Summertime in the Adirondacks - what could be better?

Summer is that time of year when we celebrate that which we enjoy in life! Whether it’s getting out into nature, seeking, adventures, finally finding time for that beloved hobby, gathering with family and friends, or observing our Independence Day and remembering the freedoms we have as Americans. There is so much to be grateful for! Here are the many ways you can celebrate your summer in Hamilton County!

Celebrate the USA in the ADK!

As America celebrates 250 years, join our small towns in celebrating big! Parades, music, picnics, and of course fireworks!

Inlet – Family games, live music, fireworks.
Indian Lake – Chicken BBQ, live music, parade, and fireworks.
Long Lake – Kids’ games, strawberry shortcake, cookout, live music, fireworks.
Speculator – Parade, carnival, food & games, fireworks.

Fishing, hiking, and birding

Nothing is better than a night under the stars - especially when you can see them! Did you know that the Adirondacks are one of the best places for stargazing in the world? Plus, all the other great reasons like campfires, s’mores, cool, crisp mornings, and the sounds of nature! With a plethora of state campgrounds, and a full spectrum of availabilities that range from bringing in your RV with most of the comforts of home to roughing it in the backcountry; you can find a spot that suits your interests. Many have lake access for swimming, paddling, or boating.

Let's not forget fishing! Fishing and camping go together like peanut butter and jelly, and we have many fishing derbies happening throughout the summer for youth and adults! Here's three!

• The 5th Annual Bass Fishing Derby on Oxbow Lake
• For the littles, the Kids Fishing Derby on Raquette Lake, and the Youth Fishing Derby in Morehouse.

Plus, you can usually find a good trail to hike or mountain nearby for a change of pace. The Northville-Placid Trail just celebrated 100 years of adventure! After your time on the trail, stop by the Trail Makers exhibit at the Adirondack Experience Museum.

Not into roughing it? There is a variety of accommodations to choose from! Special to the Adirondacks are Great Camps like Great Camp Sagamore, built in the late nineteenth century. Great Camp Sagamore has several multi-stay programs and stay-and-explore overnights. Enjoy America’s first vacationland and get a glimpse of the historical Adirondack high life! Come the first weekend in August for Durant Days, a celebration full of activities celebrating William West Durant, the inventor of the Great Camps Style Architecture!

Artisan and antique fairs

Sprinkled throughout this vast expanse of wilderness are the quaint yet rugged small towns. Here you’ll find all that you need- souvenirs, good coffee, and cozy sweatshirts, in these locally-owned shops!

You'll also want to be in town for the great artisan fairs happening throughout the summer! Exquisite craftsmanship from woodworkers to jewelry artists, potters, photographers, and so many more

• Arts in the Park in Inlet
• Heart of the Park Craft Fair & The Art & Photo Show, both in Long Lake
• TWIGS Craft Fair in Speculator
• Rustic & Artisan Street Fair and the Antiques Show & Sale, both in the Town of Indian Lake

Live music and theater

Live music at the end of a summer day is a great way to wind down while enjoying the company of friends and family! Whether it's in the park or by the lake, we've got your music destination. See who's playing and when at:

• Sunset Concert Series, Inlet
• Music on the Point, Speculator
• Music by the Lake, Long Lake
• Music in the Park, Indian Lake
• Looking for a special night out? Switch out your camp clothes and spruce up for An Evening with the Symphony and enjoy the melodies of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, as they perform under the tent at Arrowhead Park in Inlet.
• Don't forget, the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts has their Weekend Series all set with top performers and musicians! They also sponsor the ADK Lakes Theatre Festival, come out for an evening of Shakespeare in the Parks or one of their other performances taking place throughout the region!
• Check out a dining cruise on the W.W. Durant for a more unique experience.

There's even special events and activities for children! Kids art classes offered every Wednesday throughout July and August at the Mt. Sabattis Pavilion in Long Lake and kids' craft camps at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts. 

Whatever the weather

Weather in NY is just about as unpredictable as it can get. Come prepared! It’s great to plan for a week of living out of your tent, but it’s better to know what’s available around you for those wet, soggy days. There are plenty of indoor destinations! Head to the Indian Lake Theater, they not only have movies but great performances happening like Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix.  or the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts,

which not only has an art gallery to view, but you can also be entertained by the theatrical and musical performances scheduled over the summer. If you like to take part in the art, they also have adult workshops and kids' art camps.

