I happened to be in Schroon Lake on a cold March afternoon, traveling through squalls of snow - a sure sign that spring is on the way. When you visit the Adirondacks, I highly recommend making Schroon Lake a stop on your tour. Drop by the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce to get the lowdown on all the sights to see. Besides the scenic namesake lake, and beautifully preserved historic architecture, there are many fun shops to explore… and if you happen to be into bread making as much as I am, have I got a treat for you!

 

A few doors down from the Chamber office is the North Woods Bread Company. They have been providing delicious artisan breads to the region since the summer of 2015. Lisa and Edward Marks run the bakery in the same space as their other endeavor, the Pine Cone Mercantile. When I was there, Lisa was cheerfully welcoming shoppers to their unique home furnishings store while Edward was manning the bread shop, but don’t let that fool you, both Lisa and Edward are master bakers. Stop in on the weekends to try Lisa’s scones!

Country farmer hearty white, wheat with flax seeds, and multi-grain are all tempting choices. Black pepper and fig? Hmmm, that is simply too intriguing to pass up.

Sunflower seed sourdough! I’ll take it!

This white bread would make a mighty fine sandwich.

Those loaves of caraway seed rye are just crying out for some pastrami and sauerkraut.

The bread store is a cozy space, smartly appointed with antique display cabinets, subway tiled walls, and small schoolhouse pendant lights that are perfectly proportioned for the room.

Besides all these wonderful breads, there are also cookies and granola made in-house to consider. How yummy would yogurt and granola be as a quick and healthy breakfast? They also have seasonal selections of local cheese AND are the drop off point for Mace Chasm Farm's CSA.

The North Woods Bread Company offers freshly roasted fair trade coffee in three different roasts. OK, now you have my undivided attention.

Edward was kind enough to let me have a peek at the kitchen. Clean and spacious with lots of natural light, there is plenty of room here for all the dough that has to rise. Two propane ovens carry the work load now, but there is a third in the plans to keep up with the demand for their bread.

Just look at the magnificent ear on this sourdough loaf. It is a sign of moist dough expanding rapidly in high heat, and also a very good indication that we are in for quite a treat.

The sunflower sour dough is sliced and ready for sampling. It was tasty and the sunflowers in the bread gave it a mildly nutty flavor and hearty texture.

The black pepper and fig was hands down the favorite with its soft texture and the winning sweet and savory combination.

Is there anything in this world better than freshly roasted coffee beans? Opening the bag to a rush of intense aroma, I poured out a serving of beans. After putting the bag immediately into the freezer (these are too good to let sit on the shelf), I examined the roast marks and delicate coating of oil left on the beans by the rolling heat of the roaster. This is going to be a memorable pot of joe.

Coffee of this caliber deserves to be brewed in a vacuum coffee pot to draw out all of the flavor. First, hook up the 1921 cast iron grinder to the 1927 mixer. What, you don’t have an antique mixer? Have you stopped to ask yourself “why not”? Set the right grind for a vacuum pot, that being coarser than espresso and finer than for percolating. Just slightly coarser than flour. Turn it on and let the machine do all the work needed for the best cup of coffee you can get.

 

Throw the grounds into the top chamber of your vintage vacuum coffee pot, a device I couldn't live without, and turn on the heat. The hot water will rise to the top chamber automatically when it reaches the right temperature. Some sunflower seed sourdough french toast is cooking nicely in the foreground.

Almost coffee! Once the water is in the top chamber, remove the pot from the heat. As it cools, the brewed coffee is drawn down into the bottom chamber.

Here is Andrea pouring lots of maple syrup over slabs of buttery french toast made from our loaves from the North Woods Bread Company. When I asked her how they were, she replied, “Nom, nom, nom, can’t talk- eating.”

Everybody line up for a hot cuppa!

Yes, this deep black cup of java heaven was every bit as delicious as it looks.

All in all, we enjoyed our visit to North Woods Bread Company immensely, and will stop in everytime we are in the neighborhood. I highly recommend you do the same!

 

 

One of the most convenient communities to visit in the world is Schroon Lake, adirondacks, usa. It’s located right off Interstate 87, so if you’re headed between New York City or Albany and Plattsburgh or Montreal, you’ve got a great place to stop for gas, shopping, food, and great views.

 

On a recent trip south with friends, we decided to stop in Schroon Lake to get gasoline. Then one of them spotted Flanagan’s Pub and Grill right across the street.

 

Have I mentioned that I’m easily influenced by friends (and sometimes by subliminal advertising)?

