This week we have a recommended winter activity to try, five events to check out, and five newsworthy mentions to take note of in the Adirondacks. Happy holidays, and enjoy the winter weather!
Suggested Activity for the Week: Snowshoeing
There’s some serious snow in the forecast for the Southern Adirondacks. Ease into winter sports and recreation this year with snowshoeing, an activity that does not require a ton of skill, space, or even specialized trails.
You can find a slew of places to snowshoe at the link below, but today we’re highlighting Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center in Northville. They’ve been recognized as a top snowshoe-friendly Nordic Center in North America by Snowshoe Magazine, their property offers a variety of fun terrain, and you can rent from them or bring your own snowshoes (they also sell snowshoes, if you end up loving it!).
Find places to snowshoe and get rentals if you need them >>
Attend Holiday Events & Check Out (or Buy!) Local Art
Find Festive Lights in Lake George
This is the last weekend for the Holiday Festival of Lights in Lake George! This is a walk-through event with around 20 light displays donated by local businesses.
Take a Wintry Walk on the Wild Side
The Wild Lights we reported on last week continue on at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake and will be held through late March. But, wouldn’t it be nice to see this special attraction before the holidays?
Pendragon Theatre’s Holiday Special
Pendragon Theatre’s Best Holiday TV Special That Never Aired starts on December 18 and runs through the end of the month. You can enjoy the show from home at a scheduled air time, or you can pay an additional $6 to watch at your leisure.
A Quilt-Focused Gallery Exhibit
Stich by Stich: A Gathering of Local Quilting will be on display at the Tannery Pond Community Center in North Creek through December 23. Come check out the exquisite work of local quilters and textile artists.
More Local Art With a Holiday Twist
The second annual NorthWind Fine Arts Holiday Extravaganza in Saranac Lake runs through December 20. Stop in to check out holiday sales on beautiful works created by award-winning local artists.
From Ice Skating to a Winter Carnival: See What Else Is Happening in the ADK
The Olympic Speed Skating Oval Is Open
The Olympic Speed Skating Oval is now open at the Lake Placid Olympic Sites. Skate rentals will be provided through their outdoor rental window on the Main Street side of the building, and there will be a dedicated outdoor rental return space. Find Lake Placid Olympic Sites on Facebook for more details – the Lake Placid Olympic Museum is open as well!
Browse a list of more places to go ice skating >>
This One’s for the Birds (And Birders)
The 121st Christmas Bird Count is a nationwide, volunteer-based bird survey effort that is happening now through January 5. If you check out the map view of areas expected to be included in the 2020 – 2021 survey, you’ll see there are organized counts happening in Saranac Lake, Elizabethtown, Plattsburgh, Old Forge, and Bolton Landing.
Go here for more info and a link to the map. When you click on the bird icon on the map, it will bring you to the appropriate contact information for that region should you want to participate.
Fun fact: The Christmas Bird Count began in 1900 as a replacement for a Christmas hunting competition; this was around the time when people were becoming aware of their effect on wildlife, and the need for conservation efforts.
Help Out the Salvation Army of Plattsburgh
The Salvation Army of Plattsburgh is trying to raise $80,000 by Christmas Eve, all of which will be matched by a donor. Find them on Facebook to see details on how to donate or volunteer to be a bell ringer.
Campfires Okayed at Essex Chain Lakes Primitive Tent Sites
Recent measures passed as part of an amendment to the Essex Chain Lakes Unit Management Plan that will allow campfires at 11 primitive campsites in the area. There will also be a new equestrian staging area and additional parking.
A Quick Update on the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
Event organizers have said there will be a Saranac Lake Winter Carnival for 2021, even if it looks different, and they’re making good on their word.
Although no one will be allowed inside it, there will be an Ice Palace and two fireworks nights. Construction of the palace will begin around January 21, and the fireworks will take place on February 6 and 13; the entirety of the Carnival runs February 5 – 14, 2021. The other events and activities that traditionally happen as part of the Carnival will not take place. Also, the theme is – wait for it – “Mask-erade.”
See restaurants offering dine-in and takeout options over the holidays >>
Sources:
- Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Winter Carnival: Ice Palace, fireworks only
- Adirondack Explorer: Campfires now OK at Essex Chain Lakes primitive tent sites
