Tag Archives: New York

The Ohio River Museum in Marietta, Ohio

Update:  The Ohio River Museum is currently closed for renovation.  Check the website for more information.

Stationed along the Ohio River in the town of Marietta is the Ohio River Museum.  Located in southeast Ohio, Marietta was the state’s first permanent settlement dating 1787.  Because of its location at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, this was site was once a bustling port for importing and exporting goods as well as passengers along its waterways.  The Ohio River Museum highlights the importance of  this river system and the transportation vessels that once occupied these waters.The first successful steamboat dates back to the late 1700s when John Fitch mastered the building of the vessel with its primary purpose to transport goods along the Delaware River.  The Ohio River Museum displays a beautiful replica of the “Pioneer” which was a shipping vessel among the Great Lakes fleets dating back to 1901.

In the early 1800s, Marietta became a location where sea-faring vessels were built transporting goods to Cincinnati, New Orleans and New York.  The first seafaring vessel, the St. Clair, was built in Marietta scheduled to arrive at the Gulf of Mexico.  With its 60-foot masts, it was three times the size of previous riverboats. Imagine in 1801, most of the population of Cincinnati, waiting along its banks to watch the St. Clair float along the Ohio River.At the Point in Marietta, additional seaworthy vessels were being built to include the John Farnum schooner.  This beautiful vessel is on display at the Ohio River Museum.  The Historical Marietta blog provides the following information about this barque.

“She was two hundred and forty-nine and one half tons.  Her keel was laid in the Spring of 1846 and she was launched in February 1847.  She was towed at once to Portsmouth where she took on a cargo of Indian Corn.  She was measured, inspected and cleared at Louisville, Ky.  Her destination was ‘Cork or a Port.’
She arrived at Cork in May, 1847 during the great famine in Ireland and returned to Philadelphia in August and was sold to Potter, McKeever & Co. of that city.  The Master builder was Capt. William Knox, of Harmar.  Capt. A. B. Waters had charge of the vessel and cargo with Capt. George Hatch as Navigator.   Capt. Hatch was afterwards Mayor of Cincinnati.”
The steamboat would eventually become a mode of transportation for passengers in the 1820s.  Depending on the size of the vessel, the number of crew could range from 5 to 120.
Many of the ships would offer entertainment for its passengers to include Vaudeville acts, band performances and theater productions.
The captain’s main purpose was to ensure the safety of cargo and passengers onboard and monitor the financial success of each voyage.  Safety devices such as posted placards, life jackets and life rings were readily available to passengers.
Additional positions included the clerk, who handled the exchange of money; the engineer who maintained the mechanical safety of the vessel and the pilot.  The pilot was navigator who was responsible for guiding the ship along the waterway.   Under the pilot (and captain) was the mate.  There were also the roustabouts (laborers) and the cabin crew.
The pilot would communicate with the engineer by use of the Engine Room Signal Indicator.
The Guiding Star traveled between Cincinnati and New Orleans between 1878 to 1893 when it was destroyed by a fire on January 6.
The Delta Queen is quite possibly the most known of all of the steamboats as it continues to sail between Minneapolis to Pittsburgh today.  She is the sister ship to the Delta King which is currently docked in Sacramento.
The Queen City was one of the grandest packet boats to work the river. Built in 1897 by the Cincinnati Marine Railway Company for the Cincinnati – Pittsburg route, she also sailed along the Chattahoochee, Kanawha, Mississippi, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers.  According to the Ohio County Public Library, “The Queen City was designed for high class patronage at a time of affluence. Captain Ellison was influenced in his design by the Idlewild and he had made a study of Great Lakes steamers which he utilized. Her mahogany cabin was finished in gilt trim and the ceiling was of pressed metal sheets with ornate design. She had wire mesh railings studded with rosettes. She had a carved figurehead rising from her stem which she retained until she was rebuilt at Mound City, Illinois in 1920.”
“A metal Queen City emblem in gold appeared on each stateroom door. Her grand piano was presented by the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce. She had oil paintings on the rounded cabin bulkheads. She had shining brass oil lamps in swinging brackets and overhead lights coming from twined oak leaves of metal. Queen City and her sister boat, Virginia, were advertised in Pittsburgh’s social register and brought in many fashionable Pittsburgh citizens. Queen City was christened by Harriet Henderson, daughter of Captain James A. Henderson, president of the P & C Line. She was launched on June 5, 1897; ran her trials through June 10th and departed for Pittsburgh June 19th.  On her 1914 trip downbound, she sank on the Falls at Louisville on Feb. 17th. She continued on Mardi Gras trips in 1921, 1922, 1923, 1925 and 1930. After her ill-fated Mardi Gras trip in 1914, she was laid up in the Kanawha River at Pt. Pleasant, West Virginia until early summer 1916 when she returned to Louisville and ran excursions. She was moved to the foot of Liberty Street because of wharf improvements and sank there in January, 1940. Her wreckage was burned on February 17, 1940 (in Pittsburg).”
On display at the Ohio River Museum are several vessels which were used to transport goods and passengers along the Ohio River.  In addition, there are several displays of items which would have been found in the kitchen and dining rooms as well as personal effects from the officers and crew.
Sailing down the Ohio or Mississippi River on a riverboat is such an historic journey, visiting the modest, less populated river towns would be the opportunity of a lifetime.  While riverboat transportation was incredibly popular with the transport of goods and passengers, the mid 1800s changed everything.  By this time, the railroads became the primary mode of transportation for passengers and goods, replacing the use of riverboats, for what seemed the end of riverboat travel.  Today, passengers can board the Delta Queen with its robust itinerary and the opportunity to experience a riverboat cruise in the footsteps of Mark Twain.
Have you had the opportunity to visit the Ohio River Museum?  I would love to know about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Ohio River Museum and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do: 
601 Front Street
Marietta, Ohio  45750
Telephone:  740 373 3717
  • Admission Fee:  $7.00 to tour the museum and W.R. Snyder steam powered towboat.
  • Hours:   Saturday from 9:30AM to 5PM, Sunday:  12PM to 5PM, closed Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday – Thursday:  10AM to 5PM;  Please refer to the museum’s website to confirm hours of operation.
  • Amenities:  waterpark, restaurants, group rates, handicap accessible, annual passes, discounts and promotions, attractions, live shows, rides, lego minilands, movies, gardens,
  • Length of Visit:  Prepare to spend 1 – 2 hours, especially if you plan to tour the W.R. Snyder steam powered towboat.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes.  The visit to the W.R. Snyder steam powered towboat may require some agility to enter, be prepared.
Where to Stay: 
101 Front Street
Marietta, Ohio  45750
Telephone:  740 373-5522

