Even though this December hasn't been quite as wintery as we may be used to, this will change and we will soon be seeing a few months of great skiing. I can also promise you I feel your pain; as an avid cross-country skier and snowshoer this tease of a winter just won’t cut it. So, let's do some dreaming and get our plans ready - when the Schroon Lake Region has developed a nice base here are a few places you can head over to do some cross-country skiing. For the time being, it may be time to think downhill and hit Gore! Remember, stay vertical people.

Gore Mountain

One of New York State's premiere ski centers is open for business and has been making snow for weeks now. Be sure to check with Gore Mountain for up to date conditions, rates and hours.

Gore has 109 trails and boasts 2,537 vertical feet of elevation drop, and you can access these by using the 15 lifts including the eight-passenger Northwoods Gondola and two luxurious high-speed quads which will keep you out of lines, with more time on their four peaks and in the parks.

Hungry or wiped out? You can visit the six dining options scattered across the mountain where you can refuel and keep skiing or riding without missing a beat or a potential “yard sale,” just kidding, no “yard sales” please.

Want to learn to ski or ride? Gore has an excellent staff of highly experienced and motivated instructors eager to help you get on the slopes in a safe and fun fashion.

Schroon Lake Ski Center (photos curtesy of NELSAP)

This small ski hill was reopened in 2005 after it had been closed since the mid 80s. These family ski hills are making huge comebacks in small communities and usualy offer free or highly reduced rates for downhill skiing. This ski slope is open on weekends, holidays, and during school vacations from 10am to 4pm, weather permitting.

To access the top of the ski slope you will have a 700’ pull using a handle tow that will get you to the top of the 150’ slope. There is just enough pitch to give you a few nice turns as you enjoy the great views. At the base you can find a small warming hut. This is the perfect FREE community ski center for the entire family to enjoy run after run.

 

Big Pond Trail

This backcountry trail is an outstanding ski destination fit for the entire family. If you enjoy cross-country skiing you should look into this well-maintained destination. From the trailhead off Hoffman Road you will be on a fairly wide course that gets ample ski and snowshoe use. Several undulating hills will bring you back to Big Pond and beyond. If Big Pond is your final destination you will be there is no time flat, but if you want to expand your skiing stay on the trail and get closer to the Hoffman Notch Trail where you will experience more hills and exciting riding.

SUNY ESF Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC)

The AIC has four very distinctive trails which were designed for 4-season fun and relaxation, however only three are open and recommended for cross-country skiing.

Peninsula Trail

They do not recommend or allow skiing on this trail

Rich Lake Trail

This is a great trail to warm up on, and with limited amounts of elevation change, it gives you a nice introduction to the trails. Oh, and the views are great as well.

Sucker Brook Trail

This trail is considered to be a moderate trail but it’s a rather steep drop right from the parking lot. Once down off the hill the ski is actually very nice and you can connect up to the Sage Trail part way through.

R.W. Sage Jr. Memorial Trail

This is the longest loop at 1.1 miles, but it's an easy and mostly flat ski. Be sure to extend your ski trip by heading over to the Great Camp Santanoni Trail.

The trails are open every day from dawn to dusk. Additionally, the Visitor Center building is open Friday-Sunday from 10am to 4pm. The AIC offers public programs, events, speaker series, courses and other activities throughout the year to the public as well as school groups.

Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness

There are a great many access points for the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness: The Putnam Pond State Campground, Long Swing Trail off Route 74, Short Swing Trail off Route 74, and off Crane Pond Road in Schroon Lake. The closest access point for Schroon Lake is at the end of Crane Pond Road. The Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness is a massive expanse of wilderness, with many, many miles of trails for all abilities. This area of many trails is not so much a trail network but several thousand acres of trails that intersect one another and have wonderful destinations for the eyes.

From the Crane Pond Road Trailhead you have the opportunity to ski many trails that can be accessed from the road, but first you must ski the extension of the Crane Pond Road that accesses you deep into the wilderness area. Discover Goose Pond, the Long Swing Trail, the Short Swing Trail, and the Pharaoh Mountain Trail while you are in there for a wide range of user abilities.