 

It was nearly the end of January, and I was quite proud of myself for refraining from eating anything that could be categorized as “pub food” so far this new year. It wasn’t an official resolution, but a sort of…guideline.

 

So, we decided to go in to check the place out.

 

The place is warm and inviting, and obviously popular. There were lots of folks there taking a break from ice fishing or snowmobiling, as the gear and helmets would indicate.

 

 

We bellied up to the bar, a phrase I’ve never before typed, and asked the bartender if they had any beer on tap.

 

 

She quickly listed off more options than I could absorb, but I remembered seeing something on the way in...

 

 

So even though I’m on a sort of an IPA kick, I ordered a Guinness. My cohorts each chose different options from the long list.

 

We chatted with the bartender, and noticed that the bar and many of the walls were lined with dollar bills with messages on them.

 

 

Of course, we added to the collection. Our bartender had a sharpie and stapler at the ready.

 

 

 

It was a quick visit; we took a look at the menu for future reference. As we were headed to an event, we refrained from ordering food, despite the enticing fact that the menu said “The Best Wings in the Adirondacks.”

On the way out, we saw a number of ice fisherpeople pulling their gear off the lake for the day, and guessed where they were headed.

 

 

And again

The very next day, headed north this time, I found myself feeling somewhat famished just as we approached exit 27. I didn’t need gasoline this time, but I remembered seeing something recently…

 

 

So I stopped in Schroon Lake near the grandstand in the town park, which happened to be full of snowmobilers who DID need gasoline. I followed a few of them to their destination.

 

 

And broke my resolution.

 

 

I went for the medium-level hot wings, and was provided with two accompanying glasses of water. It was. So. Good.

 

I’m guessing I’ll find myself conveniently parked in front of Flanagan’s again in the future. Of course, there are a number of great eateries in the region, so be sure to explore them all - I mean, there's always breakfast at Pitkin's and dessert at Sticks and Stones, and...

I’m sure some of them would even take an order for salad and water, but do feel free to follow your instincts.

 

And don't forget to find a place to stay!

 

 

-Kim Rielly is the director of communications for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism

---

This week in related break-your-resolution news:

Tappin’ our reserve

Resolution's last stand

Taking one for the team

Just one little piece

Sweet confections and warming libations

Stay at home — not!

Poutine and a cold one

 

I have two pieces of advice regarding the Morningstar Bistro & Gifts in Schroon Lake: 1. go there, and...2. well...ok, just one piece of advice.

My coworker and I were in town this week for a meeting, which ended conveniently at quarter to lunch.

It's a treat to sample some of Schroon Lake's fare JUST before the summer season takes off and there are more people milling about. We walked down the largely quiet Main Street for just a few moments before we happened upon the colorful facade of Morningstar Bistro. I had never been there, so we walked in.

We were quickly welcomed by the woman behind the counter, and encouraged to just choose one of their eclectic group of tables; our server will be right with us. So, we chose the circular one with the tiled top.

Our server came right out to take our caffeine - er - drink order, and gave us our menus. Seems like it's a lot more difficult to choose when you're starving, but we both decided to select one of the gourmet sandwiches listed in the first section, under the tagline: "Good enough to serve in Schroon Lake's Most Prestigious Hotels of Yesteryear."

Well, that made sense to me. I'd find out about the "Prestigious Hotels" later. I ordered The Brown Swan, which is a smoked turkey sandwich with their own cranberry spread, lettuce tomato and red onion on our choice of bread, and set about surveying the landscape. The restaurant is both a retail space (ergo the "& gifts" on the sign) and an eatery. Looking around, the walls are attractively adorned with shelves with a variety of trinkets, from handmade wooden signs and framed photographs to greeting cards. 

Our sandwiches arrived swiftly, along with Terra chips a side of homemade marinated vegetables. It was delicious, but would have created a doggy bag situation on a typical day. Today, though, it was just the right amount of sustenance for someone in my starving condition.

We finished up, paid and made our way back out to our car just as three more tables were filled. So I DO have a second piece of advice: whenever possible, get ahead of the crowds in May by showing up just before noon.

And the origin of the tagline "Good enough to serve in Schroon Lake's Most Prestigious Hotels of Yesteryear?" I called my go-to resource for all things Schroon Lake Region at the visitors center on Main Street, just doors from the Bistro. Turns out the gourmet sandwiches are all named after children's camps and grand hotels from the past.

And in the future? I'll be back to try The Leland.

Check out all of the Schroon Lake Region dining opportuntiies!