Local history

A definite must-do, rain or shine, is the Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake! Filled with interactive exhibits, ADK history, great views of the lake, and even a fire tower to climb. It is a 5-star review for all ages!

If you enjoy local history, there are many historical places and museums to explore! The Piseco Lake Historical Society is hosting several authors over the summer:

• Larry Weill, Out There Adirondacks: 108 Unknown Adirondack Attractions
• David Brooks, The Erie Canal at 200

On the water and in the air

In lieu of the paddles, perhaps you prefer the open water and wind in your sails! If that's the case, then Piseco Lake is your place this summer! The Piseco Lake Yacht Club has many activities scheduled for the 2024 season from Varsity Class sailing races running throughout the summer, Senior Regatta, and the Sunfish Bowl, to less competitive events like just getting together to sail around the lake, and even an introduction to sailing clinic to see if this new way of traversing the water is for you.

Relaxing paddles on the water are enjoyable, but have you ever done a paddle poker run? If not, you have a few opportunities this summer to join in the fun and raise some money for good causes!

• In July there's the David Ford Memorial Poker Run
• Forever Wild Tavern 3rd Annual Kayak Poker Run, also in July

Other on-the-water events include:

• Blu Moula Bufura, yes, you read that right! The prettiest darn race in America takes paddlers and rowers on a grand tour of Blue Mountain, Eagle, and Utowawa Lakes. 14.7 mile and 1.5-mile races for canoes, kayaks, guide boats, SUPs, and shells; all levels welcome!
• You can sign up for that race to prepare you for the big one, the Adirondack Canoe Classic 90-miler! There are over 500 competitors from all over the world. The 90 Miler is open to all age groups and classes, from professional to family recreational. Bring your game face, great attitude, adventurous spirit, and your favorite companions to be a part of these special events!

If small planes are more your jam (or speed), then you definitely don't want to miss the Annual Lion's Club Fly-In Breakfast at the Piseco Airport! This unique experience is well worth the ticket for a scrumptious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, juice, coffee or tea, plus you get to watch the planes fly in and take off as well as walk around seeing them up close and personal. It is fun for the whole family!

Leisurely active

Do you find relaxing hard and need a purpose? Check out the many 'Challenges' offered in the region. Hiking challenges, waterfall, fire tower, bike, paddle, and many more! You can do them at your own pace and once you’ve accomplished the goal, you often get a token for your achievement- along with the bragging rights!

Besides the many races to take part in on the water, there are also some races and walks happening for a good cause on land!

• The Longest Day Walk in Inlet is in direct support for all the caregivers who struggle to take care of their loved ones with Alzheimer's and other forms of Dementia.
• The Adirondack Interpretive Center hosts many educational events and would love you to join them for the Elaine Schwartz Memorial Woods Walk, along with this summer’s Interpretive Naturalist Intern for a walk and talk on their Rich Lake Trail.
• Blue Mountain Lake is a picturesque town for this Adirondack 5K, the Blue Mountain Lake Sizzler. The Blue Mountain Lake Association is planning and sponsoring this event and participants can choose the category they prefer and there's even one for lil' ADKers: 5K road race, 5K recreational walk/jog, and a kids' half mile.
• Jump in your vehicle with your crew and take on the Amazing Race Road Rally happening in Long Lake! Drive around Long Lake following a set of ridiculous instructions. On vacation, not sure where you’re going? That’s ok, the directions even confound the natives! Fun time with great prizes and memories made for a lifetime! 

Cycling

We even have events for those who prefer their outdoors activities on two wheels!

• If you're not already signed up for this year's Black Fly Challenge come on out and cheer on the 1000 bikers participating this year! The Black Fly Challenge is a legendary Adirondack bike race held annually on the second Saturday in June. This 40-mile gravel grinder passes through the Adirondack backcountry, traversing the rugged Moose River Plains and continuing along waterways, dirt paths, and rugged trails through dense forest.

Be in the know before you go!

Check out Experience Our Adirondacks to see the specific events happening in these small towns and big outdoors. Everything from live music to farmer’s markets and artisan fairs, kayak poker paddles, fishing derbies, trivia nights, etc. There’s something for everyone!

So, whether you’re glamping, camping, day tripping, or are just lucky enough to reside here- there is plenty of fun and adventure to be celebrated this summer!