In this episode, we crack open the ADK Talks mailbag — and you did not hold back. From the mysteries of the blue line to the origins of the word Adirondack, from Great Camps you can actually stay in to the surprisingly wholesome truth about nudists in the Adirondacks… you kept us laughing, thinking, and occasionally Googling just to make sure we weren’t making things up.

We share the questions that made us stop mid-sentence, the ones that sent us down rabbit holes through history, and the ones that reminded us why we love this wild, weird, wonderful park. Somewhere along the way, we talk about road signs that don’t quite know where they are, a Westport chair that became a global icon, and a stream named after an abandoned pair of BVDs. (If that isn’t peak Adirondack, we don’t know what is.)

It’s curious, quirky, and just plain fun. It’s a chance to explore the Adirondacks the way we love doing it: following your questions, wandering off trail now and then, and celebrating all the stories tucked into these 6 million acres.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What the blue line really is… and one sign that gets it hilariously wrong
• The true meaning behind the name “Adirondack”
• The Westport chair that became a global icon
• Leave No Trace tips, the ADK edition
• A very local legend involving a pair of BVDs
• How we actually find our guests
• A surprisingly wholesome chat about nudists in the ADK
• How to visit or stay at real Adirondack Great Camps

Resources:

• Great Camp Sagamore
• Great Camp Santanoni
• White Pine Camp
• The Point
• Lake Kora
• The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake
• Camp Uncas
• Topridge
• Camp Wild Air
• Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH)
• Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
• Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation

Produced by NOVA

From Great Pines on Fourth Lake to the rebirth of North Creek’s Phoenix Inn, Weekender Hotels is rewriting the script on where (and how) we stay in the Adirondacks.

In this episode of ADK Talks, we sit down with Keir Weimer, CEO of Weekender Hotels, whose mission is to breathe new life into classic Adirondack motels and resorts while keeping them rooted in place, history, and the outdoors.

Keir shares how a 100-year-old, run-down waterfront resort on Fourth Lake became Great Pines—and the unlikely origin story of Weekender’s growing portfolio of boutique adventure hotels stretching across the Adirondacks and the Northeast.

We dig into his philosophy of adaptive reuse, why he wants guests out of their rooms and into the mountains, and what’s in store for the former Phoenix Inn / Copperfield in North Creek as it transforms into a four-season basecamp for Gore Mountain and beyond.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How a real estate broker became a hotelier with the transformation of the old Northwoods Lodge into Great Pines Resort.
• Why Weekender Hotels focuses on reviving classic Adirondack motels instead of building new ones.
• The philosophy behind their three pillars: iconic locations, inspiring adventure, and modern, tech-friendly stays.
• What’s ahead for North Creek’s Phoenix Inn, including new restaurants, wellness spaces, and community membership options.
• How adaptive reuse keeps the Adirondack character alive—mixing nostalgia with sustainability.
• The role of local partnerships and tourism development in making projects like North Creek possible.
• Lessons Keir’s learned growing a hospitality brand rooted in the outdoors.
• His advice for entrepreneurs chasing big ideas in small towns.
• Reflections on Adirondack heritage—from Great Camp Sagamore to today’s “get outside” mindset.
• A few of Keir’s favorite roadside treats and hidden-gem ice cream stops.
• Why the Adirondacks remain his go-to place for inspiration, adventure, and renewal.

Resources:

• Weekender Hotels
• Great Pines Resort – Fourth Lake, Inlet
• The Alpine Lodge near Gore Mountain
• Trailhead Lodge - Tupper Lake
• Partner highlights: Gore Mountain · The Wild Center · Warren County Tourism
• Ice cream favorites: Northern Lights (Inlet) · Benny’s (Old Forge) · Custard’s Last Stand (Long Lake)

Produced by NOVA

The Rough Rider rides again—right through the heart of the High Peaks.

