Submitted by CycleADK and Dave Kraus. Photos courtesy of Cycle Adirondacks/Pure ADK. 

For a cyclist, finding the perfect route for a great day trip is an evergreen quest. Here’s my take: It would be on unfamiliar roads, but not too far away, and convenient to reach. It would be scenic, with a variety of great views and plenty of possible stopping places with mid-ride snacks and treats. The start/finish location would have plenty of parking and ready access to cycling supplies, post-ride refreshments, and a variety of lodging options if I felt like making it more than a day trip.

That perfect ride or in this case – a number of ride options — are closer than you think. The southern end of Essex County and southwestern Hamilton County feature some of the most incredibly rewarding routes, all of which are easily accessible from beautiful Schroon Lake. 

Local note: Say “Skroon” like school. You might hear Shroon, like mushroom, but you also might hear a few chuckles from in-the-know locals. 

OK, ride options. Here are a few goodies: 

Schroon-Olmstedville Loop

This 27-mile road cycling option, with just over 2,000 feet of climbing, may put your training regimen to the test. But starting and finishing in the village of Schroon Lake is hard to beat. Reason being, all of the reasons listed above (see paragraph 1) exist there. Plus, you’ll get the major climbing out of the way in the first 9 miles, leaving you with a 9-mile downhill (wheeeeee) back into Schroon Lake at the end of the ride. You could also start in Olmstedville, which shortens the route to about 15 miles and removes the major climb out of Schroon Lake. Either way, you’ll explore the low traffic rural beauty of the Irishtown-Trout Brook area. Win-Win.

Newcomb to Tahawus

At about 25 miles, this out-and-back is scenic, historic and 100% low-traffic backroad. It starts and finishes at Newcomb Overlook Park, which not only offers a stunning 180-degree view of the High Peaks, but also has a brand new covered pavilion and excellent restroom facilities. 

In terms of riding, this route is pretty flat for Adirondack road cycling; you’ll pedal along the Hudson River and have a chance to explore the ruins of the MacIntyre Iron Works’ defunct furnace near the turnaround point. This relic of the American industrial revolution operated for only two years in the 19th century before shutting down, though subsequent mining on surrounding lands yielded 40 million tons of titanium before operations ceased in 1989.

Newcomb Chain Lakes Loop (Gravel)

If unpaved is your thing, this 20-mile route is suited to gravel or mountain bikes only, and is fully stocked with beautiful lake and forest views throughout. It’s also the back end of nowhere: About half the ride is in the verdant Hudson Gorge Wilderness. Think high potential for wildlife sightings and fresh moose tracks everywhere.

Finding the parking lot, accessible from Goodnow Flow Road in Newcomb, is half the battle. However, the 6-mile drive to the parking lot on Gooley Club Road is well worth the adventure. And if you’re feeling at all nervous, pop into Cloud-Splitter Outfitters before charging off the pavement to get the local intel.   

Schroon-Minerva-North Hudson

If you’re up for a BIG day, here’s a loop from Schroon Lake that you can toast with something frosty upon your finish. This 57-mile round-tripper with 4,000 feet of climbing features all the best sections of the Schroon-Olmsteadville loop, adds a leg through Minerva and wraps with an unbeatable finish following the Boreas River along the Blue Ridge Road into North Hudson. 

Yes, this route features more highway miles than any of the others listed here. But it’s still absolutely stunning with plenty of mountain views, river crossings, and a unique look at life before the Northway existed and Route 9 was the main artery into the Adirondacks. Plus, you’ll pass the brand new Paradox Brewery in North Hudson, located just north of the state’s newest campground at the former Frontier Town theme park, on your way back into the village of Schroon Lake. 

 

The Newcomb Winterfest is more than a celebration of all things winter, it’s also a glimpse into life in the Adirondacks. The free event happens Jan. 13 in Newcomb from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

Ruth and David Olbert, owners of Cloud-Splitter Outfitters, explained that life in the Adirondacks doesn’t end when it gets cold. Instead, people adapt. And skis help, too.

 

“It’s truly a lifestyle because we live it, we don’t just do it on weekends,” Ruth said. “We play together and we live together. It’s the way life is in Newcomb and it’s intriguing to some people, and that’s why we do this event.”

Visitors don’t have to be hardened mountain dwellers to get into the pro-winter spirit. That’s where Winterfest comes in. Anyone with an adventurous curiosity can try cold weather endeavors like fat tire biking, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.

 

 

No prior experience is required; on the contrary, beginners are encouraged to sample it all.

 

“That’s why we do this, to kind of help people gently get to know these activities, and to show them it’s OK, they can handle it,” Ruth said.

