Even as thousands of folks load up the family truckster to head out to the Adirondacks for their Memorial Day holiday festivities, the sacrifices of those who made possible the freedom to enjoy a picnic in the outdoors should never be forgotten. The officially recognized birthplace of Memorial Day is only about 160 miles from Speculator. It was in Waterloo, N.Y. in 1865 when druggist Henry Welles first promoted the idea of a special day of remembrance while at a social event, encouraging his listeners to show their respect for the fallen Civil War soldiers by decorating their graves. In…
Summer is right around the corner, and with some 3,000 lakes and ponds and 6,000 miles of rivers and streams, the Adirondack Mountains region is the perfect place for a relaxing boat outing. Much like your car, of course, you’ll need a bit of preparation to get your boat ready for the waterway trips soon to come – especially since it’s likely to have sat dormant for the last few months. Hopefully you winterized your boat before storing it last fall, since that will make “summerizing” it easier now, but if you didn‘t you should still be able to get…
Lake Pleasant continues to celebrate two centuries of history as the town counts down to their official Bicentennial Weekend gala coming up in August. But there’s no need to wait until then to get in on the fun, of course — there are plenty of festivities in the meantime as Lake Pleasant looks back on the time since its incorporation in 1812. The year-long craft project encouraging participants to illustrate “What Does 200 Mean to You?“ continues, with artwork welcomed that spells out the number 200 with items of personal importance (maybe pine cones for nature buffs, thimbles for sewing…
May is turkey season in the Adirondacks, and if you’re a turkey hunter, you’ll want to take advantage. In New York State, turkey season runs from May 1 to May 31, and hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until noon. You’re allowed two bearded turkeys per season, with a limit of one bird per day. Once you’ve bagged your birds, you might be wondering if there’s anything different you can do with them. Why wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy the great taste of wild turkey, when there are so many great recipes you can try now? One recipe…
Nothing beats a getaway to the Adirondacks, and springtime is particularly beautiful in Speculator, N.Y. With many different varieties of wildflowers and flowering trees in full bloom, you’ll love the landscape this time of year. Whether you’re stopping by for fishing, boating, or just to refuel your spirit, a springtime adventure to Speculator is sure to give you just the recharge you need. While on your Adirondack quest, why not make a visit to the Speculator Department Store? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of items they carry, including a huge array of Adirondack-themed gift items. You’re sure to…
When warmer days return, those of us with lakeside camps in the Adirondacks start to think about preparing them for the summer season. I’ve talked about what you need to do to close down your camp for winter, and now that summer is approaching, I’d like to share with you some tips on opening your camp for the season, while keeping the flora and fauna in mind. Some great things to consider when you’re opening up camp in the Adirondacks When opening your camp, you’ll want to keep in mind the lake, as well as the plants and animals living…
Salads are always popular dishes at gatherings, but sometimes refrigeration can be an issue. Salads containing meat products, eggs or mayonnaise can go from delicious to dangerous when they get warm… and you don’t want to be remembered as the person who brought food poisoning to the barbeque! Luckily, there are many other great alternatives to such classics as potato salad, so why not bring one to your next gathering? Here’s an incredible potato salad recipe courtesy of the Food Network’s Ina Garten. What makes it perfect is that it’s absolutely meat and egg-free, and can be safely served at…
Bob and Bill are out fishing in a remote wooden spot when suddenly they encounter a hungry and raging black bear. In a panic, they start running away, with the bear in hot pursuit. Realizing the futility of trying to get away from the huge carnivore, Bob says, “Bill, I don’t think there’s any way we can outrun this bear!” Bill glances back at the four-legged fury closing in behind them, and responds, “I don’t have to outrun the bear. I only have to outrun you!” And that, my friends, is exactly what NOT to do if you encounter a…
There might not be any recreational activity as relaxing as a leisurely picnic in the Adirondacks. Make up some of your favorite sandwiches, stop for some hot dogs and hamburgers, throw in your favorite beverages and snacks, load the family in the minivan and head out to your favorite remote picnic spot for some quality time surrounded by nature. If you’re picnicking outdoors in the Adirondacks, here are a couple of tips that can help you keep it safe for all to enjoy For the safest picnicking — and to alleviate any worry that might hinder the enjoyment of the…
When you visit a setting as full of untamed nature as Speculator and the Adirondack Mountains region, you can expect to see some critters you might not find at home. But don’t get overexcited about the meeting, because being a part of that untamed nature means that the wildlife is just that — wild. There’s always a chance you’ll come across a moose or black bear during an Adirondacks visit, and those are probably the two area inhabitants that thrill the tourists the most during sightings. Chances are, most people already know better than to approach them, since neither is…
Tags: Adirondack wildlife
