Folks home for the holidays, relatives visiting and second home owners up for potential skiing and snow shoeing have area restaurants and bars enjoying a bump in business!

Other headlines: The new Adirondack Inn is finally open, the Morningstar Bistro has been sold and Joanies Baked Goodies is up for sale. (We will have more on those stories in the coming days!).

And if you are in our area – and looking for some bargains - this week is your last chance to pick everything from furnishings, to clothing to every ADK knick-knack imaginable at the Towne Store. You’ll have to wait ‘til spring tor your next chance to shop at the store. From Patti Mehm:

"We will be open every day this week (except Tuesday 12/30) with almost everything on sale, closing for the season on Sun, January 4th"

Both Sticks and Stones and Witherbee’s are having New Year’s special menus. Sticks and Stones are featuring a special menu and live music.

From S&S: Castello Monaci Liante, Local Craft Beer, Tender Filet Mignon, Succulent Alaskan King Crab, great Music and a Toasty Crackling Fire! Mikaela Holmes –- daughter of co-owner Steve -- is back again but this year as a vocal duet with Marc Christopher and Peter Darling on the keyboard. Music starts at 7 PM. The trio set will be followed by a set from The River Runners again! This is a night you don't want to miss! For reservations call 518-532-WOOD.

Witherbee’s has a pre-fixe menu for just $30 per person: Home Made Soup or Organic Green Salad, Gourmet Entrée, Fresh Vegetable, Potato and Dessert. Choices of

*Filet Mignon with Portabella Mushroom Cap and Red Wine Reduction

*Home Made Seafood Newburg in Puffed Pastry

*Home Made Chicken Cordon Bleu with Chicken Jus and Cranberry Chutney*Gourmet Vegetable Terrine with Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

Seating begins at 5:00pm on New Year's Eve and Space is Limited. Call Witherbee's Carriage House for Reservations. 518 532-9595