I was cruising along the scenic route between Schroon Lake and Ticonderoga when the big brown sign marking the Arnold Pond trailhead caught my eye. I slowed down in time to read the bright yellow text — it said 0.3 miles to the pond and I had time to spare, so I pulled over.

On the trail

The trail wasted no time in getting steep, so I marched uphill as a view of the northern border of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area emerged behind me. Since the hill faces south, the sun hits it all day, making the path snow free and relatively dry, rare things this early in the hiking season.

Before I knew it, the grade eased and I emerged from the forest to a chorus of spring peepers singing from the shore of the pond. Peepers are small chorus frogs that emerge from their shallow underground shelters as soon as things warm up. Once awake, they head to a nearby wetland or pond and begin to chirp; meanwhile, Adirondackers celebrate because their calls mean spring has finally arrived.

I lingered on the shore for a moment before exploring. The pond was typical of a lot of places I’ve visited in the Adirondacks — a complete surprise in its simple beauty. There is a low ridge above the northern end that’s steep, rocky, and peppered with cliffs. The base of the ridge is littered with boulders, a testament to gravity’s persistence and to the ever-changing nature of the mountains.

Naturally beautiful

As I walked toward the pond’s outlet, I began to see and hear signs of life. Last year’s dried bracken ferns crunched underfoot, but green fronds were already making an appearance among the leafy detritus. A half-submerged log sported verdant mosses and pale lichens, subtle signs of color that were welcome in the absence of wildflowers and grasses. Those will arrive soon enough.

At first glance, Arnold Pond looks ancient with its rugged surroundings and the sun bleached dead pines leaning from its surface, but further inspection revealed a fleeting side to things. The beaver dam at the southern end of the pond has been reduced to a soft, shrinking, overgrown form. Considering I couldn’t find any lodges, I had to wonder when the once-sturdy structure would breach, sending the entire pond spilling down the mountain. The deluge, much like spring itself, would mark a massive change for this lively place.

I hung out at Arnold Pond for awhile, listening to the peepers and the birds. A woodpecker made itself known in the distance, and everything felt in its right place. Arnold Pond isn’t necessarily the kind of hike you can plan a day around, but it is the kind of place you could spend a day in if you like to sit back and let nature do the talking.

Parking

The trail begins on Route 74 about 10 miles from downtown Schroon Lake. From downtown, head north on Route 9N and turn right on Route 74, heading toward Ticonderoga, at the four-way stop. The trailhead is on the left in 7.5 miles, the parking area is just past it on the right. Be careful walking from the lot to the trail, as Route 74 can be quite busy.

The hike

Sign in at the trail register and follow the well-marked path as it heads steeply uphill. It’s quite an ascent but rest assured, it is short. The grade rounds off as the path nears the pond, which appears about 0.3 miles from the trailhead. It’s fun to explore the shore, just be respectful of signs marking private property. 

Before checking out Arnold Pond, head to Schroon Lake and grab something for a pond-side picnic. This hike is a great addition to a longer stay in the region!

How to Spend a Weekend in the Upper Hudson Recreation Hub

The weather is gorgeous, there’s a whisper of fall in the air, and the weekend beckons. What will you do? Escape to the Adirondacks, of course! Less than two hours from New York’s capital district, the Adirondack Hub and Upper Hudson Recreation Hub are the perfect spot for 36 hours of unique activities, relaxation, and that wonderful feeling of getting away from it all for a memorable family adventure.

Friday

Adventure

Start your adventure in Pottersville, at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, a remarkable natural wonder. Nature is the star here, where a nature trail winds through woods and over, around, and into natural caves for adventurous exploration. Kids will be in love with the dino dig, gem mining, climbing wall, and playground. Watch out for the gift shop; there are literal tons of rocks, gemstones, and totally unique finds to take home. 

Dinner

Rustic relaxation and great flavor are the perfect way to end the day. Sticks and Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar in Schroon Lake is much-loved for its comfortable atmosphere, exceptional food, and friendly local flavor. The “saplings” menu has child-friendly foods like homemade mac and cheese, but the pizza offerings should get their attention, too! 

