What unfolds when a couple, deeply enamored with the Adirondacks and armed with grand aspirations and remarkable courage, chance upon a dormant legend? In this episode of ADK Talks, we delve into the journey of Amanda and Ryan Ragland, the dynamic couple who breathed new life into the Schroon Lake Department Store — a pivotal part of Adirondack life since the late 1800s.

Three years ago, Amanda and Ryan didn’t just buy a building — they inherited a community’s memories, a town’s spirit, and a history worth saving. Against all odds (and a few roof leaks), they’ve transformed the Department Store into a vibrant hub where visitors and locals alike can still find everything from hiking boots to handmade candles — and a little magic, too.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of community, the revival of cherished places, and the pursuit of dreams (plus, we reveal a few behind-the-scenes insights about the realities of running a traditional department store in the modern era).

Whether you're a die-hard Adirondack adventurer or someone who loves a good story about heart, hustle, and hometown pride, this episode will have you planning your next road trip to Schroon Lake.

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
• The Gem Smokehouse in Bolton Landing
• Seagle Festival
• Adirondog Grooming
• Pine Cone Mercantile
• The Sembrich Opera Museum

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

Do you have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

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Raise a dram and settle in for a spirited conversation equal to heritage, humor, and Highland flair. In this episode of ADK Talks, we journey to the northeastern edge of the Adirondacks to Crown Point, NY, near Lake Champlain, where War Cannon Spirits is rewriting the rules of craft distilling—one perfectly aged barrel at a time.

Our guests, Paul, Joel and Aidan, take us behind the stills to explore the unique blend of distilling tradition and Adirondack ingenuity at War Cannon. From grain to glass, you’ll hear what makes their small-batch spirits sing, a blend of tradition and innovation that goes beyond just the pure mountain water.

And if your bagpipes just perked up, good. Because we’re also diving into the distillery’s upcoming Burns Night Celebration—a spirited toast to Scotland’s national poet, complete with whisky, haggis, tartan, and maybe even a rogue kilt or two. It's a celebration that will immerse you in the rich culture of Scotland.

Whether you’re a fan of fine spirits, fascinated by Scottish lore, or just want an excuse to wear plaid and toast Robert Burns in the springtime, this episode is for you.

• Listen now.
• If you like what you hear, we invite you to subscribe to ADK Talks Podcast and leave us a five-star review. Your engagement is what keeps our community thriving.
• Visit ADKtaste.com to explore more Adirondack stories.

Mentioned in this podcast.

• War Cannon Spirits
• Burns Night
• Address to a Haggis
• Tam o'Shanter

Slàinte Mhath! 🥃✨

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

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Can't make it to the Adirondacks? No worries! In this episode of ADK Talks, we embark on a literary expedition through the mountains, exploring books that capture the essence of the Adirondack experience.

From thrilling tales set in the heart of the wilderness to insightful narratives about the region's rich history, we've curated a reading list that promises to transport you straight to the towering pines and serene lakes of the North Country.​

• Listen now.
• If you like what you hear, subscribe to ADK Talks Podcast and leave us a five-star review.
• Visit ADKtaste.com to explore more Adirondack stories.

Whether you're an avid reader seeking your next great adventure or longing for the crisp air and rustling leaves of the Adirondacks, this episode offers a perfect blend of storytelling and exploration. Let us guide you through pages that echo the loon's call and the pines' whisper.​

Our reading list.

• Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper
• God of the Woods by Liz Moore
• The Spy Who Loved Me by Ian Fleming
• Woodswoman by Anne LaBastille
• Cloudsplitter by Russell Banks
• American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
• Loon Lake by E.L. Doctrow 

Mentioned in this podcast.

• Cooper’s Cave
• Fort William Henry
• Robert Garrow
• Douglas Legg and Great Camp Santanoni
• ADKX
• John Brown Farm
• Chester Gillette
• “A Place in the Sun”

​Subscribe, listen, and let the Adirondack adventures begin—no hiking boots required!​

In this mouthwatering episode of ADK Talks, we sit down with Joq Quintal, who, along with his family, has been operating Oscar’s Smokehouse for three generations. 

