Whether you want to fish, swim, paddle, or sail, Schroon Lake is the ideal basecamp for your summer fun adventures!

By the numbers

Need proof? Check out these sweet facts:

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Ready, set, plan!

So grab your gear, book your campsite, and start dreaming about all the fun you'll have this summer in the Adirondacks' Schroon Lake Region!

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We'll see you on the lake - or maybe at one of our favorite secret swimming holes!

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Schroon Lake has lots of interesting little shops full of fun stuff. In addition to their charming downtown, take to the backroads for even more unique shopping experiences!
Whether you are outfitting your lake house, or looking for that special souvenir keepsake, our local shops have some delightful choices.

The events

The Schroon Lake Arts and Crafts Fair is one of the finest craft shows in the Adirondacks, with over 100 vendors. It takes place in late July in the town's lovely park on the shores of Schroon Lake.

The Schroon Lake Association has been working since 1911 to responsibly manage the lake. The craft fair is one of their fund raisers.
Yes, there will be Kettle Corn. In case you were wondering.

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In Newcomb, there is a craft fair as part of Newcomb Day, with all kinds of fun activities. The fair is set up in their beautiful Overlook Park, with a view of the mountains, on the first Sunday of August. This is a celebration of all of Newcomb's residents, past and present, close or distant… anyone with connections to Newcomb.
Soak up the welcoming hometown atmosphere and the scents from the catering trucks.I also like the quilt raffles. The ones displayed are works of art.

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Many delightful crafts, goodies, and like-minded people are abundant on these festive days. Check our events calendar to time your visit just right.
By attending craft fairs, you also get to meet the artists and crafters.

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If that idea appeals to you, we have even more places to go.

The source

A short drive south on Route 9 from Schroon Lake lets you stop by Stirring Creations. Look for the signs to direct you to the makers of homemade soaps, candles, and lip balms.

They smell incredibly good. It is difficult to choose just one.

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That is not all the treasure to be found there. There's also rustic furniture and some gorgeous polished stone bowls, some adapted as charming sinks. If you want to wash your hands in the highest style, this is the place to go.

The gift shop at Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is a personal favorite. Anything mineral is likely to be found there. But take some of the different tours of the caves, first. Then visit the gift shop as a triumphant close to the outing.

They also have an ice cream shop. But you would notice that.

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This amazing system of caves also has some wonderful hiking paths on the property. It is a wonderful day trip that is only minutes away from Schroon Lake.
If you would like to take a scenic drive to the other side of Schroon Lake, you can explore all the interesting items at the Adirondack General Store.

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This old-fashioned shop offers up knickknacks, candles, Adirondack-themed decorations, and a full deli. It is a great place to have breakfast or lunch, either packed in a sack for you, or served at one of their tables in the cheerful dining room.
Another recommended scenic drive is taking Blue Ridge Road to a real buffalo farm. There are many homemade baked goods, special jerky, and all kinds of buffalo-themed and Native American crafts.

Maybe all of this is just kindling your own crafting urges.

The chosen

If you are a crafter, you might want to scout out some of our magnificent raw materials. We have craft shops that sell already-made crafts, and offer what you need to make your own.

Local sheep create the yarn at Aunt Polly's Material Girls. This charming little shop, right on the shores of the Hudson River, has an incredible array of fabric and notions of all kinds.

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Local artisans also stock the shop with their own creations.

Paradox Crafts has charming items which celebrate summer, especially the long lazy lake summers on Paradox Lake. It is also a fine way to discover this beautiful spot which is so popular with boaters, paddlers, and campers.

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Find surprises lurking in the western stage set that is Gokey's Trading Post. I can't tell you everything that is there, because it is often unpredictable and constantly changing. But I can tell you that you will have fun browsing.

There are so many fascinating discoveries in our shops and studios. Set your GPS to "hidden treasures." And go on the hunt!

Craft a cozy nest with our lodging. Enjoy a finely crafted meal with our dining. Explore all of our shopping.