Other great access areas near Schroon Lake include the Spectacle Ponds Trail off East Shore Road and the Pharaoh Lake trails from the small hamlet of Adirondack.

Trail Skiing

Trail skiing is a wonderful past time and a great way to see the backcountry other than snowshoeing or hiking. Many of the trails you would consider for snowshoeing and hiking can easily be converted to cross-country skiing destinations. However, you need to keep in mind that these destinations will not be groomed or maintained for skiing. The foot trails also are much narrower and have a variety of obstacles for skiing that may require the user to have some experience. But with that being said, trail skiing is very exciting and a wonderful way to see the frozen landscape.

Mountain trails are not recommended for skiing unless you are a highly advanced skier - and even then they are very dangerous, but most of the trails to backcountry ponds are great places to visit without the worry of highly advanced terrain. If you do wish to ski back to a mountain, strap on your snowshoes to your pack, ski to the base and snowshoe up. When you snowshoe back to your skis, clip those on and off you go. In most cases cross-country ski boots can be used equally as well for snowshoeing so there is no need to carry a second set of boots.

Now, let's think snow and get ready to go!

A lot of exciting things have been happening in the Adirondack Hub lately, and we’re thrilled to share them all with you. Here are some of the newest updates and improvements that have been happening to make the communities of the Adirondack Hub even better than they already are!

Pitkin's Restaurant

New owners Adam and Bridget of Minerva did a complete overhaul of the iconic Pitkin's Restaurant in Schroon Lake. The interior and exterior have been completely remodeled and refreshed. They even recently completed an outdoor dining area. Don’t worry, the food is just as incredible and they still sell those pies we all love!

9 Mile Coffee Co. 

9 Mile Coffee Co. recently moved to a new location next to the Pine Cone Mercantile, but owner Andrew did a substantial remodel to convert a building from the 1860s to a modern/functional cafe, while maintaining the character and history represented in Schroon Lake. Pro tip: get your favorite cup of caffeine to go and head down to the gazebo to enjoy the view. 

Blue Ridge Motel

New owner Tammy Brown has completely renovated this Schroon Lake motel into a modern lodging property, while not losing any of the Adirondack charm. There are plenty of unique pieces and touches that make this place so special. The Blue Ridge Motel will be open this summer, and we are so excited to have Tammy and the Blue Ridge Motel as a part of the Adirondack Hub. 

EveryBODY518 Nutrition

Owner Danielle recently opened EveryBODY518 Nutrition in Schroon Lake, serving healthy and energizing smoothies and teas that are designed for takeout so you can enjoy the rest of your day adventuring in the Adirondack Hub. Pro tip: grab a drink to go and head to the beach!

Paradox Brewery

Our beloved Paradox Brewery in North Hudson has opened in their new location right by the new Frontier Town Campground, and the results are impressive. On the weekends they have a food truck serving delicious food to go with their one-of-a-kind beers. They have even added an outdoor pavilion and tasting room so you can enjoy your beer while enjoying the Adirondack air and mountain views. 

Newcomb Cafe & Campground

The Newcomb Cafe & Campground opened its cafe earlier in the year, but this will be the first summer their campground will be open. Their cafe serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week, their store is stocked with necessities as well as local fresh produce, they’ve added an outdoor dining area for the cafe, and the campground is open and accepting reservations that are filling up fast. They also have a gas pump making it a snowmobiling hot spot in the winter. 

Lake Harris Lodge

The Lake Harris Lodge in Newcomb opened at the beginning of the year in its newly renovated building. Its rustic interior is an absolutely stunning location for lunch or dinner overlooking Lake Harris. They also serve brunch on Sundays with live music! They have an outdoor seating area that overlooks the lake and lakeside glamping tents. Right now they have one complete, but three more are planned for the future. 

Other businesses are getting creative and adding new features to their already existing businesses. Sticks & Stones Bistro now has an ice cream wagon, Licks & Cones, serving your favorite frosty treats. And the Adirondack General Store made a snack window serving ice cream treats and summer bites. Summer in the Adirondack Hub keeps getting better and better!

