It was a dark and stormy day…

No really, even one of the most definitively beautiful spots in the world has its gloomy days. My friend Andrea and I were facing one of those days recently on a planned trip to meet in Schroon Lake and catch up on each others lives. She lives in Albany and I live in Saranac Lake and Schroon marks a perfect stopping point between the two. With the weather that day, snowshoeing, skiing, and other great outdoor adventures in the area were off the table. Fortunately Schroon also has no shortage of one-of-a-kind restaurants and bars to explore. We took the opportunity to check out two neither of us had been to before. 

Sporty’s Iron Duke Saloon

Half biker bar, half motorcycle museum. When you walk through the front door you might feel like you’ve walked into someone's immaculately maintained garage and biker cave that just so happens to have a friendly looking bar erected in the corner. It’s a large, open space and every square inch of wall, ceiling, and perimeter floor space is filled with bikes, posters of past Sturgis rallies, license plates, old news clippings, and every kind of hangable motorcycle and Harley Davidson memorabilia. If you keep your eyes peeled you might even spot a bear riding by in a sidecar. 

I wasn't joking when I said every surface. 

Behind the bar you’ll find Sporty, pouring whatever you’re in the mood for. And providing at least one story, free of charge, to go with each drink. If there’s one thing Sporty loves, it’s talking about all the friends he’s made over 40 years of riding around the country. In fact, many of those friends volunteered to help him build the bar, over the course of several weekends, over a decade ago. No matter if you ride yourself or not, I guarantee Sporty’s got a story for you.  

What better on a rainy day than a game of pool and some darts!

We didn’t adventure much beyond the main bar during our visit, but Sporty’s also has an alcohol free dining room in back, and a large field and hill out back that is open for camping in the warmer months and hosts a few events throughout the season including a hill climb in the spring. I’m definitely putting Sporty’s on my list for a ride down this way come spring. 

Witherbee’s Carriage House — an Adirondack original

Located just a minutes drive from downtown Schroon Lake, Witherbee’s is one of the most welcoming and unique places I’ve experienced in the Adirondacks. Stepping through the doors, Adirondack heirlooms from throughout the years adorn the walls of Witherbee’s, many of which have been there since the restaurant fist opened in the 60’s. The friendly looking sign in the entryway invited us upstairs to the second floor bar for dinner. Calling it a bar might be a little disingenuous, as the upstairs is a large bar and dining area with a super cozy fire that we instantly gravitated towards. Large comfy couches and the waves of warmth rolling off the fire were the prefect cure for the less than great outdoor conditions. 

The start of a beautiful relationship between me and this fireplace. If I lived closer you'd find me here every Sunday, Bloody Mary in hand. Speaking of which....

Bloody Mary’s to die for

[img:img-1154-1.jpg]

Meat and potatoes done right

Nothing goes better with a rainy day than a stick to your ribs dinner. Witherbee’s menu is your fairly typical American fare of burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and more. But they take the time to do it right. I was on-board with Prime Rib special and Andrea liked the looks of their burger. Both were stellar. The Prime Rib was cooked perfectly as ordered and I loved the golden beets on the side. A nice Witherbee's touch. 

It is a scientific fact that burgers taste better when held together with a steak knife. 

Make it a weekend

Sticking close to the road

While birding is often done by exploring trails and waterways by foot, boat, and at this time of year, skis and snowshoes, good birding can also be found directly along our winding mountain roads, requiring little effort to leave them. That can be helpful to folks who may not want to expend a lot of energy by hiking far, or for those of us who always seem to find ourselves in a pinch for time.

Such sites are also particularly nice during winter, when access to some of our birding hikes and paddles is difficult to come by thanks to the piles of snow which have been building up for the past few months. Those sites will eventually become more readily available when the snow melts, but in the meantime here are a few places worth checking out that do not require a long trek from the road.