The snow is melting, the trees are beginning to bud — it’s time to celebrate with a hike! But wait a minute — the DEC asks hikers to stay below 3,000 feet in the spring until trails dry out, so hiking is off limits this time of year, right? Wrong.

Sure, the agency’s request is valid because it helps preserve trail quality, but it’s admittedly a downer for people seeking big Adirondack views. Here’s the good news: Staying below 3,000 feet elevation doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of trails to choose from. Here are four of our favorite spring hikes in the Schroon Lake region that’ll keep you under the 3,000-foot mark while still delivering good views. For more, check out our hiking page.

Bass Lake and Moose Mountain Pond

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Two ponds for the price of one! This is a pleasant hike that’s long enough to make a nice outing without taking up the entire day. From the trailhead be sure to bear right, as left goes to Hammond Pond, another worthy destination that’s only 0.8 mile from the parking area.

Berrymill Brook is a constant companion for the first portion of this hike, so take your time to enjoy its pretty, rocky banks and numerous little waterfalls. Things stay pretty easy as the path gently ascends the valley between Berrymill Hill and an unnamed hill.

At 1.4 miles there’s a fork — right goes to Bass Lake and left goes to Moose Mountain Pond. If you’re pressed for time, head for the scenic ledges of Bass Lake, about a mile from the junction. Moose Mountain Pond is less than 2 miles from the split. Continue around the shore to get to the lean-to.

Stats

Elevation gain: 320 feet

Round trip distance: 7 miles

Getting there

Take Exit 28 off of Interstate 87 and follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for 0.6 mile and turn onto Alder Meadow Road, follow that to East Shore Road and continue for 2.75 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Spectacle Pond

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Spectacle Pond lives up to its name in every way. It’s a large, beautiful waterbody that boasts an outstanding view of Pharaoh Mountain from its southern shore.

The trail climbs slightly from the trailhead, passes Beaver Brook, then descends to Shanty Brook.
There’s another gentle uphill as the path approaches the pond, reaching it at 1.3 miles. Continue along the south shore for another half mile to take in all of the scenery.

Stats

Elevation gain: 300 feet

Round trip distance: 3.4 miles

Getting there

Take Exit 28 off of Interstate 87 and follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for 0.6 mile and turn onto Alder Meadow Road, follow that to East Shore Road and continue for 2.75 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Mount Severance

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Ponds and lakes offer up nice scenery, but if you’re into mountains there’s no better way to get a killer view than by gaining elevation. Luckily, mountains like Mount Severance sit below the 3,000-foot mark, meaning they're fair game for providing a stunning vista this time of year.

The trail leaves the parking area by way of two metal tunnels, which go underneath I-87. The path is well-marked and well-maintained as it winds to the base of the mountain, crosses a wooden bridge, then climbs moderately to the summit at the 1.2-mile mark. Explore the top to discover all of its secrets — there’s a stunning view of Schroon Lake in one direction and another that encompasses the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

Stats

Elevation: 1,693 feet

Ascent: 700 feet

Round trip distance: 2.4 miles

Getting there

From Interstate 87, take Exit 28, head toward Schroon Lake, and make a quick right to go south on Route 9. The parking area is in about a half mile on the right.

Newcomb VIC

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VIC stands for visitor interpretation center, and that’s exactly what this place sets out to accomplish. The 236-acre property’s 3.6 miles of interpretive trails branch off from the Adirondack Interpretive Center. Be sure to visit this building before heading out — it contains a little nature museum that’s full of stuff you might see along the trails. And speaking of trails, they’re all really easy so seeing the entire VIC in a day isn’t a problem for most hikers.

If you are pressed for time, don’t miss the Rich Lake and Peninsula trails. A lovely bridge gets visitors out onto the large peninsula, where there are great views of Rich Lake and Goodnow Mountain. Side note: Goodnow has a restored fire tower on its summit and is a great hike after the trails dry out.

Getting there:

Take Exit 29 off of Interstate 87 and turn left on Blue Ridge Road to head toward Newcomb, then turn right on Route 28N. The VIC is on the right, about 25 miles from the highway.

