Amazing home furnishings at Pine Cone Mercantile.Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

This weekend more than a thousand runners and their families and entourages will descend on the greater Schroon Lake area for the 2oth 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.

Main Street Schroon Lake is full of surprises: A yoga studio, coffee shops, an antique store, with pubs, shops and restaurants and a hands down must see Adirondack Furnishings store: Pine Cone Mercantile.

Bread. Yum. North Woods Bread Company.Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

For lovers of fresh baked goods – breads and sweet pastries – and gourmet coffee, you must check out North Woods Bread Co.. It’s tucked away at the back of Pine Cone Mercantile, but its offerings are first class. Be sure to look at their hand picked cheese selection from three award winning North Country Cheese Makers.

Treats from the North Woods Bread Company.Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

We also have a full service pharmacy for any emergency supplies. Be sure to check out the amazing offerings at The Towne Store. From Schroon and ADK memorabilia, books, jewelry, clothing, and kids toys – and that’s just the beginning. There’s a bargain basement with heavily discounted outdoor and camping equipment.

Photo Anthony Ruiz, Giant Mountain Studio. All Rights Reserved.

Across the street there's the Giant Mountain Studio and the work of an extraordinary group of artists. Above is a beautiful painting of Schroon Lake by Sandra Hildreth painted during the Schroon Lake Association's Hobie Cat Sailing Regatta and a stunning guitar by Eric Bright made using "sinker" woods and locally harvested burls. This gallery is a jewel.

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 recently expanded digs, under the Hudson Headwater Health Building. The space is bursting with bargains.

For outdoor adventurers, fun awaits at every corner.

Schroon Lake Marina's showroom. Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved. — Schroon Lake Marina's showroom. Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

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.

The view from the top of Mount Severance. Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

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

And there's now Spin Schroon, where Wendy Ryan will give you a workout in her lakeside studio. Classes are on Friday and Saturday at 9am. Check out their website.

The Schroon Lake Liquor Store.Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

A little south of town on Route 9, there's our brand, spanking new Schroon Liquor Store. It’s at the corner of Route 9 and Hoffman Road. The proprietor, Mr. Doyle, has curated a selection of fine wines and brand name liquor at all price points.

Need a chilled bottle of white wine? No problem. There is a machine of magic that will chill your bottle in minutes!

Left something at home? Need a $10 hair dryer? An iPhone charger? Good news: we’ve got you covered.

There are some good pickings at Schroon’s own "Shopping Mall", aka the Dollar General. Across the street check out the carb delights at DeCesare's Pizza.

Sticks and Stones mouth watering pizza.Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

Further south on Route 9 there’s Schroon’s hip and happening scene at Sticks and Stones. It’s their amazing wood fired pizza, salads and steaks, killer desserts and bar that keep locals and visitors coming back.

The fire pit at Sticks and Stones.Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

Further south there’s Witherbee’s Carriage, with its museum quality collection of ADK artifacts. (It’s also the official after marathon party location!).

Paradox Brewery Founder Paul Mrocka. Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved. — Paradox Brewery Founder Paul Mrocka. Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

A bit further south, be sure to check out the Paradox Brewery and their tasting beer garden. Whata terrific way to sample their ales, buy a growler and their very hip and cool bling.

(Most Paradox offerings are available at all Schroon bars and restaurants with liquor licenses!)

Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

Further down Route 9 be the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves are worth a visit.

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 early Fall colors of orange and red. 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. You will also find a unique array of ADK and Schroon souvenirs.

A trip to Adirondack Buffalo Company is a culinary adventure everyone will enjoy. From Schroon it’s just a short skip and a jump to North Hudson, where you will actually see the wild Buffalo roam.

The Adirondack Buffalo Company is owned and operated by Doreen and Steve Ossenkop. Their farm, nestled in the heart of the ‘Dacks, is home to a herd of about forty American Bison (aka: Buffalo).

Once you arrive, you’ll park just steps from the large observation deck where you can see the entire herd. This past spring we saw many new calves. Kids of all ages will love this!

Step inside the store and check out the board for specials. And Doreen and Steve will be happy to give you cooking advice.

There's amazing fresh brewed coffee, produce, baked goods, gourmet foods, rustic furniture and souvenirs. The store is open from Memorial Day weekend through late October, seven days a week from 10 am until 6 pm. Their farm is one of the area’s favorite tourist attractions. See our post below for our go to Buffalo Burger Recioe.

The details: Adirondack Buffalo Company, 3187 Blue Ridge Road, North Hudson, New York 12855. (518) 532-9466

The Schroon Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Whitty-Brown. Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved. — The Schroon Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Whitty-Brown. Schroon Laker Collection. All Rights reserved.

And be sure to say hi to Tammy Whitty-Brown, at the Chamber of Commerce, for more ideas on what to do. Enjoy your time here.And thanks for visiting our website.