The Adirondack Interpretive Center in Newcomb

The Newcomb AIC is well-known for its 3.6 mile trail system, which winds through mixed deciduous forests as it skirts Sucker Brook, Rich Lake, and Belden Lake. During spring and summer the trails and woods boast a long list of birds including American Redstarts, Northern Parulas, Veeries, Swainson’s Thrushes, and Blue-headed Vireos, as well as Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Common Loons on the lakes.

Not only does the AIC offer a great diversity of species, but it does so within easy walking distance of the center, or without walking at all. Many species can be found along the short entrance road or from the building itself. That is advantageous during winter if you don’t want to don the necessary snowshoes to explore the trails. And while the diversity of species is much lower during winter as we wait for most of the above species to return to the Adirondacks, the center’s bird feeders are usually busy with the likes of Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches, among others.

In addition, the feeders sometimes attract sought-after species like Evening Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls during the cold months, making the AIC an excellent stop on a trip through Newcomb. Birders should know that the building is only open during winter on weekends from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. — during which time they can lounge inside with hot cocoa and watch the birds from the windows. But they can visit to explore the trails at any time and an evening stop along the road may be greeted by a calling Barred or Great Horned Owl.

The Route 28N corridor through Minerva

Route 28N in the town of Minerva passes through some splendid boreal forest habitat as it cuts through Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. While birders need to be mindful of cars moving along the road at a fast clip, a series of trailheads and pull-offs allow birders space to pull off the road and investigate the forest. The key at any time of year, particularly winter, is to make sure you are far enough off the road.

Since many of the pull-offs are trailheads or roads, interested birders can wander far on 28N as they explore. And so birders can stick to the road or they can bring along their skis or snowshoes to adventure farther afield if conditions allow them to do so. During the warm months the trails and woods are full of warblers, vireos, and many other birds. During the winter that list is pared down considerably but the boreal nature of the forest offers the likes of Black-backed Woodpeckers and Boreal Chickadees year-round. Both Red and White-winged Crossbills can also be found, particularly Red, depending on available food as well. As a result, birders should have their ears open for the flight calls of crossbills overhead.

Specifically, birders can explore places like the Roosevelt Truck Trail (reached on a small road 3.7 miles south of Blue Ridge Road or 1.6 miles north of where the Boreas River crosses beneath Route 28N), a 2.5-mile trail that leads through beautiful boreal woods for Black-backed Woodpecker, Canada (Gray) Jay, and Boreal Chickadee. Birders can also stop at the bridge over the Boreas River, where Moose Pond Way enters from the west. This presents excellent birding during the warm months when access to the road is easier. The river also marks the trailheads (there are two) for Hewitt Eddy (5.3 miles from Blue Ridge Road and another 0.8 mile further south), both of which allow for a short, easy hike off of 28N.

Route 28N continues on, passing trailheads for places likes Hewitt Pond, Rankin Pond, and Stony Pond before reaching Northwoods Club Road on the way to Minerva. And each trailhead offers the chance to explore Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest on foot or skis, or to simply stop and bird from your car along the road. It’s your choice.

Schroon Lake

While many birders — including me — prefer to head out into the woods in search of their feathered quarry, we would be remiss if we didn’t pay attention when we are in our small Adirondack towns where many species of interest can be found.

Schroon Lake is one such example. While the Schroon Lake Town Park is well known for the Fish Crows it attracts during the warm months, the trees and park may also draw in migrant songbirds come spring just as the lake itself hosts migrating ducks before it ices up in the autumn. Keeping with our theme, much of this can be covered from the roadside or a short walk across the lawns of the park to view the lake from near the beach.

During winter our towns are often some of the best places to bird thanks in large part to the food we provide for birds. For instance, Common Redpolls have moved south this year and their numbers have recently been building. The same is true of Evening Grosbeaks. So anyone passing through a town like Schroon Lake should pay attention to bird feeders as they drive.