We are thrilled to have so many new businesses opening in the Adirondack Hub and many other business owners continuing to make impressive improvements and upgrades to their businesses to keep traditions alive and visitors coming back for many years to come.

 

Everything in the Adirondacks tells a story, whether it be ecological, social, or cultural. Often interwoven in the abundant natural history narrative is one of human relations and community. Of course, we’ve all read about guides and loggers: traditional Adirondack ways of life. Though sometimes forgotten, others have left their mark on the Adirondacks in more ways than one.

In 1957, Fulton Fryar was invited to Seagle Music Colony (today known as Seagle Festival). This was significant because Fryar was the first African-American to come to Seagle. Segregation was still very real throughout the country, the Civil Rights Act of 1957 was not signed into law until September of that year, and hard-earned Civil Rights Movement victories in Congress wouldn’t be won for several years still.

Then-director John Seagle was so impressed with Fryar’s talent, he wanted him to come study at Seagle Music Colony. Fryar’s story is one of embracing art and finding the light.

Home again

Originally from North Carolina, Fryar was only 17 years old when he first came to Seagle. Many of the students who were Fryar’s peers were also from the southern part of the States, where segregation and racial inequality were still widespread. Although Fryar was welcomed at Seagle, he slept in separate quarters. While the institution itself was not segregated, racial attitudes in the United States made people cautious. 

But Fryar was not bothered by this at the time. 

In his separate lodging he was not kept up at night by other campers (who would likely be singing 99 Bottles of Beer), and his room may have in fact been nicer than the traditional dorm rooms. He put his own touch on the decor, painting meaningful objects and lines from poems on the walls. One stanza, from Tennyson’s “Crossing the Bar”, seems an odd choice, since its subject is crossing from life to death, but the tone is one of accepting fate instead of fearing the unknown. For Fryar, his room was an escape if he was having a bad day and the decorated walls provided inspiration. On top of singing at Seagle, Fryar was invited to help design sets because of his paintings in his room. In an interview with PBS, Fryar professed that the poems and art would “bring him out of darkness” to help him find the light again. 

“The Closet”

“The Closet,” as Fryar affectionately named his room, was modest: maybe 12 by 6 feet. It was attached to the laundry building, and essentially abandoned after Fryar left. The Closet sat empty for nearly six decades. After falling into dangerous disrepair in 2017, The Closet was moved to the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake to save it from demolition. Here, museum visitors have the chance to see it as a historic exhibit. Fryar hopes that the public will take a big lesson away from his little room: we’ve come a long way in race relations in this country, but there is still work to do. He hopes people will view his room with understanding and spread the message of unity, not discrimination. After his departure from Seagle, racial diversity has increased and students no longer bunked in rooms separated by race. 

Encore

For Fryar, a career in music did not materialize, but since leaving Seagle after two summers, he served in the Air Force for five years and worked in a career providing support to children and developmentally disable adults. He says the lessons he learned at Seagle have stuck with him throughout his life. Today, he enjoys spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. Fryar may not be singing on the stage, but he finds comfort in the artistry. He says he’s joyful and grateful to have been accepted into the program at Seagle.

History of Seagle 

Seagle Music Colony has been around since 1915. That’s right: 2020 marks the school’s 105th birthday! In 2021, it was rebranded as Seagle Festival. It is the premier opera and musical theater organization in the Adirondack region, and it is the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States. Traditionally, the summer features a summer full of special events and performances. Programming usually runs through June, July, and August. Watch emerging artists refine their craft in opera and musical theater. Ask anyone who’s been -- you don’t want to miss a performance at Seagle!

Schroon Lake has a rich history with the arts! Create your own memorable Adirondack vacation in the Adirondack Hub with an overnight stay, classic food, and outdoor activities. 

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Photos of Fulton Fryar courtesy of the Seagle Festival.

Hammond Pond Wild Forest continues to provide great outings this winter. To celebrate New Year's Day I skied from the Sharp Bridge Campground to East Mill Flow with two great friends.