Nighttime

Lay your head at the scenic, updated, and comfy cute Blue Ridge Motel in North Hudson. Ideally located between today's adventures and the promise of more tomorrow, this is a great place to rest after a big start to your family adventure. The rooms are comfortable, it's easily accessible, and there's plenty of room for the kids to run around, too!

Saturday

Breakfast

Start your full day of fun with breakfast at Pitkin’s in Schroon Lake, a family favorite that has been offering hearty breakfasts for over one hundred years. But that age doesn’t mean it’s old and staid; instead, Pitkin’s has been modernized over the years and the menu, while always family-oriented and full of homemade goodness, is updated and filled with great treats.

Adventure

While you're in town, stop by Nine Mile Coffee to grab a lunch, some trail snacks, and fill up your water bottles; it's time for an adventure! Head to the Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb for a wonderful family hike and an immersive nature experience. At the AIC, enjoy the interactive learning activities and displays in the visitor center, meet a staff naturalist, then head out on the trail (or trails!).

3.5 miles of trails wind around the AIC's property, through mixed forests, overlooks of Rich Lake, and along Sucker Brook. There is a lot to see on these trails, including old growth trees, very large pines, mountain views, massive boulders dropped by glaciers, and the potential for a range of wildlife, including loons, herons, an array of amphibians, and more. You may even see evidence of the enormous pileated woodpecker if you look carefully.

Before the day is done, stop by the nearby Newcomb Overlook Park to enjoy wide views of the High Peaks. Can you name them all? If not, you'll find a helpful guide at the park!

Dinner

A full fall day of hiking, walking, wildlife viewing, and foliage-spotting deserves a hearty, delicious meal that you don't have to cook. Stay right in Newcomb and visit Lake Harris Lodge, a popular lakeside spot known for excellent meals and exceptional views. Eat inside by the fireplace or out — the deck has heating for chilly days! — and savor more family time. Whether you're a family that likes to share, or guard your plates carefully, you'll enjoy a relaxing evening at Lake Harris Lodge.

Sunday

Breakfast

Don't wake up sad because it's the end of your weekend getaway; wake up happy because there is so much more to enjoy before you head home! To start, there's a delightful breakfast waiting for you at either (or both!) the Long Lake Diner and the Paradise Cafe. The diner, which is a local favorite, offers big, bountiful breakfasts of fluffy, stuffed omelets, pancakes, French toast, local syrup, and other diner classics. Over at Paradise Cafe, grab a sticky bun (or two or six) for the road! They're famous!

Adventure

As you head south towards I-87, your final stop must be in Blue Mountain Lake, a scenic hamlet and home of the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. This isn't just one building, it's an array of historic buildings, exhibit spaces, a historic fire tower, and so much more, all in celebration of the history of the Adirondacks. Take in big views of the lake or try your hand at rowing a guideboat on Minnow Pond. This is the perfect way to cap off your family weekend in the Upper Hudson Recreation Hub!

This fall, make the most of fall weekends with the family by playing, dining, and creating memories in the Adirondack Hub!

 

They say you can never go back… I beg to differ. Year after year as a child my summers were spent in Schroon Lake. As I think about the Fourth of July holiday and the hopping summer season, I am thrown back into the carefree days of making innocent summer memories - I can’t wait to introduce my son to these same adventures.

My dad was born in Pottersville, and his family had lived in a house right by the town gazebo when he was a child. They moved away when he was a teenager, but the ties to the area were never broken - I remember as a child being packed up and making the 4- to 6-hour trek up old Route 9, oh how I hated that long car ride, but it always ended exactly the same way.

We would drive into town, passing all the landmarks I had grown to recognize, make a right-hand turn at the gazebo, and lo-and-behold the BEACH! Yes, the ride was instantly forgotten and the bathing suits were put on quickly - a run down the super-long rolling hill to the sand and moments later the chilly water would rush over toes and knees, and then a splashing not-so-graceful freestyle race to the dock would ensue.

Later, after reluctantly being dragged from the water we would make our way to our temporary home-away-from-home. There are many quaint, rustic lodging options in the area, and for years we stayed at Dun Roamin Cabins which was owned and operated by Rocky and Kitty (Do you remember them? I can’t picture their faces anymore, but I remember they were always so happy to see us and over the years they became great family-friends). My mother always picked Cabin 6 - the one closest to the woods and to my chagrin furthest from the Game Cabin which housed ping pong, horseshoes, board games and puzzles.