Head into Schroon Lake for some shopping and food after your spring hike!

This week in ADK news:

Rafter's paradise

To dine for

Gorge-ous destinations

40 years of Pendragon

Angling for trout

Bring the boat!

Wild about paddling

 

1-in-20 Year Food Crop

The Adirondack summer-fall-winter of 2017-2018 featured a 1-in-20 year food crop on the trees. Every coniferous tree species had excellent to bumper cone crops, birch trees were covered with catkins, and there was abundant fruit on bushes and trees. All that available fruit allowed quite a few American Robins to over-winter.

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A Wonderful Season to see Winter Finches

As a result of the abundant cone seeds on the conifers, it was a terrific season to see winter finches. Red and White-winged Crossbills, which are fascinating nomadic species, nested during the summer of 2017 and many more irrupted in late fall to take advantage of this huge food source. Both species began nesting again in February - March.

Crossbills can nest at any time of year, as long as they have plenty of cone seeds to feed their young. Our central Adirondack region, including Long Lake, Newcomb, Minerva, and North Hudson, was a magnetic for visiting birders this winter. This spring, we will see many heavily-striped juvenile Red and White-winged Crossbills among family groups.

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After large winter irruptions, crossbills will continue to be observed into the spring and summer before they move on to another region with plenty of food.

White-winged Crossbills have been feeding on Black, Red, and White Spruce seeds in addition to Tamarack seeds.

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Red Crossbills have been observed feeding on the seeds of Red and White Pines, Tamarack, Red Spruce, and Hemlock.

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Pine Siskins irrupted in enormous numbers this winter and it seems as if they can be found in every bush and tree! They have been observed feeding on birch catkins, and the seeds of White Pine, Balsam Fir, Hemlock, and White Cedar.

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Purple Finches and American Goldfinches, species which normally leave our central Adirondack region in winter, over-wintered this year. The huge numbers of American Goldfinches at Adirondack feeders was a continuous topic of conversation all winter.

Signs of Spring

“Winter” is hanging on with cold and snow, but already, signs of spring are all around us. Our year-round Brown Creepers and Golden-crowned Kinglets have begun to sing. I observed the first migrant Golden Eagle moving north through our area on March 16. Snow Bunting males are beginning to head back to the Arctic.

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Hooded Mergansers appear first on any small opening in the ice on ponds, lakes, brooks, and rivers. I observed 3 males on the Hudson River in Newcomb on March 16.
Year-round Gray Jays are currently nesting and their young will fledge in late April.

Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles are moving back in. Northern Saw-whet Owls are also returning. Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkeys are displaying and courting females.

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Purple Finches, which over-wintered, are already singing.

Soon, American Woodcocks will be heard. Other early arriving species include Red-shouldered Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Chipping Sparrow and waterfowl such as Wood and Ring-necked Ducks and Pied-billed Grebe.

By April and May, huge waves of migrants return (see my 2017 spring birding blog), including all the colorful warbler species, and every day holds excitement as more and more songs fill our landscape.

Two New Birding Areas in Minerva-North Hudson

The Long Lake-Newcomb-Minerva-North Hudson region of the central Adirondacks has extensive boreal habitat and it is one of the most exciting areas to go birding. This year, birders will be able to explore two new areas in the Minerva-North Hudson region: The Wolf Pond Trail and the Boreas Ponds Tract.

The Wolf Pond Trail is a newly cut 2.4-mile trail that begins at the Boreas River Bridge parking area along the Blueridge Road in Minerva near the town line with North Hudson. It weaves through beautiful boreal habitat. I hiked the trail in August last summer and encountered two flocks of Boreal Chickadees, three Black-backed Woodpeckers (pair with a juvenile), and two groups of Gray Jays.

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Red Crossbills could be heard singing and calling throughout the hike. The pond is lined with bog mats on its western side. Common Loons nest on Wolf Pond and they were observed diving for fish during my visit. Views of the High Peaks to the north of Wolf Pond are spectacular!