Sharp Bridge Campground is one of the prettiest campsites in the Adirondacks and likely one of the oldest. The first campsite was placed at this location in 1920 according to DEC. The campsite where the trail begins is about 3 miles south of Exit 30 on Rte 9 in North Hudson.

Five days after the perfect first snow storm of the winter (Dec. 27-28), we expected to find that someone had already packed out the trail and we were rewarded for most of the way. Someone had clearly skied to the height of the trail and enjoyed the ride back.

From the parking area the trail follows the Schroon Brook southeast for about a mile. The going is easy and allowed us to test our wax—mine was lacking—and adjust. There's one place along the water where a road once crossed and you can see the remains of an old stone bridge. It's amazing what stands and what crumbles along the banks of these Adirondack Rivers.

We headed up a long hill to about 1250 feet through forest still heavy with snowy branches, looking forward to a great descent as reward on the return. From the top of the hill the route rolls along gently which allowed us to get into a nice ski rhythm.

Just was we were starting to feel an appetite, the forest opened into the East Mill Flow.   The Flow is an extensive beaver flow that was well-frozen. We checked out the nice canine tracks, complete with scent marks. Probably both coyote and fox. There were seed heads from dried sedges and stiff, dark leather leaf foliage showing through the snow as we skied across to a rocky edge. The rock radiated warm sunshine that felt good after the shady trail.

Delicious, left-over maple-banana-walnut waffles slathered with peanut butter made a timely appearance followed by the special Bengal spice tea with honey and milk that David always carries in winter. We all had plans for the late afternoon so didn't linger although I was curious to continue the route to its end on Ensign Pond Road.

The trip back was perfect. I was less concerned with making progress than I had been on the way in. I noticed the high ledge that the trail follows and imagined bobcats napping in the sunshine up there. The trail was tracked out enough to make nice gliding. The sunshine made a light show in the canopy of bare branches and deep green needles.  We returned to the cars after three and a half hours completely satisfied. 

With untouched wilderness, pristine lakes, and miles and miles of winding roads prime for cycling, golf might not be the first outdoor activity that comes to mind in the Adirondack Hub. But nestled between nostalgic small towns and epic adventures, are two courses that might be the Adirondacks’s best kept golf secrets! Schroon Lake and Newcomb are both home to unique and exciting courses that will pique the interest of beginners and give old pros something new to try. If you’re ready to take a swing and see if you can make par, check out the High Peaks Golf Course in Newcomb and the Schroon Lake Golf Course in Schroon Lake.

High Peaks, low score

The High Peaks Golf Course in Newcomb has to be in one of the most beautiful locations around. While most people are busy shuffling off to the Upper Works Trailhead or getting ready to canoe, you can be hitting the links at this wonderful course that opened to the public in 2005.

Quick stats:

• Holes: 9
• Par: 33
• There are 4 holes at par 3, 4 holes at par 4, and a par 5
• 4 sets of tees: pro, mens’, seniors’ (gold), womens’
• Yards: 2,575 from pro tees
• On site amenities: Clubhouse with pro shop (gloves, snacks, beer and wine, etc., for sale), clubhouse restrooms, course bathroom, club rentals, practice putting green

We asked course staff a few questions to help you get to know the course a bit better.

Q: Is it walkable? Are there cart rentals?

A: There are ups and downs (it is the Adirondacks!), but this is a very walkable course. Pull carts and mechanical carts are available for rent.

Q: What makes this course stand out?

A: The beauty! There are mountain views from each tee and/or hole, starting with an amazing view of Santanoni Mountain right from hole #1. Some people just come here to take photos because it is really that beautiful. 

Got your irons in hand yet? With only 9 holes and a par 32, you might as well play a few rounds! Despite having a breathtaking view of the High Peaks, this course is still a hidden gem. Tee times are not required, but you are required to have a tee-rific time!

An un-fore-gettable course

Where the High Peaks Golf Course brings new challenges, the Schroon Lake Golf Course brings classic charm that dates back to 1917. Donald Ross designed this 9 hole course (yes, the same Donald Ross who designed Pinehurst in North Carolina. Yes, the same Pinehurst where many professional golf championships have been played.).