It was from Cabin 6 that I heard my first bear tale; my older brother came rushing back to the cabin - breathless and talking fast - he had been across the street fishing in the Schroon River, and there were bear tracks along the shoreline. Later that night, I saw a bear. I swore it. My first bear. At dusk it ambled out of the woods and across the lower lawn as we sat on our front porch - the porch on Cabin 6 - the cabin closest to the woods! I don’t know if I slept at all that night. Visions of bears peering in the screened windows haunted me, and my brother - ten years my senior - may have enjoyed teasing me just a bit too much at that point.

 

Not many years later, my dad started building his retirement house on property he purchased on Old Sweeney Farm Road. For years, we would camp on his 5 acres: first in tents, then a rough A-Frame, eventually a small one-room cabin, and finally he started building his house. We spent random weekends throughout the year, and many full weeks throughout the summer living on that hill - just 5 miles or so from town - but to a pre-teen, it seemed like hours from that glorious beach.

We started a tradition - it would begin on Fourth of July vacation, and continue throughout the season. My Dad would get up early and putter around camp. I would lounge and read a Trixie Belden mystery or maybe a choose-your-ending adventure, sometimes if I was lucky, there would be a new Archie or Richie Rich Comic Book that I could splurge on at The Towne Store on Main Street which seemed to have everything from food items to slogan t-shirts, propane to beach balls, and the aforementioned book section.

Fourth of July in Schroon Lake: A Huge Small-Town Celebration in the Adirondacks

Fourth of July was a big deal. We would load up the car for the day and head into town. Our first stop would be breakfast at one of the friendly down-to-earth restaurants on the main drag - usually our choice was Pitkins Restaurant. I remember it was family run and we were always greeted with a smile and coffee for my Dad, chocolate milk for me. A hearty breakfast was paramount for the activities that were to follow.

The Beach. The Beach is what followed. And the Parade. The Beach and the Parade. Fourth of July in Schroon Lake is one of the most vibrant memories I have from my childhood. After breakfast, we would head to The Beach and claim our spot - this was a strategically selected spot that had to incorporate the following characteristics: shade for the hotter part of the day when we would need to cool down post-parade; sunshine for post-swimming warm-up; and, most importantly - a good view of both the Word of Life extravaganza that happened at dusk on the shoreline, and the Fireworks that followed.

After the spot was selected, Dad would settle in with his newspaper and I was off for a swim out to the floating dock and a few hours of time spent making new friends from all over (even Canada!). Afternoon would roll around and that meant a walk up the block to grab a late picnic lunch at the deli and claiming our perfect piece of sidewalk to view the Parade.

I’ve been to (and in) many, many parades in my life. Still, to this day, the Schroon Lake Fourth of July Parade is my favorite. With bands and groups attending from across the North Country, Vermont, and Canada you could feel the excitement of the crowd as they waited in anticipation for each new group to pass. I remember bagpipers, the Shriner clowns, baton twirlers, and kids my own age marching with their scouting troupes. We’d scramble for candy and gum thrown from floats and the firetrucks. But, my favorite, by far, were the drum corps - the bass drum pounding out the beat and keeping everyone in line, everyone’s sticks moving so quickly in unison and keeping the crowds cheering. And, then, when it was over, the crowd would move almost in unison themselves as everyone headed to the beach.

The day would start to wind down - one more quick dip in the water, and then it was time to get ready for the big finale. You grabbed your playing cards and the best friend you had made earlier in the day and settled down as you waited for the sun to sink over the lake.

The Word of Life singers would take to the stage. Children would start twirling their sparklers, as they created patterns that would hover momentarily in the dusky sky.

Finally a hush would descend among the crowd - which by now was picnic blanket to picnic blanket covering every inch of grassy lawn. The first explosion would light up the sky and the crowd would come to life - yells of appreciation, laughter, shouts from children. An awe-inspiring finale of overlapping colors and shapes would bring the day to a close and then, as the exhaustion of a day well-spent descended, goodbyes were said and a trip back up the mountain ensued.

With memories of the day racing through my head, I would do one final scan of the woods - checking for bear - before the crisp mountain air whisked my off into my dreams.

