The opening of Pine Cone Mercantile on Main Street Schroon Lake, has become a must see destination for folks from all over the North Country, as well as states near and far.

This affordable high end ADK home furnishing store -- in the building which once housed the Morningstar Bistro -- is the glorious vision of owner Lisa Hess-Marks. Big band tunes play in the background as you browse Lisa's amazing inventory of unique items. And with her husband Ed in the back baking up daily treats and brewing fresh coffee, it's an experiences for all of your senses.

Name: Lisa Hess-Marks

Where do you live?   In the hamlet of Adirondack… on Beaver Pond

Full time? Part time? Seasonal? Full-Time…. Now!

When did you move here or discover this part of paradise? About seven years ago… my husband Edward and I decided it was time for a weekend lakehouse. So we pulled out a map and drew a big circle of all the regions we could reach within four hours from NYC (our former “weekday” home). When we realized we could reach the Adirondacks…. we jumped in the car on a Sunday morning and drove up for an exploratory “day-trip”. Once we hit the Schroon Lake/ Brant Lake/ Loon Lake region… we knew we’d found our spot!

Where did you grow up? Wisconsin and North Florida

How do you -- or did you -- make a living? I was a fashion designer for 25+ years… heading up a large design team in NYC

How do you spend your free time? I love to hike, canoe, kayak and garden, camp, and explore corners of the Adirondacks that I haven’t yet discovered

Coffee, Tea, or…? I like to start the day on our waterfront deck with a STRONG Cuppa Joe, and end the day on our waterfront deck with a cocktail (shaken, not stirred!)

What’s your idea of a perfect Saturday? – Well… I work every Saturday. So a perfect Saturday would be when I’m visited in the store by some of my favorite “regular” customers! I have met some incredible people since opening Pine Cone Mercantile in Schroon Lake. And a great day is when I get to chit-chat with my new friends and catch up on their lives!

What’s your favorite local restaurant?- I really don’t have a favorite…. It all depends on what I’m in the mood for. Each restaurant has its own strengths.

Favorite season(s) and why?-  All… except “Mud Season”. Summer (because daily dips in the lake just can’t be beat), Autumn (because the blue skies against the vibrant leaves is something I never get tired of) and Winter (because the mountains covered in snow are magical)!

What’s on your nightstand? A stack of books I never get around to finishing (or starting), an alarm clock and vintage printers block that we used to print our wedding invitations 25 years ago!

What are you listening to? Most often… vintage Big Band music. I play it in Pine Cone Mercantile, and it has become the soothing soundtrack of my life.

What are your current addictions? Pinterest and Etsy are my current addictions. There’s so much great, inspirational talent out there and so many young entrepreneurs fueling a new generation of small business and independent spirit!

Who/what makes you laugh? My husband Edward makes me laugh… always! Laughter may be the cornerstone of our relationship!

Talent you would most like to have? I’m still trying to figure out how to be in three places at once. Once I master that talent… I could find the time take up yoga/ weaving/ painting/ and community service

What’s the best kept secret about Schroon Lake and or surrounding areas?  We are privileged to have an abundance of amazing young farmers in Schroon Lake and Essex County. They are enthusiastic and dedicated to healthy and responsible farming for current and future generations.

What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? I hope to be remembered as someone who always had a smile on her face, treated everyone equally, and made a difference in her community!