Quick stats:

• Holes: 9 (but you can double it and play 18)
• Par: 36
• There are 2 holes at par 3, 5 holes at par 4, and 2 holes at par 5
• Sets of tees: blue, gold, red
• Yards: 2,929 
• On site amenities: Clubhouse restroom, course restroom, pro shop with snacks and golf gear for sale, club rentals, practice putting green

We asked course staff a few questions to help you get to know the course a bit better.

Q: Is it walkable? Are there cart rentals?

A: A lot of people walk this course. There are some hills, but it's very walkable. There are pull and mechanical cart rentals available.

Q: What makes this course stand out?

A: We get a lot of comments on how beautiful this course is and how well maintained it is. One of the holes is up on a hill, so you can look out over the waters of Schroon Lake. People love this course. We even have "before/after hours" fees, so you can start golfing at sunrise if you'd like. During summer we're open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but if you wanted to golf at 6 a.m., for example, you could just place the $6 fee in the box and play a round while most people are still sleeping!

This historic course has your name on the next scorecard! Even in the early days, people were lining up to play a round. History also tells us that caddies came from across the state to work at the Schroon Lake course! Whether you’re the next Tiger Woods, Donald Ross, or Happy Gilmore, this course is sure to please.

Quit wasting time and puttering around!

Get to the Adirondack Hub today! Even if you aren't a seasoned pro, both courses offer club rentals (and cart rentals!), so you can get out on the fairways without having to purchase your own set of clubs. If you can’t get in all the golf you want in one day, that’s fine; the Adirondack Hub has plenty of comfy places for you to call your home-away-from-home for a few days. There are also lots of places for a delicious post-round meal. With so much to offer, the Adirondack Hub could be the location of your best golf vacation “by par.”

Birding and setting up camp

Any chance to spend time in Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest is an opportunity to be grasped, so I was glad when work took me that direction a few weeks ago. I had started my day by birding along the route from home toward my planned camp along Moose Pond Club Road, the road which leads to the trailhead for Vanderwhacker Mountain itself. The birding continued as I explored the road and set up my tent as the afternoon and evening coolness seemed to fuel the birds to chatter.

There were Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Yellow-rumped, Nashville, and Black-and-white Warblers, the complex trills of Winter Wrens, both Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, and lots of Swainson’s Thrushes – one of my favorite songs to hear in the evening. After pitching my tent, the birds lured me for a walk along the road and my list soon included Red Crossbills which buzzed and called overhead. Red Crossbill numbers have grown in the Adirondacks this summer with our current cone crop, and I’ve been coming across them regularly since June.

The night in camp

I returned to camp to battle a growing contingent of mosquitoes while I made my dinner, but despite the bugs, the natural ambience and birds made a camp meal of boxed macaroni and cheese and canned green beans taste like fine dining; there are few more peaceful things than enjoying a meal in the woods.

I headed off to investigate around Cheney Pond for the evening – my camp was centrally located for places to explore – and I returned to camp after darkness had fallen, listening for a Barred or Northern Saw-whet Owl. I’ve heard both species while camping in that vicinity in the past.

I didn’t hear either on this occasion, but as I was leaning against my car and listening to the darkness, I noticed a northern dusky salamander crawling across my campsite. I scooped it up and took it down by the nearby stream rather than have it risk a long overland journey or possibly hide beneath one of my car tires. I then decided to retire to my tent, where as I usually do, I looked over maps and plans for the next day. I was soon falling asleep on my maps and notes, and I finally decided to turn off my light.

A new morning

Daybreak came early and I woke to the songs and calls of the surrounding cool, foggy forest, forcing my sleepy eyelids open to look around at the gray world. I was tired and it was rather chilly outside of my sleeping bag, but I love that time of day. And so I pushed myself reluctantly to my knees to get my bearings as the world awoke to Purple Finches, Black-capped Chickadees, and both Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes, and then I slowly clambered from the tent.

