Summertime = Beachtime

One of my favorite summertime activities here in the Adirondacks is taking my kids and spending the day at the beach. We love to go to the public beach in Speculator. This is the beach I grew up on and I want my children to have the same fond memories that I do. The great thing about the beach in Speculator is that it is close to just about everything in town, which opens up your day to endless fun! 

Sacandaga Pathway

We usually start our day by heading to the Speculator Pavilion. It has a large parking lot with plenty of spaces, and it is directly across the street from the public beach. There is a basketball court, a baseball diamond, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, a small beach launch that is great for canoes and kayaks, and more. There are also public restrooms, which are a great thing to have handy when you have kids in tow! We usually start out by spending a little time on the Sacandaga Pathway. We explore the woods looking for different plants and animals. There are also two river overlooks where, if you are lucky, you might spot a paddler or two enjoying the river.

Speculator Playground

Then we head to the playground to swing, slide, and climb. This is one of my kid's favorite playgrounds. One of the coolest features here is Route 66—a village of small buildings modeled after businesses and a church. There is a post office with real vintage post office boxes, a barber shop, a church, and more. 

Route 66

Once we are done swinging and sliding, we go to the beach! We spread out our towels and the kids head for the water while I get some sun. The beach has a couple of benches and picnic tables, but I recommend bringing your own chair. There is also a buoyed-off area designated for swimming with a large platform in the deep end that is great for the kids to jump off of. There is also a lifeguard at the beach, which makes me feel more secure. 

Speculator Beach

Usually around noon we take a break for a little lunch. I'll usually pack some pb&j's, or stop at Mountain Market on the drive in to town to pick up some freshly made subs. We picnic and lay in the sun for a little while before going back into the water.

Speculator Beach

Once we finish swimming, we make sure to thoroughly rinse off and towel dry. Nobody wants duck itch! (Please don't feed the ducks!) Then we check off the final thing on our to-do list before heading home—ice cream at Lakeside Licks! You can't skip out on the soft serve with gummy bears. 

Lakeside Licks

While Speculator is our go-to spot, we have great beaches through all our great little towns:

Come stay with us and check them out for yourself! We also have great shopping and dining.

Winter Events 2022-2023

Looking for something to keep you busy in the winter months? We have got some events coming up to keep you entertained! The new year looks promising and there are a lot of exciting...

Where to Chill Out and Where to Warm Up

We get lots of snow here in the winter, so why not get out and enjoy it? Here is a list of places where you can go to chill out and have some fun, and some places to shake that...

Our Family Staycation

Last summer feels like a lifetime ago, but I was just sitting here thinking about the “staycation” my husband, along with my kids and niece, took while his brother was here visiting...

Short Hikes

Known for its High Peaks and tough trails, hiking in the Adirondacks can seem a little daunting for beginners or those with families. But, I’m here to tell you, while we do have...

Lakefront Lodging

The Southern Adirondacks are peppered with great places to spend the night. Whether you prefer to stay right in the hustle and bustle of town, a secluded cabin in the woods, or in a...

The Perfect Camping Experience for Your Family

The snow is gone, there’s a warm breeze that has the whole family just itching to get outside, and that awesome camping gear that you got over the holidays is calling to you. At...

Best Places to Fish

We all know that avid fishermen are notoriously tight-lipped about their fishing spots. So much so that when I asked around about favorites, the most useful response I got was "on...

Run the ADKs

Whether you are a serious athlete who competes in marathons, or if you love to just take a casual jog now and then, the Adirondacks are the perfect beautiful setting to do your...

Your Family Reunion in the Adirondacks

If you're looking for the perfect place for your next family reunion, look no further than right here in the Adirondacks! We are home to many great locations for your family to get...

5 Great Options for Spring Hikes

We’ve all been there: winter (no matter where you have been) feels like it has stretched on forever. Every day the sun is creeping higher on the horizon and you’re feeling that itch...

Top 4 Ways to Enjoy Winter

You may be thinking “I’m getting the winter blues and I need a vacation,” and I know the first thing that pops into your head is somewhere tropical, but why not try something...

Skates, Skis or Snowshoes!

Wintertime gear includes so many innovative contraptions to strap onto your feet! And maybe you JUST got those brand new ones and you are DYING to try them out! Well, come on up to...

Your Guide to Holiday Shopping

Summer is now just a tiny speck in the rear view as we fly through fall, headed straight for winter. That means it's time to pack up the Halloween decorations, maybe put up a few...

Rainy Days: A Great Way to Enjoy the Adirondacks

Many Adirondack plans are made when you are picturing that perfect crisp royal blue sky day….But, the weather may have other ideas in mind. Instead of getting frustrated and feeling...

Put Your Best Foot Forward This Hunting Season

It was mid afternoon as I made my way to the tree that had been my “spot” for about a week now. I quickly assembled my climbing tree stand and then carefully worked my way up the...

It’s Time To Think Snow!

OK, I know what you're thinking: No. Way. "I haven't even gone trick-or-treating with the kids yet." "I have 17 relatives coming for Thanksgiving dinner!" But...YES, WAY! Now is the...

