt Polly herself will be glad to help pick out the perfect gift.

Whole rooms

Pine Cone Mercantile has a beautifully decorated store, with sample rooms to make browsing a delight. See items "in their natural habitat" to make the right choice.

But wait! There is more. North Woods Bread Co. is in the back room, with coffee and baked goodies. It's a real Adirondack experience.

Different tastes

The many rooms of The Towne Store offer a broad range. From small Adirondack souvenirs to artisan furniture, there's plenty to explore.

There's more than thirty artists contributing to the Artisan Attic showroom alone. This is the place to go for those tough-to-gift people.

Find the form

Animal lovers will enjoy a gift from Sculptures by Frank. From knickknack size to life-sized, get an Adirondack bear that doesn't need feeding.

From eagles and frogs, pumpkins to benches, these beautiful chainsaw sculptures will give all year.

Don't settle for the same old mass-produced gift! Go for something special to make that person feel special.

Find a cute place to stay. Feast with our dining. Explore all our shopping.
 

It’s no secret we all love the Adirondacks. Rightfully so. Here, a stunning patchwork of public and private land reveals a unique place where humans and nature coexist. This is especially relevant in the Adirondack Hub. Communities exist, but so does an abundance of wild nature. The allure of these wild spaces is irresistible to many, and this has become increasingly noticeable with the uptick in hikers seen around the entire Adirondacks. When we think about hiking in the Adirondacks, a lot of us subconsciously head right toward the High Peaks. With their unparalleled beauty and challenging terrain, it’s not hard to see why these mountains are the pinnacle of hiking in this region. That being said, don’t let the smaller mountains escape your itineraries. These mountains and hikes may not have the same elevation as the High Peaks, but we promise you, they are entirely worth every step.

The Adirondack Hub is packed full of hiking opportunities for whatever your goal is. Looking to just take a relaxing stroll through the forest? We’ve got you covered. Fire towers? We have those, too! Wilderness Areas with miles and miles of trails? There are actually three designated Wilderness Areas in the Hub. If you’re ready to start exploring areas outside the High Peaks this summer or fall, there is no better place to start than here!

Relaxing and scenic

Not every hike needs to be 20 miles long or gain thousands of feet in elevation. That level of hike might not interest you, and that’s totally fine. Nestled in the town of Newcomb, the Adirondack Interpretive Center has 3.6 miles of trails that gently wind through a variety of habitats, showcasing old-growth hemlock stands, wetlands, lakes, streams, mountain views, and so much more. This nature center is a perfect place for kids and adults to take a break to learn more about the natural world, all while adding a few steps to those step-counters on our smartphones.

Down the road is the recently opened Boreas Ponds Tract. A moderate walk down a gravel road will take hikers to a lovely opening on the shore of the Boreas Ponds, where one can really appreciate the natural beauty and ruggedness of the towering High Peaks. Another accessible option is the Roosevelt Truck Trail, which runs over the brook and through the woods between Route 28N and Blue Ridge Road. You have the option of parking on either side and with a Motorized Access Permit for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation, visitors can access accessible camping sites with picnic tables and privies. (Note: high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles are HIGHLY recommended for this.) For the most part, the Roosevelt Truck Trail is mellow and offers a scenic snapshot of a boreal forest. Plus, the birding here is excellent!

For a beginner mountain, hikers should consider Mount Severance, conveniently located near the necessities: gas, food, and lodging. This mountain is a great “bang for your buck” hike at just over 1-mile long. 