Where to Eat:

Boathouse BBQ
218 Virginia Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone:  740 373 3006

You have to try the Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese!  Amazing!

What to Read: 

  • A Guide to Historic Marietta Ohio, by Lynne Sturtevant

PNC Festival of Lights, Cincinnati, OH

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As the year comes to a close, the spirit of Christmas continues into the New Year with the PNC Festival of Lights.  From November 19th, 2016 to January 4th, 2017, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden displays close to 2 million lights during the holiday season.

For over 30 years, the Cincinnati Zoo’s lights have grown to become the largest holiday display in the city.   There are several themed areas created for the event that include Frozen Wonderland, the Gingerbread Village, the Candy Cane Forest as well as Fairyland.

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We stopped by the Frozen Wonderland exhibit to see Elsa and the rest of Walt Disney’s Frozen Characters then on to Gingerbread Village.  Here we took in the various themes of each home and searched for the hidden mouse.

We strolled through the Candy Cane Forest and ventured out to Fairyland to find the five hidden fairies.

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Although the focus for most visitors was the holiday lights, there were a small number of animal exhibits that remained open.  We were so excited to see the giraffes.

A favorite stop for many of the children (and adults alike) is to catch a glimpse of Santa’s reindeer.

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We enjoyed the new Wild Lights show that took place on Swan Lake. as they flickered to the tunes of ET, Harry Potter and Rocky.  We couldn’t take our eyes off of the beautifully decorated 21-foot tree with its multitude of lights, putting us in the Christmas spirit.

We experienced the Winter Wonders for the Madcap Puppet’s Black Light Show, watched carolers sing familiar holiday tunes and attempted the PNC Festival of Lights Scavenger Hunt.