Top 4 Scenic Foliage Drives

Indian Lake to Speculator   Trip distance: 34 miles This drive will give you gorgeous scenic views of the fall foliage, as well as views of two beautiful Adirondack lakes. Starting...

Fall Festivals

Many people think of the Adirondacks as a place to visit in the summer when they can enjoy the lakes and the beautiful green scenery. Or, maybe as a place to visit in the middle of...

Hiking Wakely Mountain

A couple of years ago, the fire tower on Wakely Mountain had some structural damage. Because it is so tall, it takes quite a beating from winds. The four support posts of the tower...

Beach Cruiser Biking...Adirondack Style

There are different ways you can experience the Adirondacks on bike: bike tours, mountain biking, singletrack trails, bike races, triathlons, and even a quadrathlon. I’m not a racer...

Summertime = Beachtime

One of my favorite summertime activities here in the Adirondacks is taking my kids and spending the day at the beach. We love to go to the public beach in Speculator. This is the...

Fishing for a Good Time With Your Kids

Whether you’re looking for a way to get your kids outdoors, sneak in a little extra family time, or just go out and show your son or daughter how to catch their own dinner, fishing...

Skis and Snacks

The air is super crisp, cold, and clean as I drop my skis down at the trailhead. A fluffy poof of snow jumps into the air where the skis land. I take a deep breath and look around....

Things To Do Indoors

We are right in the thick of winter here in the Adirondacks and let me tell you what, it has been COLD! There have been many consecutive nights of negative temperatures — some...

A Gift For Everyone

We all know people who are just impossible to shop for. Well, let me break down the perfect Adirondack gifts — by personality! The Adventure Seeker Do you know someone who's an...

Holiday Shopping Ugh

We all know that sometimes holiday shopping can be a real drag. Going to the same stores, shopping for the same people - who seem to have everything ... This year, why not mix it up...

Plan Out Your Adirondack Winter!

C'mon, everyone! Get ready for some winter fun! (And maybe cross a few gift purchases off your list!) When I woke up this morning, it was 4 degrees. There's also a nice 2-inch layer...

Stories of the Adirondacks

A place this full of history needs people to tell its stories, which is why we are fortunate enough to have a rich supply of historians, songwriters, and storytellers.  INLET'S...

Adirondack Oddities

Driving through the Adirondacks, no matter what time of year, is always beautiful. But if you've ever driven though our little towns, you have probably seen a few of our roadside...

Fall on the water!

Last week I was fortunate enough to head out on Piseco Lake for a beautiful sunset cruise with some great friends. My husband, kids, and I  got to have a lovely lake-front dinner of...

Fall Events

We are just as sad as you that summer seems to be coming to an end far too quickly. However, just because summer is almost over, it doesn't mean the fun has to stop! There are tons...

My Favorite Restaurants

The Adirondacks are a great place for many things such as hiking, paddling, and camping. But one of the things done really well here is food! I haven't had the chance to eat at all...

7 Days at Lake Durant

My adventures in car camping began a few years ago. While paddling on a local lake, I encountered a friend paddling with other people from the Albany area. I was all ears when they...

Adirondack Experience The Museum On Blue Mountain Lake

As many of you know, our beloved museum in Blue Mountain Lake has undergone a lot of changes in the last few months.  They have changed from The Adirondack Museum to  Adirondack...

Adirondack Fourth of July

One of my favorite times of the year is coming up — and it's coming up fast! I don't know about you, but when I think about summer, I think about camping, s'mores, fireworks, and...

Golfing in the Adirondacks

The following was written by Christy Wilt, the director of tourism and economic development for Hamilton County. Christy has lived in the Adirondacks for over 20 years and has been...

Black Fly Challenge... Accepted!

 Editor's note: The annual Black Fly Challenge will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017. Not sure what the challenge is or why you would want to take it? Check out this fun blog...

Things to Do Along the Way

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means... It's time for the Great Adirondack Garage Sale! With sales from Speculator to Inlet to Indian Lake to Long...

Down on one knee in the 'dacks

What is romance? When some people think of romance, they immediately imagine the classics: candlelit dinner, fancy restaurant, picnic in the park... For romantic gifts, they revert...

RaChelle's Law

In my house, Murphy's Law is not a thing. We refer to it as RaChelle's Law... if it can go wrong, it already has - or it will! This is the way my life goes in general, but...

Got Cabin Fever?

Spring fever... cabin fever... Call it what you will — I'm feeling it! We've had a fantastic winter season, but lately we've had a lot of warm temperatures and rain, usually...

Cross-Country Skiing in the Adirondacks

So far this year, we have had a fantastic winter. There is certainly no shortage of snow! Storm after storm has dumped plenty of the fluffy white stuff on us.  The fantastic thing...

Valentine's Day Tradition

While this will be mine and my husband's first Valentine's Day as a married couple, it is hardly our first rodeo. This will be our 11th Valentine's Day together. Our first being on...

Ice Skating In The Adirondacks

With temperatures regularly lingering below freezing, don't forget to pack your ice skates this winter for your next Adirondack adventure! While most people come here to go skiing...

Winter Events

This year, I made a resolution to stay home more.  Well, that went out the window fast! There are just way too many great events going on to sit at home. There is a little something...