 

-Kimberly Rielly is the director of communications for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism 

The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area is a gorgeous, 46,283-acre region that’s chock full of trails, lakes, mountains, and wildlife. It can be accessed from 11 parking areas, so there are lots of options available. That’s great for people who like to explore, but it can make it difficult for first-time visitors to decide where to go. Read on for three of our favorite Pharaoh Lake adventures!

Out and back: Crane Pond trail

This is a relatively easy 1.7-mile hike to a lovely pond, and there’s plenty to see along the way. The first part of the path is actually a dirt road, and while some people try to drive it, this is not recommended because the road is not maintained. That’s OK, though, because the views of the ravine and waterfalls on Alder Creek are worth walking for. 

The first 1.2 miles rises about 160 feet. Shortly after that it levels off and skirts Alder Pond. Take a right at the three-way intersection and Crane Pond will appear in a few minutes. If you’re the camping type, explore the shore to find several designated campsites. 

Getting there

Crane Pond parking area: Follow Route 9 north from downtown Schroon Lake and turn right on Alder Meadow Road. After about 2 miles continue straight onto Crane Pond Road and follow that for 1.4 miles to the end.

Peak bagger: Pharaoh Mountain

There are two pharaohs in this wilderness area — Pharaoh Lake and Pharaoh Mountain. We’ll get to the lake in a minute, but first let’s talk about the mountain. At 2,556 feet in elevation, Pharaoh is certainly not the biggest or the hardest hike in the Adirondacks, but the view from its mostly open summit is phenomenal. 

Like any destination in this area, there are several directions this peak can be approached from. A favorite is to set up camp at Crane Pond, then ascend 1,405 feet over 2.6 miles from there. Alternately, the mountain can be approached from the south via the Pharaoh Lake trail. It’s more than 4 miles to the Pharaoh Mountain trail, and from there it’s a 1,355 foot elevation gain in 1.2 miles to the top, but there are lots of campsites around the lake to choose from so you don't have to worry about rushing back to beat the setting sun.

Getting there

Crane Pond parking area: See directions above.

Pharaoh Lake Road parking area: From downtown Schroon Lake, follow Route 9 north, turn right on Alder Meadow Road, then take another right on Adirondack Road. Follow that for about 8.5 miles and turn left on Johnson Road, which is also County Route 15. Follow that for a little over 2 miles, then take a slight left on Beaver Pond Road and follow that for about 3 miles to Pharaoh Road. Turn left and follow that for about a half mile to the parking area.

Speaking of Pharaoh Lake

Not only is this 441-acre waterbody an excellent place to camp, it’s also the centerpiece of a fantastic 6-mile loop. Follow the Pharaoh Lake trail for 3.3 miles to the outlet for the lake, then pick a direction and have fun exploring the shore. There are 14 designated campsites, some of which are on little peninsulas, that make great waypoints for the journey. Go on a clear night — there’s nothing like seeing the Milky Way over the water.

Getting there

Pharaoh Lake Road parking area: See directions above.

 

Hike, paddle, and fish in the Schroon Lake region!

An Adirondack Hat Trick

As you may have read in this recent blog, I took a spring trek up Moxham Mountain. And, because of that hike, I got the idea to see what else this region’s mountains have to offer. We had this plan to do a two-car traverse through an area none of us were familiar with, so we left nothing to chance and got a bit of an early start. For once I was not the one running late, using my internal alarm clock as an excuse, it was odd being on the other side of that conversation. Corenne and I were sitting on the corner of Northwoods Club Road as Jim went racing by in his ghost white S-10, we smiled wondering how long it would take him to realize what he'd done (it wasn’t toooo long before he pulled in behind us). We drove down a bit further to a very deep col between Venison and Kellogg Mountains to park Jim’s truck as best we could on the side of the road, trying to avoid a sinking feeling in the generating mud layers. We found a spot near the culvert for Bullhead Brook, which saved us having to cross it later in the day; it had become a river with all the snowmelt during the recent weeks. Then off we were to the other side of the range.

We parked our second car off 14th Road just south of Minerva, which happens to be the same road as Moxham Mountain. We drove past that trailhead and continued for a bit over a mile to a convenient spot across the swollen creek and on Forest Preserve Land. Much of this area is private property but there are a couple of parking spots that accessed us to state land. We found the western most access point which was perfect because this placed us on the friendly side of Deer Creek.