Outdoor museums

The system of fire towers that once stood large across all of New York State has mostly been re-imagined. In the early-to-mid 1900s, large forest fires swept through the Adirondacks, leading to the creation of a network of fire towers and observers who carefully watched over the land to alert officials if a fire were to spark. The 1990 fire season officially marked the end of this tradition, but today some towers still stand as monuments to a rich history and as out-of-doors museums. There are three towers in the Adirondack Hub: Goodnow, Vanderwhacker, and Mount Adams. All can be hiked to, but have varying levels of difficulty. Goodnow is the “easiest” of the three, clocking in at just under 4-miles round trip. It is a mountain, so there is elevation gain, but that gain is moderate compared to the other two. Vanderwhacker is closer to 5.5-miles round trip, but gains around 700 more feet in elevation and is considerably more challenging, especially after the first mile. Right in the shadows of the tallest mountains in New York, Mount Adams is around the same distance as Vanderwhacker, but its rugged trail gains slightly more elevation. All three towers afford breathtaking views of the High Peaks from a distance, giving you a more holistic panorama.

Into the wild(erness)

Truly, the Wilderness Areas in the Adirondacks make this 6-million-acre corner of the world special. The High Peaks Wilderness Area is great, but so is the Hoffman Notch Wilderness and Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Hoffman Notch Wilderness in its entity is 38,488 acres, but only features 15-miles worth of trails. This is wilderness at its finest! For those looking for solitude, this is the place. The hike to Big Pond is one of the best for a “quick” ramble.

Larger in acreage than Hoffman Notch, the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is a whopping 46,283 acres and has over 70 miles of trails. Visitors have a lot to choose from here. One of the great mountains within the Wilderness boundary is Treadway, with its sweeping vista over the wilderness and over into Vermont. The easiest way to access this mountain is through the Putnam Pond DEC Campground, which may require a day-use fee in summer. Pharaoh Lake, Pharaoh Mountain, Grizzle Ocean, and Crane Pond are also popular destinations within the Wilderness. And all are incredibly scenic.

Happy little hikers

These hikes just scratch the surface. There is so much more to discover in the Adirondack Hub! The communities here all embrace the wildness outside their doors. We hope that wherever you choose to hike, you opt to Love Your ADK and practice responsible hiking. The big mountains are great, but don’t forget to give these smaller hikes love, too.

Picture it: it’s 1952 and you’re headed to the Adirondacks to visit Frontier Town for its grand opening on July 4. Until the late 1990s when it closed, this amusement park in North Hudson, New York drew thousands of visitors on weekends. Families would come from all over the country to see what was happening in the Western-themed park. (Much to the delight of the children, it was usually a staged robbery or rodeo.)

I drove by Frontier Town in 2015 only to discover a ghost town. (Ironically, I was on my way to another famous ghost town, the abandoned community of Adirondac.) The buildings, signs, and memorabilia were all being reclaimed by nature. Most noticeable from Route 9 was the A-frame. 

Flash forward to 2021, and one ambitious man is breathing new life into this once popular corner of the Adirondacks. Muhammad “Mo” Ahmad, who owns the Sunoco gas station across the street, is not sitting idly by. Mo renovated the A-frame and opened the Frontier Town Gateway on September 25, 2021. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mo and learn about the project, and what he hopes to accomplish in the future. With a new DEC campground and sparkling new additions to public lands, North Hudson is making a new name for itself. Welcome to the new Frontier Town Gateway!

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Can you give a little background? Who you are, where you’re from, etc.

I was born in Pakistan. I came to the United States in 2002. I lived in the New Jersey/New York metro area until late 2006 when I started renovating my first gas station, Schroon Lake Sunoco. 

Why did you choose this location? Why North Hudson?

I bought my second gas station from an Essex County tax auction in April 2014. It was abandoned for over fifteen years. I renovated it and the business was opened in December 2014. I chose the North Hudson location because it is easily accessible from the Northway and there is a big stretch without any services north of this exit. Historically, a lot of travelers used to run out of gas here. The opening of this gas station has helped the local community, too. People of North Hudson had to travel miles for just milk or bread. The A-frame building was for sale for years. I loved the location. Sitting across the street, I always dreamed of bringing the A-frame back to life. I was fascinated with its structure and design.

What exactly is the Frontier Town Gateway?

I have some exciting ideas for the A-frame! I will complete those ideas in phases. [Shopping, food, and fun are the main categories of types of things you can hope to see here in the future.]