I clearly recall the many Fourth of July celebrations I spent in Schroon Lake. Now, just a short drive from my home, I can’t wait to introduce my family to this special small Adirondack town that boasts an amazingly big Fourth of July celebration. It’s definitely worth the drive. Don’t forget your sparklers and a picnic - and maybe if you’re lucky, at dusk, you’ll spot a bear of your own.

 

Ready to plan your getaway? There are plenty of summer events left to enjoy! This year make Schroon Lake your Adirondacks basecamp!

 

I bet you came to the Adirondacks to spend your precious vacation days sitting around in a motel room, watching reruns of old TV shows and scrolling through apps on your phone.

Wait, that’s not true? You’re here to enjoy nature and spend every second you can outdoors? That’s the spirit! There’s a lot to do here: from hiking to biking to swimming at the beach, you definitely won’t feel like you need to stay indoors. And don’t forget about canoeing and kayaking! 

That’s where the Schroon Paddle Challenge comes in. Unlike most of the other patch “challenges” in the Adirondacks, you won’t be hiking anything to complete this. All you have to do is get in your canoe or kayak, or on a SUP, and paddle three awesome routes near Schroon Lake!

These routes don’t need to be done in any particular order, or in any particular time frame. You can do them all in one vacation or over the course of several years. All that matters is you’re out there having fun (safely). Don't forget your PFD, sun protection, bug spray, and snacks/water!

Horicon boat launch to Starbuckville Dam

Looking at this route on the map, you’ll notice it’s on the Schroon River sandwiched between East Schroon River Road and the Northway (I-87). This will not be the most quiet trip, but it is a simple, beautiful stretch of river. Camps and homes line some of the banks and motorboats are allowed, but they will likely be taking mellow cruises down the river, enjoying the scenery, just like you in your kayak! It’s not all human-made construction, though; quiet pools of water are home to water lilies and lots of birds.

The details:

• Distance: 4.25 miles one-way
• How to get there: From Schroon Lake, travel south on Route 9 toward Pottersville. Just after Stone Bridge Road, take a right onto Glendale Road and the launch is in half a mile.
• Put-in: Horicon DEC boat launch (link to Google Maps)
• Take-out: Starbuckville Dam (link to Google Maps)
• Helpful tips and tricks: If you only have one car to use, and have to paddle there and back, there will be some current to paddle into on the return, but it is definitely manageable. Right before the bridge and dam (take-out), you’ll find a beach on the right. This is a private campground, but the owner is allowing paddlers to either rest briefly or take their vessels out of the water to end their trip. There is public parking at the dam. Exit your boat and walk it over to the public parking lot. Please treat this spot with respect! 
• One cool fact: Around the halfway mark, a large ranch on the left sometimes allows their cattle to wade in the river. Don’t worry, they don’t pose a threat. Wave hello!

Alder Meadow Road to Schroon Lake boat launch

For a stretch of the Schroon River that’s a little wilder, you can paddle from Alder Meadow Road to Schroon Lake. There’s no development on the river between Alder Meadow Road and the north end of Schroon Lake! This section has wide shoulders; there's plenty of room for turns and casual floating. After a mile and half or so, Alder Creek enters the Schroon River from the east (left). After paddling further, you’ll reach the north end of Schroon Lake. The water is shallow here, but you are entering a big lake so be prepared for windier conditions and possible waves. Stay on the west shore and you’ll reach take-out in no time! 

The details:

• Distance: 4.5 miles one-way
• How to get there: From Exit 28 off I-87 (the Northway), turn right onto Route 9 south. Continue for half a mile and then turn left onto Alder Meadow Road. The bridge/put-in is less than a quarter mile down the road.
• Put-in: Alder Meadow Road (link to Google Maps). Cross the bridge and park on the far side. It's a little steep down to the river so use caution.
• Take-out: Schroon Lake DEC boat launch (link to Google Maps)
• Helpful tips and tricks: With a beach at the end of this route, you might want to spot a car at the end and do a thru-paddle! Actually, a thru-paddle is recommended unless you are a strong paddler. The current in this stretch can be quick and sometimes challenging to paddle against. Go with the flow and float downstream!
• One cool fact: Low water levels mean there are tons of interesting things to look at as you float down the river. The sandy and sometimes rocky bottom is lined with fallen trees, creating artful displays of crisscrossed logs. 