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There is a new lean-to near the pond, which makes a nice spot for a food/rest break. In September, together with four others, we canoed Wolf Pond Brook to the pond. This trip was challenging, requiring several bushwhack canoe-carries, but a great deal of fun and it was terrific to be able to paddle Wolf Pond!

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The dirt road to the Boreas Ponds Tract (nearly 21,000 acres) is open to the public, although the lands are in the process of being designated Wild Forest and Wilderness. The planned parking area will eventually be closer to the Boreas Ponds. The current parking area is several miles from the ponds. You can hike or bike from the current parking location.
I biked to the Boreas Ponds in the fall of 2016. There is a great deal of boreal habitat in the vicinity of the ponds. This area will be easier for birders to reach when the new parking lot is completed. Views of the High Peaks are breathtaking, looming above the ponds to the north. This will be a very popular hiking, camping, and paddling area.

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Another Great Boreal Birding Area in North Hudson

Along a straight portion of the Blueridge Road in North Hudson, where it is much easier to park on the shoulder than along the narrow, twisty, western sections of that road, is the Sand Pond Marsh area (formed by the inlet of Sand Pond). This is a wonderful spot to go boreal birding. There are no trails, but much of the land is public and part of the Hoffman Notch Wilderness to the south and Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest to the north.

I have found as many as 20 Boreal Chickadees just walking along the road in this area. Black-backed Woodpeckers and Gray Jays are also regularly found, in addition to all the Red and White-winged Crossbills that nested here last summer and currently this winter-spring. I am a frequent visitor of this exciting boreal location. It is ~ 9.4 miles east of the Blueridge Road–Route 28N intersection in Newcomb.

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Stay tuned for more birding blogs on the newly acquired state lands, and new hiking and cross-country ski trails, and paddling routes! If you visit this lovely, remote part of the Adirondacks, there are great places to stay and eat in this region.

 

Schroon Lake is a lot of things. On the surface, it’s a water-studded region that’s ringed by mountains and blanketed in forest. Last week, my wife Anna and I looked a little deeper and discovered it’s also the kind of place that attracts interesting people. By visiting four different places, we heard four different stories from people who love this region.

 

1. Engaged on Mount Severance

A trip to Schroon Lake would not have been complete without a hike, so we decided to do that before heading into town. It seems every Adirondack town has a version of Mount Severance — a short, easy hike to a stellar view.

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This hike begins with something a little different; a series of two metal tunnels start at the large parking area and go underneath I-87 to the trailhead. The path is well-marked and well-maintained as it winds to the base of the mountain, crosses a wooden bridge, then climbs moderately to the summit at the 1.2 mile mark.

Surprisingly, we had the stunning view of Schroon Lake all to ourselves. To the left and set back from the strikingly blue lake is Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, an incredible place we spent the night in earlier this summer.

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Our solitude on this popular peak was not to last. A young couple, Jon and Heather, appeared from the forest with their dog and I struck up a conversation with them.

This was a special day for them — almost four years ago, Jon proposed to Heather on this mountain and they were visiting from their home in Ohio to celebrate the anniversary. The rest of their story sounded like so many others I’ve heard. People come to the Adirondacks to vacation and fall in love, sometimes with each other but always with the landscape, then they feel compelled to either move here or visit regularly. Anna and I moved here; Jon and Heather visit as often as possible.

Get there

From I-87, take Exit 28, head toward Schroon Lake and make a quick right to go south on Route 9. The parking area is in about a half mile on the right.

Hike stats

• Distance: 1.2 miles to the summit
• Elevation: 1,693 feet
• Ascent: 700 feet

2. Food and sunshine

The hike, although short, made us hungry for lunch, so we cruised through downtown Schroon Lake and settled on Sticks & Stones Bistro & Bar. We never get tired of sunshine, so we sat at a table on one of the two outdoor seating areas. Anna ordered a Fig and Goat Cheese Salad and I got a Pretzel Burger with Swiss cheese, and we shared both.