In this episode, we sit down with nationally known Theodore Roosevelt repriser Joe Wiegand to relive T.R.’s deep Adirondack ties—from youthful birding trips and great-camp visits to the legendary midnight ride that began at Mount Marcy and ended with the oath of office in Buffalo. Joe shares how he “becomes” Roosevelt on stage, why the Adirondacks shaped T.R.’s grit and conservation ethic, and how communities today keep that history alive.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Becoming T.R. Joe’s unlikely path—from a hippie-comedian’s son to 400 shows a year as Roosevelt—and the craft behind first-person history.
• Adirondack origins. Teen summers at Paul Smith’s and St. Regis; paddling Saranac & Tupper; and Roosevelt’s first publication on Franklin County’s summer birds.
• The night ride. Lake Tear of the Clouds, the dash via Aiden’s Lair with driver Mike Cronin, and daybreak at North Creek where news of McKinley’s death awaited—history made on Adirondack roads.
• Conservation President. From doubling national parks to creating national monuments and massively expanding national forests with Gifford Pinchot—T.R.’s enduring legacy.
• Walk it yourself. Joe’s favorite route retracing T.R.: Upper Works → Flowed Lands → Lake Colden → Mount Marcy → Lake Tear—a strenuous, unforgettable line through history.

Enjoy the episode—and if it stirs your own “strenuous life,” rate/review the show and share it with a fellow Adirondack history buff.

Links & Mentions:

• Town of Newcomb — details for Teddy Roosevelt Weekend (watch 2026 updates).
• Visit North Creek / Tannery Pond Center — programming tied to the anniversary.
• Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (Buffalo) — inauguration reenactment & naturalization ceremony each Sept. 14.
• teddyrooseveltshow.com — Joe Wiegand’s schedule & performances.
• medora.com — Gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park; summer performances in Medora.
• Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (Medora) — slated to open during America250 festivities in July 2026.
• Great Camp Santanoni — a favorite T.R. haunt (watch for docent programs & carriage-road visits).
• Lake Tear of the Clouds / Mount Marcy — source of the Hudson and the high point of New York, central to the 1901 story.
• Aiden’s Lair (NY-28N) — iconic staging point on the night ride.

Produced by NOVA

From deep, cold-water mysteries in Lake Placid to candlelit marches at Fort William Henry, this Halloween-season episode serves up more true (and truly fun) tales of Adirondack ghosts, legends, and oddities. Jane leans into lore, Steve brings the “Acker facts,” and together they map a spine-tingling route you can actually visit—if you dare.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The Lady of the Lake (Lake Placid): The 1933 disappearance of educator Mabel Smith Douglas, the startling discovery near Pulpit Rock decades later, and why dusk paddles still give locals the shivers.
• Plus, other Lake Placid haunts—from the Stagecoach Inn to footsteps after hours at the Palace Theatre.
• Ghost town in the woods (Tahawus/Adirondack): Foundations, whispers, and a brush with presidential history; why silence in the High Peaks can be the scariest sound of all.
• Five-star frights (The Sagamore, Lake George): Rebuilt after catastrophic fires and still rumored to host a woman in green, “Walter,” and a mischievous golf-course kid who nabs your balls.
• Candlelight chills (Fort William Henry): From French & Indian War trauma to today’s haunted tours—marching boots, phantom gunpowder, and why archaeologists’ finds still raise hairs.
• Champ of Lake Champlain: Nessie’s American cousin, the famed 1977 Mansi photo, and the fun fact that Vermont (and New York) moved to protect him—just in case.
• A kinder haunting (Santa’s Workshop, Wilmington): Arto Monaco’s playful spirit, tinkering toys, and music boxes that play when no one’s around.
• Bonus bite (Spanky’s Diner, Massena): A jukebox with free will and a phantom waitress with bottomless refills.

If you loved this haunted ramble, subscribe, drop a rating/review, and swing by ADKtaste.com for more stories, food, folklore, and events from across the Park.

