One of the many wonderful things about living near or visiting an Olympic town is the ability to try unusual sports. My children have been able to casually mention to family and friends that they tried ski jumping, biathlon (paintball because small children shouldn’t have guns, right?), and ...
My children have finally given up asking for a kitten, cat, panther, lion, or other feline. Since I’m allergic they depend on their friends or the Tri-Lakes Humane Society to provide the source of entertainment that our dog just doesn’t have. Though my daughter swears she will have cats one ...
There are many holiday traditions, but one that is very close to my heart is the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC). We visit with friends, take a long wooded walk, and learn about the various birds in our community. We've only been participating since 2013, but this holiday tradition is in ...
I love winter, the winter solstice, and the Christmas holiday. I’m excited to go through all our decorations and have the house smelling like balsam. I discovered long ago that it isn’t about the bins of decorations that don’t go up as quickly as our neighbors or that sometimes cookies ...
I was recently reminded that I am not a runner when I watched people lap me during the recent Bitters and Bones Turkey Trot. It didn’t even matter that the race was no longer being timed when I finally made the finish line. The atmosphere was incredible as people gathered together with the ...
I can sift through the sale circulars like I’m holding the winning lotto ticket and my numbers are somehow hidden inside the pages. I’m a frugal shopper, but even shopping the sales, my family has never had to go without. It is difficult to imagine not being able to open the fridge and have ...
The Wild Center is one of our favorite places to visit. It houses all the essentials for a multigenerational family: coffee, animals, coffee, interactive activities, coffee, and wonderful trails to work off all the caffeine consumed. I enjoy the exhibits and am constantly amazed how this museum ...
Winter comes every year whether I’m ready for it or not and I never seem to be ready. I haven’t cleaned out the garden when the leaves start to fall. I haven’t raked or or carved a pumpkin and the snow comes. I like the excuse of getting outfitted for winter fun in order to finally ...
I love going to the movies. I’m not sure if my strong feelings are always attached to the actual film or directed toward the smell of buttered popcorn. Back in the olden days, when I was growing up, film was only seen on the big screen. I waited with great anticipation for that opening ...
The leaves are at their peak and it’s not always enough to just glimpse the brilliant golds, reds, and oranges through the car windows. We need to plan a picnic and explore the roads, making sure that the locals become the tourist once in a while. One of our favorite spots while driving ...
Every time I step into the Adirondack Carousel, I am in awe of the craftsmanship of each animal and the hand painted scenes surrounding its exterior. In addition to providing a unique experience, the carousel provides an expanded interior play area and games to idly pass the time away. With ...
One of our favorite places to go all year round is the Jay Covered Bridge. While during the frosty months we are hypnotized by the swift current and ice formations. In the heat of summer we are drawn to the cool waters below. Now that it’s autumn, it is the perfect place to view the changing ...
Every year I am saddened by how many books still remain challenged or banned from various schools and libraries. According to the American Library Association, more than 11,300 books have been challenged since the inception of Banned Book Week in 1982. These banned and challenged books ...
Recently I have felt less like a parent and more like a taxi driver. Though this has been my previous experience on parenting a pre-driving teen. I am grateful for the commute that allows me to catch up on school days and be included in various aspects of life between school, sports, and other ...
There are numerous books and articles written about the Adirondack Great Camp era. The mystic and the opulence is part of the core of the settling of the Adirondacks. There are still many of the “great camps” in existence , but most remain in the private sector. Only a handful of these ...
It has been a few years since I’ve been back to the Stevenson Cottage in Saranac Lake. Walking across the front porch and through the front door feels like stepping back in time. The original furniture, wood cuts, and even clothes are still on display as part of the permanent ...
There are many reasons for making High Falls Gorge, one of New York’s natural wonders, a must-see stop. Our visitors and friends are always such a range of ages and abilities, High Falls Gorge makes it easy for everyone to get close to nature. We can always go our separate ways for other ...
I’m really not a daredevil. I just want to face a few of my fears without crying like a baby. I’ve gone on the Experience Outdoors zipline and repelled down treetop platforms. I’ve driven the Gabriel’s Farmhouse Go Karts and Snowmobile trails. I’ve learned that I’m a bit braver than ...
There are a variety of Adirondack activities that focus on family fun. Hiking, biking and swimming around the Adirondacks are just some our favorites. Though being in nature is gift we are grateful for, we also enjoy the simple act of a county fair. Eating cotton candy and enjoying a traveling ...
The blueberries are ripening! That is one call to let us know to hit the trail to Catamount. Of course, there are plenty of Adirondack hikes with such summit treats, but Catamount is always a family favorite. The 1.8-mile hike is challenging, but its benefits always outweigh those ...