In addition, ornamental fruit trees in parks and gardens often attract other winter specialties — Bohemian Waxwings and Pine Grosbeaks — and both species have also traveled south this winter in search of food. Birders should check out Schroon Lake and any other nearby towns for fruit-laden trees, monitoring them for such colorful inhabitants. After all, these northern visitors move around regularly from food source to food source meaning vigilance is key in tracking them down.

With winter birding here and spring birding soon to come birders should plan their outdoor adventure today by checking out our lodging and dining pages!

Submitted by guest blogger Zohar Gitlis

At the time of this writing I’m curled up in front of my wood stove, drinking tea and watching the frost send tendrils up my windows. The days are getting longer but winter’s hold is still tight. Sugaring, or maple syrup-ing, marks the first whisper of an approaching spring every year — the sweetness isn’t just a metaphor for the anticipated change of season — it’s the literal energy force of our waking forests. When maple trees sense rising temperatures they send sap, or stored carbohydrates, from their roots upwards to the tree canopy — this is what maple farmers mean when they say the “sap is running.” That sap provides the nutrition necessary for the tree to develop new buds; buds become leaves; leaves spend the long summer days capturing and photosynthesizing energy from the sun; that energy is then converted to sap and stored in roots for the winter and the next budding cycle. 

Maple Knoll Farm, in Minerva, is a small family-operated sugar bush nestled behind the Moxham Mountain ridge, and just a short drive from North Creek and Gore Mountain ski area. Eric Klippel bought the farm in 2005 and made his first syrup there in 2008. For Klippel, sugaring is a labor of love; the trees are tapped, firewood cut, and sap boiled by his friends and family every year. The folks that work Maple Knoll Farm with Klippel do it for a love of the process, the forest, and usually a small share of syrup for their home kitchens.

Klippel grew up in North Creek and made his first maple syrup when he was in 7th grade. He remembers tapping a couple of trees in his cousin’s backyard and boiling the sap on a flat pan over a fire of slab lumber. He started sugaring in earnest in 1984 and ran a sugar house in North Creek for about 14 years before purchasing Maple Knoll Farm. 

Behind the scenes

Klippel’s days vary a lot during the year, but he typically starts tapping trees in early February with friends and neighbors. The vacuum lines are already hung from the 1,600 maples that he taps, but new holes are drilled and the polycarbonate spouts are replaced. Once the new spouts are in, Klippel will let the trees run on their own for a bit; waiting to turn on the vacuum assist until the weather cooperates to provide a steady stream of warm days and cold nights. 

Once enough sap is harvested, Maple Knoll will fire up their sugar house. The sugar house is a majestic dark wood barn designed by Klippel with large glass windows intended to invoke Great Camp Santanoni in neighboring Newcomb. Klippel built the barn entirely with wood harvested from Maple Knoll Farm. The sugar house is home to a number of holding tanks for maple sap, a reverse osmosis machine (used to remove water from freshly harvested sap), an evaporator, finishing pan, and a commercial kitchen with equipment for making value-added products like maple cream. 

[img:view-of-sugar-house.jpg]
The evaporator is the heart of the sugar house; Klippel’s is a 3-foot by 10-foot wood-fired vortex evaporator. After sap is run through the reverse osmosis machine, bringing it from 2% sugar closer to 10%, it goes to the evaporator pan. While running, the evaporator gets stoked with firewood about every 8 minutes; the high heat of the wood fire keeps the sap boiling to evaporate off the excess water. At finish the sugar density of the syrup will be closer to 67% (67% = that sticky amber gold that’s perfect for pancakes, oats, and sneaking by the spoonful). 

[img:view-of-evaporator.jpg]

Although a sugar house, warm from the evaporator’s fire, air hung with sweetness and excitement, is always fun, Klippel prefers getting out into the woods. His favorite part of farming maple is developing the sugar bush itself. He enjoys finding a sturdy young maple with the potential to become a strong producer and releasing it. Releasing is the process of cutting out competing trees to give the maple room to develop a larger crown, increasing foliation and photosynthesis, both of which are important in a maple crop. The year-round work of caring for the maples, harvesting firewood, and maintaining a healthy sugar bush contributes to a bountiful sugaring season.