Links & Mentions:

• Stagecoach Inn (Lake Placid); Palace Theatre (Lake Placid)
• Pulpit Rock, Lake Placid (Mabel Smith Douglas)
• Adirondack Experience: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (mining history)
• The Sagamore Resort (Bolton Landing, Lake George)
• Fort William Henry Museum & Haunted Tours
• Lake George Battlefield Park
• New York’s Haunted History Trail
• Santa’s Workshop (Wilmington)
• Champ (Lake Champlain)
• The Mansi Photo (1977)
• Spanky’s Diner (Massena)

Produced by NOVA

Each fall, Lake Placid turns into the “Telluride of the Northeast”—a walkable, mountain-ringed town where filmmakers and film lovers share theaters, coffee lines, and conversations. In this episode, we sit down with Noah Raymer, Director of Communications for Adirondack Film and the Lake Placid Film Festival, to explore what makes this long-running North Country tradition so special.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Festival vibe, Adirondack style. Why Lake Placid’s scenic scale, community feel, and face-to-face access make it a filmmaker favorite—without the red-carpet hoopla.
• How Adirondack Film and the Festival fit together. From attracting productions (costume, set, camera, and craft jobs right here at home) to curating world-class screenings for local audiences.
• A history born in a blizzard. The sold-out 1997 screening of The Sweet Hereafter that sparked the Lake Placid Film Forum—and a quarter-century of film culture in the Adirondacks.
• Big names, low profiles. Memories of guests like Martin Scorsese (interviewed by Jon Favreau), Guillermo del Toro, and Willem Dafoe—plus why artists love the low-key, collaborative scene.
• Why this year feels different. A new emphasis on the trades behind the camera—costume, lighting, locations, special effects/creature work—so emerging creatives can find real pathways into the industry.
• Student pathways. The Festival’s Student Summit (lodging, meals, passes, and small-group sessions with visiting filmmakers) and the Futures in Film collaboration with local schools and training partners.
  
  
  

Dates & don’t-miss moments (this year)

• Festival: Oct 30 – Nov 2 in Lake Placid; Opening Night Party on Oct 30.
• Careers in Motion (Trades Seminar + speed-mentoring): Oct 31, 2:30 PM.
• Free Film Trivia + Halloween Costume Contest: Oct 31 (film-themed prizes; no pass required).
• Lake Placid Halloween Parade: Oct 31, 12–1 PM.

Film lets us see the world through someone else’s eyes—essential in a place as globally connected (and proudly local) as the Adirondacks. The Festival builds community, keeps creative talent here, and opens doors for the next generation of crew and storytellers.

Links & Mentions:

• Lake Placid Film Festival / Adirondack Film — passes, schedule, Student Summit, giving: adirondackfilm.org; socials: @adirondackfilm.
• Adirondack Film Commission (episode mentioned earlier with Eric Granger).
• High Peaks Resort (festival HQ) & Palace Theatre (main screenings).
• Lake Placid Pub & Brewery; The Breakfast Club (meet a filmmaker between sessions).
• Stockade Works (training partner) & Careers in Motion seminar.
  Futures in Film partners: Lake Placid High School, BOCES, SUNY Plattsburgh, Stockade Works.
• See Something That Means Something (winter art-house series).
• Give / Sponsor: adirondackfilm.org/give; [email protected].
• Nearby to-dos while you’re in town: Olympic Ski Jumps, High Falls Gorge, Main Street shops (make it a whole weekend). 

Produced by NOVA

Ultralight, All Heart: Adirondack Pack Canoes by Hornbeck

Guest: Josh Trombley, head of Hornbeck Boats
Topic: The Adirondack pack canoe—past, present, and why it changes how (and how often) people get on the water.

Hornbeck Boats began in the 1970s with founder Pete Hornbeck, a paddler-artist who revived the Adirondack tradition of pack boats—open, canoe-shaped craft paddled with a double-blade. 