 

Fat tire biking

 

This is exactly what it sounds like: bikes with really wide, knobby tires that are especially good for riding over snow.

 

David says the bikes are not built for speed, but they are faster than walking.

 

“They’re not great for going fast, but the thing about fat tire bikes is they have so much floatation, they’re really good on anything that is a soft-type surface, like snow or sand,” David said. “Basically, any surface that a traditional mountain bike would sink into more.”

 

The wider tires also give the bikes better traction. Right said that makes them popular for riding across frozen ponds, something younger people especially enjoyed last year.

 

 

“We were at Lake Harris Bay, so the 16-, 17-, and 18-year olds were riding out on the ice,” Ruth said. “They were really having a great time. They’d leave, ride out, come back, then do it again, so they were really enjoying that.”

 

Ice fishing demos

Ever wonder what it’s like to ice fish? At Newcomb Winterfest, you can find out.

 

Ice fishing demos outline the sport from start to finish, and include a review of the equipment necessary to partake in the sport.

 

“The guy who does it, Jason Richards, is really good at communicating with people who have never done any of this, so he’s perfect for this” Ruth said. “It’s a complete set up.”

 

 

Ruth said Jason hits everything, including how to drill holes, how to set up a tip-up, and how to put bait on a hook.

 

 

Cross-country skiing

It’s true, you need gear to cross-country ski, but it’s easy to try at Winterfest.

 

That’s because Ruth and David use hok skis. They’re short and wide, which makes them feel more secure, kind of like a cross between snowshoes and cross-country skis.

 

“My sister-in-law, she is a non-skier and she’s really nervous about it,” Ruth said. “She tried the hok skis last year at Winterfest and she bought two pairs for this year.”

 

Hok skis also have a universal binding, similar to a snowboard binding, so any boot can be strapped into them. The undersides of the ski have integrated mole hair, making them able to ascend hills.

 

“They can go up almost any hill,” David said. “If you’re in the High Peaks, on the real steep sections, you’d have to switch to snowshoes, but with a universal binding like that it’s easy to just throw your shoes on, then go back to the skis.”

 

 

Everybody plays together

Other Winterfest happenings include self-guided tours of Camp Santanoni — an Adirondack Great Camp that’s accessible by snowshoes or skis in the winter, and sled dogs, food, a bonfire, tubing, snowmobile rides, and downhill skiing and snowboarding.

 

And once the sun goes down, everyone congregates at the Newcomb Central School gym for live music and square dancing. Like anything at Winterfest, no prior experience is required to square dance — a few people will even be on hand to guide newbies.

 

The event is, after all, about community and trying new things, and everyone is encouraged to join the fun.

 

“The one thing that always stands out to me is the age difference in the people doing things together,” Ruth said. “At last year’s square dance, I think the youngest person was 6, and the oldest was probably 79 or so. Everybody plays together.”

---

 

Why not make a weekend out of Winterfest? Stay nearby, then use those new winter skills in the backcountry!

It's inevitable. Every summer we get one or two of those scorchers – highs into the 90s and the humidity registering off the scale (or so it seems).

Now, imagine being a fish.

No, they don't have to worry about the humidity, but think about trying to drink a warm beer on a hot day. Now you're getting the idea – a trout's summer life.

Being a coldwater species, trout thrive in water temps that would make us shiver if we stood in them for very long. But those temperatures– optimum for a brookie is 58 degrees, a little higher at for a rainbow (up to61 degrees) and higher still for a brown trout, anywhere from 56-65 degrees –can be hard to find in some of our streams in the summer. Without the constant influx of cold water, as is the case on tailwater streams such as the Delaware River, trout will seek cooler waters in the summer and can become fairly sluggish. Too, as the water warms, the dissolved oxygen level drops, so not only are the trout looking for cooler water, but they'll also be searching out riffles and waterfalls or rapids for that extra air.

That's when Steve and I head to for the hills. The nativetrout streams of our area offer refuge for not only the brookies on a hot day,but anglers as well, looking for a refreshing break from the sun's heat.

These streams, many unmarked and mere trickles to start, are the perfect hangout for the summer. Shaded by the dense forest canopy and a good hike from the nearest road, they offer solitude for both fishermen and fish. But remember that the resource is fragile. While we have several stops on our summer brookie fishing tour, we'll hit one only once a year and, as usual,it's all catch and release. It's tough enough being a fish in those conditions;we don't need to be stressing them out every week by going in and catching them over and over again – or, worse, keeping them. First of all, they aren't big enough to do anything with. These aren't the state record fish that end up on the wall, but you'd be surprised at the fight a 5- to 6-incher can put up when you're pulling it out of a pool the size of your dinnerplate on a 3-weight fly rod.