Keeping tradition alive

Most of all, Klippel loves the tradition of maple sugaring. “It used to be that pretty much every farmer here made syrup, they wanted sugar, they made syrup,” he says. Maple Knoll’s logo, “An Adirondack Tradition,” emphasizes his focus on keeping that tradition alive. Klippel isn’t in the sugaring business for big profits, saying “I really enjoy the tradition of it, the education of it. It is a tradition that I hope the people of the Adirondacks can sustain as a part of our heritage and our history.”

Visiting

On my way out the door Klippel asks if I’ll do anything else while in town. I tell him I would like to stop by Cafe Sarah in North Creek, a favorite in the area for fresh baked goods, hearty soups, and a warm cup of coffee. He responds, “Say hello to Sarah for me, and look out for my maple syrup, we have a retail display there.”

Maple Weekends this year are March 21-22, and 28-29. Klippel and his family will have cookies, homemade doughnuts, and maple products to sample at their sugar house in Minerva. If you’re lucky and the weather cooperates you might even get to see the evaporator in action. While you’re in the area check out Cafe Sarah in North Creek, or hike the Moxham Mountain Ridge Trail (the trailhead is just a mile further down 14th Road from Maple Knoll Farm).

So much snow

Newcomb has lots of snow. Deep snow. Up-to-your-eyeballs snow. Enough-to-submerge-me-in snow. It-looks-like-you’re-driving-your-car-down-a-bobsled-track-the-snow-walls-are-so-high snow. In fact they’ve apparently received somewhere around 90 inches of snow so far this year, and there is still a lot more winter to go. All of that snow means that my timing to explore SUNY-ESF’s Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb was spot on – although I was wondering as I drove how easy it would be to traverse the trails or whether I’d be pushing my way to navigate on my snowshoes.

Luckily for me I arrived to find out that an outing club from ESF’s main campus in Syracuse had come up for a winter weekend, and the folks were busy on snowshoes tromping down the paths for other visitors. Even more fun for me was that I had taught a number of the students during summer courses at Cranberry Lake Biological Station, and we had a chance to catch up when they returned to the center.

A great set of trails

The students seemed to be having fun enjoying their Adirondack adventure – the AIC is a great place to explore, after all. Sitting on Rich Lake, the center offers over 3.5 miles of trails, which wind their way through mixed forests, along Sucker Brook, and along the shoreline of both Rich and Belden Lakes.

The ESFers had covered much of the trail system – thanks in part to the snowshoes they had borrowed from the center’s stash (as anyone who visits can do free of charge), and I would later be the beneficiary of their work when I explored both the Sucker Brook and Sage trails myself. Had they not gone before me, the route would have been much more difficult and tiring. As it was, I later found that my poles were becoming submerged in spots as I pushed through deep snow on either side of the narrow path.

But that is part of the fun of winter exploration, and as I went on my trip I found myself standing high above the railing on the bridges along the trails thanks to the layers of snow which have built up there over the winter. This added several feet to my height as I crossed the bridges feeling like I was walking on stilts. Perhaps that’s the view of some players in the NBA.

Anyone interested in exploring the AIC’s trails during the winter must either head out on snowshoes (which again can be rented free of charge) or cross-country skis. The snaking and narrow nature of the trails makes them much more conducive to the former activity, but experienced cross-country skiers can manage the trip, but they should know the trails are tricky even for well-experienced skiers.

Inside fun (and relaxation)

And once the snowshoeing is done, the visitor’s center itself offers a place to warm up and a place to explore and enjoy. That not only includes a fireplace, restrooms (great for changing out of wet or cold clothes), and Saturday morning coffee and cake, but also hands-on tables of natural artifacts, and interpretive displays and educational materials to make wandering the trails even more enjoyable and fruitful. The catch is that the visitor center itself is only open on Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) during the winter – although the trails are open every day.