I organized my gear for the day before starting on breakfast, the cold milk in my cereal bowl further chilling my cold hands in the morning air. But I found a Black-backed Woodpecker as I did – no good bird comes without a little sacrifice! – and the cool air kept the mosquitoes at bay so I was appreciative of it. I’ll always take cold hands over incessant buzzing and itching!

My camp chores and breakfast finished, I headed down the road; I would return to take down my tent later. My first stop was the trail into Hewitt Eddy, accessed along Route 28N near the junction with Moose Pond Club Road – so it was a convenient place to begin. The trail winds along the Boreas River, cutting through a combination of mixed forest habitats – some with a boreal nature – and the birds I found reflected that fact with Blue-headed Vireos, Red-eyed Vireos, Dark-eyed Juncos, Winter Wrens, Swainson’s and Hermit Thrushes, and a list of warblers which included Blackburnian, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue, and Magnolia. I also found yet another pair of Red Crossbills which zipped above calling throughout my hike so it was difficult to know for certain how many crossbills there actually were.

The trail is not long or difficult, but it is currently overgrown, so anyone going should be prepared for tangles of vegetation crossing the trail, and I pushed my way through the dew-drenched leaves, soaking myself with chilly water in the process. But the route not only offers birds but also the peaceful babble of the Boreas River, before it leads to Hewitt Eddy itself where I’ve found beavers in the past.

I eventually retraced my steps and drove back to camp, but before I continued down the road for another adventure, I enjoyed a peaceful time sitting and reflecting in camp and taking in the wilderness-like seclusion it offered. That is one of the things I love the most about camping anywhere, but in the remote places in the Adirondacks in particular. I have no television, no cell phone reception, and no computer to occupy my time and energy. Even though I’m often camping to help facilitate my early morning work schedule, the simplicity camping offers is restful and therapeutic. And so I took in the setting for a while, before turning my attention to cleaning up the campsite, collecting bits of trash which others before me had left behind. It is always a good goal to leave a campsite cleaner than you found it.

My tidying and reflection complete, I loaded up and headed down the road.

Late summer and fall offer amazing Adirondack camping and adventure opportunities! Don’t miss out! And if camping isn’t your thing, then check out our lodging and dining pages to learn how you can enjoy an Adirondack getaway!

 

This coming St. Patrick's Day, Flanagan's Pub & Grill turns 21. If you are looking for an Irish good time on this festive holiday, they are ready for you. But then, every day is a fine day to go to Flanagan's.

Pub is short for Public Houses, which distinguished them as a place where all were welcome, unlike the more affluent "Private Houses" which charged membership fees. When 19th century British legislation banned pubs it became a point of pride to keep them going in Ireland. Now, "Irish Pub" evokes a welcoming, festive, atmosphere that Flanagan's owners, Doug and Penny, are proud to offer the area.

A long heritage

It is no surprise that proprietors Doug and Penny have blended Adirondack authenticity into their pub. Irishtown is nearby!

Part of the history of the area is the period from 1840 to 1860, when large numbers of Irish immigrants moved through New York City and Boston to settle in what is now the Minerva area. It was known as Irishtown.

This was a transitional time, when the local forests had been logged and the lumberjacks moved further west. The cleared land they left behind was attractive to aspiring farmers, who left big city life and raised large families, which were assets in agrarian pursuits. By 1865 the population numbered 1082, with the majority of them Irish. Minerva's school colors were emerald green and white, nicknamed the "Fighting Irish."
So an Irish pub fits right in.

The building began as Wilson's Restaurant but became Flanagan's Bar in 1952. The simple menu was deli sandwiches. In 1986 a new owner added bar classics like pizza, wings, and burgers. It wasn't until 1997 that Doug King and Penny Edenfield purchased Flanagan's and began a series of renovations. The kitchen was moved to a new and larger location and completely updated. This added hot sandwiches and appetizers to the lineup.

The look they have now started in 2002, with lots of local help. The dining room acquired local cedar ceiling beams and columns, then rustic bar stools and booths. A deck was added in the back for outdoor dining. Doug built the booths and tables. Doug and Penny are celebrating their 21st Anniversary of the pub with pride in the Adirondack feel they have created, inside and out.

Flanagan's is now a center of celebration.