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The food was delicious and perfectly prepared, making this an easy spot to recommend. The nice thing about the menu is its attention to eating preferences — if you’re vegetarian or vegan you won’t have a problem making a choice, as dish is labeled appropriately. The atmosphere is cool, too. It’s done in a warm Adirondack flair, an effect that’s amplified by the four-foot high, hand-carved, wooden black bears at each booth and the wood-fired pizza oven that’s behind the bar.

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As we left, we ran into a group of people on their way in. We got talking to them and learned they’re part of a Long Island based group that brings kids from that area to the Adirondacks every year to paddle and enjoy nature. Some of them were back for their second or third time, but many were first-time visitors. All agreed that the visit was awesome.

3. One good pour deserves another

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Our next stop was Paradox Brewery. Since this was our first time there, Anna and I struck up a conversation with co-owner Joan Mrocka to learn a bit about the place. Not surprisingly, she continued the day’s narrative: A former visitor to the region, she moved here from New York City and started the brewery in 2013 with her husband, Paul.

But enough talk, let’s get to the beer. We ordered a tasting of the six beers on tap, each of which she described in detail. There was the highly drinkable Paradox Pilsner, the smooth and fruity Saison and Citrus Saison, and then the more bitter Rye Pale Ale, Beaver Bite IPA, and Beaver Overbite.

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Joan explained Beaver Bite is the brewery’s top seller, so if hoppy is your thing you should try it. I don’t mind IPAs, but they aren’t my favorite. The three IPAs all had a nice bite and a robust hoppiness. The pilsner was good and quite easy to throw back, but the two saisons won the day for me, especially the Citrus Saison, which had a full, fruity flavor that was neither bitter nor too sweet. That’s a dangerous combination for me, especially on a hot day.

As a beer lover, I can say all of the beers were good, even the ones that weren’t my favorite!

 

4. Breaking bread

Our last Schroon Lake stop was the North Woods Bread Co., located at the back of the Pine Cone Mercantile downtown. Since it was late afternoon, there were only three half loaves of bread left. We chose two of those: the dried onion and the multi-grain with cherries and pecan. The owner, Edward Marks, bagged up the loaves and explained that he bakes for the day to minimize leftovers, so it’s best to get there early.

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Edward’s story is interesting. About 12 years ago his wife, Lisa, had to keep a yeast culture alive as part of a culinary program she was in. Mark was intrigued, and even though he was an admittedly bad cook he decided to try his hand at baking. Something clicked, and eventually the couple moved from Manhattan to Schroon Lake, where Lisa wife opened Pine Cone Mercantile and Edward opened the bakery.

The yeast is still there, too, and it ends up in most breads he makes. Mark told us to hold on, then emerged from the kitchen with a four-quart container of it cradled in his arms.The living organism has to be fed daily or it starts to die. Since it isn’t always easy to get someone to properly care for a yeast blob, Edward has brought it on vacation twice.

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That conjured up hilarious images of a couple sitting on a beach with a bucket of yeast on a blanket between them. Edward assured me that’s not quite how it goes down — only part of me believes that.
Bread in hand, Anna and I were headed to our last destination, the Schroon Lake public beach, but the downpour that started while we were talking to Edward nixed that idea. Instead, we passed by it on our way out of town and agreed that it was a great reason to visit Schroon Lake again.

 

Visit Schroon Lake, and bring a friend! There's plenty of hiking, dining, and shopping in the region.

 

That best friend can be someone with us since kindergarten, or someone we just met who is wonderfully compatible. It can be someone we've been married to for years, or someone we can imagine being married to for years.

Whatever the connection, one great way to strengthen it is to get away to a fun, and different, kind of place where there's not a lot of competing obligations and distractions. A time devoted to having fun, together.

The space we might need to catch up on all those things we are too busy to share as much as we would like.

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Dog friendly, too! Don't leave the four-legged part of the group behind. They love water and the woods and treats too, of course.
Here are three ways to craft that special "bestie" time in the Adirondacks.

Out on the water

Schroon Lake, the town, and Schroon Lake, the lake, comprise one of the major boating centers of the Adirondacks. Once the home of elaborate resort hotel complexes, it is now more of a Bed & Breakfast and historic Inns center. But the lake has not changed a bit.