How will the Visitor Center educate visitors on Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics?

We will partner up with the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and local government to have a stewardship presence. 5-miles down the highway is the High Peaks Rest Area; not many people stop there for information. I believe once we are open, it will make sense for stewardship services to be available at the Frontier Town Gateway. Also, we will have our team members trained/educated by Adirondack Mountain Club educational programs.

What kinds of things are available at the General Store?

We will have a "Made in the Adirondacks" section at the store. We will carry maps, tents, camping supplies, hiking supplies, and other essential outdoor supplies. We will have on-the-go gourmet food and snacks.

What types of food will you plan to serve?

There will be a coffee shop, fresh sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and some Mediterranean food. We will have dine in, take-out, and drive-thru options.

How are you going to pay homage to the past (Frontier Town) while marketing to newcomers?

We already have quite a selection of Frontier Town memorabilia. We have access to thousands of photos of its heyday. We plan to display some photos as our decor at the A-frame. For newcomers, it will be a place to learn about the history of the beloved theme park. 

Will there be gear rentals and knowledgeable staff to help guide people?

Yes, we will have bike rentals, floats, kayaks, and snowshoe rentals in winter. We are going to partner up with a local guide company to serve visitors. 

What was your inspiration for this project?

I had always dreamed of making the A-frame a place to serve visitors, and making it like in New Zealand and some European countries where they have central "Booking Stations" for all the outdoor activities and lodgings. When Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Exit 29 [off the Northway] to be the "Gateway to the Adirondacks," it inspired me to follow my dream.

What does being a “hub” mean to you?

Just like its definition - the central and most active place - Frontier Town Gateway can serve as a center for all the outdoor activities in the Adirondacks. It will also be a place to “go” before you go!

What’s your favorite thing to do in the Adirondacks?

I love the lakes, the mountains, and the fresh air. My favorite activities are fishing and natural sightseeing of the Adirondack mountains.

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Next time you're in the Adirondack Hub, make sure you stop at the Frontier Town Gateway to see some cool memorabilia, have lunch, and prepare for your exciting outdoor activities!

Events in Newcomb from loons to fishing

Although not nearly as busy as the summer season, the spring events in the Schroon Lake Region are some of the most fun, interesting and educational events on the calendar. Newcomb is lucky enough to be the home of the State University of New York’s College College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), a training ground for some extraordinary environmental scientists. As part of ESF’s mission, the management of the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) at Newcomb fall to this educational institution. What better pairing could there be?

Adirondack Interpretive Center at Newcomb

The AIC is an educational and recreational facility located in the town of Newcomb, with trails open to the public from dawn to dusk daily. The Interpretive Center building is open 10 am - 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday. The many events on the calendar are both fun and educational, with some geared to families or kids and others for adults.

After this year’s long, cold winter, getting outside to view and hear the awakening forest may be the perfect remedy for spring fever. Most programs at the AIC are free and open to the public, unless noted otherwise. The administration likes to have a handle on attendance numbers, so calling ahead to pre-register or let them know you’re going are greatly appreciated.

Outdoor events for all to enjoy

Some of the exciting events for the spring season follow.

Saturday, April 19th - 9 am - 11:00 am:

WETLAND DETECTIVES TRAINING WORKSHOP

Frogs and Toads - Research has shown that climate change will likely cause drastic changes to Adirondack wetlands. Join in as a citizen scientist and help conduct surveys that will be used to help preserve these vital ecosystems. It’s the perfect opportunity to not only learn about the natural world, but help protect it as well. A follow-up to this workshop is scheduled for May 17th.

Saturday, April 26 - 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm:

AMPHIBIAN NIGHT HIKE

Join us to explore the vernal pools and unlock the secrets of their inhabitants - frogs, salamanders and toads! Witness these amazing animals’ springtime rituals. This is a great event for kids and all ages are welcome. Appropriate clothing and hiking shoes are strongly advised. Call to pre-register.

Loony fun(d) raiser..