The summer's long-term forecast doesn't look too bad for the trout, as long as we can maintain good flows on the rivers and keep the overnights relatively cool. Let's hope we don't see a repeat of a couple of years ago when water temperatures on area streams shot in to the mid-70s,forcing local guides to steer people away from the streams. Luckily for those fishermen, the Adirondacks are blessed with an enviable pond and lake fishery and they didn't skip a beat in terms of landing fish.

So how hot is too hot?

First, make sure you have a thermometer with you. A digital one is best because, really, one degree is important when you're talking trout.This isn't something that you can guess.

Tons of studies will tell you that there is a threshold limit for trout species, but that's not the number you should be keying in on.While a rainbow trout may be able to live in 77-degree water, chances are it's not doing well and even catch-and-release would likely lead to the death of the fish.

Summer fishing is usually limited to very early morning before the sun has a chance to beat down on the stream. My go-home temperature is 68 degrees. When we're knocking on that number, I'll put the stream rod away and maybe head to another water, an area lake, for some smallmouth action.There's absolutely no reason to stress the fish anymore than they already are.How would you like it if someone handed you a warm beer on a hot day? 

Growing up in Schroon Lake, one of my favorite times of the year was Christmas. The local stores and homes would begin to sparkle with holiday lights and decorations, and if we were lucky snow would begin to fall and it would feel like a winter wonderland. Holiday parties kicked-off, holiday traditions were shared, and great memories were made with family and friends. This year will be no exception as our local businesses and organizations begin to prepare their period costumes and decorate their shops and homes…

Celebrating 30 Years of Tradition

On Saturday, December 12, the Town of Schroon Lake will celebrate its 30th Annual Old Tyme Christmas with a day packed full of awesome events for families and individuals. The Schroon Lake Community Church will kick off the festivities with their annual Christmas Bazaar at 10am. The Bazaar will include Granny’s Attic: Gently Used and New Sale Items, Bake Sale, and a Soup & Sandwich Luncheon until 2pm.

For your holiday dessert purchases, make sure you stop by the North Woods Bread Company to participate in their Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce fundraiser between 10am – 3pm and check out the selection of holiday treats that will tease and tantalize your palette. All proceeds from the purchase of holiday treats will benefit the Chamber. Dont forget to purchase your artisan bread for the weekend!

Take a chance

If you love raffles, you are going to want to head to the Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce and purchase raffle tickets for the Annual Holiday Basket Raffle from 11am to 7pm. The Holiday Baskets include a wide variety of items such as gift certificates to local businesses, gift baskets with product from various businesses, and much more. The Holiday Baskets are donated by local businesses and individuals and all proceeds from the Basket Raffles are used to help make holiday wishes come true for many of our local children. The drawing for the Basket Raffles will begin at 7pm, and you do not have to be present to win. While at the Schroon Lake Chamber, don’t forget to visit the Friends of the Library table and purchase your last minute raffle tickets for their beautiful quilt. Drawing for the quilt winner will also be held at 7pm.

Photo credit: Angel Wings Photography

Homemade and original

Now I don’t know about anyone else, but I love local arts and crafts and I won’t be missing this year’s Arts and Crafts Show which will be held at the Schroon Lake Town Hall meeting room from 2pm-7pm. There will be a wide variety of vendors selling their arts and crafts for your holiday shopping needs.

A little night light

After spending the afternoon shopping and dining, you will want to tuck your packages away in the trunk of your car and head out to meet everyone at the town park. The evening events kick-off at Fountain Park at 5:30pm with the Annual Tree Lighting and some good ole fashioned caroling. I have to say the tree lighting is one of my favorite events of the day. Watching the children’s eyes grow large and light up with excitement is worth its weight in gold.

At the conclusion of the town tree lighting the celebration moves north with a traditional Nativity Procession to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church located on North Main Street for a Gospel Reading at the Manger and the lighting of the Memory Tree at the Schroon Lake Senior Citizen Center.

Here comes...

Photo credit: Angel Wings Photography

Excitement keeps building as the children anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus. You can feel the energy in the air, the children are pulling on their parents sleeves asking “When is Santa going to be here?” and/or “Is he coming soon?” And then we hear the big roar of the engine, and we see the lights on the big red truck coming down the street. Yep…you read it right… Santa arrives in Schroon Lake on a BIG RED FIRE TRUCK! The children’s eyes are larger than plates, with squeals of excitement and happiness splitting the air. They have tried to be good girls and boys throughout the year so that they can see Santa on this special night.

Santa’s fire truck pulls up to the Strand Theater and the children follow him into the theater where they will sit upon his lap and share their wishes and dreams with him. To top off their experience, Santa gives each and everyone of them a special little gift.

