ADK Talks

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...

In this episode, we speak with Spencer Coplan , the head chef at the historic Deer’s Head Inn in Elizabethtown. Spencer shares the joys of leading a kitchen that showcases local, regional, and sustainably produced foods.  The Deer’s Head Inn is ideally located in the Adirondacks' "breadbasket" within the Champlain Valley. Local farms and orchards provide a diverse range of products,...

Step back in time to an era of lavish retreats and untamed wilderness. In this episode, we uncover the rich history of the iconic Adirondack great camp Sagamore—once the private getaway of the Vanderbilt family. Explore the intriguing blend of luxury and nature, shaping a unique legacy of rustic elegance.  From grand lodges to hidden trails, we explore Sagamore's stories, architecture, and it...

When watching a movie or TV show, have you ever felt the sensation the place on the screen looks very familiar? You might be surprised to learn about the movies and TV series filmed in the Adirondacks. In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Greater Adirondack Film Commissioner Eric Granger. He shares the behind-the-scenes stories of his work, attracting filmmakers to the Adirondac...

In this episode of ADK Talks, we visit High Falls Gorge in Wilmington, New York, at the base of White Face Mountain, one of the Adirondacks' iconic High Peaks.  Just a stone's throw from Lake Placid, High Falls Gorge offers a unique experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Adirondacks, come up close to spectacular waterfalls, and get a fascinating geology les...

In this episode of ADK Talks, we speak with Yvonne West, founder and owner of On The Equator Sauna Rentals in the Lake George region of the Adirondacks. On the Equator has a mobile sauna that they bring to clients so they can experience the benefits of sauna at home. Yvonne shares her story of how she came up with the idea for a mobile sauna service and brought her vision to light, including build...

In this episode of ADK Talks, June Waters, Director of Exhibitions at Lake George Arts Project’s Courthouse Gallery, the only year-round cultural institution in Lake George Village, helps us explore the artistic side of Lake George. We learn about the history of this venue for modernist and contemporary art, how artists come to exhibit at the gallery and upcoming events in 2025. We also learn more...

In this episode of ADK Talks, we have a fascinating conversation with Ian Tomasch from Gore Mountain , New York’s largest ski area. Located in the heart of the Adirondacks in North Creek, NY, Gore Mountain boasts a rich history of catering to skiers, snowboarders, and winter sports enthusiasts in the southern Adirondacks. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Gore’s origins as the North Creek Ski Bo...

In this episode of ADK Talks, we delve into the Adirondack’s unique culinary culture with a sizzling conversation with Chef and Adirondack restaurateur Billy Trudsoe, proprietor of Lizzie Keays Kitchen and Cocktails in Warrensburgh and Basil & Wick's in North Creek. We hear about Billy’s journey from a drive-in king to head chef at top restaurants in Lake George and Florida, which led him...

In this special Halloween episode of ADK Talks, we delve into some of the Adirondacks' top haunted spots—places where people report having seen ghosts or experienced the paranormal. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Hotel Saranac , one of USA TODAY’S Top 10 Best Haunted Hotels in America Saratoga Homestead Rhinelander Estate Adirondac - Tahawus Haunted Lake George MacDonough Hall at SUNY Pl...

In this ADK Talks episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Jeff Berry and Elena Lumby, two dedicated members of Search and Rescue in the Northern Adirondacks (SARNAK).  SARNAK is an all-volunteer organization based in Saranac Lake, primarily serving the Upstate New York region. It works closely with NYS DEC’s Forest Rangers, who, in addition to protecting and managing forests, parks and wil...

In this ADK Talks episode, we recommend top autumn activities in the Adirondacks. From foliage to festivals, we share our favorite things to do in the fall in the ADK. While the list of great things to do in the Adirondacks is almost endless, our listeners have been asking us to share our favorites. Who are we to say no? Our Top 10 list includes: Gore Mountain Harvest Fest Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s Thr...

In this episode of ADK Talks, we connect with Denise Silfee, the Education and Communications Director at the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation in Saranac Lake, New York.  The Common Loon, specifically Adirondack loons, is a favorite topic among the adktaste.com community. This super informative, educational and engaging conversation with Denise could have probably filled three podcast episo...

In this episode of ADK Talks , we have an intriguing conversation with Noel Jennings, a third-generation proprietor of one of the central Adirondack’s most beloved ice creameries, Custard’s Last Stand in Long Lake. This iconic ice cream stand has served visitors and the community since 1958 (over 65 years). We talk to Noel about what it takes to keep a family business afloat for over six decades;...

In this episode of ADK Talks , we are privileged to host a fascinating conversation with Paul Bartholomew, a distinguished Sasquatch expert renowned for his meticulous research and study of Bigfoot in New York and the New England states. He has been on a quest to unravel the mystery: Does a hulking 7-foot-tall humanlike creature, unrecognized by science, wander the lush forests of the Adirondacks?...

In this episode of ADK Talks , we speak with Nick Friedman, Executive Director of Accessible Adirondack Tourism, who shares his insights and experience on making the Adirondacks more accessible to everyone. And we learn about the first annual Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities . Listen now, and subscribe to ADK Talks for more intel on the best places to visit, stay, eat, shop...

In this episode of ADK Talks , we talk with Mary Alice O’Connor, the Executive Director of the Indian Lake Theater, who shares what it takes for a not-for-profit movie theater to survive and thrive in a town with a year-round population of 1,400 people. Mary Alice paints a vivid picture of the theater's history, which has been a part of the town’s life since 1937. She underscores the pivotal...