Paradox Lake

For a change of pace from river paddling, head over to Paradox Lake! The launch is at the DEC Paradox Lake Campground. Paddlers should be aware that motorboats are allowed on Paradox Lake, so there will likely be wakes encountered. Weekdays might present quieter opportunities. After launching, paddlers should head west and move through a section of the lakes called the Narrows. Explore Lower Paradox Lake, and make the return paddle to the launch. If you aren’t ready for the day to be over, continue past the launch and head into Upper Paradox Lake and find Birch Island, which is a great place for a swim or a picnic! 

The details:

• Distance: varies
• How to get there: From Exit 28 off I-87 (the Northway), stay straight onto Route 74 east. Continue for just over 4-miles to the DEC campground on the left. Turn in and continue to the entrance booth. Here you'll find an attendant who can direct you to the boat launch.
• Put-in and take-out coordinates: Paradox Lake DEC campground (link to Google Maps) 
• Helpful tips and tricks: Keep your eyes open on Paradox Lake! As stated, there are motorboats, but there’s also a lot of wildlife! Common Loons, icons of the Adirondacks, are often seen near the boat launch. Being prepared for other boat traffic and wildlife will help make your trip more enjoyable. 
• One cool fact: If you’re adventurous, just before you enter the Narrows (on the north shore) you will see a DEC sign for a hike up Peaked Hill. Pull up your boat, complete the 2.2 mile hike (one-way, 4.4 miles round trip), and continue paddling. The hiking trail passes near Peaked Hill Pond, and rumor has it the bass fishing is killer there.

One last step

Enjoying a day on the lake is more than dipping your paddle blades in the water. It also includes being a responsible recreationist. By choosing to Love Your ADK you are ensuring that the waters (and lands and communities) of the Adirondacks remain protected for generations to come. Part of that includes making sure all canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and equipment are free and clear of non-native aquatic invasive species. In order to claim your patch and complete the Schroon Paddle Challenge, you must have your boat inspected by a boat launch steward. The stewards provide free inspections and educational materials to boaters across the Adirondacks. You can visit a steward station at Horicon or Route 74.

Looking for more adventures? There are plenty of other places to canoe or kayak around the Adirondack Hub, as well as a whole range of outdoor activities to complete your trip! After a day paddling down a river, you’ll probably be hungry, so be sure to stop by a local restaurant for an Adirondack meal! You don’t have to complete the Schroon Watershed Paddling Challenge in one day (but you can as part of the Ultra!); stay for awhile and relax in between trips on the water.

"Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture."

- Mark Kurlansky

“What’s your favorite ice cream?”

“What’s your favorite movie?”

“What’s your favorite book?”

“What’s your favorite band?”

Questions such as these have always been impossible to answer, at least in my mind. How do you pick one ultimate option, one superior to all others? There’s just too much pressure to choose THE option, so I often resort to providing a “Top 5” list. But there is always that option here and there that consistently ends up in each of my Top 5 lists. Ice cream? Soft serve chocolate and vanilla twist with rainbow sprinkles. Movie? Forrest Gump. Book? Fahrenheit 451. Favorite band? The Beatles (okay, I will say on the record that The Beatles is the greatest band of all time, and Geoff Emerick is the greatest sound producer of all time). 

I was recently asked what my “Top 5 list of all things in life” would be. Without hesitation, I said, “I have no idea, but I know 'food' will always be on that list.”

I love food. I love eating it. I love cooking it. I love learning about it, experimenting with it, combining it, trying it, receiving it as a gift, smelling it, sharing it, reading about it…the list goes on and on. But food takes an especially important role in my life as I am Asian-American, and Korean food has been a staple in my life, the life of my family, and our loved ones. My friends request that I make “the delicious spicy Korean beef dish,” bulgogi. Both my mother and I shared a litmus test of whomever I was dating based on whether or not he could handle the spice and tang of kimchi, a spicy, fermented cabbage. (Side note: my fiancé loves kimchi.) Yaki mandu — dumplings — are life. Eating Korean food, cooking it, and sharing it is a central element to my connection with my Korean heritage. So when the opportunity arose for me to write about a man named Mo from Pakistan who shared Punjabi food with people in North Hudson, NY, I leapt at the opportunity to meet someone who also uses food as a way to share culture and build community with others. 