The same timeless mountains ring the far shores, the marina is as busy as ever, and the thrill of the wind in our hair makes for a lot of shared smiles.

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There are eight different kinds of watercraft available for rent, so the right fit shouldn't be a problem. Go fast with a classic motorboat, or go slow with a couple of stand­up paddle boards.

We can have fun on the lake without actually getting out on the lake. The beach is one of the most delightful in all of the Adirondacks (though of course this status is highly disputed). There are large expanses of soft sand that face the south for maximum sun, a swim-out diving platform, a lifeguard, and a terraced slope perfect for picnics and sunbathing.

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There are vendors for lunch, treats, and drinks, while the entire park complex is just steps away from downtown, so it's easy to venture just a bit further to find something different if the spirit moves you.

At your own pace

An active weekend in the Schroon Lake Region is the opposite of busy. Whether we want to scale a mountain or stroll through patches of sunlight along a burbling brook, there's plenty to enjoy, with no crowds or pressure.

I find nature is great for filling the senses without being overwhelming. Birdsong, rustling leaves, and chuckling water are easy to pay attention to, or not. Being in nature leaves a lot of space for conversation.

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One great way to prepare for an outdoor day is to have breakfast at Adirondack General Store, Deau's Mount Severance Country Store, or Lazy Moose Garden Market for a hearty start and a packed lunch. There are an abundance of picnic places, and the length of the trail doesn't matter so much when there's a meal with us.

If we are looking for that slow romantic meandering kind of trail, Cheney Pond Trail is highly recommended. This old truck trail makes for easy walking to the serene scenery of the pond, which is ringed with magnificent trees. There's a picnic table waiting for that lakeside lunch, and the trail is wide enough to walk hand-in-hand.

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Walk along water with extended trail systems like Rankin and Little Rankin Ponds. Choose a pond trio like Courtney, Shingletree, and Holiday Pond. Add a saddle climb between Greenough and Clap mountains with Round Pond and East Mill Flow, which leads to many trail intersections.

Bring the other best friend, who will love smelling all the new stuff and will be happily worn out by the end of the day. No matter who comes along, a walk in the woods is an ideal way to catch up with each other amid the beauty of nature.

Random easy

The Schroon Lake Region is a great place to do a lot of nothing at all. This is one of my favorite ways to get out with someone, and just wander around, ready to explore any whim. Schroon Lake has a charming downtown area with interesting shops and plenty of pubs and restaurants.

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That's not all the shopping, either. There's interesting places to choose from along the area's highly scenic roads. Big places like Gokey's Trading Post has a little bit of everything, and Adirondack Buffalo Company offers a range of treats, Native American crafts, and real buffalo.
There's also the focused and interesting, like the specialty furniture at Adirondack Rustics Gallery, cute embroidered items at Paradox Crafts, the candles, soap, and carvings at Stirring Creations, and the stunning quilts at Aunt Polly's Material Girls.

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Find local brews at one of our fine pubs or head for the source at Paradox Brewery. Find out more about where to find desserts in our Valentine's Day blog, Sweets for your sweetheart.

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There are lots of ways to have a sweet, sweet, time.

Look over delightful choices and choose the ideal lodging. Pick the food that matches your mood at one of our dining establishments. Ramp up the fun and plan on visiting for one of our many events.

Here's the thing — as anyone that follows my blogs knows, I travel a lot. And yet, there's always one stop on the Northway that, no matter the season, no matter the time of day, I feel compelled to visit. Traveling from the Albany area and heading north it's Exit 27 (it's 28 if you're heading south).

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The backstory

I have personal ties to Schroon Lake. My father was born in the area and until I left for college all of our vacations - winter, spring, summer, and fall - were spent on Hoffman Mountain.

In the summer we spent our days on shores of the beach or at what was then a little-known secret swimming hole on the edge of the Schroon River. In the fall and spring we hiked Mt. Severance, in the winter we bundled up and went sledding.