Interested folks should plan their weekend trip according, for when it is open, the visitors center is a great place for lunch, or for reading a book in front of the windows overlooking the bird feeders while the rest of your party is still off adventuring in the snowy woods. Of particular interest, the center’s bird feeders sometimes host Evening Grosbeaks, a species that has been found across the region this winter, but ironically has yet to show up in numbers at the AIC. Perhaps they will arrive in the coming weeks.

Even without Evening Grosbeaks, in my time there I enjoyed watching the Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches flitting to and from the AIC’s feeders before I set to reading and wandering through the AIC’s interpretive displays as I prepared to head outside for my winter adventure. I was so comfortable and interested in what I was reading that I didn’t want to leave!

But the snow still called me loudly enough that I (almost reluctantly) changed my boots and got my gear together to head out and explore the outdoors. The warm building was there with cold water and a chance to rest when I returned.

That’s the beauty of the AIC – it offers not only amazing outdoor adventure (and programs for the whole family), but also the chance to rejuvenate yourself with food, water, rest, and warmth indoors during a cold time of year. And that’s available not only for those who are wandering the center’s trails, but also for folks who may be probing nearby places such as the hike up Goodnow Mountain or the ski and snowshoe trail into Camp Santanoni. It makes the AIC not only worthy of exploration by itself, but also an excellent hub for such activities elsewhere in the neighborhood.

And so with winter in Newcomb and the Central Adirondacks in full stride for you and your skis or snowshoes, it is time to plan your winter adventure to places like the AIC today. You can also check out our lodging and dining pages to learn more.

A chance to witness history from my skis

For Adirondack history buffs and cross-country skiers alike, Camp Santanoni may offer an equally alluring attraction. After all, the site boasts one of the last best surviving Great Camps in the Adirondacks and it requires a nearly five mile trek (each way) to visit.

I was fortunate enough to time my recent visit during one of the open house weekends put on by the New York State DEC, the Friends of Camp Santanoni, and Adirondack Architectural Heritage, when the main camp, gatehouse, and artist’s studio are open to the public. The boathouse is generally open even when the other buildings are not. There are three such weekends during the winter: Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Presidents weekend, and this year (2019) the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day.

A splendid winter day

And so after making a stop at the gatehouse, I set off beneath beneath a sky of variable clouds and cobalt blue on the long and winding road (Newcomb Lake Road) turned ski and snowshoe trail to visit the National Historic Landmark. I was not alone. The open house and beautiful winter day had attracted loads of folks interested in the opportunity to explore the historic buildings with a full parking lot to show as evidence. No doubt that the DEC had their hands full in clearing the parking area of all the snow which has engulfed the Central Adirondacks this year. After all, Newcomb has piles of snow. Monuments of snow. Mountains of snow.

But with so many people coming, the DEC and the volunteers had packed down the road to the Great Camp, not to mention the help of the many feet of history-seeking pilgrims. And so I made good time on the route, and for the most part the snowshoers stayed in the middle of the trail, while a nice set of ski tracks was kicked in on the side (sometimes both sides) of the trail.

The long and winding road

Anyone exploring Santanoni — whether during an open house weekend or at any other time — should know that for the most part the trail climbs toward the camp as it meanders around curves and sits high (particularly with so much snow) above ditches which sometimes line its flanks. After the initial climb, I removed an additional clothing layer before I became too warm and sweaty, which was a good call since I knew I’d be walking around the buildings of the camp for a while and the sweatier I was the more likely I’d become cold once I stopped skiing.

About a mile into the ski, I reached the camp’s farm complex, and while those buildings were not open as part of the open house, I paused to have a look around and to take a few photos. From there I continued my trek, mostly climbing but here and there enjoying some respite from the effort with a downhill stretch.