Looking ahead to the early part of the summer, one of our favorite events takes place Saturday, May 24th.

ANNUAL LOONS AND LOGS DAY

This ever-growing popular event features the most iconic bird of the Adirondacks, the Common Loon, as well as demonstration by the SUNY ESF woodsmen team. One of the highlights of the event is the much-anticipated rubber Loon race. Sponsor a loon for a chance to wine prizes from local businesses (see video above).

Fly fishing workshop..

If you’ve been planning to learn how to or improve your skills at Fly Fishing, spend the weekend of May 31st thru June 1st in Newcomb and attend this AIC workshop. One of the Adirondack’s legendary guides, Rick Kovacs, will be teaching the finer skills of fly fishing along with some natural history in both indoor and outdoor sessions. Join in and hone your skills or learn how. Pre-registration is required.

Stay and hike or bike awhile...

If you haven’t spent much time in Newcomb, spring and early summer are great times to visit and check out the AIC events and/or do some paddling on the amazing waterways, which include the upper reaches of the Hudson River. Hike or bike the 4.7 miles to Great Camp Santanoni through the beautiful winding roads of the preserve to the main lodge of this historic and restored Adirondack Great Camp.

If you don't plan on attending any of the events or programs at the AIC, you can still visit anytime and hike their trails whenever it suits your schedule, for free.

Check out the entire events schedule for other options while in the Schroon Lake Region.

 

I had a chance to talk with Liz and Larry McNamara,owners of The Strand Theater, this morning about some exciting news! But before the great news, you have to understand what Larry, Liz and other historic or small town theater owners have been going through in the past few years. You've probably heard about the Hollywood studios' industry-wide conversion from 35 mm film to an all-digital product. For us movie-goers, it is supposed to mean a higher-quality movie, sound, and faster access to new releases. (I'm admittedly not a movie expert or critic, so bear with my novice jargon!) The flip side of this transition is not so bright for independent theater owners; it means each theater, each screen really, needs to shell out about 100 grand for new equipment, electrical systems, ventilation systems, screens, and on and on. What are the odds that the owners of a small-town, historic, independent theater has tens of thousands of dollars just lying around for this exact occasion? About as likely as yours truly, a small town restaurant owner, having a few thousand in my rainy day fund. Yeah, not likely.

According to Liz, the threat of Hollywood going 100% digital has been floating around for the last decade or so. Someone would pop up with a deadline, but then nothing would happen. After many false starts, theater owners knew the threat was looming and started to make plans for conversion. Then last fall, theater owners got the news from Hollywood: go digital or go dark. Like right now. Like in the immediate 4-6 month foreseeable future. Across the north country, panic set in. If the theaters didn't have the funds or couldn't raise the funds, they wouldn't be able to complete the conversion. If they couldn't complete the conversion, the only movies they would be able to show would be older films, specialty films, or translated, films everyone has already seen or films no one wants to see. 

Larry and Liz started talking about other options to generate revenue for the theater, concerts, weddings, other special events. They enlisted the help of ANCA, the Adirondack North Country Association, a non-profit, rural economic expansion group that works with local and state governments, other non-profits, small businesses and universities to bring development dollars into our area. Across the North Country, there are 17 theaters that will be affected by the go digital or go dark transformation. Sadly, some of these theaters have already decided they won't be able to stay in business, leaving 10 theaters, including The Strand, to try to raise awareness and funds for the necessary equipment and work.

Liz said that ANCA and the collaborative of the remaining 10 theaters, is the only entity of its kind in the country. Larry and Liz have also been working with Mike Marnell, Schroon Lake Town Supervisor, and Betty Little, NY State Senator,on building support for the theaters and writing grant applications. Liz said both Mike and Betty have been extremely supportive, and only in our area can you see a group come together to collaborate on this level.

Now the good news! Larry got word from his film distributor indicating the studios and film manufacturers will continue to produce a percentage of new release movies on film, most likely through the end of the year. He'll still have to compete with other small theaters for the top titles, but at least the Strand won't be dark for 2013. Liz said this announcement doesn't solve the problem, but it does give them a little breathing room to be able to campaign for funding and apply for more grants. So there will be movies at the Strand this summer!

