Inside Schroon Lake: A Sweet Summer Place
/Adirondack chairs, beaches, boating, fresh air, hiking trails, pine
trees, performing arts, serenity, solitude, relaxation...these are just a few
of the things synonymous with Schroon Lake!
Stepping into the town of Schroon Lake on a warm summer day is like stepping
inside a Norman Rockwell painting. For some reason time stands still in this
small town in upstate New York where the fragrant smell of Adirondack pine
trees and the calming waters of the lake make everything feel so clean and
pure.
The hilly terrain of Schroon Lake Town Beach is the perfect place to read a
book or have a picnic. There's also a gazebo, and tennis courts. Lifeguards are
on duty daily during the summer months and one couldn't ask for a more
refreshing body of water to swim in. There are plenty of places to park near
the town beach but if you're staying in or around Schroon Lake you'll soon find
out that it's a pedestrian friendly town that's fun to walk around.
One of my favorite places to stock up on food is TOP'S supermarket (the former
Grand Union). Pick up some ready made salads and tasty cheese from the deli, a
box of crackers and a bottle of Adirondack sparkling water and find a picnic
table at Schroon Lake Town Beach and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake and
mountains while eating. Afterwards treat yourself to an ice cream cone at
Stewart's shop where ice cream rules; Adirondack Bear Paw, Amaretto Chocolate
Almond, Blueberry Patch, Carmel Cone Crunch, Espresso Therapy, & Mousse
Trail are just some of the flavors that will lure you in for a scoop or two of
some of the best ice cream in all of New York State.
Schroon Lake's Main Street (Highway 9) has on old fashioned feel to it and is
perfect for dining and shopping. Established in 1881 The Town Store sells loads of unique items. They also rent
canoes and kayaks. Schroon Lake
Antiques has great 20th century merchandise for sale. There's even
a mini Christmas tree in the antique shop with interesting ornaments. (You can
make your Christmas wish in front of the tree).
Locals can often be spotted at Flanagan's
Pub & Grill where the beer and food rarely disappoint customers. Morningstar Cafe named after the
1950's movie Marjorie Morningstar which was filmed in Schroon Lake is super
cozy. It's owned by a French lady who certainly knows how to please her patrons
with yummy foods like homemade crepes and sandwiches. For barbecue food that
tastes like it was made right in Tennessee Mr. P's Mountain Smokehouse is the place to be. Everything from
the pulled pork to the mac and cheese is awesome. They serve lots of side
dishes and mouth-watering desserts. I'd eat at Mr. P's Mountain Smokehouse every week if I lived in Schroon
Lake. The owner is one of the nicest and best chefs in all of the Adirondacks
and he went out of his way to make my friend and me feel welcome in his
restaurant.
Next to the public library on Leland Street is the Schroon Lake Farmers Market
where crafty folks and farmers sell their goods. The samples of food are mighty
generous and I still can remember the sample of that blueberry crumble cake and
homemade peanut butter and jam.
Lots of cute and historic homes
are nestled throughout Schroon Lake and those that summer here are truly
blessed.
Schroon Lake's cultural scene is very stimulating. The Seagle Music Company has
the oldest summer vocal training program in the United States. You can count on
first rate musical theater and opera performances by young performing artists
from around the country. Two other places for performing arts are the Boathouse
Theatre and Strand Theatre.
Schroon Lake is a vacation destination so there's all kinds of places to stay;
campgrounds, cabins, bed & breakfasts, motels and even a Christian
conference center and hotel known as Word
of Life. Owned by a Hungarian couple Kish Duna Motels & Cabins is where I stay when I'm in
Schroon Lake. With a private beach and furnished cabins it's an affordable
place to stay. They have nightly bonfires and it's fun to talk to the other
guests and roast marshmallows and make S'Mores (chocolate,
graham crackers, and melted marshmallows) mmmmmh, so good. The swimming at Kish Duna's private beach is out of this world. I feel like a
mermaid swimming at dawn, midday, and in the dark.
Oh Norman Rockwell if you were still alive I know you'd paint a perfect picture
of Schroon Lake. How sweet it is to know that there's still a place where
things are done a lot simpler and where tranquility still exists.
