Your 2018 Adirondack Bucket List

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by Eileen Mowrey

Your 2018 Adirondack Bucket List

Welcome to 2018. Traditionally, January is a time of goal-setting and resolution-making. Following the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the New Year allows us to reset ourselves and enjoy a fresh start. While classics like “go to the gym 5 times a week” or “stop using disposable coffee cups” are honorable resolutions, they’re not exactly fun, which makes it hard to keep with the program as the months stretch on. So, why not make your 2018 New Year’s resolution something you’ll want to stick with?

This year, resolve to adventure more! The Adirondacks are full of amazing places to discover – so much so that you may need to make this resolution more than once! Thanks to breathtaking hikes, peaceful paddles, one-of-a-kind experiences, and finger-licking good food, you’ll have no problem keeping your resolutions this year. To get you started, here’s my 2018 Adirondack Bucket List.

1.

Titus Mountain

Start the year off right at Titus Mountain, recently named the number one family-friendly ski area and the third best beginner-friendly ski area in North America by Liftopia! Locally-owned, affordable, and constantly expanding, Titus accommodates both beginner and experienced skiers and snowboarders with a wide variety of excellently groomed trails. No gear? No problem! Rentals, as well as beginner lessons are available.

2.

Adirondack Experience

Resolve to expand your knowledge at Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. Offering an immersive and diverse visitor experience for over six decades, the 121-acre museum tells the story of the region's past, present and future. With 24 galleries, historically-preserved buildings, and live demonstrations, you’ll have a hard time packing everything into one visit!

3.

Breweries

Who says every adventure needs to take place outdoors? Discover your new favorite craft beer at Big Tupper Brewing or Raquette River Brewery in Tupper Lake. In addition to a wide variety of craft and micro-brews, these establishments serve up delicious food, excellent entertainment, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Not into beer? Big Tupper Brewing also makes their own coffee!

4.

Beach Day

You don’t need to journey to the seaside to enjoy a beautiful day on the beach. Head to the Schroon Lake Town Beach for sandy fun this summer. That’s right, the shores of Schroon Lake are lined with a sand beach! Perfect for sandcastles, sunbathing, and swimming, bring the kids and enjoy the sunshine. When it’s time for lunch, enjoy a picnic in the adjacent town park and take in the beautiful mountain views – it’s the best of both worlds!

5.

Ausable Chasm

The oldest natural attraction in the United States, Ausable Chasm is definitely calling to me this year. This location offers hiking trails, rafting, and even guided climbing! Sights of Rainbow Falls, Elephants Head, and the Grand Flume will take your breath away, and a number of other adventure activities will satisfy the thrill-seeker inside you.

6.

Adirondack Wildlife Refuge

The Adirondack Wildlife Refuge is home to a wide array of predatory birds, coyotes, fox, porcupines, and even wolves! While some of these animals will spend their whole lives on the 50-acre preserve due to injuries or a lack of knowledge about the wild, many will be rehabilitated and returned to their natural habitats. Hang out by the wolf enclosure long enough and you may even experience the awesome bone-chilling sound of them howling.

7.

Saranac Lake 6er

The Saranac Lake 6er hiking challenge is perfect for those looking to add physical activity to their 2018 resolutions. Aspiring 6ers must climb six mountains that circle Saranac Lake. These are great hikes for beginners or families, and beautiful views make them rewarding for everyone! This year, I’m looking to take this challenge to the next level by taking on the Ultra 6er challenge – climbing all six peaks in one day!

8.

I Love BBQ Festival

Summer may still be a distant dream, but when the food is this good, you plan ahead! Lake Placid’s I Love BBQ Festival is a foodie’s dream come true. This annual July event attracts professional BBQ competitors from around the country, and has been rated one of the top 10 Best BBQ festival in the U.S. by USA Today and Delish.com. Explore a variety of flavors with featured tastings and fierce BBQ competitions. Looking to become a BBQ master yourself? Attend a demonstration by one of the pros to pick up some tips! Live music, beverage concessions, and activities for the kids round out the occasion, making it a perfect family-friendly destination!