The Strand Theater will open for the summer on Friday,May 24, 2013, as part of Opening Weekend, with Iron Man 3. The Strand will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday until mid-June, and then will be open 7 days a week for the rest of the summer. Larry said he also hopes to show Man of Steel, Star Trek Into Darkness, Lone Ranger, World War Z, Hangover 3,and After Earth. The Strand is located at 1102 Main Street, 532-9077.

For more information on the Go Digital or Go Dark campaign, visit http://www.adirondack.org/GoDigital/. 

The Five Towns of the Upper Hudson Recreation Hub have a lot to offer, regardless of the season. And with so much to do, from shopping to hiking to eating to exploring history, it can be hard to narrow down exactly what to see.

Of course, the hiking, paddling, and snowshoeing options are virtually endless, and fishing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling opportunities also abound. On top of all the recreational options, there are quaint towns and shops to explore, ridiculously good food to eat, and lots of non-wilderness adventures to be had.

While the choices are hard, here are five stops - one in each of the five towns of the Upper Hudson Recreation area - that are sure to please. So load up the car and stock up on salty and sugary road trip snacks (or better yet, take-out lunch from one of the area’s fantastic eateries) and hit the quiet, winding roads near the headwaters of the Hudson River.

North Hudson

During the heyday of the Spaghetti Western, a western-style theme park opened in the town of North Hudson. As the decades rolled on, the crowds thinned but the land, and most of the old buildings, remained.

Then, a few years ago, the town partnered with New York state to re-imagine the beloved Frontier Town theme park. And so was born the Frontier Town campground and day-use area. While still a work in progress, the current incarnation of the park is welcoming to equestrians and families looking to camp or just spend the day.

While campers can choose sites in the Prairie Junction, Blacksmith, or Stagecoach sections of the campground, daytrippers can go for a short hike or enjoy the playground or day-use area along the shore of the Schroon River. 

Minerva

Ok, so now you’ve been in the car for a little bit, and while the scenes and wildlife have been fun, it’s time for a break. The kids are getting antsy, everyone is a little sweaty, there's candy stuck to literally every seat, and who the heck knows what that smell is that’s coming from the back seat.

Luckily, the town beach in Minerva was founded almost 100 years ago, and it’s been providing joy and summer fun to locals and visitors ever since. With a roped-off swimming area, floating dock, and wide, sandy beach, the beach is a great place to spend lunchtime or a whole day.

In addition to the swimming and splashing, there is also a snack bar and boat rentals, plus a picnic area and campsites if you just can’t drag yourself away. Town is also just a quick walk away so if you need anything from the general store, like sunscreen or beach toys, they’ve got you covered.

Newcomb

Want to check out an actual ghost town?! Sorry, but Newcomb isn’t it. With lots to do in Newcomb, it feels like it should be hundreds of miles from a ghost town.

But it’s not! The former town of Tahawus is not only loaded with history, but there are ruins and buildings dating back hundreds of years. And on top of that, there are interpretive trails and signs that help explain both the natural and historical features of the area.

If you’re looking for a little more leg-stretching, Tahawus is also home to numerous state hiking trailheads that lead to a fire tower or the famed High Peaks Wilderness Area.

Long Lake

Long Lake, the lake, is aptly named. And while the lake and village are both worth exploring, there’s a lot of fun to be had right at the center of town, just a short walk from the lake.

The intersection of state routes 30 and 28N is a surprisingly bustling place for a quiet mountain town. Get a cone of soft serve at Custard’s Last Stand or The Park, browse for souvenirs across the street at Hoss’s, or take a walk to the town park. There are also some great options for lunch here, so park the car and take a stroll around!

If you really don’t want to leave, then check out the town beach and book a scenic flight on one of the sea planes that call Long Lake home.