 

After visiting with Santa the children are invited to attend two events: one at the Senior Citizen Center which includes coloring, cocoa, and cookies from 6pm to 8pm, and the other at the Glens Falls National Bank for craft making, popcorn, and balloons from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.

 

 

Photo credit: Giant Mountain Studio

Fun for all ages!

 

Now the magic doesn’t end there, I know at some point between 6pm & 8pm I will be heading down to the Schroon Lake Town Hall to take a magical horse and wagon ride! What a romantic way to end the evening - taking a spin around town, hearing the jingle of the harness, and feeling the cool brisk December air on your face. When you are ready to warm up after, you should make your way to the Schroon Lake Community Church or the Towne Store for some musical performances between 6pm and 8pm.

So much to do, so much to see, and while you are out don’t forget to do your holiday shopping at our local stores such as the Giant Mountain Studio, The Town Store, Schroon Lake Pharmacy, Pine Cone Mercantile, Paradox Brewery, North Woods Bread Company, Adirondack Buffalo Farm, Gokey’s Trading Post, Adirondack General Store and the Lazy Moose Market. Of course, while out shopping you're sure to work up an appetite, why not dine at our local restaurants - and while there, you can purchase gift certificates for that person on your list who loves to dine around town: Sticks & Stones, DeCesare’s Pizzeria, Flanagan’s Pub & Grill, Timberwolf Pub, and Pitkin’s Restaurant

Submitted by guest blogger, Susan Repko

Walking down our classic Main Street just became more enjoyable thanks to a few new businesses. The local folks are glad to see that more storefronts are happily occupied. Now you can buy what everyone wants on vacation – T-shirts and candy.  

Being curious and a bit nosy, I entered the stores to meet the new owners. They were all friendly and proud to talk about their business adventure. 

Not just another T-shirt shop

Don Demers is part owner of Bark Eater Outfitters, a shop that offers Adirondack-inspired apparel for men and women. Their outdoor wear includes T-shirts, pants, and hats, and is designed to reflect the forever wild attitude. This is not your typical clothing store — I was pleased to learn that they also promote hiking and donate a portion of sales to the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Birth to Three Alliance. 

You might wonder what the term “barkeater” means. Don explained that the word Adirondack actually means barkeater. The Mohawk tribe referred to their Algonquin neighbors as “tree eaters” because they would eat from the inside of the bark of the eastern white pine when food was scarce. 

I asked Don why he chose Schroon Lake, and he said like many residents he enjoyed visiting the Adirondacks with his parents as a teenager. Later he saw a unique opportunity. After years of talking, he took the plunge and opened Bark Eaters Outfitters. He is planning more interaction with the community through seminars on fly fishing and survival skills. He finds that Schroon Lake is a unique and quiet place since it is located between Lake George and Lake Placid.

A candy store is a perfect fit on Main Street

If you have any children in your life, the Pit Stop Sweet Shop is where they want to go. When you enter the store, you experience a wonderland of sweetness. There’s a wide selection of old-fashioned candy, taffy, and fudge. Children of all ages enjoy walking around the store and choosing which sweet thing to drop in their paper bag. 

Laura Lane, the store’s owner, makes the fudge herself and remarked that orange cream was the most popular choice – a surprise to me. I’m a sweetaholic and believe that fudge must be chocolate. As for the gummy candy, children are delighted to find the giant bullfrogs.

I asked Laura why she chose such an unusual name for her candy store, and she said, “I just love classic cars and classic candy.”  

Laura has been coming to the Adirondacks since 1970 and loves Schroon Lake since “The town and lake are one and the same. The town has been very welcoming to us and the store”.  

As we talked, a group of tweens entered the store and obviously enjoyed shopping and comparing their candy choices. As I walked out with a square of chocolate fudge in hand, another family walked in and smiled at seeing the classic candy store. 

Old meets the new at Pitkins 

Pitkins Restaurant has been a well-loved restaurant on Main Street for 112 years. New owner Adam McCall started in May with an expanded menu. The ratings for the restaurant are high both online and on the sidewalk. Recently I sat down with Adam in a booth to chat about his experience so far. 

Adam is grateful to the former owner, Marie Wilson, who has volunteered to mentor him through the transition and make her famous pies. This is a win-win for everyone, including the customers who get to enjoy old favorites and try new ones. He is also happy that the staff is reliable.

Adam confided, “One challenge is finding the balance with keeping things the same and yet changing them at the same time.”  

As a regular customer, I believe that he has found the sweet spot. The menu now includes gluten-free offerings and lighter fare, like salads. Pitkins is also kid-friendly and is a great place for a conversation over coffee and pie with friends or a meal with the family.   