With so many activities, we worked up an appetite and ordered a hot dog and chips.  The Cincinnati Zoo has over ten eateries, including stalls with options that are only available during the Christmas season.   At S’Mores N More, we purchased the prepackaged ingredients for s’mores and roasted our marshmallows over the open fire pit.

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Each year, Santa stops by for a visit and his last day to take toy orders is December 23rd.  If you happen to miss him, you can drop off your wish list at the Holiday Post office or put in a good word with Mrs. Claus.

Visiting the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights was a wonderful way for us to enjoy the holiday season.  We agreed that it was such a great experience, we decided to make it a part of our family’s holiday tradition.

Have you visited the Cincinnati Zoo during the Festival of Lights?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Cincinnati Zoo and wishing you and your family a  Happy Zoo Year!

What to See and What to Do:

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH  45220
Telephone:  513 281 4700

  • Admission Fee:  Basic package: $18 per adult, $12 for children; Unlimited ride package:  $25 per adult, $19 for children; Ultimate holiday adventure package includes unlimited rides as well as the Holiday Polar Bear Express 4-D experience for $27 per adult, $21 for children.   By purchasing your tickets ahead of time online, you can save a couple of dollars per ticket.
  • Hours:  For the PNC Festival of Lights, the zoo is open from 10AM to 9PM (Sundays through Thursdays) 10AM – 10PM on Friday and Saturday.  Visit the zoo’s website for hours at other times throughout the year.
  • Amenities:  Gift shop, café and eateries, special events, wheelchair and stroller rentals, wheelchair accessible, animal encounters and experiences, rides and theater and educational programs
  • Length of the Tour:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Check the zoo’s website for special events such as the Animal Encounters opportunities.

Where to Stay:

Graduate Cincinnati
151 Goodman Street
Cincinnati, OH  45219
Telephone:  513 487 3800

Where to Eat: 

  • The Grove is the zoo’s food truck experience with four mobile options.  Choose from Taco Caja, The Coop, Wild Burger and Sweet Retreat.
  • Base Camp Cafe
  • LaRosa’s Pizza
  • Tusker’s
  • The Outpost
  • Skyline Chili
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream
  • Dippin’ Dots
  • Savannah Soft Serve

What to Eat: 

  • Skyline Chili:  My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.  I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out.  Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese.  Additional toppings include onions and beans.
  • LaRosa’s Pizza:  A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce.  My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream:  It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich.  Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
  • Montgomery Inn BBQ:  Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience.  Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals.  Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
  • Glier’s Goetta:  While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy.  Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
  • BonBonerie:  One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 421 2337

Books to Read: 

  • Eligible:  A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • Running, by J.T. Cooper
  • Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
  • Beloved, by Toni Morrison
  • Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
  • Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

  • The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
    • Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline.  Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
    • The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
  • General James Taylor Park
    • Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
    • Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
  • The Fountain at Fountain Square
    • For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
  • Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
  • Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
  • Carew Tower Observation Deck
    • Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
  • Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
    • One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
  • Cincinnati Observatory Center
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • Great American Ball Park
    • Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
  • Devou Park
    • The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
  • Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
    • Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
  • Riverfront Park
    • The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
  • American Sign Museum
    • Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

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A Rainbow Tunnel of Lights
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 The Gingerbread House

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Believe

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Christmas Train

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The Christmas Tree at Night

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Indian Bear Winery in Walhonding, Ohio, NOW INDIAN BEAR CORK AND COFFEE

Update:  The Indian Bear Winery is now Indian Bear Cork and Coffee

Update:  On June 4th, 2023, a fire broke out at Indian Bear Winery and the structure was destroyed by the fire. 

Update:  On September 20, 2022, Indian Bear Lodge & Winery announced that they were under contract to sell 97 acres to “Because I Said I Would”, a non-profit organization making an impact on the local youth. 

Indian Bear Winery is one of the most beautiful locations to sample wines in Ohio.  A beautiful, country setting on two-hundred plus acres is only an hour east of Columbus and began as lodge in 2001.

From the moment I pulled onto the gravel drive, my senses were on full alert.  The smell of fresh cut grass led me to sprawling acres and a lake where a teepee stood at its water’s edge.