Oscar’s, a Southern Adirondacks institution, has tantalized taste buds for over 80 years. From its legendary smoked bacon and 7-year-aged sharp cheddar to fan-favorite sausages and jerky, Oscar’s has earned a cult following—locals, tourists, and even celebrities can’t resist.

Joq takes us behind the scenes of this family-run smokehouse, sharing stories of resilience, tradition, and what it takes to keep the smokers running (hint: passion, patience, and a lot of hickory). He also dishes about some of Oscar’s favorite local food producers, like Saratoga Crackers, Nettle Meadow Cheese and Upper Hudson Coffee

We’ll also discuss Oscar’s deep roots in the community, their dedication to top-notch customer service, and—most importantly—what you absolutely need to try on your next visit.

This episode is for you if you love great food, local legends, and sizzling stories.

• Listen now.
• If you like what you hear, subscribe to ADK Talks Podcast and leave us a five-star review.
• Visit ADKtaste.com to explore more Adirondack stories.

Warning: This episode will make you hungry. Don't say we didn’t warn you! 

Mentioned in this podcast.

• Oscar’s Adirondack Smokehouse
• Upper Hudson Coffee
• Saratoga Crackers
• Nettle Meadow Cheese
• Rachel Ray’s Favorite Oscar’s Products
• Spargel on Nine
• Pray’s Farmers Market
• Crossroads Country Store
• Cronin’s Golf Course
• Ridge Terrace

In this spine-tingling episode of ADK Talks, we delve into the shadows with the Adirondack Park Paranormal Society, the region’s foremost team of ghost hunters and supernatural sleuths. Their expertise and experience have led them to investigate some of the most haunted locations in the Adirondacks, from eerie whispers in historic hotels to mysterious figures spotted deep in the woods.

Join us as we explore the science and skepticism behind paranormal investigations, uncover the chilling history of the places they’ve researched, and hear firsthand accounts of encounters that defy explanation. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just love a good ghost story, this episode is for you. We welcome all perspectives, and this episode will have you questioning what lurks beyond the veil.

Turn down the lights, turn up the volume, and prepare for a journey into the paranormal.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Hotel Saranac
• Trudeau Sanatorium
• Stagecoach Inn Lake Placid
• Russia Union Church
• Chester Gillette and Grace Brown murder
• Haunted Lake George
• Ogdensburg, NY
• Herkimer County Jail
• Roxalana Druse

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• The Sandy and Toddcast
• Deer’s Head Inn
• Barkeater Chocolate’s Haunted History
• The Empathecary Podcast
• Historic Saranac Lake Tours
• APPS Facebook Page
• Stay Weirdos Facebook Group
• Cliffside Coaster at Mt. Vanhoevenberg
• ADKX, the Museum at Blue Mountain Lake
• The Wild Center in Tupper Lake
• Stone Valley Trail

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

Do you have questions or comments? Your feedback is invaluable, and we'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

Remember to subscribe, rate and review us. We’d love to have you join our podcast community.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

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In this episode, we speak with Spencer Coplan, the head chef at the historic Deer’s Head Inn in Elizabethtown. Spencer shares the joys of leading a kitchen that showcases local, regional, and sustainably produced foods. 

The Deer’s Head Inn is ideally located in the Adirondacks' "breadbasket" within the Champlain Valley. Local farms and orchards provide a diverse range of products, including dairy, produce, meat, poultry, and maple syrup, which should excite any food enthusiast. 

Spencer offers unique insights into the region’s exceptional food producers and shares some of his favorite kitchen hacks, equipment, and the best farm-to-table hot dog in the Adirondacks. These tips will enlighten and empower you in your kitchen.

Mentioned in this podcast.

