Exploring the Adirondacks in New York State

Sunset over the Owls Head Mountain in Long Lake, NY, a different view from the city…

I have visited New York City more than a handful of times on my travels and it is really a city that I love and adore. However with all of these visits I have rarely left Manhattan let alone the city. Of course I know that there is more to the state than the city but it never really occurred to me what else there was to see and explore outside of the Big Apple. This recently all changed when I was invited to explore the Adirondacks, St. Lawrence River and 1,000 Islands area of the state, an invitation that I couldn’t resist.

Not only did I learn that there is a whole lot more to see and do in New York than just New York City but I was also met with a lot of surprises, made new friends and now perhaps not only is New York home to one of my favourite cities but now possibly one of my favourite states in general.

Canadian Geese on the shores of Lake Champlain at Point Au Roche State Park

My trip actually began in Montreal and from there we crossed the border and spent our first night in Plattsburgh, New York. In Plattsburgh we had our first taste of many craft beers in the state at the Plattsburgh Brewing Co. and aside from enjoying time along Lake Champlain at Point Au Roche State Park, Plattsburgh is also where we began our tour of the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail.

You guys know I love my wines and my snapchats! @cailinoneil

Home to seven different wineries and vineyards the best way to enjoy them along their 133km route  is by bicycle. We unfortunately only had the chance to stop by three, but what I did taste I was quite impressed with. Visiting Amazing Grace Vineyards, Vesco Ridge Vineyards and Elfs Farm which was a ciderie that served us apple cider wine and other tasty ciders.

Beaver approved Beaver Bite IPA at Paradox Brewery

This however wasn’t the end of our “tastings” for the day as we also visited Paradox Brewery, popular for their Beaver Bite IPA and the tastiest pretzels ever! Offering us seven samples of various beers they definitely know how to make a blogger happy. We also visited the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery, and Raquette River Brewing and with each stop I was even more impressed than the last at the large selection that New York State has on offer for craft beers.

A sample of the delicious tasting menu at 1844 House

We also ate some amazing meals along that way at Sticks and Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar, the Long Lake Diner, Well Dressed Foods, 1844 House, Wellesley Hotel, and the Tin Pan Galley all being my favourites. I am always amazed as I travel when I find some of the most amazing food in the middle of nowhere and of course nothing makes me happier.

The Mt. Arab Fire Watchtower 

Stunning views from the top of Mt. Arab in the Adirondacks

This trip wasn’t all drinking and eating, there was also a TON of “activeness”, more than I am use to in a week or a year… we hiked a mile up hill with a change in elevation of 750feet to the top of Mt. Arab and then I went even further climbing to the top of the fire watch tower because what is the point going to the top and not making it all the way up?

 

We also did a two hour canoe paddle with boats from the Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, starting in Second Pond in the Saranac Lake area and finishing in Ampersand Bay in record breaking time. One of the things that I was most excited for was also going fly fishing for the first time. I might not of caught anything but our guide Ken Kalil was great and taught us a bunch.

With the weather against us (an often theme of our travels that week) we also paddled kayaks amongst the thousand islands from Eel Bay to Boomerang Island with Boomerang Bike and Kayak Rentals. We were slightly wet by the end of it but the homemade cookies and scones that awaited us made up for that.

The Wild Walk at the Wild Center – the coolest place ever!

We also stimulated our brains and had fun exploring the Wild Center (by far the coolest place ever!), we dove into history at Fort Ticonderoga (which played an important role in the American Revolutionary War) and we visited the Adirondack Museum learning about the history of the mountains, boats, the surrounding area and more.

On tour with Uncle Sam Boat tours on the St. Lawrence River

On our final day we took a boat cruise from Alexandria Bay on the St. Lawrence River around a few of the Thousand Islands in the 1,000 Islands and saw some magnificent homes and learned tons of interesting facts and information and we even crossed the border into Canada on the boat for about 4 minutes, (no passport required).

To learn more about my whirlwind trip through the Adirondacks and Upstate New York watch my highlight video and stay tuned for most posts about my trip.

 

 

Have you ever been to these parts of New York State? What was your favourite place and thing to do?

 

Thanks to ROOSTADK and other service providers for hosting me on this trip, follow along on social media with #EatPlayLoveNY . As always all views expressed are my own.

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