Horseback riding, paddling, and lakeside dining await!
The ADK is Hot With Adventure This Summer
1.
Saddled with fun
All of the best places in the Adirondacks have a unique story. Each town has something special to offer, whether it’s a downtown coffee shop or proximity to the 46 High Peaks. Circle B Ranch, one of these unique Adirondack places, has been around since the 1800s, as a farm in its first iteration. Since then, the land has never been developed, aside from additions made by the ranch, and it is surrounded by over 3,000 acres of wilderness. Today you can go on a horseback ride, sleigh ride, hayride, and even take lessons there!
2.
Paddling Saranac Lake
We started out early on a cool, crisp morning in late June. We unloaded our canoes and gear at South Creek and set out on our full day trip from Middle to Lower Saranac Lake. The water temperature was warmer than the air, creating a light fog over the water.
As we paddled down the creek, we caught sight of an otter diving under the water. We took in the flora growing along the shores: the Northern blue flag irises were just beginning to bloom, and the newly emerging red and green leaves on the pitcher plants had recently opened. The brilliant greens of the newly awakened carpet of moss stood out strikingly against the feathery green of the young tamaracks; young ferns were still unfolding from their fiddlehead formations. We spotted a painted turtle sunning himself on a floating log and a black-backed woodpecker hammered its own rhythm on a distant tree. Life was very much alive and well in the bogs this time of year.
3.
Lakefront lodging
The Southern Adirondacks are peppered with great places to spend the night. Whether you prefer to stay right in the hustle and bustle of town, a secluded cabin in the woods, or in a tent, there is an option for everyone. Waterfront spots are some of the most sought-after overnight destinations in the area, and it's no wonder — our lakes and ponds are beautiful. Here are a just a few samples of places to stay with great private beaches!
4.
Dining with a view
The Adirondacks is known for its spectacular nature and outdoor recreation. Lake Placid is also a hub of unique restaurants with a variety of food options, from BBQ with Adirondack flair to seasonal veggie dishes. Since spring and summer in the Adirondacks are a great time to be outdoors, why not combine the outdoors with dining?
Enjoy your meal surrounded by mountain vistas and pristine lakes. Watch the sunset and dine under the stars. There are many restaurants in Lake Placid that offer outdoor and lakeside seating. You can also get your food to go to create your own outdoor dining experience along the waterfront in Mid’s Park. Below are some suggestions, and most of these are located right downtown along Main Street.
5.
Cool summer events
The Whiteface Region has it all. There are gorgeous views, peaks to climb, streams to fish, and even large attractions such as Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway and High Falls Gorge. You can party all night at the local hotspots or enjoy a romantic dinner next to the Ausable River at The Hungry Trout Restaurant. Events happening all summer long simply add to the daily experiences of the region and are centered around family fun, outdoor recreation, world-class athletes, and more. It is all in the Whiteface Region, and you can do it all this summer.
6.
Happy birthday Tupper arts
The Tupper Arts Center at 106 Park Street in Tupper Lake officially opened its doors during the summer of 2018. As we approach the center's first birthday, we are delighted with all we've accomplished and the support we've received during this exciting first year, and we are thrilled to announce a full and impressive lineup of events for summer 2019!
7.
Going back to the prairie
The homesteading life of the 1800s, with all of its inherent hardships, from crop blight to raids, is hard to imagine in today's world of supermarkets, electricity, and border patrols. And yet, the stories that come out of these chapters in American history continue to capture our imaginations - from the big screen to the small.
Such is the case with "Little House on the Prairie," a TV show just about everyone from my '90s girlhood will remember watching while growing up. The star was the plucky Laura Ingalls, a pig-tailed, freckle-cheeked little girl with a heart of gold. Based on the autobiographical children's stories by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the series opened a window into the past, one we often gathered around our so-not-flat-screen TVs to peer through.
8.
Learn about iron's past
Some of our little museums are frequently overlooked; however, they can be a wealth of information, particularly about topics that are out of sight. Within the village of Port Henry, town of Moriah, is a treasure of local historical information and interpretation. I often don't give a thought to what is beneath my feet, or ever have a chance to appreciate "place" from a bottom-up perspective. The Iron Center burrows beneath the familiar topography to reveal a combination of humanity, geology, and industry that took place within the town of Moriah for over a century and a half. The motivator of this mix was an abundance of iron ore buried within Moriah's landscape. This ore is magnetite, a rich, magnetic iron ore needing little refinement; the kind that makes compasses go a little crazy.