Dutton Mountain

Now we would be off, and yes, we left our snowshoes in the car - I had no desire to wear or even carry them. Worst case scenario we wallow through what snow was left, and it couldn’t be much, the ground as far we could see was bare. Immediately the ground was soft under our feet, we loved it, even the slight amount of standing spring water was great to see for a change. After a short steep climb to get above the brook, we were on a very mellow hike through some very open forest. With Dutton Mountain just under a mile away, it quickly came into sight on the horizon. We could see from afar that it had ledges with possible viewing opportunities just below the true summit, we couldn’t wait to be there. Then yet another pleasant find, it was a spring beauty popping up through the decaying oak leaves; still closed from its overnight slumber, it would surely be open before day’s end, maybe we would see more after mid-day.

We climbed the steep slopes of Dutton with loose rocks jumbled under us. While many stayed put, others were sent astray by me toward Jim and Corenne. The rocky slopes opened up to a unique red pine forest, not seen as much in the Adirondacks as I would like. An open ridgeline offered up views toward Moxham in the foreground and in the distance the quiet snowy slopes of Gore Mountain; the fire tower glistened in the sunlight. We were yet a quarter-mile from the summit as we worked through an oddly mixed forest of spruce, red pine, white pine, and birches - a mixture of species not commonly seen together. The summit would offer us nothing for additional views and quite honestly it would have to be pretty darn good to trump where we just were.

Venison Mountain

We quickly dropped off the north side of Dutton in search of Venison - no it’s not hunting season, that’s the name of the peak. This would be the longest portion of this today's trip and at that, just 1.3 miles or so. Venison Mountain was nearly the exact same height as Dutton making the actual summit tough to see once we dropped lower in elevation. The descent was gradual and eventually we found ourselves in a very thick pole stand. Actually not even pole diameter trees, they were obviously older, just not spread out enough to grow properly. The ground was very dark sand, almost like it was mixed with ash from a fire, were we in a previous fire zone? As we exited from this unique forested area we came to several small pools of muck in a semi-liquid state, which we had to navigate around or become part of.

Finally we could ascend Venison; the approach was filled with undulating hills, just teasing us of a climb. Again we could see a rocky shelf just below the summit, this one just to the left of the actual top along with what looked to be an open ridge approach. As we climbed higher I chose a ridge I felt was the one we saw, although several other small shelves also looked welcoming. We pushed through the rubus that was growing in pretty thick fashion in the lightly treed areas, but I had jumped too soon, we needed the next semi-open ridgeline (but that was OK since we were aware of my error). Jim decided to go right and see what he could find and Corenne and I went left in the direction I felt was more promising. After a bit of side-hill hiking I spotted the ledge that had prompted us to be so diligent. I hooted and hollered to Jim, and eventually he heard my attempt to locate and we rendezvoused near the base.

Atop the ledge we were in awe of the views before us, it felt as though we were in an apple orchard, but really we were in a mountain ash orchard with a grassy undertone. We spent well over a half-hour here relaxing and having a nice lunch. The true summit was only a few hundred feet away. At the summit we found a cairn marking the top as well as a small whitetail deer statue and some names scribbled on a piece of birch bark; quaint, yet not terribly out of place. A wooded summit on a rocky spine was where we were at and a crazy steep descent in front of us down to Northwoods Club Road. The terrain was steep, but not as bad as we had anticipated. We found a narrow drainage path which we jumped into with no delay, although eventually we had to leave it in order to stay on state land. We hit the road right at the culvert adjacent to where we parked, it was a near perfect descent.

Kellogg Mountain

 

We were now looking up at Kellogg Mountain, which we figured to be a 500 foot climb in less than a quarter of a mile; it was going to be steep and relentless. We found a flagged route up the mountain, unsure of its purpose or destination, we followed it as it took a fall-line approach to the summit. As we neared the apex of the hillside we had to do a bit of hand-over-hand scrambling with small saplings as our support guides. We didn’t see too much promise here on this 2100 foot peak, but we were still hopeful. The true summit had slight views through the leafless trees, but as soon as they blossomed the views would be gone. Jim and I had to poke around, we wanted a view of the High Peaks that we knew were so near. And, then, there it was. We found a small open slope where we could see the entire upper Great Range from Marcy to Gothics and even the teeth of Sawteeth serrated the blue sky. We spotted the entire MacIntyre Range, and then in the other direction was the Dix Range. Sure they were off in the distance but we could find them all, and still quite snow-covered I might add.

It was now time to go; what a sobering note to a wonderful day; but what comes at the end of a day is the ideas that flow for the next trip into the wilderness. Who knows where I will be, but I assure you it will be some remote peak nestled away in the wonders of our beloved park.

Ready to plan your next hiking, biking, or fishing trip in the Schroon Lake Region? We've got great places to stay and friendly folks to guide your way. See you on the trail.