Pete’s minimalist ethos (light, durable, no unnecessary weight) and his embrace of Kevlar created boats that many paddlers—especially solo and older paddlers—could lift, carry, and launch on their own.

Josh shares:

• The origin story (from fiberglass kayaks to Kevlar pack boats)
  
  
• What makes a Hornbeck unique (lightweight performance, “patina of use,” red stripe lore)
  
  
• Who buys them (a surprising number of women, Boundary Waters travelers, and—newly—duck hunters)
  
  
• The demo pond, pandemic pivots, and the move to Hornbeck Midwest (Minnesota)
  
  
• The creative legacy of Pete & Anne Hornbeck—and a “museum of failure” that led to better boats
  
  
• A favorite Adirondack spot: 13th Lake in North River
  
  

Why it matters: a Hornbeck often means more days on the water—and the independence to go where motors don’t.

Learn more: hornbeckboats.com • adktaste.co/talks043

Love the show? 

• Rate & review us—it helps other Adirondack lovers find us to discover more ADK insights.
• Subscribe and never miss our insider stories about the best people, places, and history of the Adirondacks.
• Share this episode with someone who loves history, travel, or the Adirondack Park. Let's spread the love for the Adirondacks together!

Got a question about the Adirondacks you'd like us to answer on air? Please send it to [email protected] or use the form available at ADKTaste.com.

ADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and experience in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

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Step inside the North Star Underground Railroad Museum with President Jacqueline “Jackie” Madison of the North Country Underground Historical Association. 

We trace the Champlain Line of the Underground Railroad through the stories of real people and places—John Thomas’s journey to freedom, the Quakers’ moral stand, and local heroes like editor Wendell Lansing. 

Jackie walks us through can’t-miss exhibits (the object-theater “John Thomas Room,” the life-size “Germinal” sculpture) and the power of docents in small, mighty Adirondack “pocket museums.” 

Immerse yourself in the unique experience of visiting the museum near Ausable Chasm. Discover community programs, Juneteenth tours, and easy ways to support the museum.

For more information about the episode and links to the places we mention, visit adktaste.co/talks42.

Love the show? 

• Rate & review us—it helps other Adirondack lovers find us to discover more ADK insights.
  
  
• Subscribe and never miss our insider stories about the best people, places, and history of the Adirondacks.
  
  
• Share this episode with someone who loves history, travel, or the Adirondack Park. Let's build a community of Adirondack enthusiasts and spread the love for the Adirondacks together!

Have a burning question about the Adirondacks? We'd love to hear it! Send your questions to [email protected] or use the form available at ADKTaste.com. We might just answer it on air!

ADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and experience in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

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Discover the unique and fiery world of glassblowing in North Creek, NY, with Greg Tomb, the passionate owner of Adirondack Glassblowing Studio. 

From the warm glow of the furnaces to the hands-on workshops, Greg shares how visitors can shape molten glass into their own keepsakes. We delve into his journey from Corning-inspired beginnings to teaching thousands in the Adirondacks, his seasonal pumpkin patch fundraisers, and how glass brings together art, science, and community. 

Discover a unique Adirondack experience that's not to be missed-the art of glassblowing.

For more information about this episode, visit adktaste.co/talks041.

Love the show? 

• Rate & review us—it helps other Adirondack lovers find us to discover more ADK insights.
• Subscribe and never miss our insider stories about the best people, places, and history of the Adirondacks.
• Share this episode with someone who loves history, travel, or the Adirondack Park. Let's spread the love for the Adirondacks together!

Do you have burning questions about the Adirondacks? Send them to us at [email protected] or use the form available at ADKTaste.com. We might answer them on air!

ADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and experience in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

[email protected]

ADK Talks: Chasing Colors: The Adirondacks' Best Fall Adventures

In this brisk, handy fall guide, we map the Adirondacks region by region—from Lake George up through the High Peaks and out to the Adirondack Coast—sharing on-the-ground tips, quick stories, and can't-miss events.  

