RIGHT HERE ON OUR LITTLE HOBBY FARM
Send the children down to our cottage and we’ll introduce them to PonyBoy, our gentle old pony who enjoys getting patted and offered carrots, apples, cereal, lettuce and bananas (tell the kids to toss the food on the ground, not try to feed him unless supervised). Your child might enjoy helping us groom him, pick his feet and fill up his water bowl.
There is no need for us to introduce our lab dog Sammy because he runs from cottage to cottage, wagging his tail, licking your hands and hoping to be let in for a visit. Sammy is allowed to sleep overnight at your cottage as long as you text or call us to let us know he’s staying … a good practice for teenagers too!
In the summer, we have chickens which are adorable when chicks and amusing as they grow up. No roosters, just gentle hens. We particularly like the little bantems which are so odd looking, tiny and can fly up out of harm’s way. By mid summer, children can get eggs from the henhouse (and if the “girls” aren’t laying eggs, I sometimes sneak some in to the coop so kids can get the same thrill… )
Your children may enjoy picking things in our garden. It’s amazing how they’ll actually enjoy “eating their vegetables” after they belabored to pick a hundred fresh peas! We’re happy to show them how to pick things, plant, weed and water.
BELOVED 13TH LAKE – NORTH RIVER
Any time of year, it is a pleasure to visit nearby 13th Lake but of course, in summer, it’s fantastic to swim or boat. There are no houses on the lake, no restaurants, nothing but birch trees and mountain backdrop. There is a nice little sand beach on the left side when you walk in. There is a local rafting company which for a nominal fee will rent you a canoe or kayak and bring it to the lake for you … we’re working on trying to match that service this summer ourselves if finances permit.
NORTH RIVER: The Aerial Zip Course is a guided ropes course experience with a series of aerial obstacles including a zip line. The “Continuous Belay System” is the safest available for you and your family. The excitement builds as you harness up and climb to the “launching pad.” Then it’s into the air, soaring like an eagle, for a zippy, tree-top view. You’ll go from zipping to climbing, swinging, and jumping through the ropes. Make this adrenaline-pumping ride a must-do adventure for you, your family and friends. Our staff will help you along the way. No experience needed. Minimum age: 9. Available April 5- October 12 $29 Whitewater Challengers 4511 State Route 28 North River, NY
TOUR AN ABANDONED GARNET MINE RIGHT HERE IN NORTH RIVER
Located just down the road from us, this is worth doing. the tour begins at a gift shop filled with all kinds of great things, then you are taken to the abandoned garnet mine —- a gentle walk surrounded by cliffs, views, ponds, very beautiful. There is garnet everywhere that you actually walk on bits of jewels. Kids and adults will love sifting for the garnet and taking home their own bag of it. Outside the gift shop, kids can do some mining at a water wheel which most find fascinating. Price $14 for adults $10 for children. http://garnetminetours.com
The Fun Spot
1035 Route 9 Queensbury, NY 12804 | 518-792-8989
Great for rainy days! They offer laser tage, indoor playground and go carts, and in good weather, enjoy miniature golf. Clean, well-run and about 45 minutes south of us. www.lakegeorgefun.com
THE WILD CENTER IN TUPPER LAKE
The Wild Center, about 80 miles north of us, is worth the trip. With such exhibits as a giant glacial wall, an indoor “Living River,” and the “Find Out Forest,” this state-of-the-art, highly interactive museum does an admirable job of explaining the constantly evolving natural characteristics of Adirondack Park. Besides that, it’s great fun. There are plenty of live animals inside: turtles, a huge tank of trout, and best of all – otters which you can watch swim and splash around. There are also such hands-on exhibits as a smelling station, where you can learn the different aromas of an otter, a beaver, and a mink. We found ourselves strangely mesmerized by a clever keyboard of mating calls: Press one key to hear a bullfrog, another to hear a loon, or play a virtual symphony of mating season cacophony as the mosquitoes and red-eyed vireos join in. With more outdoor exhibits, a “Naturalist Cabinet” filled with butterfly, egg, and other collections, and a panoramic movie theater, trust us: You won’t be bored. 45 Museum Dr., Tupper Lake 518/359-7800 www.wildcenter.org
Santa’s Workshop 1768 North Pole, NY 12997 | 518-946-2211 www.northpoleny.com
Somewhat antiquated theme park specializes in entertaining young children and the young at heart. Santa’s Workshop offers a storybook village where the traditional story of Santa lives. This Adirondack treasure has been around since 1949 and is known as the forerunner of present day theme parks in the United States.
Circle B Ranch – 771 Potterbrook Road, Chestertown, NY 12817 (518) 494-4888 http://www.circlebranch.net/
Located about 25 minutes from North River, Circle B offers gentle horses and beautiful wooded trails. Group or private guided rides, lessons and in winter fabulous horse drawn sleigh rides. The ranch has over 700 acres of mountain trails, woods, and pastureland with breathtaking views to explore, and the ranch hands provide guidance for riders of all experience levels so that your ride is safe, smooth, and memorable. They offer detailed instructions before hitting the trail so you feel confident and prepared for the ride. Reasonably priced. Call ahead.
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Park 535 Stone Bridge Rd Pottersville, NY 12860 | 518-494-2283
Two oceans, billions of sea creatures, intense metamorphosis, an unusual fault and melting glaciers have exposed some of the oldest marble in North America to form some of the youngest caves in the Adirondacks. A hands-on geological NY wonder and long time favorite of earth science classes, come explore the largest marble cave entrance in the east. In the winter, snowshoeing is offered with bonfires to warm by. StoneBridgeandCaves.com
GARNET STUDIO IN NORTH RIVER 68 Casterline Road North River, NY 12856 www.GarnetStudio.net
Garnet Studio is located right here in our little town of North River and where nearby Barton Mines has one of the largest garnet deposits in the world. Owners Judy and Joe Brown have a long fascination with things that come from the earth and their lifelong pursuit is shaping the native beauty of minerals into custom jewels.
The Garnet Studio offers an extensive collection of Adirondack Garnet jewelry, surrounded by sterling silver and 14K gold. The Browns also offer jewelry making classes in their studio. Create something special to take home to remember your Adirondack vacation …