That special day

It began as a Catholic feast day in the 17th century, honoring Ireland's own Saint Patrick, who was credited with popularizing three-leaf clovers to explain the Trinity and driving all the snakes from Ireland. Once the Irish got St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during Lent, they developed a new tradition of attending church in the morning and then dancing, drinking, and feasting in the afternoon.

Because when all was said and done, this was, and is, an Irish holiday. "Giving things up" is not in the right spirit.

One Flanagan's touch is themed desserts, as seen in this edible "pot o' gold" from a previous St. Patrick's Day celebration. I sat down with Penny to ask about what is on the schedule for this year.

"Corned beef and cabbage, of course! Or a Shepherd's Pie with soup and salad. Drink specials, including Guinness pints for three dollars."

This is in addition to their regular menu, with its variety of appetizers, main dishes, and those wonderful desserts. I told her how much I love the coconut shrimp appetizers, and that they are gluten-free. She confided they were a favorite of hers, too.

"Everyone gets into the spirit. We always decorate the place with lots of green things."

"Irish coffee and Irish whiskey specials. Also, since it is our 21st anniversary and St Pat's falls on a Saturday this year, we are extending it to the whole weekend."
I think that's a fine idea. St. Patrick's Day(s).

Doing it right

Every time I have stopped by Flanagan's after a hike or snowshoe, I've had a great meal. But this is more than a fine pub and local restaurant. Flanagan's really is a neighborhood gathering place.

They have a special Father's Day and Mother's Day menu. Groups meet there for activities. Everyone is welcome. Even folks who aren't Irish.

"I tell people we're like Cheers," Penny said with a laugh. "We know most people's names, and if you are new, come on by and introduce yourself."
You won't be a stranger for long.

Snuggle up in our lodging. Spring hiking means sunny days and lots of light on the trails, since the trees aren't leafed out yet. See what other events are coming up.

I'm more of a skater than an angler so I use any hike I can to check for ice. This week I went to Hammond Pond.

An easy walk on a wide trail leads through pretty forest to a wide spillway where you get a great look at Bloody Mountain. It's hard to say why someone would name a mountain Bloody Mountain. The youngsters who were with me were intrigued but they said we shouldn't stay too late in the day.

Ice is definitely trying to form. The boys whacked sticks as hard as they could to test it. A few loud cracking noises made exciting sound effects but also made it clear it's too early to start skating so we headed up the trail in search of mink or otter tracks along the brook.

The trail continues on a nice easy grade. We checked out an old scat that was full of bones and looked at liverworts with scaly patterns. The boys determined that Troll Skin is a better name than liverwort for the flattened, moss-like mats.

Although it's somewhat inconvenient for hikers and mountain bikers, the bridge being out over Black Brook was a good addition to our expedition. We easily forded it using what remains of a makeshift handrail strung by wire to some trees. There were a few large blowdowns that required some scrambling but we followed the trail all the way to the big open wetland at the end. There were deer trails everywhere. A good spot to go back for birding in the spring.

On the return we took the detour up to Bloody Pond. You have to pay close attention and follow the signs of footfall. The leaves and downed limbs made it easy to get off trail. You gain some elevation as you climb up and away from the stream. On the way up there's a nifty chimney through some boulders that made us think we were passing through a secret gate.

We had lunch on a nice knoll and headed back with a bushwhack down the stream and a second chance to see Hammond Pond. The side of the pond the trail follows was in the shade and the small hummocks along the edge looked like mysterious, dark islands. The ice looked thicker. We will definitely go back with skates as the temperature gets colder. 

Looking for summer relaxation? Consider an Adirondack lake beach, for a delightful blend of the familiar and the exotic.

The familiar is the expanse of sand and sun, and the availability of picnic treats from beachside vendors. What might be different is the super-slow lap of the waves, and the fringe of forest at the far edge of the water.

Whether we are new to Adirondack summer traditions or seeking to explore our usual places, the charming Minerva Town Beach has everything we need for a fun family outing.

The beach

Of course, people have been swimming in our lakes for many centuries. The Adirondack natural sand beaches are great for sunning and sandcastle action.