Muhammad "Mo" Ahmad was kind enough to sit for an interview as I learned about his life in the Adirondacks, how he brought Bollywood Nights to the Frontier Town Gateway, and his plans for the future in the Adirondack Hub. 

Thanks for meeting with me Mo! Before we talk about your Bollywood event and your work with Frontier Town, let’s get to know you. Tell us: who is Mo?

[laughs] Well, my full name is Muhammad, and people call me Mo. I am originally from Pakistan. 

I came to the Adirondacks back in 2006. My first gas station was in Schroon Lake. That gas station used to be a garage, not a convenience store. It was closed at the time, and that was my first opportunity to come to Schroon Lake. That was a tough period. Renovating and starting a new business in a small town — it takes a lot of time! It’s tough. I had a few partners, but they left, one by one. It was too cold for them! [laughs] And there wasn’t a lot of social life. But I stuck around and made friends, and I just loved it here.

So then in 2014, the Exit 29 gas station was another place that had been abandoned for over a decade. I got the opportunity to renovate that, and it has been open since the end of 2014 right across from Frontier Town.

How did you start getting involved with Frontier Town?

When I got the gas station at exit 29, I dreamed about this big building [the current location of Frontier Town], but I could not afford it. It was for sale for a long time, and I wanted to do something with it. I wanted to make this something special for people to come out and enjoy everything we offer.

Eventually, I was able to purchase this property as my own. I was able to clean it up and open a restaurant with a coffee shop and a retail and supplies store. My future plans are to have a proper events center. We’ve already had two successful car shows, one being with the North Hudson volunteer fire department. They were shocked at how many cars we had at Frontier Town! There were so many people there.

People have come back and been so emotional at what we’ve been able to accomplish. I mean, their childhood was here, and they used to come to this same space so it really brings back a lot of memories for them. It feels good when people come in and share stories from when they were kids. So my intention is to have memorabilia and to have a special space where people can come in and see those memories. People have been already donating memorabilia to me — just giving it to me — because they thought it was the best place for those items and where they are meant to be. So we have them for the past generations to remember and for future generations to know what it once was.

Are you doing this for the long haul?

Yes, definitely! We have big plans to bring life back to this exit. It will not only help North Hudson and Schroon Lake, but the whole region. We can be a launching point for the eastern side and the southern side of the High Peaks.

For someone who has never heard of Frontier Town in their life, how would you describe it?

I can start with my own example! When I was working at the gas station at Schroon Lake, I was not from here, had never heard of Frontier Town, didn’t know what the history was. So one of my employees said to me that she was “going to Frontier Town.” So I’m wondering, you know, that there must be another town like North Hudson, just another small town where people live. [laughs] I had no idea what Frontier Town was. Then, I learned that Frontier Town used to be a theme park with this great history. But now, with social media and everything, people are talking about where it was and where it is. So for people who do not know about Frontier Town, there should be some sort of information center. I actually plan to have our own visitor center that gives information about Frontier Town as well as other attractions.

One of your recurring events is "Bollywood Night." What would someone coming to Bollywood Night at Frontier Town be able to expect?

Well, first of all, Bollywood isn’t just one night — it’s recurring on a regular basis because so many people come to this area and they want that food, and there’s not much food like that around here and [other regions of the Adirondacks] to offer. There’s restaurants in Lake George, but those people are coming north, too. There’s just no other halal food in the whole region. [Note: halal is Arabic for “lawful” or “permitted.” In reference to cuisine, halal food is considered a dietary standard as prescribed by the Qur’an.] So that lets us provide services to people here looking for halal food. 

When people think of the Adirondacks, things like hiking, biking, and skiing come to mind. “Bollywood” is not the typical go-to of things you expect to experience in this region. For these Bollywood events, the idea of food and culture are so closely engrained to one another. What are some traditional dishes that are served and people can look forward to eating? And forgive me, you will probably have to help me with how to spell them correctly.