But those pies! In the Adirondacks, pie is a food staple and Pitkins has a delicious variety. Before reading the menu, I always check out the pies of the day that are listed on a blackboard. Fancy restaurants just don’t have such homemade pies — they are only found at the bottom of a menu in small town diners.    

“So, Adam, how are you doing so far?” I asked. 

“We’re tired and the kitchen is hot, but we have found the town to be welcoming, nice, and kind.” Adam is renovating the upstairs and will move to Schroon Lake soon.   

Stop by more of our local shops and eateries on your next Schroon Lake getaway. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'Tis the season in Schroon Lake

It's that time of year again and you won't have to search hard to find the spirit of the season in Schroon Lake! This small Adirondack village with a big personality is well known for its welcoming hospitality, along with a year-round event schedule bursting with activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Toward the end of the year, the village transforms into a nostalgic seasonal wonderland, embracing all of the delights of winter and the holiday season. With a fresh dusting of snow on the rooftops, holiday decorations all around town, and the shop windows adorned with seasonal displays, there really is no more fitting place to get into the holiday spirit. Winter holidays aren't the only thing to keep you busy this time of year, there's always something fun happening around Schroon Lake to keep you occupied and engaged. Choose from alpine and cross-country skiing to fat biking and snowmobiling, or laughing with friends and family over drinks and a tasty meal at one of the area restaurants, before settling in at one of the area's cozy and inviting accommodations.

Old Tyme Christmas Celebration

Small-town rustic charm meets winter holiday fun and excitement during Schroon Lake's 38th annual Old Tyme Christmas Celebration! Finishing touches are being put in place for the event schedule, and this year's celebration is shaping up to be the best ever! Hosted by Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce, the celebration's main events will be scheduled throughout the day on Saturday, December 9, 2023, with bonus fun and excitement occurring all week long. Just in time for this popular weekend celebration, Schroon Lake transforms into a winter holiday wonderland and takes on a nostalgic feel with the streets and shop windows decorated for the season and glowing with holiday lights.

Most of the action takes place along Main Street and at the Schroon Lake Town Hall, and there will be plenty of winter holiday-themed, cost-free events that will keep the whole family entertained, engaged, and full of holiday spirit! Events include everything from choir performances, caroling, raffles, holiday treats, a silent auction, crafts for the kids, and even horse-drawn wagon rides. Watch the lighting of the village Christmas tree and wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus riding on the Schroon Lake Volunteer Fire Department fire truck during the winter parade! Of course, you're shopping locally as much as possible this year, so this will be a great time to finish up your gift gathering at the craft show and in the festively adorned shops in town. (Stay tuned to find out if there will be a chance to participate in the polar plunge (or watch those brave enough!), an event that's been a favorite chilly thrill in past years!) This is one of the best events of the whole year and we can promise that you won't want to miss any of the fun!

The Lodge at Schroon Lake

Those looking for an enchanting escape will be delighted with the seasonal atmosphere at The Lodge at Schroon Lake. Spread across 36 acres, this remarkable retreat recently celebrated its grand reopening following an extensive renovation. Boasting 116 thoughtfully designed accommodations, including guest rooms, suites, private cabins, lake-view chalets, and guest amenities including an indoor pool and a game room, The Lodge at Schroon Lake offers a delightfully cozy and comfortable stay, perfect for a memorable wintry getaway. (For ski enthusiasts, the lodge even offers a shuttle to nearby Gore Mountain!) Decorated beautifully for the winter holidays, with a main lobby decked to the halls with impressively decorated and lit fir trees, Adirondack-themed seasonal displays, and holiday lights glowing across the property, guests and visitors will be dazzled by this grand setting. Book an overnight stay, or stop in to learn more about this updated lakeside retreat and enjoy the holiday ambiance!  For an exceptional family-friendly dining experience, enjoy a meal at The Brown Swan, the lodge's on-site restaurant, where you'll find farm-to-table, locally sourced cuisine and a menu inspired by the spirit of the Adirondacks.

Whether you prefer snuggling by a crackling fire with a cup of cocoa, gliding across the frozen lake on skates, or engaging in a friendly snowball fight, Schroon Lake provides the perfect backdrop for winter holiday joy. Plan your stay and experience the best season of all in this delightful lakeside haven.

While winter means it's nap time for all sorts of Adirondack fauna, Paradox Brewery doesn't sleep during the cold months. 

Paradox Brewery, which opened in 2013, and in 2018 underwent an extensive upgrade, has become a basecamp for Adirondack recreation. What started as founder and army veteran Paul Mrocka’s low-key lakeside home-brew operation, has now turned into the driving force behind this slice of the Adirondacks’ revival as a gateway to pristine waters and scenic summits within the Blue Line. During the winter, craft beer enthusiasts make the transition from enjoying their food and beverage at Paradox’s outdoor pavilion or deck, to their cozy indoor tasting room heated by the wood stove. From indoors you’ll still be treated to a panoramic view of the Hoffman Notch and High Peaks Wilderness Areas. 