• Wild Work Farm in Keene
• Sugar House Creamery in Jay
• Juniper Hill Farm in Wadhams
• Echo Farm in Essex
• Noon Mark Diner in Keene Valley
• Oscar’s in Warrensburg
• Iluka in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Hamlet and Ghost in Saratoga
• Slow Burn
• Chapel Pond in Keene

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

Do you have questions or comments? Your feedback is invaluable, and we'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

Remember to subscribe, rate and review us. We’d love to have you join our podcast community.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

[email protected]

Step back in time to an era of lavish retreats and untamed wilderness. In this episode, we uncover the rich history of the iconic Adirondack great camp Sagamore—once the private getaway of the Vanderbilt family. Explore the intriguing blend of luxury and nature, shaping a unique legacy of rustic elegance. 

From grand lodges to hidden trails, we explore Sagamore's stories, architecture, and its enduring impact. Whether you're a history buff or a lover of the Adirondacks, this is one adventure you won’t want to miss.

For more information.

Learn more about the topics we discuss:

• Great Camp Sagamore
• “Adventures in the wilderness, or, Camp-life in the Adirondacks” by W. H. H. Murray
• Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt
• Margaret Emerson Vanderbilt
• Grandparent & Grandchild Camp

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Adirondack Experience
• Giant Mountain
• Westport, NY
• Ballard Park in Westport

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

Do you have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

When watching a movie or TV show, have you ever felt the sensation the place on the screen looks very familiar? You might be surprised to learn about the movies and TV series filmed in the Adirondacks.

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Greater Adirondack Film Commissioner Eric Granger. He shares the behind-the-scenes stories of his work, attracting filmmakers to the Adirondacks, and the unique experiences of working with them.

Discover the global appeal of the Adirondacks as a film location. Filmmakers have not only used it as a backdrop for New York State’s North Country but also as a stand-in for other locations worldwide. Eric also shares some exclusive insights from the sets of different productions filmed here. 

Mentioned in this podcast:

• Adirondack Film
• Lights, Camera, Adirondacks - the article that inspired this episode
• Lake Placid Film Festival
• “Succession’s” Nicholas Braun’s Vanity Fair on-location photo diary

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

Do you have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of ADK Talks, we visit High Falls Gorge in Wilmington, New York, at the base of White Face Mountain, one of the Adirondacks' iconic High Peaks. 

Just a stone's throw from Lake Placid, High Falls Gorge offers a unique experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Adirondacks, come up close to spectacular waterfalls, and get a fascinating geology lesson.

One of the most appealing aspects of High Falls Gorge is its year-round accessibility. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, the experience is equally fantastic and unique.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The history of High Falls Gorge
• A multi-generational business
• The geology of the Adirondacks
• An accessible Adirondack venue

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Hungry Trout Restaurant
• Pinecone Ice Cream in Ray Brook
• Santa’s Workshop in North Pole, NY
• The Cottage
• Ausable Chasm
• Veteran’s Memorial Highway at Whiteface Mountain

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

Do you have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of ADK Talks, we speak with Yvonne West, founder and owner of On The Equator Sauna Rentals in the Lake George region of the Adirondacks. On the Equator has a mobile sauna that they bring to clients so they can experience the benefits of sauna at home.

Yvonne shares her story of how she came up with the idea for a mobile sauna service and brought her vision to light, including building the mobile sauna by hand, working through the “red tape” and regulatory requirements, and, through sheer determination and passion, launched a successful business.

More than just a relaxing experience, taking a sauna delivers numerous health and wellness benefits, including:

• Joint and muscle pain
• Benefits to your respiratory system
• Improves circulation and blood flow 
• And may deliver benefits to heart health

On the Equator’s vision is to make a valuable health and fitness tool accessible to everyone. That's why they created a business that brings a sauna right to your front door.

Born and raised in Jamaica (the country, not the neighborhood in Queens), Yvonne also shares her journey and experiences building a life in the Adirondacks with her extended family and becoming a “Jamerican.”

Also mentioned in this podcast:

• Prospect Mountain
• Fort Ticonderoga
• Cold War Hot Spots: Missile Silos in the Adirondacks
• Buttermilk Falls in Long Lake
• The Great Escape
• Turning Stone 

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

Do you have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].