There's the lovely lake, but also some easy hiking trails, two playgrounds, a tennis and a basketball court, and even horseshoes. The lake does not allow motorized boats, so it's a fine paddling spot, with a boat launch and rentals.

Explore the three small islands in the lake.

According to the Adirondack History Center:

In 1931 and 1932, the town built a dam across Jones Brook creating an artificial lake, a beach and a playground. The beach is named for Francis Donnelly who first became Town Supervisor in 1934. He was part of a large Irish clan arriving in Minerva in the mid-19th century. Donnelly served as Supervisor until his death in 1980, a total of 46 years.

Fun fact: Mr. Donnelly holds the world record for the nation's longest serving town or county official.

The eats

Summer is the best season for picnics, of course, and Minerva Town Beach has a lot of picnic tables with a gorgeous lake view. Choose from beachside or along the shore in the wooded areas on either side.

The beach snack shack is The Stand at Minerva Lake. Eat indoors or out, with classic Adirondack ice cream stand fare. They offer bacon cheeseburgers and fries and frozen treats, but also specials like shrimp tacos, beer-battered fish and chips, and a grilled chicken Caesar wrap.

And worms. But those are for fishing.

Forget anything? Mammy & Pop's General Store is right in town and has you covered along with all kinds of summer needs like beach toys and sunscreen. They also have a deli, so you can pick up that picnic lunch.

See all the shopping choices in the area.

The ambiance

This is one sweet little gem of a beach. It is set away from the town, on its own road. So the only sounds are children playing, happy birds, and the wind in the trees.

It's not just a beach, though. It is a delightful recreation complex, with lots of room for hiking, paddling, and scenic picture taking.

Go further and camp there too. Choose from 56 lovely tent sites, with public bathroom access and hot showers. Each site has their own fire pit and picnic table, and are separated from the beach area by the basketball and tennis courts. A row of trees screens them from the road and parking area.

Minerva is nestled among some of the loveliest nature areas in all the Adirondacks. The south is bordered by the Indian River and Boreas River which flow into the Hudson. The northwest is dominated by the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest and the wonderfully imposing bulk of the mountain itself. The beach itself is on the shores of Minerva Lake, which was formed by damming Jones Brook for the lumber trade, in the early 1930s.

 This place has a little bit of magic.

Find that special lodging. Indulge in our dining. Find a fun summer event.

 

 

It's mud season. That means the snow is melting and where it has there are mud puddles. Many folks sit mud season out, but if you have a kid who's been inside for way too long, mud season is a time to get creative and get outside.

Gull Pond is a short hike from Alder Meadow Road on the northeast side of Schroon Lake. The half-mile walk from the trailhead is mostly flat. The pond is a popular swimming hole in the summer. During mud season it is quiet.

We've been to Gull Pond many times and my nine-year-old son, Tristan, was getting bored with it. The easy trail is a good way to start the hiking season, however, so I proposed an option that interested him. We got out of bed early and hit the trailhead around 6:00 a.m. In early spring it's still dark until 6:30 a.m., and this day it was foggy and drizzling. Dressed warm for the just-above-freezing temperature, we donned our headlamps and, following the beams of light, started in, picking our way around muddy patches and trying not to slide on the icy snow.

The pond was still frozen over except for a couple of feet around the outside edges. Assuming it must be thinning, Tristan tried to break the ice with a long branch, but it proved too strong to break. We did not attempt to walk on it, though. The water is very cold and we wouldn't risk falling through.

The sun came up while we were at the pond. It would have been spectacular if it wasn't too cloudy to see. The drizzle didn't stop the birds from serenading us, though. A woodpecker provided percussion for the morning song. 

We walked out without our lights. There was a brief hiccup when Tristan's boot sunk into the mud and he needed help pulling it out, but it gave us a good laugh. We were home in time for breakfast, and our hiking season was off to a great start.

A sunrise walk with headlamps or flashlights is a great way to bring new variety to an easy hike for kids. Make sure to dress warm and bring hats and gloves. Adirondack mornings can be chilly, even later in spring.