I won't lie - there were times as a teen I begged to go someplace else. Why not head south to the ocean or west to the Grand Canyon. Wouldn't Disney World be more of an adventure? But 9 out of 10 times I would find myself at my family's cabin in the woods.

My dad loved the piece and quiet of nature, the lack of crowds, and the pleasant folk that always greeted him with a smile. In my younger years I may not have always understood the appeal, now navigating the hectic day-to-day life of an adult I totally get it.

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Set the scene

As we head north during a short lull in the most recent snowstorm I am happy to flip on my turn signal and coast down my favorite exit. I have my 8-year-old son in tow. No school for him means an adventure day with me — at least that's how I sell it (sounds better than, "I'm dragging you along to work.").

We have been driving for 3 hours, and the storm is making the ride slow going. We both need to stretch our legs and breathe in some fresh air. Plus, I'm in dire need of the hot coffee I know is brewed and ready to replenish my empty travel mug.

It's a cold mid-March winter day, although not frigid by any means; cool enough to need warm outer layers, but warm enough to be happily outdoors without shivering.

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Oliver looks up from his Pokemon collection, "Is this Schroon Lake? Yes!! I knew it. I knew we'd stop here. Can we go to the beach?" Of course we can. One day he'll realize that stopping at the beach is as much a treat for me as it is for him. Until then, I'll let him think it's a treat for when he's behaving exceptionally well!

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It's hard to see the lake and the beach - but we know it's there!

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We don't have much time. The weather is starting to pick up again, and we still have the long drive through the High Peaks section of the Adirondacks to conquer before nightfall. But we need a quick refresher. And gas. And coffee. (See how good I am with making up reasons to stop!?)

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We make a quick stop at the Stewart's and take an extra moment to cross the street and admire the park.

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They say a picture speaks volumes. "They" are probably right. Looking back over these few quick shots that Oliver and I took on our 20-minute detour through town, they make my soul happy, they make me realize it's good to slow down and enjoy the scenery. They make me understand why my father chose Schroon Lake as his final resting place. What a peaceful, friendly town!

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Goodbye for now, Schroon! We'll see you on our next trip around the Adirondacks!

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Why not take a trip off the beaten path - and stay a bit longer than we did? There are tasty local eateries and cozy bed and breakfasts just waiting to welcome you to the friendly Schroon Lake Region!

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

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

A long heritage

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

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

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

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

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

Flanagan's is now a center of celebration.

That special day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doing it right

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

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

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

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

The snow is melting away now that the weather has turned more spring-like. All that snowmelt is running into the rivers and creeks and there are waterfalls everywhere. Tristan and I headed to North Hudson to search for waterfalls in Black Brook.

The Hammond Pond trailhead is on Ensign Pond Road (Route 4) in North Hudson. Follow the arrow to the left, but keep right when the logging roads branch to the left a few steps down the trail. The trail forks further on. Stay left at the fork to follow the brook.

There are lots of little waterfalls in the brook, and they got bigger as we neared Hammond Pond. The pond itself has a man-made dam and the water spilled over in a choreographed dance. The day was spectacularly sunny and the water sparkled.

Tristan amused himself by tossing leaves and sticks into the water and following their trip downstream. We worked our way around to an open spot by the pond and sat down for a snack. If there is one hard-and-fast rule for hiking with kids, it is "bring snacks." While we were munching on trail mix and chocolate, I pulled out the trail map and showed Tristan how the trail to the right lead to Bloody Pond and asked if he would like to continue.

After convincing himself that the woods would provide enough large branches to defeat the skeleton warriors at Bloody Pond (a nine-year-old imagination is an amazing thing), Tristan declared he was ready to try and we backtracked to the fork in the trail, this time heading to the right. We walked for awhile until the trail ended at a swamp. Turning around, we spotted Bloody Pond through the trees, but never found the path to it. The journey, of course, is more important than the destination, and Tristan didn't mind missing the pond, distracted as he was by the possibility of fighting reanimated skeletons.