A lively indoor scene for cold winter days

While you’re sipping on your Sonder Bräu lager, listen to the live music that fills the tasting room every other Friday night! You can sign up once you arrive, and enjoy their flagship Beaver Bite IPA before you belt out your favorite tune.

Paradox often boasts new craft beverages, and winter is no exception. They recently released a Belgian Style Tripel called Tipple Tripel! If you happened to miss the release party, stop by Wednesday-Sunday each week to give the Tripel a try! I recommend pairing their craft brews with the pizza, it’s some of the best in the region. A personal favorite is their Buffalo Outlook pizza! Paradox is also situated along a popular snowmobiling trail that heads through North Hudson, and welcomes all riders to come grab some food and warm up inside.

Skiing and snowshoeing around the area

Like I said, Paradox Brewery is the perfect basecamp for Adirondack adventurers, and it would be a shame if you didn’t combine a trip to the Brewery with some trail time. Whether you’re looking to strap on snowshoes or glide on your nordic skis, Pharaoh Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks surrounded by wilderness area, makes for a perfect day-trip for both of these activities. Go from the southern direction and it’ll be 3.3 miles one-way to the lake. If the ice conditions allow, wander about and catch a glimpse of the spectacular views of Pharaoh Mountain, Treadway Mountain, and the several quant islands that dot the lake. A classic backcountry ski in the area traverses Hoffman Notch for a scenic 7.4 miles, where you can either ski car to car, or turn around once you reach the notch!

Transitioning to spring

The Brewery has plans to continue open mic nights past the winter months, and will have live bands in the tasting room for the spring and summer. Stay tuned for more information on when these will be!

When the ice starts clearing, and the roads needn’t be plowed, head to Putnam Pond campground for a paddle across Putnam Pond and a hike up Treadway Mountain! This long winter hike turns into a fun paddle/hike in the spring season. Follow the trail that heads along the south side of the lake, or go straight across on your SUP, canoe, or kayak!

When most people think of mining towns, they might not think of the Adirondacks.

Yet, this form of settlement shaped many towns here. One of them still lies deep within one of the most remote areas of these mountains, and it has a mining history that stretches further than all the others.

Early development

The original mining town was built as part of the first wave of European settlements. Archibald McIntyre and David Henderson were guided to the site by a member of the Abenaki tribe, Lewis Elijah Benedict. The ore deposits were so impressive the two men created the Adirondack Iron and Steel Company.

The difficulty of reaching the site makes the majesty of the enormous blast furnaces they managed to construct even more impressive. Known as the Upper Works, the almost 60-foot-tall furnace was powered by a diversion of the Hudson River, which tumbles southward from the nearby High Peaks, a rugged group of mountains that tower over 4,000 feet in elevation. The iron was of such high quality it sold for twice the usual price.

The incentive of the high quality iron carried them through some daunting challenges, such as the difficulty of getting supplies in, and product out, on the crude roads built out to the site. Besides the logistical difficulties, there was a continuing struggle with the ore having some mysterious element which was difficult to manage with the technology of the period.

The young mining company recruited workers and built a village with help from the McIntyre Bank, the first bank in the Adirondacks. Even the village was named McIntyre, but it was later re-named Adirondac. Archibald McIntyre, as a prominent politician as well as an entrepreneur, also gave his (misspelled) name to the MacIntyre Range, which includes the mountains Iroquois, Boundary, Marshall, Wright, and Algonquin, the latter of which is the second highest peak in the state.

David Henderson gave his name to Lake Henderson, and then, sadly, to Calamity Pond. An accidental discharge from his pistol led to his death there in 1845.

Henderson's energy, leadership, and technical expertise had been vital to the operation. The Sackett’s Harbor and Saratoga Railroad Company were going to build their railway to Adirondac, but the geographic obstacles were too great. By 1856, the mining operation and its supporting village were abandoned.

Sportsman's paradise

As the forest slowly reclaimed the 10,000 acres of the Tahawus Tract, it became popular for use by private hunting and fishing clubs. In 1876, the Preston Ponds Club leased the land from the Adirondack Iron Works Company and renamed themselves the Tahawus Club. This gave the village its third name, Tahawus. Tahawus, which means cloud-splitter, was also the original name of Mount Marcy, the highest mountain in the Adirondacks.

