ADK Talks

Each fall, Lake Placid turns into the “Telluride of the Northeast”—a walkable, mountain-ringed town where filmmakers and film lovers share theaters, coffee lines, and conversations. In this episode, we sit down with Noah Raymer, Director of Communications for Adirondack Film and the Lake Placid Film Festival, to explore what makes this long-running North Country tradition so special. What you’ll h...

Ultralight, All Heart: Adirondack Pack Canoes by Hornbeck Guest: Josh Trombley, head of Hornbeck Boats Topic: The Adirondack pack canoe—past, present, and why it changes how (and how often) people get on the water. Hornbeck Boats began in the 1970s with founder Pete Hornbeck, a paddler-artist who revived the Adirondack tradition of pack boats—open, canoe-shaped craft paddled with a double-blade. ...

Step inside the North Star Underground Railroad Museum with President Jacqueline “Jackie” Madison of the North Country Underground Historical Association.  We trace the Champlain Line of the Underground Railroad through the stories of real people and places—John Thomas’s journey to freedom, the Quakers’ moral stand, and local heroes like editor Wendell Lansing.  Jackie walks us through can’t-miss...

Discover the unique and fiery world of glassblowing in North Creek, NY, with Greg Tomb, the passionate owner of Adirondack Glassblowing Studio .  From the warm glow of the furnaces to the hands-on workshops, Greg shares how visitors can shape molten glass into their own keepsakes. We delve into his journey from Corning-inspired beginnings to teaching thousands in the Adirondacks, his seasonal pump...

ADK Talks: Chasing Colors: The Adirondacks' Best Fall Adventures In this brisk, handy fall guide, we map the Adirondacks region by region—from Lake George up through the High Peaks and out to the Adirondack Coast—sharing on-the-ground tips, quick stories, and can't-miss events.   Fall in the Adirondacks is peak season — and we've got your insider's guide.  From the breathtaking...

A Force for Nature: David Gibson on Paul Schaefer’s Adirondack Legacy What does it take to protect six million acres of wild Adirondack Park? In this episode of ADK Talks , we sit down with David Gibson, conservation leader and author of A Force for Nature: Paul Schaefer’s Adirondack Coalitions .  Gibson takes us deep into the remarkable story of Paul Schaefer, the man who rallied hunters, anglers...

Step into the Golden Age of Opera — without leaving the Adirondacks. In this episode of ADK Talks , Jane and Steve sit down with Caleb Eck, Director of Institutional Advancement at The Sembrich , a lakeside museum, performance venue, and cultural retreat in Bolton Landing, NY. Discover the remarkable life of Marcella Sembrich, the Polish coloratura soprano who conquered the great opera houses of E...

What happens when you grow up in the heart of the Adirondack Park, spend your life paddling its waterways, hiking its backcountry, and painting its moods—and then decide to share that world with others?  That’s the life of Adirondack guide and artist Matt Burnett, whose work on the water and in the studio captures both the wild beauty and the human stories of the region. In this episode of ADK Tal...

Our Best Travel Tips - Lake George Edit: Where to Stay, What to See, and What to Skip. Planning a trip to Lake George? This episode is for you. Jane and Steve crack open the listener mailbag and serve up answers to your most-asked questions about where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in the iconic Lake George region. You’ll learn: The difference between Lake George Village, Bolton Landing, H...

Preserving Place: Stories Behind the Adirondack Architecture We Love Step back in time—and into the future of preservation. In this spirited episode of ADK Talks, Jane and Steve sit down with Erin Tobin, Executive Director of Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) , to uncover the unique and fascinating stories hidden in the Adirondacks’ historic architecture. From the rustic grandeur of Great...

What happens in the Adirondacks doesn’t always start in the Adirondacks—it can flow into our air, water, communities, and climate from coal-fired power plants far, far away from our lakes and forests. I n this powerful episode of ADK Talks , hosts Jane and Steve sit down with John Sheehan, Director of Communications for the Adirondack Council , to explore the science, policy, and passion driving e...

In this listener-fueled episode of ADK Talks , J ane and Steve dive deep into your Adirondack travel questions, focusing on the Tri-Lakes and High Peaks region: Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for the views, you'll get expert tips on where to stay, eat, shop, hike, and sip like a local. From haunted hotels to hip breweries...