I passed many people going in both directions on the trail as I went. The parking lot had not misled me regarding the popularity of the destination. I was making good progress, and I stopped occasionally for more photos before topping the hill which drops toward Newcomb Lake and Santanoni's main camp. From there my pace quickened as the final mile or so to the camp is largely flat and downhill, and I stopped for more photos at the bridge which spans the finger of Upper Duck Hole which connects Lower Duck Hole with Newcomb Lake.

Santanoni

Once at the main camp — which was first built in 1893 and owned by Robert and Anna Pruyn — I stepped out of my skis and ducked away from the wind coming off the lake to grab some food, water, and to re-don my extra clothing layer in order to help me stay warm while I walked around. With that I wandered through the main lodge, marveling how one room went into another and then another and then another, while admiring the view of ice-covered Newcomb Lake through the trees from the sweeping porch. I believe if I had been at Santanoni during the camp’s heyday I would have wanted to spend time no place else, but the wind on this day was chilly and a bit less inviting to remain on the porch for too long.

I bumped into some friends, who, like others who had made the trip with their kids, were having a picnic in the main room of the lodge. I continued wandering until I eventually found my way to the artist’s studio (built by the Pruyns for their son Edward) where a tightly packed crowd of folks was enjoying a warm fire and hot cocoa and tea thanks to a crew of volunteers who were sleeping there for a few nights in order to make the event possible.

The room was warm and friendly, and I was able to ease my cold fingers back into life while I chatted with folks and learned more about both the camp and their efforts to show others – like me – its story. The volunteers were happy to share such information, and everyone seemed to be in a joyful mood with a warm place to unwind and hot cocoa after a wintry outdoor adventure will have that effect. This excitement of other people added to my experience and I found myself thinking that I may have to return to Santanoni for a future open house weekend.

The return trip

Buoyed by chocolate and pleasant conversation, I left the gathering to continue poking around the lodge for more photos, and stopped at the refurbished boat house (the snow load on which was immense) before clipping on my skis for the return trip. A wave of folks had departed shortly before me so I was soon passing them on the long climb from Newcomb Lake before I found myself cruising on easy downhills for much of the trip back to the parking area. It’s always nice when the return journey — when you’re generally more tired — is easier than the outbound trip.

With gravity on my side (the return trip took less time than the outgoing ski), I soon found myself again admiring the stonework on some of the buildings of the farm, and not long after that I was arriving at the parking area and car where more food and water welcomed my tired body. I was soon off to the Newcomb AIC where a warm visitor center (and bathrooms for changing) are available.

We still have a lot of winter left and snowshoers and skiers should plan their next winter adventure by checking out our lodging and dining pages. And not only is another winter open house at Santanoni approaching this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, but the DEC, the Friends of Camp Santanoni and Adirondack Architectural Heritage also run trips into the camp during the warm months as well. It is a great opportunity to blend Adirondack history with outdoor adventure.

This week in ADK news:

On the ice

Fuel up for fun

Cabin fever relievers

Groomed to perfection

For the art lovers

An icy good time

7 wonders of Shaheen's

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Schroon Lake Ice Fishing Derby will be in its 27th year on the weekend of March 2-3, 2019. This annual celebration of the joys of ice fishing is equally welcoming to those new to the sport, or anyone else who is curious about these "ice towns."

Ice fishing derbies spring up on the thick ice during the sunny days of March. It's not just about the hardwater fishing. It's the social aspects, too.

Sudden communities

Everyone visits the different camps on the ice, which range from wooden shanties with curtains on the windows to pop-up tents. Many of them will have a stove or portable fire pit going, to keep hot beverages handy. While some ice fishing is of the man-and-his-bucket variety, one of the enjoyable aspects of derbies isn't just the competition, i's about the meet and greet, too.