Then-Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was visiting the Tahawus Club in 1901, pausing on his way to Buffalo, when he received a message that President William McKinley was expected to recover from a recent assassination attempt. Roosevelt was hiking Mount Marcy when he got the news that the president's health had taken a turn for the worse. Thus began Roosevelt's famous Midnight Ride to the Presidency. During his hurried trip to Buffalo, Roosevelt learned McKinley had died from his injuries, making him the new president. Every fall, Roosevelt's historic visit is the focus of the town of Newcomb's Teddy Roosevelt Weekend.

Rebirth of the mine

It turned out, the titanium dioxide that was one of the reasons for the first mine's closure led to the rebirth of Tahawus in 1941. In the decades since the mine was abandoned, titanium became recognized as a metallurgic "wonder metal." It could be mixed with other elements to produce strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant alloys which transformed the fields of aerospace and military technology, industrial and automotive processes, medical and dental instruments, and the sports and computer industries.

The wartime demand for titanium led to the federal government completing the railroad line into the mine site to secure a domestic supply. National Lead Industries successfully extracted 40 million tons of titanium by the time the mine closed again in 1989.

The Tahawus mine would become the largest titanium mine in the world. Tawahus the town was to remain inhabited until 1962, when the employees and many of the buildings were relocated to the nearby town of Newcomb.

The Newcomb Historical Museum recently completed an exhibit about the mining town's history.

Now, the old mining town is a popular hiking destination within a managed forest. The McIntyre Blast Furnace had its site cleared and its furnace stack stabilized and cleaned by the Open Space Institute, which purchased the area in August 2003 and manages it with a Department of Environmental Conservation partnership. County Route 25, Tahawus Road, brings drivers northward to Henderson Lake, and connects with State Route 28N to the south. It makes a beautiful scenic drive.

Adirondack history is not confined to just the Adirondacks. It is surprising how often it has influenced the history of New York, and the whole nation, as the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. But unlike many such places, the towns that sprang up in the beginning are still places for people to live and work. The Adirondacks continue to offer lessons in how to conserve natural beauty, and help it work in partnership with human civilization.

Find a charming place to stay. Enjoy local dining. Visit local museums for more fascinating glimpses into the Adirondacks.

Header photo by AH7 [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

It’s finally the holiday season! I love the holidays because it’s just one big party for more than a month straight. Seeing friends and family you haven’t seen in a while, meeting new people and making new friends - there's so much fun in store each holiday season!

Schroon Lake is a wonderful place to head for the holidays. The town has a holiday decorating contest each year, so the streets are lined with holiday cheer and visitors are sure to feel like they've entered a winter wonderland. Gather with friends or family from all over in this easy-to-get-to destination, or have a romantic winter getaway with your favorite lady or dude.

Meet in Schroon

The Schroon Lake Bed and Breakfast welcomes groups of adults at their cozy B&B to celebrate together in style and comfort. Owners Mark and Sharon Piper have the place closed through Dec. 1 as they work on readying their beautiful home for colder weather, and they look forward to booking groups after that.

The romantic Victorian-style inn has three rooms to book in the winter, and they offer a scrumptious farm-to-table breakfast each morning. They even have a package that includes a sleigh ride!

The B&B is just one of the many options; Schroon Lake has plenty of other quaint and beautiful places to stay as well!

It's time to party

If you really want to get your cheer on, there are some great places to hold a holiday party! Just imagine it: You won't have to deal with any of the shopping, prep, or decorating yourself - just show up and party down!

Witherbee’s Carriage House is a cozy restaurant with the feel of a fun hunting lodge in its upstairs pub area, and two more formal dining areas downstairs. The restaurant is currently closed down as owner Patty and her elves spruce up the place and ready it for the holiday season.

Patty can work with you on whatever kind of party you want to have, from formal, sit-down dinners to buffets to some apps and cocktails. She's even toying with the idea of combining multiple smaller parties, which would cut down on costs for the party hosts. Witherbee's will cater gatherings outside of the restaurant as well.

And don't miss their Ugly Sweater Party! It gets started at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, and besides seeing all the wonderful ugly sweaters, you'll enjoy drink and food specials plus door prizes and raffles.

Witherbee's also has behind it a set of three new log cabins, which in total can sleep up to six people. If you make reservations ahead of time, they'll have the cabins warm for you. And the cabins have a full view of the gorgeous lake.

Flanagans Pub and Grill is also known to host a festive holiday party. Their space is limited, so they can host parties for gatherings smaller than 60 people or so. But they can offer a variety of options for party planners including heavy hors d'eurves, buffets, and served sit-downs, from apps to desserts.

Flanagans is one of those places that goes all out with their holiday decorating; owner Penny says some people say they overdecorate. They are indeed past winners of the local holiday decorating contest.