It was early spring so the vineyards were just beginning to bloom and would be ready for harvest in the fall.  Trellises supported a wide range of wine varietals, including those from Ohio.

In the summer of 2014, the owners, Brad Collins and Tom Lechner planted Concord, Seyval and Vidal grapes.  Until the vines began producing fruit, the owners imported juices from California, Chile and New York to begin their wine making process.  Head winemaker, Joe Hollabaugh will be creating new wines for the winery.

Approaching the entrance into the winery, I couldn’t help but notice its beautiful red and gray exterior.  The building was completed by April 2015 and soon thereafter, was open to the public.   The winery entered the 2015 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and won a Gold Medal for their “Roscoe’s Red Blend” as well as a Bronze Medal for their Vidal Blanc.

The tasting room was even more extravagant with its rustic, architecture and country decor displayed in its large exposed beams and expansive stone flooring. The hand-written list of available wines in addition to their wine tasting costs were posted above the service area.

I completed the laminated menu and decided on the 3 for $5 samples selecting the Peach Apricot Crush, American Vidal Blanc and the American Carmenere Reserve.

At the last minute, I included the Red Berry Crush slushie which tasted like heaven.

With my slushie in hand, I took the stairs to explore the areas available for private and semi-private events.  On-site lodges provide accommodations for guests who wish to stay at the property.   There are also two carriage houses and four cabins to sleep a total of more than 100 guests.   From the second story deck, I could look out for miles into the countryside.

My favorite part of the decor were the oak barrels that are typically used for fermenting and storage.

Returning to the first level of the winery, I was in complete awe of the spectacular stone handiwork of the fireplace flanked by two storage compartments for firewood.  I reached out to touch the smoothly sanded wood planks for the mantle which were designed from beams from a local area barn.

In addition to the interior, Indian Bear Winery has several outdoor settings including a fire pit.   I found a stone bench to finish up my drink and could hear the visitors as they discussed their weekend plans.  As I enjoyed the beauty of Indian Bear Winery, I could also hear the large tractor approaching as it mowed the high blades near the tasting room and I could once again smell the scent of freshly cut grass.

Have you visited Indian Bear Winery?  What wines did you enjoy?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my visit to Indian Bear Winery along the Three Rivers Wine Trail and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio  43843
Telephone:  740 507 3322

Open Fridays from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

Where to Stay: 

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio  43843
Telephone:  740 507 3322

Where to Eat: 

Indian Bear Winery
3483 McCament Road
Walhonding, Ohio  43843
Telephone:  740 507 3322

Open Fridays from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and Saturdays from 12:00pm to 10:00pm.

For appetizers, they make a gorgeous charcuterie board, fittingly called, “The Napa.” A popular choice on the menu is Alfredo Chips- homemade kettle chips topped with alfredo sauce, blue cheese and green onions.

An Afternoon at Niagara Falls

Unique in the fact that Niagara Falls straddles two countries (the US and Canada), this lovely New York destination offers a wide range of activities including a state of the art aquarium and nearby wineries. But it is the magnificent waterfalls that have been bringing visitors to the area since the mid-19th century.

Our family added the falls to its east coast vacation agenda as a stop on our way to Maine.  Making a quick visit to the Official Visitor Center, we decided to purchase tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat ride. For a closer look at the falls, our voyage would take us around the Niagara River towards the magnificent Hurricane Deck where we could feel the exhilarating spray from the tons of water crashing down over the cliffs.

The thunderous sound of the falls greeted us as we approached the 400-acre state park. In the distance we could see the horse-powered. steel passenger boat ferrying its 600 guests.  We were so excited to start the boarding process and put on our rain ponchos.

We found a spot on the upper deck for the best view and guarantee of becoming drenched by the waterfalls.   The double-decker boat cruised towards the semicircular gorge where over 2.5 gallons of water flows per second.  Flocks of seagulls and vibrant rainbows appeared as we sailed further into the mist.

The Maid pulled up to the stairs leading to the Hurricane Deck at the Cave of the Winds.  As we exited the boat, we stood in awe of the spectacular waterfalls with a front row seat of Bridal Veil overwhelmed by its majestic force.