The host of the derby, Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club, was founded in 1927, with eighteen men united in their goal of nature conservation. They also became community contributors. In the late 1970s, women became eligible to join the club, and many did. They were valuable and essential to the growth and prosperity of the Schroon Lake Fish & Game Club.

In addition, the club supports philanthropic causes, especially for the children of the community. There are holiday activities, a Little League ball field, and sponsorship for two boys and two girls to attend Camp Colby. They provide a scholarship every year to a Schroon Lake Central School graduate who is planning a career in conservation or a related course of study.

The club's Ice Fishing Derby highlights the joys of the outdoors, something they wish to pass down to each new generation.

The rules

The derby allows competition for lake trout, perch, pickerel, landlocked salmon, and northern pike. It's a glimpse at the excellent fishing available on Schroon Lake, which has a surface area of 4,000 acres and a shoreline length of almost 24 miles. Every year the lake is stocked with 10,000 landlocked salmon and lake trout, keeping these populations steady.

Schroon Lake has all the Adirondack fishing advantages of rocky areas, weedy patches, and deep water. Ice fishing in the winter is a favorite time to catch the biggest pike. During the derby, competitive anglers can fish from daylight on Saturday until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Lake trout are known for their energy in the deep, clear lakes of the Adirondacks. Because these lakes have less biomass than warmer waterbodies, the trout will cruise more in search of food. They are in great shape and known to strike on lures that are lively in sight, sound, or scent.

As the days grow longer, the chances of getting those big pike increase. Warmer temperatures pulls them from their deep winter waters into shallower bays as their instincts ready them for spawning, and also for the abundant scavenging possibilities. Optimistic anglers drill big holes.

The derby's cash prizes are based on the weight of the fish, but there are also door prizes that everyone is eligible to win.

Après fish

Head for the club's fish fry dinner on Saturday, from 5-7 p.m. It's only $10 a person, and is held at the clubhouse on 25 Game Club Road, near the ball field.

Another reason this is such a popular derby is that Schroon Lake is right downtown, steps away from all kinds of refreshment.

Take a walk and sample Schroon Lake's quaint downtown, where everyone has their favorite breakfast or lunch spot like Shirley's Diner or Pitkin's Restaurant. There are favorite pubs, like Flanagan's Pub & Grill for an Irish twist, or Timberwolf Pub for a hometown feel.

Anyone interested in expanding their fishing horizons beyond the soft water variety, a derby is a fun way to dip a toe in. Even if you do have to drill a hole to do it.

Pick a cozy place to stay. Explore all the local dining. Watch the video on the event listing for the Schroon Lake Ice Fishing Derby to get a sense of what it is like to be there.

The Adirondacks is home to all sorts of outdoor adventures like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but it takes some preparation to do it right, especially in winter. But don’t feel intimidated! The Adirondack Hub is the perfect basecamp for trying something new, and our gear shops have everything you need to get started. 

Picture this: In no time at all, you and your family can be walking past beautiful ice-covered ponds and strolling through snow-draped pine forests. Come try something new today, it’s easier than you think!

1. Get the gear

If you don’t have the gear, you and your family can still get out in the Adirondacks. Rent what you need from a gear shop like Cloud-Splitter Outfitters in Newcomb.

2. Get geared up

New to snowshoeing? Our gear shops are always staffed with people who love the outdoors, and they’re happy to pass that information along. They’ll help make sure those snowshoes (or skis) are the right fit for your feet.

3. Learn the route 

Another plus to renting equipment from a local outfitter is they know where to go. You’ll find hundreds of miles of well-marked trails in the Adirondacks, and some of them are not suitable for beginners. An expert can direct you to the best route based on your experience level and tell you about anything you should be aware of along the way.

4. Looking good!

Feeling like you’re ready to conquer the trail is the best way to start an adventure. Just look at those confident smiles!

5. Look at those smiling faces

There’s nothing quite like hitting the trail and leaving civilization behind. And snowshoeing is a great way to do it!

