A Sampler of Adirondack Treasures

A Sampler of Adirondack Treasures

Forget what you thought you knew about the Adirondacks! 

1.

World class golf

The Saranac Inn Golf Course was once part of the famous Saranac Inn Resort. The original six holes were built in 1901 and in 1910 the course was extended to 18 holes. Ingrained in history, buried in tradition, the Saranac Inn has been true to the architect, Seymour Dunn’s, original plan to offer guests a pleasurable round of golf. After building over 300 courses in many parts of the world, Dunn stated that the Saranac Inn was his “masterpiece.” He also stated that “anyone who was able to play on the Inn course would be able to give a credible account of themselves on any course.”  

2.

Animals, derbies, and rides - oh my!

Mark your calendars because one of New York state's most exciting fairs is coming to town. Beginning on Friday, August 3, Malone will host the 168th annual Franklin County Fair, a regional celebration of farming and all things fun. This will be a ten day affair jam packed with competitions, live performances, farm animals, delicious and farm fresh food, rides, a tractor pull, lawnmower drag races, and two separate days of demolition derby (just in case you miss the first, or want more). No matter your taste, there is something to appeal to the whole family at this fair, which is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. After all, this is the New York state county fair.

3.

What's in a name?

I took a drive to the Piercefield Museum the other day and had the privilege to chat with Nancy, the town historian. I had never been in the museum before, and I was eager to learn about the history of the Piercefield area. In my short time there I left with a wealth of new knowledge about the area. 

4.

By land and by lake

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty, serenity, and wildness of the Adirondacks. For many, it is also a cherished family tradition that brings back wonderful memories and helps us reconnect with those closest to us. Growing up, my parents frequently brought my brother and I to the Adirondacks to camp. In addition to building a stronger bond between us, it also helped me form a strong connection with the Adirondacks — so much so that I eventually made it my home. Recently, my dad came to visit and we decided to recreate some of my greatest childhood memories — and make some more — by going camping at Forked Lake Campground in the heart of the Adirondacks.

5.

Plunge into Placid

When I was a kid all I wanted to do on vacation was swim. It didn't matter what the hotel was like, it mattered what the pool was like. The other stuff was just details that mattered to my parents, but not to my siblings and me. Vacation meant swimming. Swimming until our skin was wrinkly and we were so exhausted we would fall asleep wrapped up in a towel by the water. Whatever vacation means to your family, whether it's hiking, biking, shopping, or swimming, Lake Placid has what you are looking for — beautiful resorts to go along with gorgeous swimming spots. Dive right into summer in Lake Placid under the perfect mountain sky. 

6.

So much camping

It’s all about the outdoors in the Adirondacks! Does the idea of having your own little private plot of campground sound appealing? That’s what our many campgrounds are all about. The key to a great camping vacation can be finding the ideal campsite that will be a good fit for your family. Whether you are coming with a tent, an RV, or merely supplies and gear, we are ready to accommodate. Here are a few ideas and features of our many campground facilities within the Lake Champlain Region.

7.

Why dine inside?

Since I love outdoor dining in the summer, the Whiteface Region is a favorite place for me to enjoy river breezes and stunning mountain scenery along with my meal. Dining in this charming region fits the category of "gourmet picnic with beverages." Imagine combining a bistro and picinic all in one with the majestic views of the High Peaks. Indulge yourself on the decks, porches, and pavilions, which are a short drive or walk from most lodging choices.

8.

The birds of Cheney Pond

“I like mink frogs,” I thought to myself as Wren, my dog, and I pushed off onto the waters of Cheney Pond the other day, listening to their characteristic knocking calls from the cool shallows. They were adding a new voice to the morning which had started with a walk along the rough and rocky road that leads to the pond from Blue Ridge Road. That walk had already given us a list of birds, including Nashville, Yellow-rumped, Magnolia, and Black-throated Blue Warblers, Northern Parula, Winter Wren, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, and Swainson’s Thrush.