On the way back we paused at a small pond to listen to many frogs singing in chorus and watch them swim around. It was about noon and the sun was warm enough to wear short sleeves. On the day we hiked the temperature increased 40 degrees during the morning and was almost 70F by the time we left the trail. If you hike in spring, dress in layers and leave room in your pack for the clothes you will be sure to discard later in the day.

The Schroon Lake Region is as gorgeous in spring as it is in summer. Hit the trails for the day, explore our secret ponds, then head back to town for some cozy lodging and great dining.

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Schroon Lake is a popular fishing destination year round. With 9 miles of length and over 4000 surface acres in an incredibly picturesque setting, it is naturally attractive. But there are other factors that make it so appealing to fishermen. Principally, of course, it’s the plentiful presence of so many sport fish — landlocked salmon, pike, pickerel, lake trout, small and large mouth bass, among others. There are also three NYS DEC boat launch access points for the public to easily get on the water. One of these access points is very conveniently located right on Dock Street in the Town of Schroon Lake, steps from the main street and all its amenities.

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Winter Fishing

Ice fishermen are particularly attracted to Schroon Lake because of the excellent opportunities to land lake trout and landlocked salmon which are stocked annually to keep an abundant supply. Pickerel, northern pike, and perch are also highly sought after. If you don’t have a boat to get out on open water during the warmer seasons, ice fishing provides that opportunity to try fishing other parts of the lake; provided the ice is safe.

Schroon Lake generally freezes solid enough to support this winter sport — though caution is urged whenever venturing out on frozen water. At least 4 inches of solid ice is recommended to support anglers going out on foot. No body of water has consistent ice thickness however. Areas around the mouths of tributaries, or where bubblers are in use to protect docks, are considered extremely hazardous. It’s always wise to check with experienced locals or make use of a guide.

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Guide Service Recommendations

Adirondack Mountain and Stream Guide Service has been providing all aspects of Adirondack outdoor adventures for 30 years. I recently spoke with Jamie Frazier, owner of the family-operated business; “All one really needs is the appropriate clothing and a license,” he explained. Their guide service is prepared to supply all equipment and gear needed for an ice fishing adventure whether on Schroon Lake or on one of a gazillion other lakes and ponds throughout the Adirondacks.

He invited those that want to give the sport a try to contact him for insight and information. He recommended that appropriate clothing include footwear with waterproof bottoms and superior traction as well as some form of ice creepers or cleats. Slips and falls on the ice are not fun!

NYS Free Fishing Weekend

Yes, normally one does need a fishing license, but on February 18 and 19 that requirement is waived. As part of the NY Open for Fishing and Hunting initiative, no license will be required to give ice fishing a try that weekend. This is a great opportunity for first timers who may want to try the sport, or for regulars to introduce a friend.

Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club’s 25th Annual Ice Fishing Derby

Another great opportunity for first timers, or seasoned anglers looking for a challenge, would be Schroon Lake’s Annual Ice Fishing Derby. Previous derbies have seen as many as 600 participants, so a novice would have plenty of company and could even pick up some tips from those with plenty of experience. The Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club will be hosting their 26th annual ice fishing derby on Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 this year. This derby is always held the first weekend in March. It starts at daylight on that Saturday and runs until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at which time all competing fish must be weighed. .

Registration is $15 per person and can be completed at the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club itself, just off Hoffman Road. Registration opens up and tickets go on sale beginning Friday, January 20. Other sites where one can register are: Flanagan’s Pub and Grill, and Timberwolf Pub, both on Main Street in Schroon Lake, or at Crossroads, located at 40 Dixon Road in nearby Chestertown. Note: Crossroads is also a great place to grab any needed gear or bait.

Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, based on weight, for lake trout, northern pike, and salmon. Prizes are also to be awarded for the heaviest perch and pickerel. To further entice you, take a look at this winning northern pike pulled up by Jared Fuess during last year’s derby. It weighed over 21 pounds! I can only imagine what it was like to pull up something that huge through a hole in the ice!

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After being on the ice all day, plan to head to the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club for dinner on Saturday evening. Beginning at 5:00 pm they will be serving a homemade pasta entrée, with salad, and homemade bread for $10. For more information contact them at 518-532-7953