It’s here! Warm-weather fun has begun — are you counting the days until your next adventure? Our bloggers are!
Let the countdown begin!
1.
51 years, 7 months, and 26 days with Capt. Kirk
On May 4, 2018, the most accurate Star Trek set reproduction in the world will welcome back the person who created the starship captain. On that day, it will be 51 years, 7 months, and 26 days since William Shatner brought Captain Kirk to television.
This beloved show was actually obscure in its time. But that was before there was a man on the moon and a computer in the palm of our hand. Now, Star Trek isn't a show which barely hung on long enough to go into syndication. Star Trek is an entire universe.
2.
1 June: Celebrate Paddling ADK kickoff!
As the snow finishes melting and we take guesses at when the ice will go out, our thoughts often turn to our summer paddling plans. On June 1, we once again kick off Celebrate Paddling ADK, the month-long series of paddling-related events in the Saranac Lake region.
One of the best things about canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding is that it can be enjoyed by the entire family. I met up with Jason Smith, local family man and owner of Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, to find out how he spends the perfect family day on local rivers, ponds, and lakes. Jason not only outlined his day, but also added some tips and tricks for paddling with a family of any age, from young children to teenagers. Here is his day:
3.
1-in-20 for great birding
With a one-in-twenty year bumper food crop this past winter, Red and White-winged Crossbills irrupted into the Adirondacks, with the largest concentration occurring in Long Lake. Birders traveled from all over the east coast to see these fascinating species! Visitors are still flocking to our area since both Red and White-winged Crossbills are currently nesting. The opportunity to view these beautiful birds will continue well into spring and summer.
Very soon, heavily striped juvenile Red and White-winged Crossbills will be observed in family groups. It takes several weeks for the juveniles’ bills to cross and they will continue to be fed by the adults during this time. Crossbills use their unusual bills to open cone scales to retrieve the seeds inside.
4.
5 Ps for better hiking
Spring has sprung in the Adirondacks. After a long March filled with snow, April has arrived with mild temperatures, lots of sun, and melting snow (okay, and the occasional snow storm, but who's counting?).
With the warmer weather comes the surge of hikers ready to hit the trails. We agree, after a long snowy winter, nothing is better than the first hike of the spring season.
I had a chance to talk with Sheila Young who owns Adirondack Foothills Guide Service with her husband Sonny. I wanted to pick her brain about what being prepared to hike in the Adirondacks really means. Being a licensed guide and having experience with paddling, hiking, and map and compass classes, I knew she would have a wealth of knowledge for me. Take note of Sheila's tips before planning your spring or summer hiking trip to Tupper Lake.
5.
3 of the finest art galleries
It doesn't take much convincing to see that Lake Placid is a special kind of beautiful. Who wouldn't want to take a little of that home with them? Luckily, the lakes and mountains have inspired generations of writers, artists, musicians, and photographers, who then put their skills to work producing glorious Adirondack-inspired art. Next time you're here, take time to visit these three Lake Placid galleries, and who knows? You might walk away with your very own slice of the Adirondacks.
6.
35 miles of fly-fishing perfection
It's a sure sign of spring when fly fishermen flow to the Adirondacks' Whiteface Region, where the season has begun and the industry's signature event is ready to cast off.
The Whiteface Region is no secret to avid fly fishermen. Surrounded by the spectacular Adirondack Mountains, the legendary Ausable River is one of the most magnificent fly fishing destinations in the northeast. 35 miles of water include classic pools, faster pockets and riffles that hide browns, brookies and rainbows.
Adirondack weather is warming up, and the fish are looking up! And while the famed West Branch of the Ausable offers year-round catch-and-release areas, the April opening of trout season is a catalyst to encourage anglers to dust of that fly reel.
So now that it's here, it's time to start planning a getaway to the Adirondacks, the Ausable and some of its lesser-known neighboring streams.
7.
5 de Mayo = maple margos
Like most of us do on the fifth of May, you are probably looking forward to finding a great margarita place to celebrate this fun holiday. Here in the Malone Region, we do our margaritas with a little bit of an extra hometown feel. That's right --- our tasty margaritas are garnished with a local spin and we want to share them with you.
8.
4 fabulous spring hikes
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.
9.
The ADKs are a happenin' place!
Check out this sampler of awesome upcoming events:
Open Mic Night at Dewey Mountain
April 19
2nd annual Deer's Head Mile Run
April 21
Mud Ball
April 21
Eat ADK Restaurant Week
May 3-10
Early Migrant Bird Walk
May 5
Two-Fly Challenge
May 18-19
Color Your Hyde Color Run
May 19
Opening Day: Adirondack Experience
May 25