We had only a few moments to experience the whipping winds and back splash from the gorge before returning to the boat and completing our 20 minute ride.  Drenched from head to toe, the sunshine felt amazing as we tried to dry ourselves before finding a restaurant for lunch.  We agreed that a ride on the Maid of the Mist is an epic adventure for travelers to Niagara Falls and wondered why we had not done this before.

Have you visited Niagara Falls?  Did you take the Maid of the Mist boat tour?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my fun family visit to Niagara Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Niagara Falls State Park
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone:  716 278 1794

  • Admission Fee:   There is no entrance fee but parking costs $8 to $10 depending on the parking lot.
  • Hours:  Open all year
  • Amenities:  Niagara shuttle,  Top of the Falls restaurant, hiking, biking, souvenir shop, downloadable map from the app,
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the falls from various vantage points from the park.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 3 hours, depending on which activities you select
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Download the walking tour app to maximize your experience.  Wear comfortable shoes for walking and take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to explore the falls up close.  Bring water during the summer if hiking.

Maid of the Mist
1 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY  14303
Telephone:  716 284 8897

  • Ticket Prices:   $22.25 for adults, $13 for child ages 6 to 12,
  • Hours:  Tours start each day at 9AM and depart every 15 minutes throughout the day.
  • Amenities:  Rain poncho, wheelchair accessible, complimentary WiFi
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the falls from the boat and the Hurricane Deck
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Be prepared to get wet on the boat ride.

Where to Stay:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls
643 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone:  716 970 4290

Where to Eat:

Top of the Falls Restaurant
Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY  14303
Telephone:  716 278 1794

I couldn’t help myself and ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wings as a starter and the Niagara Fish & Chips for my entree.

What to Eat: 

  • Street cart Hot dogs
  • NY-style Pizza
  • NY-style Cheesecake
  • Baked Pretzels
  • Buffalo Chicken Wings

What to Read:

  • The Day the Falls Stood Still, by Cathy Marie Buchanan
  • The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates
  • The Odds: A Love Story by Stewart O’Nan

Photo Guide for Niagara Falls:

    • “Journey Behind Niagara Falls” platform
    • The falls from the Maid of the Mist
    • Horseshoe Falls tunnels
    • Views of American Falls from the Canadian Side

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Winter Olympic History at Lake Placid, NY

My brother, Mike had moved to Argyle, New York outside of Saratoga Springs, and my parents had planned a family vacation to visit him.  On the road for 12 hours, we arrived at the charming dairy town, where my brother had been working with the Young Life organization.  After a long day, we settled into Mike’s home, ordered a pizza from Squirt’s and turned in for the night.

Sleeping in after a long day of driving, we began our two hour drive towards Lake Placid located in the Adirondack region of New York.  Known as the location of two winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid is best visited during the fall. We had arrived just in time to watch the changing of the leaves and the beautiful early fall sunsets.

What I remember most about Lake Placid was that it was the location where the United States hockey team took home the gold medal in 1980.  I had a huge crush on goalie Jim Craig and sat on the edge of the couch as Eric Heiden took home five gold medals for speed skating.  Visiting the location where it all took place was super exciting as it brought back such awesome childhood memories.

As we approached the Olympic grounds, we could see the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Compound where the 90 meter and 120 meter jumps towered over the simple country roads.  Once home to the Lake Placid Club, this was the location of the area’s first ski jump built in 1920.  With funds to improve the jump towers, the complex will be ready to host several major games over the next few years.

Another highlight of my day in Lake Placid was a stop at the Olympic Sports Complex.  I was hoping to book the Bobsled Experience, but it was closed for the season.  The track, close to a half mile long, races up to 55 miles per hour.  In addition to the experience, thrill seekers will also receive a complimentary photo, a t-shirt and discount on an upcoming session.

We continued our exploration of Lake Placid by driving the country roads towards Saranac Lake.  The fall colors were in their early stages of changing color and the air was crisp.  It was the perfect day for checking out the Adirondacks.

Have you visited Lake Placid or have a favorite village in the Adirondacks?  I would love to hear about your experience, recommendations or best of list if you would leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for reading about my amazing time in Lake Placid and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:  Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Lake Placid Olympic Center
2634 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY
Telephone:  518 523 1655

Where to Stay:

Adirondack Vacation Rentals
Telephone:  518 524 7335

Where to Eat:

Whiteface Lodge
7 Whiteface Lane
Lake Placid, NY  12946
Telephone:  518 523 0505

Check  out Kanu for its exquisite dining overlooking the Adirondacks.