Of course! So for traditional dishes we offer — I am from Punjab, Pakistan, so the dishes we offer are from that region. So in different regions, the same foods are cooked differently. So for what we serve, traditional Punjabi food has more spices so things are more flavorful. Not spices as is “hot” spices, but as in spices just to make it really flavorful Our most popular dish that we offer is butter chicken.

Oh! I can spell “butter chicken.”

[laughs] It’s a mild dish. It’s really creamy. For people who have never tried curry, butter chicken is a really great place to start. Your tastebuds can then grow with other dishes.

We also have chicken curry, and then we have biryani which is a dish with rice and chicken cooked together. That is definitely one of the favorite dishes back home. It is a very famous dish. People who like rice will like it. 

We have dishes for vegetarians like chana, but we call it lahorie chana here. Lahore is the city where I am from, the second biggest city in the whole country. So we call our chana lahorie chana. So that’s a dish where chickpeas are cooked in our stock and served with a lot of spices, and that’s cooked differently than they are cooked in other regions. 

Another dish we have is palak paneer. Palak is a ground spinach, and paneer is Indian cheese. It’s a very creamy and nice dish that can be eaten with naan or with rice. 

Well, now I am hungry! So you have the food portion happening on these nights. What else happens at one of these evenings?

Right now, we don’t have other things going on outside of the food and playing music in the background. We hope that, in the future, we can have larger gatherings to really celebrate the culture properly and serve things the way we serve over there [in Pakistan]. So for now, what we have starting off has been amazing. It has been and still is our busiest event. People just love to come up and try something different. 

I would imagine that a lot of people who’ve attended this event have not had prior exposure to Punjabi cuisine. 

Yeah, I would honestly say about 70% of the people we have come in have never had experiences with this kind of food! And they like it! We’ve had very good feedback. They have never had a chance [to try this]. They are not going to go from up here down to New York City just to have this type of meal. So we are giving them the opportunity to try it right in their own backyard. If people are living in larger cities, there are all sorts of opportunities to drive to these kinds of restaurants. But we are giving people a chance to do that up here.

Were you surprised by how well-attended this event has been?

Oh yes, definitely. The first few weeks, the only thing we advertised through was Facebook. That was it. The people knew about it either through word of mouth or by sharing the event online, and people were really excited about it. Everyone was supportive and came in numbers. It reached the point where I actually had to tell people that we didn’t have stuff! So that was in October. Then, of course, there are the campers at that time who are around — just so many people — and things slow down in winter because the season is just tough. There aren’t as many people who are out and traveling, so we are doing it once a week right now. But once schools are out, we will be doing this at least three or four times a week on a regular basis. 

When does this event take place, currently?

So it’s every Saturday. We originally used Thursdays, but now we have switched it to Saturdays just because a lot of people couldn’t make it on Thursdays. But, we are going to be going back to Thursdays. This is a temporary move. The goal is to get it to Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 

Does the event always start at the same time?

The event runs from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. We just have the restaurant open during those hours and people come and go. It’s not like everyone comes at the same time [laughs]. But some people decide to just order food to take home, and others sit within the restaurant. People order their dishes and pay for meals, just as they normally would with a restaurant. 

You’ve brought so much of your culture to the Adirondacks. What is some of the Adirondack culture that you’ve adjusted to? Aside from the cold — that’s a huge adjustment for anyone, no matter where you’re from but especially from Pakistan!

Oh yeah, [laughs] the winter and the cold — definitely. But for me, just coming from a different background and a different culture…it was difficult because there were things like the food — there wasn’t any cultural food here when I first came to the region, so I was just cooking for myself and was just eating my food. But honestly, I love it here. It’s just so beautiful and the people are nice. Everyone has been very welcoming. I love the mountains, the lakes, the rivers…I love it.

Is there anything you would like to add before we say farewell?

I’m very appreciative of the support I’ve gotten from the local community and surrounding towns. So many people have come to support my business and my efforts, and I truly just want to thank them. And hopefully they continue to support future projects that I do on this property. It is a fifty acre property with three-quarters of a mile of river front. There’s just so many opportunities here. 

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Before your next visit to the Adirondack Hub, make sure you go to the Facebook page for the Frontier Town Gateway for the Bollywood Night schedule and plan your trip accordingly! And don't forget to say hi to Mo while you are there!

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.