There are many ways to enjoy fall in the Adirondacks. The outdoor opportunities are endless. We’ve picked our top five ways to enjoy the foliage in some of our favorite Adirondack communities. Try one, or try them all. 

1. Have a picnic by Schroon Lake

The Schroon Lake Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike in the summer, but the area surrounding the beach is absolutely beautiful. Maple trees change from green to red, orange, and yellow. Benches on the grass provide a spot to sit and enjoy the view of the lake. Grab takeout from one of your favorite restaurants and walk over to the beach area for a picnic. Enjoy the fresh fall air, the view of the lake, and fall foliage. 

2. Take a scenic drive down Blue Ridge Road

Blue Ridge Road is a long, scenic stretch of road connecting North Hudson and Newcomb. The road is just over 19 miles long and is lined with trees and hiking trailheads. Pick a day when the sun is out, grab a coffee, and get in your car to enjoy a wonderful display of fall foliage. When you make it to Newcomb, make sure you grab lunch at the Lake Harris Lodge or the Newcomb Cafe. You can eat there, or take your meal to go.

3. Go for a hike in Minerva

Vanderwhacker Mountain is a great fall hike with a fire tower for the ultimate fall foliage viewing vantage point. It’s about a six mile hike past several wetlands, leading you up to the fire tower overlooking the High Peaks. This is a moderate hike with an elevation of 3,386 feet. Remember to recreate responsibly and respect the outdoors. 

4. Have a beer at Paradox Brewery

Fall and beer go hand-in-hand. Paradox Brewery is North Hudson’s beloved brewery. Located near the Frontier Town Campground, this brewery recently moved and upgraded their facilities. Their beers are award-winning, and so are the views. The wrap around deck off of the building has a beautiful view. Pair your beer with a view, and you’ve got the ultimate fall experience.

5. Go glamping at the Lake Harris Lodge

The Lake Harris Lodge is a beautiful new restaurant located in Newcomb, NY, but there are also glamping tents on site. There is currently only one, but there are plans to add three more in the future. The tents are decorated with an Adirondack flair and each comes with its own restroom. The tent that is currently there sits right on the shores of Lake Harris. Picture waking up overlooking the lake and the fall foliage, with the crisp mountain air, and the call of the loons.

As you can see, fall in the Adirondacks is spectacular. There are a number of ways to get out and enjoy the fresh air, and some really unique experiences to try this fall. 

 

 

When you live in the Adirondacks and hunt and fish, you become a de facto guide simply by the number of friends from outside the region who want to come up and visit and experience the outdoor opportunities this spectacular place offers.

I can usually accommodate them, especially if we're talking about spring gobblers. Maybe even deer; I did, in fact, lead a Pennsylvania pal deep into the bush a few years back and he even got a crack at a big buck, the kind that tend to grow old in the backcountry and produce gnarly racks.

Lake Champlain smallmouths and ice fishing on Schroon Lake for lakers and landlocks is easily handled, as well. Ditto for trout on the West Branch of the Ausable.

But when a couple buddies from northern Pennsylvania wanted to come up and pursue varying hares – we call 'em snowshoes – I hesitated a bit. I run Labrador retrievers on pheasants, but my dogs are way too hot for the big white rabbits. And while I know a few spots (even around the house), where they regularly trip our motion detector lights at night) I'm not totally in tune with the hare hot spots.

No worries, they said. They just wanted to run their beagles on hares and see how they performed. And kill a few, as well. And how hard would this be, anyway? You look for hare tracks and turn the dogs loose.

So there we were, as the two boys rolled into town on a Friday night for a weekend of hunting. Our three Labs weren't impressed when a pair of beagles pranced into the house and made themselves right at home, but they did enjoy the pizza crust handouts from Ethan and Derek.

After a hearty breakfast on Saturday morning (something you could find at any one of these Schroon Lake establishments), we hit a promising spot loaded with the kind of low-hanging cover favored by hares. The dogs worked well, and it wasn't long before we were serenaded by a pair of bawling beagles, hot on the trail of a big-footed bunny. Conditions were ideal, even for Derek's diminutive beagle Bonnie, who would have struggled had there been any significant snow depth. Even so, the deadfalls presented their own set of challenges.

That trail ran cold, which was surprising: unlike cottontail rabbits, hares don't "hole up" and are always available for tracking.

That's the way the day went, and when it was done we were hare-less. And to top it off, one of the beagles was lame.

This guiding gig was coming unraveled.

But both dogs did take to the field the next day, and we managed a good run early. I carried my Browning A-5 but had no intention of shooting; this was the boys' hunt. So when the hare bounded past with impressive leaps, I simply watched – and listened.