Fall in the Adirondacks is peak season — and we've got your insider's guide. 

From the breathtaking dawn hot air balloon launches in Queensbury to the serene Lake George cruises, the lively Oktoberfests, the artistry of glassblown pumpkins, and the enchanting Great Adirondack Moose Festival, Jane and Steve share their top picks for foliage adventures that promise unique experiences. 

Explore hidden history at Fort Ticonderoga and the North Star Underground Railroad Museum, sip farm-to-glass ales at Ausable Brewing, and cozy up at glamping retreats like Huttopia. Whether you're chasing color on scenic drives, looking for family fun, or planning a foodie weekend, this episode is packed with practical tips and local favorites.

🎧 For the complete list of ADK Talks recommended places, events, and links mentioned in this episode, visit ADKTaste.co/talks040.

Love the show? 

• Rate & review us—it helps other Adirondack lovers find us to discover more ADK insights.
• Subscribe and never miss our insider stories about the best people, places, and history of the Adirondacks.
• Share this episode with someone who loves history, travel, or the Adirondack Park. Let's spread the love for the Adirondacks together and make everyone feel connected and part of our vibrant community.

Got a burning question about the Adirondacks you'd like us to answer on air? Please send it to [email protected] or use the form available at ADKTaste.com. We're here to listen and share our knowledge with you.

ADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and experience in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

A Force for Nature: David Gibson on Paul Schaefer’s Adirondack Legacy

What does it take to protect six million acres of wild Adirondack Park? In this episode of ADK Talks, we sit down with David Gibson, conservation leader and author of A Force for Nature: Paul Schaefer’s Adirondack Coalitions. 

Gibson takes us deep into the remarkable story of Paul Schaefer, the man who rallied hunters, anglers, labor unions, conservationists, and everyday citizens into powerful coalitions that forever changed the fate of the Adirondacks, preserving its wilderness and beauty for generations to come.

Together we explore:

• Paul Schaefer’s origins — from childhood explorations in Schenectady and Baker’s Mills to his lifelong passion for wilderness.
  
  
• The fight for “Forever Wild” — how Schaefer defended Article 14 of the New York State Constitution and blocked massive dam projects that would have flooded the Upper Hudson and Moose River Plains.
  
  
• Adirondack coalitions explained — how Schaefer connected unlikely allies, from hunting clubs to labor unions, to stand together for conservation.
  
  
• Lessons for today — Schaefer’s legacy is not just a story of the past, but a source of inspiration and empowerment in the era of climate change. It demonstrates how ordinary citizens can still make a significant impact in the fight for conservation.
  
  
• David Gibson’s perspective — his personal connection to Schaefer, his role as co-founder of Adirondack Wild: Friends of the Forest Preserve, and why he continues the fight for wilderness today.
  
  

Whether you’re a lifelong Adirondacker or simply inspired by wild places, this episode will give you a new appreciation for the people and stories behind the Park’s protection.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Paul Schaefer
• Union College Kelly Adirondack Center
• Adirondack Wild: Friends of the Forest Preserve
• Get the “A Force for Nature”: Syracuse University Press
• Siamese Pond Wilderness
• Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) in Newcomb

Love the show? 

• Rate & review us—it helps other Adirondack lovers find us to discover more ADK insights.
• Subscribe and never miss our insider stories about the best people, places, and history of the Adirondacks.
• Share this episode with someone who loves history, travel, or the Adirondack Park. Let's spread the love for the Adirondacks together and build a community of conservation supporters!

What part of Paul Schaefer's story resonated with you the most? Got a question about the Adirondacks you'd like us to answer on air? Please send it to [email protected] or use the form available at ADKTaste.com.

ADK Talks is brought to you by ADK Taste. We provide insight on the best places to stay, shop, eat and experience in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. Visit our website, ADKtaste.com, and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

[email protected]