Indian Lake

Just a little farther down the road is Indian Lake, another hamlet and lake that share a name. While the lake is home to boating and camping adventures galore, the village is just as lively as a smallmouth bass on a warm summer morning.

With a surprisingly large variety of restaurants and shops, the main business district is always worth a stop. From sandwiches and pizza to sit-down dinner and wine, lunch and dinner (or something in between - Dunch? Linner? Lunner?) are easy to take care of. Add to this the unique shops offering Adirondack everything from souvenirs and homemade quilts to maple syrup and outdoor goods, and Indian Lake is a town that won’t soon be forgotten.

For a longer adventure, take a look at one of the many outfitters that offer whitewater rafting trips on the Indian and Hudson rivers. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day!

Regardless of the duration of your stay, the Upper Hudson Recreation Hub is a must-visit destination in the Adirondacks, and with a wide variety of towns, food, attractions, and adventures, everyone in the family will find something to love!

Staring down from the top of a mountain was not something I ever pictured myself doing on a crisp Friday morning with temperatures in the teens. But, there I was, perched at the top and ready to glide down on a pair of downhill skis.

This is not a completely accurate picture, though. I was at the top of the bunny hill at Gore Mountain, and I was learning to ski. I convinced a friend — who like me is terrified of speeding down a steep and snowy mountain — to try out alpine skiing. I wanted to try skiing because I wanted to test my mettle. I wanted to build confidence. I wanted to try something completely outside my repertoire of knowledge. I can now claim that skiing is amazing and that everyone, yes everyone, should try it. But, first take a lesson.

So, early on a Friday morning my friend Stef and I took a 90-minute lesson with Patrick, our affable and patient instructor, and three other newbies. The best way to learn and build confidence on skis is to take a series of three lessons, which Gore offers a package deal on. The first ski lesson is all about learning to make turns on skis. Before this lesson, I had no idea that skiing did not mean launching yourself down a mountain headfirst, but, in fact, it is about controlling your skis by making turns and edging. Learning to turn on skis means that you control your speed and direction. Knowing this, I developed an even greater appreciation for all the skiers and snowboarders around me gracefully traversing down the mountain. It is a beautiful sport as much as it is thrilling.

Surprisingly, we did not get to use ski poles during our lesson, which terrified Stef at first. Stef is a very skilled cross-country skier who knows how to use poles to great effect. I, on the other hand, would rely too heavily and misuse the poles because I am such a novice on skis. Learning without poles is necessary because skiing requires control and a firm balance that can really only be achieved by your hips, legs, and upper body. Also, the fear is all in your head.

After a few runs down a very small hill, Patrick took us up to the bunny hill. This was still a decently steep slope that is intimidating for first timers like me. The goal was to turn left to right down the hill. None of us fell on our way down. I am mostly shocked that I didn’t fall. I came close but reminded myself, by shouting down the mountain, “Arms in front, don’t look down!”  Arms in front is a comforting mantra that quickly diverted a number of potential crashes I could have taken that day. It’s amazing how much can change when you lean forward instead of back.

Rushing down that mountain (well, hill) for the first time was a major accomplishment for me because I am not much of an athlete or thrill seeker. But, with practice, anyone can ski. We each had three runs down the hill. Each time I came closer to feeling more in control of my skis. Patrick gave each of us feedback which helped us improve.

Gore Mountain is an especially great place to learn to ski because of its reputation as a friendly place with great instructors. This is very true, but Gore also has plenty of black diamonds so skiers of all levels covet this mountain. They also have Nordic (cross-country) ski trails that are open for night skiing. Throughout the winter, Gore hosts numerous ski clinics, and a few specifically for women.

One of the best ways to get the most out of winter is to ski, and I am now officially on the ski train after my day at Gore. As long as you’re properly dressed and warm, there’s not much that can get in between you and some fresh powder.

Start planning your trip to the Schroon Lake Region today! After a day at the slopes cozy up in one of our bars or restaurants for some apres ski and then rest easy in nearby lodging.