It was Derek who sealed the deal, and the boys admired the hare with appreciation. We called off the day when we noticed the gimpy beagle was still struggling.

But we vowed to get together for a rematch in the big woods. 

You don’t have to own a Hobie Cat sailboat to participate in the third annual Schroon Lake Hobie Cat Regatta.

The regatta happens every Father's Day weekend — this year it’s June 15-17. Event organizer Glen Repko said about thirty Hobie Cats will take to the water. That’s thirty brightly colored sails, all traversing Schroon Lake at twenty-five knots to the delight of spectators and sailors alike. The best part is, anyone who wants to know what being on a Hobie Cat is like can hitch a ride on one during the regatta.

“People can just show up, and when the boats come in they can go for a ride,” Glen said. “It’s a safe sport. You can get out on the water, you can go fast on the water, and just enjoy the fresh air and the wind.”

The idea for the event came to Glen when some of his friends, who are part of Fleet 204, a Hobie Cat race organization based in central New York, mentioned they were looking for a new venue. He knew just the place.

“Schroon Lake has good north and south winds quite a bit of the time, and there’s an open area between the town beach and Word of Life Island, where we can set up a buoy system and run the race effectively,” Glen said. “People can sit on the banks of the lake and watch the racers as they go by. We also have long sandy beaches, so the boats can be beached easily. It makes for a nice venue.”

The cool thing about the regatta is it gets entrants from well beyond the Adirondacks. This year a team from Puerto Rico will compete, and there are always people who travel from around the U.S. Many of the competitors are racing for points, which can increase their ratings as they go from one regatta to the next. Two of this year’s entrants are national champions.

Schroon Lake Hobie Cat Regatta details

The races begin at the town beach boathouse.

Friday: Boats go in the water at the boathouse from 5-7:30 p.m.

Saturday: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and races begin around 11 a.m.

Sunday: Registration begins at 9 a.m. and races begin around 10:30 a.m. The awards ceremony starts around 2:30 p.m.

With all of the lodging, dining, and activities around Schroon Lake, the Hobie Cat Regatta makes a great centerpiece to a weekend getaway in the Adirondacks!

 

So, since the extra day landed on a Monday this year, doesn’t that mean you can take the day off? I think it should - fresh air is a great way to improve your mental health! Now the important question: “do I need snowshoes?” Boy, that’s a tough question to answer and unfortunately I have to say, most likely, MAYBE. Does that help? It’s getting to that season where you should have them along, some sort of traction might well be needed. I tend to carry my snowshoes on my pack for a while just in case the snow is a bit deeper up high, and then switch out as needed. Sometimes the snow isn’t all that deep but it’s a mess to walk on. Now, of course, there is the rumor a snowstorm coming and that changing things to a solid YES, you will need them.

The following recommendations for your February 2016 extra day/vacation/sick day make great choices. So when you do take that leap you should head over to Schroon Lake to check out these select seven hiking destinations.

Treadway Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

7.8 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

4 to 5 hours

Brief Overview

From the Putnam Pond Trailhead start a moderate and easy winter stroll around the pond. There are a few intersections along this route to the mountain so be sure to take notice of the trail signage. The final climb to the summit is moderate with only a couple of spots that would resemble steep, but it can be very icy. The summit and the approaching ridge are loaded with rock outcroppings and views, take them all in.

Other Notable Features

Be sure to explore all around for different views as the area seems to open up around every corner. This is perfect for snowshoes or not, but there may be a bit more snow up high. Traction of some sort is a must.

How to Get There

From Schroon Lake follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. Take a right onto Putts Pond Road and follow to the end at the state campground. You may or may not need to park outside the campground entrance, it all dependson if it is plowed out adequately or not. Either way just walk straight up the hill and the trailhead parking is on the left, and the trail is at the far end.

Pharaoh Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

9.8 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

6 to 7 hours

Brief Overview

This hike might be a bit long for some family members. From the parking area you will hike an access road to Crane Pond, which is easy with minimal change in elevation. This is also a nice place to take a break. From there you will hike on a moderate foot trail past Glidden Marsh with tremendous scenic value.

The ending climb to the summit is a bit more demanding, and in some areas could be considered quite steep and surely icy. Some visitors consider this hike moderate, others strenuous, I would say it’s someplace in the middle. The views are from the open summit and former home of a fire tower.

Other Notable Features

Be aware this peak can be very windy; bring something to block the gusts and enjoy the top. Snowshoes should be carried.