What to Eat and/or Drink:

    • Adirondack Seltzer
    • Beef on Weck Sandwich: Roast beef and grated horseradish on a kimmelweck roll (seasoned with caraway seeds and coarse salt)
    • Boston Shake is a milkshake with a sundae on top
    • Chicken Riggies: a dish made of rigatoni, chicken, hot and sweet peppers, covered in a tomato cream sauce
    • Croghan Balogna: smoked beef links
    • Garbage Plate: a combination of macaroni salad (or baked beans), fried potatoes, meat (such as beef, hot dogs, fried fish),
    • Grape Pie (in the Finger Lakes region)
    • Jell-O
    • Aunt Rosie’s Loganberry or PJ’s Crystal Beach: non-carbonated and carbonated drinks
    • Michigans: a hot dog smothered in meat sauce
    • Peppermint Pigs
    • Saratoga Chips
    • Thousand Island Dressing

What to Read:

  • Dancehall, by Bernard P. Conners
  • Wild Fire, by Nelson DeMille
  • Mountain Shadows, by Patricia Reiss
  • Adirondack Mysteries & Other Mountain Tales by Dennis Webster

Photo Guide for Lake Placid:

  • The summit of Cat Mountain for a view of Lake George
  • Schroon Manor State Campground for views of Schroon Lake
  • Copeland Covered Bridge
  • Moose River for morning and evening photos
  • Bog River Falls for cascading waterfall

Imitating the Napoleon Dynamite movie

Young Life’s Saranac Village in Upstate New York


My brother, Mike Ambuske, has been involved with the Young Life organization for over 20 years. He is currently serving with this amazing association as Young Life’s Area Director for North Butler County, Pennsylvania. During the time of our family visit to Saranac Lake, he was working out of Argyle, NY. That summer, he was preparing to bring a group of teens for a week long spiritual journey to learn more about Jesus in hopes that they would give their lives to serving Christ. He wanted to bring us to Saranac Lake to show us where he would be traveling and to share with us some amazing opportunities to get involved with the Young Life organization. Please see below for a way to support Young Life Butler or your local Young Life leadership.

Young Life North Butler
PO Box 4
Butler, PA 16003
Phone: 724 406 9790

Select this link to give:  Give

To learn more about your area’s Young Life organization, select the Link and search for your location.

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Our Adirondack Family Vacation in Photos 2005

The Great Escape in Lake George, NY

Downtown Lake Placid

Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake

Young Life Saranac Lake

Beaver Meadow Waterfalls

My brother and I at the rental house in the Adirondacks

The Dock at the Lake House in the Adirondacks

The beautiful mountains in the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Mountains

Surrounded by mountains while on vacation

Driving through the Adirondack Mountains

Sunday Driving in the Adirondacks

Meeting my Brother’s Girlfriend, Emily, for the First Time

What to See and What to Do:

Six Flags Great Escape
1172 US-9
Queensbury, NY 12804
Telephone: 518 824 6000

Sixty miles north of Albany, Six Flags is not only an amusement park but a water park named Hurricane Harbor.

Where to Stay:

We stayed in a rental home that we booked through VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner)

Where to Eat:

Black Bear Restaurant
2409 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
Telephone:  513 837 5166

Cozy, casual lakeside American eatery offering meat, seafood & pasta dishes, plus cocktails.

What to Eat:

  • Chicken Riggies (Chicken Rigatoni)
  • Dry Rieslings from Seneca Lake
  • Egg Cream – milk, seltzer and chocolate syrup
  • Frozen Custard
  • The Garbage Plate – Originating in Rochester, this dish includes burger patties with baked beans, macaroni salad and home fries slathered with ketchup and hot sauce.

What to Read:

Books by Author, Julia Spencer-Fleming

Photo Guide for the Upstate New York:

  • Kaaterskill Falls
  • Letchworth State Park
  • Mount Marcy, Adirondacks
  • Chimney Bluffs State Park
  • The Egg, Albany