6. Take your time

A well-planned route is one that doesn’t require running to complete. There’s a lot to see in the Adirondack woods, so don’t rush!

7. Look and learn

You’ll probably see some more experienced skiers and snowshoers on the trail — take some notes and learn some new moves! If it looks like fun, it probably is.

8. The end of a perfect day

Learn the names of the surrounding peaks. They're all begging to be climbed, but that's another adventure.

Take all the time you need in Adirondack Hub. Plan some adventures then head into town for a place to stay and some warm food.

The reason you may see media of people not wearing masks on our website is because all footage is from prior years. More than ever we all need to be vigilant about maintaining social distance of 6 feet or more and wearing masks when we cannot social distance.

The Schroon Lake Region is a wonderful place to go when you want to explore and relax at your own pace. It is a special slice of the Adirondacks that has welcoming terrain for winter treks, and some surprises when it comes to sophisticated dining and shopping.

Here are some ideas to craft the kind of unique getaway only the Schroon Lake Region can provide.

Incredible nature

The winter forest in the Adirondacks has a limited color palette and texture, but all of the splendor is still there. To enjoy it to the fullest, plan a scenic drive and enjoy an outdoor activity. There are some exceptional places to see in winter that don't require a lot of effort to get to.

At the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves, admission includes snowshoes, trekking poles, and a map to discover the property's beautiful vistas and overlooks. One path overlooks the river as it pours into the marble caves to create the famous stone bridge. Along the way there are wonderful ice sculptures created by the water, and further you'll find a multitude of paths that wind through woods and rock faces.

For the most enjoyable experience, be sure to bundle up properly. Wear insulated boots, thick socks, and gloves or mittens with a long enough cuff so they disappear into your coat sleeves. Science says some of our body heat escapes through our head, but on a cold day it feels like a lot, so wear a warm hat. Layers are a winter enthusiast's best friend. A warm, thin base layer next to the body, a thicker layer over that, and a windproof shell on the outside will trap heat and keep you warmer than a thick coat over a sweater.

Drive along the Hudson River on the way to the Adirondack Interpretive Center, where admission gets you snowshoes and a selection of beautiful trails. This photo was taken along the Sucker Brook Trail, which has many bridges that provide great scenic opportunities.

The Rich Lake Trail is an overview of the different trails, and it provides the option to continue on to the Peninsula Trail, which is a little under a mile long and circles through old-growth hemlocks.

Cloudsplitter Outfitters is happy to craft a custom winter adventure, from renting equipment to sending you out with a guide, all from their Newcomb location.

For a great view from a small mountain, the Severance Hill Trail is a 2.4 mile round trip that pays off with vistas of Schroon Lake, Pharoah Mountain, and Paradox Lake. Alpine skiing and all the amenities are just half an hour away at Gore Mountain.

Gearing down

Schroon Lake's quaint downtown has welcoming surprises. Pine Cone Mercantile is a shop full of furniture and decorative items, and it has a bakery and coffee shop in the back.

Snug lodging

Choose from some delightful inns and bed and breakfasts. Fans of getting away when they get away would be interested with the trails right outside the door at Rocky Acres Inn B&B, or the scenic neighborhood of Lake Paradox at the Lake Paradox Club and Paradox House Retreat.

The Adirondack Inn is right downtown, while Schroon Lake B&B is a classic old inn at the other end of town. This place has beautiful grounds.

If you want a cabin, I love the one at the Maple Leaf Motel. It is a charming place with a view of the woods, a stained glass panel in the door, and a gas fireplace. Rowe's Adirondack Cabins have full kitchens and come in a variety of sizes.

There's plenty to do, see, and enjoy in the Schroon Lake Region. Our blogger recommends some fun nightlife in Weekend Crasher.

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

Sticks & Stones Wood Fire Bistro & Bar

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

Witherbee’s Carriage House

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

Flanagan’s Pub & Grill

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

Timberwolf Pub

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

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