How to Get There

In Schroon Lake follow Alder Brook Road to Crane Pond Road which will be on your left. Follow Crane Pond Road to the large parking area. Don’t try to drive any further along Crane Pond Road — it is far too rough for most vehicles, and it is in a wilderness area.

Mount Defiance

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

2.2 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

1.5 to 2 hours

Brief Overview

You will start heading immediately up the road and on a steady grade you will come to the summit where old cannons and a pavilion are located. The view out over the lake and of Fort Ticonderoga is fantastic. The road is very wide with plenty of room for snowshoers and skiers.

Other Notable Features

This is a great historical peak with neat views out over the lake and into Vermont as well as of Fort Ticonderoga.

How to Get There

Follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. In Ticonderoga head south on Route 9N, and continue for 0.75 miles to Montcalm Street on the left. Follow Montcalm Street for 0.6 miles to Champlain Avenue, which will be on your right. Follow Champlain Avenue for a very short distance to The Portage on the left, and then take a left onto Defiance Street. Drive Defiance Street to the Toll Road which will be on the right.

Cook's Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

3.4 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

2 to 4 hours

Brief Overview

This peak is part of the Cooks Mountain Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy and opened for recreation to the public. The trail begins rather easy but soon begins a steady climb up the east side of the mountain where views through the trees can be collected. While steeper terrain does exist for short periods along the trail is has been graded well and never seems to be very aggressive. A few lookouts will be along the partially open ridge. The end of the trail brings the best bang for the buck. This trail can be very icy in sections.

Other Notable Features

This is a great hike to do with Rogers Rock or Mount Defiance, perfect for the entire family.

How to Get There

Follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. In Ticonderoga at the intersection of Route 9N and Route 74 in Ticonderoga follow Route 9N south and then shortly a left onto Lord Howe Street. This will soon become CR 5 (Baldwin Road). Follow Baldwin Road for 1.8 miles to the trailhead on the right.

Roger's Rock

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

4.0 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

2 to 4 hours

Brief Overview

The campground entrance is closed in the winter, so you will need to snowshoe the campground roads to reach the trail which is located there. The trail is located to the back of the campground on the backside of a small loop. Once on the trail you will start to climb immediately on some rather steep terrain. In winter this trail is used much less, making the possibility of the trail needing to broken out that much more likely, so it would be a good idea to have snowshoes in the car to see what the conditions are like. You will quickly gain the ridge high above Lake George where you will have some outstanding views out over the lake and into Vermont. Be careful along the top and the ridge t is very steep and can be slippery.

Other Notable Features

This is a historical location where Captain Rogers evaded capture by the Native Americans, a neat piece of history and possibly a bit of lore.

How to Get There

Follow Route 74 toward Ticonderoga. In Ticonderoga at the intersection of Route 74 and 9N in Ticonderoga follow Route 9N south continue for 6.5 miles to the Rogers Rock State Campground on the left, park roadside in a safe location and away from any gates.

Severance Hill

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

2.4 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

2 to 4 hours

Brief Overview

This family-friendly trail offers good views out over the region with limited effort, but be aware this is a very icy trail and traction is a must. From the trailhead you will soon come to an access culvert that leads hikers to the opposite side of the Northway. On the opposite side, the trail will remain level for about a quarter of a mile before starting to climb slightly and then steeply in areas. At 1.2 miles you come to the first view and a slight bit further to the second. The nice feature of this summit is it is slightly enclosed so winds are not typically an issue.

Other Notable Features

This has always been the go-to hike for families staying in the area, and for good reason — it’s a nice peak, and the hike is an interesting one as you hike beneath I-87 through a large tunnel.

How to Get There

From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 74 just off I-87, exit 28, follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for just over a half-mile to the trailhead on the right.

Goodnow Mountain

Distance Roundtrip/Loop

3.8 miles

Estimated Time Roundtrip/Loop

3 to 5 hours

Brief Overview

This ragged looking mountain is home to one of the few fire towers remaining in the Adirondack Park and thanks to a not-for-profit organization it’s in great condition too. From the trailhead you will start to climb a bit steeply to a flat area that you will follow for a little while before climbing easily once again. From here to the summit it's a steady climb, but not very steep, although it can be icy and slippery in spots. Upon the summit you will come to the fire tower and great views especially of the High Peaks area.

Other Notable Features

In route there is an old horse barn a great place for a photographic opportunity. There is also a fire tower on the summit adding additional views from the steps.

How to Get There

From exit 28 in Schroon Lake follow I-87 north for one exit to the North Hudson exit 29. From here follow Boreas Road west toward Newcomb. Continue to Route 28N and take a right and head toward Long Lake. Continue for right around 8 miles to the trailhead on the left.

