**Circle B Ranch. Fall is the perfect time for a horse ride**

This weekend thousands of runners and their families and entourages will descend on the greater Schroon Lake area for the ADK Distance Festival Weekend.

If you are a first timer or a veteran, there is a lot for you and your party to do while waiting for your event: Horse back riding, boating, hiking, eating, drinking and that favorite American past-time: shopping. And of course you will be surrounded by the early stages of our leaves turning.

If you still haven’t secured a place to stay, check out the Schroon Lake Place, right down town, just feet from the start line and all the action of Main Street. And there's also Drake's Motel, a couple of miles north of town.

Main Street Schroon Lake is full of surprises: A yoga studio, coffee shops, an antique store, with pubs, shops and restaurants. We also have a full service pharmacy for any emergency supplies. Be sure to check out the amazing three floors of The Towne Store. From Schroon and ADK memorabilia, books, jewelry, clothing, and kids toys – and that’s just the beginning.

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There’s a bargain basement with heavily discounted outdoor and camping equipment. On the top floor, you will find one of a kind ADK inspired arts and crafts.

Across the street there's the new Giant Mountain Studio and the work of an extraordinary group of artists. This gallery is a jewel.

**Image Courtesy: Giant Mountain Studio**

If you are a book lover, you are in for a treat. On Saturday the Friends Of The Schroon Lake Library will have their final book sale of the year, in their new, expanded digs, under the Hudson Headwater Health Building. The new space is bursting with bargains.

For outdoor adventurers, fun awaits at every corner.

If you have only experienced the lake by driving or running around it – why not get on it!!! The Schroon Lake Marina has speedboats, pontoon boats, kayaks and stand up paddleboards for rent. But get in before the rush and reserve now.

Up for a little leg-stretching hike? There are three very, easy and beautiful walks close by.

**Schroon Lake viewed from Mt. Severance. Schroon Laker Collection. 2014. Copyright. All Rights Reserved**

Hiking Mt. Severance will give you fantastic views of both Schroon Lake and Paradox Lake. Check out directions, here. Then there’s Gull Pond and Crane Pond, both easy and presenting you with beautiful views at the end .Looney about the Adirondacks has these handy guides here and here. More more hikes, click here.

**Paradox Lake viewed from Mt. Severance. Schroon Laker Collection. 2014. Copyright. All Rights Reserved**

And there's now Spin Schroon, where Wendy Ryan will give you an workout in her lakeside studio. Claases are on Friday and Saturday at 9am. Email Wendy here, for details.

**Wendy Ryan's Spin Class, is first class!**

Outer Schroon – to the North, a little up Route 9, try some of the finest Italian Food around at Drake’s Restaurant.

**Drake's Zuppa Langosta is an overflowing plate consisting of half a good size lobster, clams, scallops, calamari and shrimp in a garlic and white wine sauce served over pasta.**

It's a great excuse to cargo-load! A little up the road on Route 9, there's some good pickings at Check out DeCesare's Pizza, just south of town, opposite Schroon;s own "Shopping Mall", aka the Dollar General.

**Sticks and Stones won't break your bones, but they will quench your thirst and hunger.**

Further south on Route 9 there’s the ever-popular Sticks and Stones and their amazing wood fired pizza and Witherbee’s Carriage, with its museum quality collection of ADK artifacts. (It’s also the official after marathon party location!).

**Life at Paradox Brewery is a Paradox!**

A bit further south, be sure to check out the Paradox Brewery and tasting room. Their beer garden is a terrific way to sample their ales, buy a growler, and have it filled. (All Paradox offerings are available at all Schroon bars and restaurants with liquor licenses!)

Further down Route 9 be sure to check out the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves and Railroads on Parade – two family fun packed experiences you will want to do again.

And we highly recommend checking out the Circle B Ranch in nearby Chestertown. The good folks at Circle B offer a horse riding experience for all levels. What a great excuse to see the Fall colors. Click here to save a few bucks off your ride and be sure to book ahead.

And for those staying on the eastside – go and fill up on a yummy breakfast or lunch at the Adirondack General Store -- now under new management. You will also find an amazing array of ADK and Schroon souvenirs.