Every summer, the quiet charm of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid erupts in a joyful scrum of community pride, fierce competition, and unmatched camaraderie. That’s right—it’s time for the legendary Can-Am Rugby Tournament. In this episode of ADK Talks, hosts Jane and Steve delve into the heart of this beloved Adirondack tradition with Cameron Moody, the tournament director and lifelong rugby player,...

What happens when world-class opera collides with the rugged beauty of the Adirondacks?  In this episode of ADK Talks, we pull back the curtain on the Seagle Festival —America’s oldest summer vocal training program, a cultural institution with a rich legacy, tucked away in the charming village of Schroon Lake, NY. Hosts Jane and Steve of ADKtaste.com sit down with Artistic Director Darren Woods ,...

In this powerful follow-up to one of ADK Talks’ most downloaded episodes, Jane and Steve welcome back Denise Silfie from the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation in Saranac Lake.  Denise shares updates on loon research, insights from the annual Loon Census, and the ongoing challenges of lead tackle for loons and humans, climate change, and shoreline development.  From guided paddles and museum-...

What does it mean to break trail—not just through snow or forest, but through history itself? In this enlightening episode of ADK Talks, we delve into the pages of the newly updated "Breaking Trail: Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks" . This powerful collection of stories celebrates women who have left an indelible mark on the region, challenging its limits and expanding our understandi...

What happens when history, art, and community transformation converge on six brick walls in Ticonderoga, NY? In this episode of ADK Talks, we sit down with Nicole Justice Green, Executive Director of the Essex County Land Bank, to explore the story behind Walls Between Waters—a bold new mural project and public event that’s turning once-vacant buildings into landmarks. Nicole shares the inspiratio...

What do you get when you cross a farmer, a baker, an educator, and a cooperative visionary? You get Dan Rivera of Triple Green Jade Farm , a transformative force in the Champlain Valley of the Adirondacks, where loaves rise, soil sings, and rural dreams ferment into something real. Join us for a warm and hearty conversation with Dan, the wood-fired wizard behind one of the Adirondack region’s most...

In this episode of ADK Talks, we’re heading to Tupper Lake, where we sit down with Brian Burns, the owner, with his wife Renee, of the beloved Northwood Cabins .  Located along Route 30, a stone's throw from the heart of Tupper Lake and the glistening waters of Raquette Pond, Northwood Cabins is not just a place to rest your head. It's a captivating Adirondack experience, steeped in nost...

In this episode of ADK Talks, we explore the connection between the quality of the water in Lake George and the preservation of its surrounding land. Our guest, Sarah Hoffman from the Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC), will shed light on the ripple effect of land conservation on this iconic lake, the Queen of American Lakes. Sarah joins us to explain how keeping land wild keeps water clean, why...

What unfolds when a couple, deeply enamored with the Adirondacks and armed with grand aspirations and remarkable courage, chance upon a dormant legend? In this episode of ADK Talks, we delve into the journey of Amanda and Ryan Ragland, the dynamic couple who breathed new life into the Schroon Lake Department Store — a pivotal part of Adirondack life since the late 1800s. Three years ago, Amanda an...

Raise a dram and settle in for a spirited conversation equal to heritage, humor, and Highland flair. In this episode of ADK Talks, we journey to the northeastern edge of the Adirondacks to Crown Point, NY, near Lake Champlain, where War Cannon Spirits is rewriting the rules of craft distilling—one perfectly aged barrel at a time. Our guests, Paul, Joel and Aidan, take us behind the stills to explo...

Can't make it to the Adirondacks? No worries! In this episode of ADK Talks, we embark on a literary expedition through the mountains, exploring books that capture the essence of the Adirondack experience. From thrilling tales set in the heart of the wilderness to insightful narratives about the region's rich history, we've curated a reading list that promises to transport you straig...

In this mouthwatering episode of ADK Talks, we sit down with Joq Quintal, who, along with his family, has been operating Oscar’s Smokehouse for three generations.  Oscar’s, a Southern Adirondacks institution, has tantalized taste buds for over 80 years. From its legendary smoked bacon and 7-year-aged sharp cheddar to fan-favorite sausages and jerky, Oscar’s has earned a cult following—locals, tour...

In this spine-tingling episode of ADK Talks, we delve into the shadows with the Adirondack Park Paranormal Society , the region’s foremost team of ghost hunters and supernatural sleuths. Their expertise and experience have led them to investigate some of the most haunted locations in the Adirondacks, from eerie whispers in historic hotels to mysterious figures spotted deep in the woods. Join us as...