 

Plan to stay in the Schroon Lake Region and choose one of these great hikes for your next extra day!

 

Blogging about food…does anyone have a better job than me? This week, our blogging team went looking for the perfect Adirondack meal, and I got the honor of checking out the various eateries in Schroon Lake to put the perfect meal together. Judging by the two places I visited one recent beautiful fall day, Schroon Lake is definitely the place to go when you’re hungry!

Sticks & Stones Wood Fire Bistro & Bar

The first place I visited was Sticks & Stones Wood Fire Bistro & Bar. With a name like that, I had high expectations for the food – and it lived up to those expectations! On the day of my visit, I met with one of the owners, Gary. He explained about the wood fire oven they have, which was brought here by boat from Naples, Italy. It is really cool because it is behind the bar, visible from the dining room, so you can see them using it. It makes the restaurant warm, and smells so good! Many of their dishes are either cooked or finished off in the oven, for that wood fire taste and crispness.

I have a weakness for unusual salads, and I’m kind of a salad snob, so when I saw the Fig & Goat Cheese Salad, I had to order it. It did not disappoint – it had the perfect amount of dressing, with a little bit of balsamic drizzle on top that gave it a nice, sweet taste. The marinated roasted peppers were packed with flavor, and I had to control myself not to lick my plate!

Having a salad for lunch means I have room for dessert, so I ordered the homemade apple crisp on the advice of one of the very friendly staff members. It came to my table steaming and smelling divine! The filling was delicious, the crisp – made from corn flakes, brown sugar and oatmeal and finished off in the wood fire oven – was crispy and sweet, and the vanilla ice cream and caramel on top was definitely the icing on the cake! My mouth is watering just writing about it…I will definitely go back again for that!

Sticks & Stones has a very diverse menu, so you can visit multiple times during a long weekend stay and have something completely different each time! There is also a daily special menu, including an appetizer, soup, entrée and dessert, which I will try for dinner the next time I am in town.

Fig & Goat Cheese Salad

• Spring lettuce mix
• Wood fire roasted almonds
• Marinated pickled peppers
• Figs
• Goat Cheese
• Dressing: balsamic vinaigrette
• Topped with a balsamic drizzle

DeCesare’s Pizzeria

When I think Pizzeria, I think Brooklyn pizza, the kind I used to get where I grew up on Long Island. But I’m learning that Adirondack pizza has its own character, and some of it is awesome! One of the places you’ll find awesome Adirondack pizza is DeCesare’s Pizzeria in Schroon Lake. A family-owned business, DeCesare’s Pizzeria was first opened in 1972 by Val and Lorraine DeCesare. Now, their son Alan and his wife Debbie carry on the family tradition, keeping Schroon Lake locals and visitors happy.

At DeCesare’s, the dough, pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce are all made fresh daily, along with their homemade sub rolls. Their most popular pizza is The Mountaineer, which consists of 100% real mozzarella cheese, sweet Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers and pepperoni. They also have a pizza named after the Schroon Lake Wildcats. Debbie and Kiersten, the manager, are both Schroon Lake alum, and The Wildcat has a special combination of wing sauce and BBQ sauce, topped with red onions and grilled BBQ chicken... yum!

You can either dine in or take out at DeCesare’s Pizzeria, but the day I was there I decided to follow up my salad from Sticks & Stones with some delicious chicken corn chowder soup in the dining room.

Just like I love salads, I absolutely love homemade soup. This soup is made by Kiersten, and it was outstanding! I’m not one for spicy foods, but this had just the right amount of kick to perk up my taste buds and warm me on a chilly fall afternoon. Kirsten was kind enough to share the recipe, so you can all try it at home:

DeCesare’s Pizzeria Chicken Corn Chowder

• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups potatoes
• 1 cup onion
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 2 TBSP butter
• 10 tbs flour
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp. Creole salt
• 1 ½ cups chicken
• 1 ½ cups corn
• ½ cup crumbled bacon
• 3 cups half & half
• 1 can fire roasted tomatoes

Directions: Add celery, potatoes, onions and carrots to a stock pot with about 2 TBSP butter. Simmer for a bit, until tender. Stir in the flour. Slowly add chicken broth and seasoning, stirring constantly until thick. Cover and let simmer for 12 minutes. Add chicken, corn, and bacon; let simmer 7 minutes. Just before serving, add the half & half and tomatoes, heating through again until hot.

I love finding new restaurants to try. On your next stay, make sure to sample the local eateries and find your new favorite in Schroon Lake!