Sticks & Stones is open Thanksgiving day with a special Thanksgiving feast for those who don't want all the hassle of cooking. (You're seriously expected to brine things for multiple days? That sounds EXHAUSTING. I'm clearly not a cooking-type person.)
They also host parties and other events, though availability is limted depending on the date and the size of the event, so contact them soon!

Sticks & Stones and Witherbee's are both usually known for great New Year's Eve parties as well, though plans have not solidified for either yet.

If you're looking for something super casual and kid-friendly, DeCesare's Pizzeria will host parties or will cater parties off site. Think of how happy your picky nephew will be to see that stack of pizza boxes arriving!

Shop till you drop

While you're in Schroon, don't even try to leave without spending some knocking out friends and family on your holiday gift list. There's so much fun shopping to do in Schroon!

Most of the local businesses will be participating in a Small Business Saturday promotion where special things will be going on all over town the day after Black Friday. So make sure to get there and shop small business!

Pine Cone Mercantile is a great place to start. Owner Lisa has a whole stash of holiday merchandise that she's stowing away in her stock room, because she firmly believes in not putting it out until after Thanksgiving is done. But on Black Friday, she'll unveil all the beautiful goods that will help you have a magical Chistmas, Hannukah, or whatever you celebrate.

Just a few examples of the adorable stuff that she has in store for her customers (all of which I want to buy so please if you see me there make me leave before I spend all the money ever):

In addition to their glorious holiday-specific merch, Pine Cone has lots of great year-round stuff for gifts, like candles, glassware, blankets, greeting cards, dog accoutrement, and more. (All of which I would really love to decorate my new house. So if you're giving me a gift this Christmas, I'll take anything from here! Thanks.)

Besides the “Cheesestravaganza” the Pine Cone is having during Small Business Saturday festivities (North Country Creamery will be on hand taking pre-orders for holiday gift boxes), the Pine Cone will also have special goings on for Black Friday: Complimentary cocoa, hot mulled cider, and holiday treats. They'll also host an in-store "Holiday Selfie Contest," with the winner receiving a custom Adirondack Map Tote Bag and $50 gift certificate. Runners-up will receive $25 and $15 gift certificates.

On Dec. 21, Pine Cone Mercantile will hold a Procrastinor's Party. The store will stay open late, till 8 p.m. (they're typically open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday this time of year), and there will be light apps to munch on in the store. And once you've spent half your paycheck there, you can take your receipt to Flanagans Pub and get a discount on your bill there.

As you leave the Pine Cone, hop down the street. The Schroon Lake Pharmacy has a surprising amount of cute gifts in addition to the typical drug store toiletries and meds. They have a whole rack of coloring books, plus games and other toys for kiddos. They also sell small gifts, scarves, and figurines, as well as a wide variety of greeting cards.

The Towne Store is open right up till Christmas Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The 134-year-old general store has, uh, basically everything. ALL THE THINGS. Everything your little shopping-addled brain could possibly imagine. Like, there's so much I'm not even going to bother listing anything. Just if you need anything at all, go there and you'll find it.

If you ever make it out of those places, cross the street to Giant Mountain Art Studio. Seriously, don't skip this one. Tony, who runs the place, usually has about 30 artists showing their work there, and they're all local or regional. Most come from within the Blue Line border of the Adirondacks, though a few are from just outside the Adirondacks.

And it's not just paintings to hang on the wall — though there are tons of paintings that are absolutely breathtaking and would make spectacular gifts. But he also has pottery, jewelry, scarves,

ornaments, greeting cards, and even hand-made guitars, crafted by a local artist from old logging lumber harvested from the bottom of the lake.

And he keeps a array of work on display that ranges from the abstractiest of abstract to stone-cold realism.

The pieces run the gamut from $8.75 to tens of thousands of dollars.

If somehow all those places in the main street area weren't enough for you, there's still more to choose from. But in the end, if you're still searching for the perfect gift and somehow come up short, a growler from the Paradox Brewery is sure to win you points with the lucky recipient! (I'll take the IPA.)

Holiday happenings

Schroon Lake hosts some delightful events this time of year. The Schroon Lake Olde Tyme Christmas will be held once again Saturday, Dec. 10. Though the details for this year's event have not yet been announced, previous years have included the annual Christmas Bazaar at the Schroon Lake Community Church, lots of sales at stores throughout the community, lighting of the community’s Christmas tree, caroling, a Nativity Procession that leads to a gospel reading at the Catholic church’s manger, lighting of the Schroon Lake Senior Citizen Center’s Memory Tree, and, of course, Santa will ring in the season by finding out what all the little girls and boys want for Christmas.

We can expect just as much fun and holiday cheer this year!

With all this and more, Schroon Lake will be an amazing place for your Adirondack holiday vacay!