Adirondack Family Time™

By Diane Chase At our house we have started our seeds for the summer garden. During these shoulder season days the kids constantly check the progress of their favorite vegetables. Though some seeds are best sown directly into the garden, I am not one to stop my children from willingly planting beans. We can always throw more into the garden once the danger of frost has passed. Some people may not have the space for an outside garden; that has never stopped us. Even apartment dwellers can start seedlings on window sills or hanging planters. We found our children are just as interested in watching a flower emerge from inside a dirt-filled recycled yogurt container than in the ground. The only materials needed are a packet of seeds and potting soil, all found at local hardware stores and gardening centers for very little cost. Read the rest

By Diane Chase What to do with kids in Lake Placid? Our first choice is to be outside whether on skis or snowshoes, our Adirondack kids are out being active.  There are so many places in the Adirondacks that we just drive by on our journey to another location. We pass the trail signs and think that we need to just take the time to explore.  The trail to Owens Pond, just outside Lake Placid, is one such trail. Part of the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area, Owens Pond is a quick 0.5-mile hike to a beautiful pond.  This hike or snowshoe is a great option for even the youngest of the group. 

By Diane Chase This weekend   Whiteface Mountain   will celebrate its last  The annual pond skimming contest will take place at the base of Whiteface on April 9th  with no entry fee required. Skiers and snowboards will try to gain as much speed as possible to "skim" across a man made pond to win prizes for longest distance, biggest and best splash and best costume. Pond skimming at Whiteface is not just for ticket holders. Spectators can access the event for free. For those in need of accessibility, the event will have a limited view from the sun deck. Pond skimming can be viewed from the gondola but tickets are required. 

Here is a list of Maple Farms. Call ahead to make sure that they are open. It is a wonderful way to welcome in spring in the Adirondacks. There are maple breakfasts, wagon rides and tours of farms. Besides plenty of opportunity to sample the maple products. Enjoy! 

“Frackenpohl Honors Brass Quintet” Recital and Reception 4:00 P.M. Sunday, March 27, 2011 St. Eustace Church This student brass quintet from the Crane School of Music in  Potsdam ,  NY  includes musicians Brian Masterson, Trumpet, Brianne Borden, Trumpet, Denise Peters, Horn, Shawn Cagney, & Michael Casey, Tuba.   ~ Donations Gladly Accepted, Proceeds Benefit the  Lake Placid  Educational Outreach Programs Program to include: La Peri Fanfare by Paul Dukas, arranged by Wayne Barrington Fire Dance by Anthony DiLorenzo Colchester Fantasty movts. 1 & 4, by Eric Ewazen Centone No. V by Samuel Scheidt Quintet No. 1 Op. 5 by Victor Ewald Exaltation by Brian Balmages

Gore Mountain is celebrating the last weekend of "Take Your Son Skiing" where all sons 19 and under can ski/snowboard for free with a paying adult Whiteface is open and will be celebrating SpringFest with a pirate themed weekend of activities McCauley Mountain is open and Friday is Crazy Friday where all tickets are $12 and tomorrow will bring on the Snowmaker's Ball. West Mountain is celebrating its Family Fun Day on March 26th with carboard sled races, pond skimming, BBQ and more. Big Tupper, Mt Pisgah, Oak Mountain are all closed for the season.

By Diane Chase Paul Smith's Retail Bakery Themes March 23  = Princess Day March 30 =  Chocolate April 6 = Cupcakes April 13 = Springfever April 18 = Easter (open two days for Easter) April 20 =Easter (open two days for Easter) April 27 = Daffest I have never managed to get to the Paul Smith’s College Retail Bakery when it is open. I have certainly managed to get to the shop when it is closed, peered into the window looking at the empty bakery shelves thinking if I had only remembered a few hours earlier. I am told the prices are more than reasonable and the 2 nd  year bakery students use this opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve learned toward earning their Associated Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts.