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Be A Tourist In Your Own Town- Royal Mountain Ski Area
Be a Tourist In Your Own Town: Royal Mountain Ski Area
Featured Writer: Andy Heck- President at Alpin Haus
Caroga Lake NY is home to Royal Mountain, a great family ski area for all ages and abilities.
The Alpin Haus family has had a very long and great relationship with Royal. Each year Alpin Haus sells pre-season passes, (please visit www.alpinhaus.com for locations and hours) to customers. Alpin Haus also has a youth ski lease program for families who are looking for a great experience. Since the first store opened, Alpin Haus has become the place to go for all-season supplies. Snowmobiles, ski, and snowboard clothing, as well as personal watercrafts, boats, pools, spas, recreational vehicles, and patio furniture are available all year long.
Royal Mountain Ski Area (www.royalmountain.com) is conveniently located in the foothills of the Adirondacks, in Caroga Lake NY. Royal is about an hour away from Albany and Utica. It is a family mountain with 3 chair lifts, from beginner slopes to expert trails. Jim Blaise built a great business from the ground up, and has been a great transition to new owners Jake and Brooke Tennis, who are continuing the Royal tradition of a wonderful experience.
Andy writes: “When you go to Royal Mountain everyone is like family there. From the staff to the skiers-everyone is friendly and are happy to see each other. This year with the pandemic it has been so great to see families being able to be outside together getting fresh air and having a great time. The lodge and lifts are all following protocols to ensure everyone is safe. It is a great place to enjoy the beautiful Southern Adirondacks. The lodge looks great, fire pits are awesome, and as someone who has been very cautious regarding COVID safety, I was very comfortable.”
“For families they have a great program to teach kids how to ski. When my kids were young they learned on the bunny hill before graduating to the big part of the mountain. Now for me my typical day is going early on a Sunday morning and heading out as the lifts open for the day. I often go by myself knowing I will run into others I know at the ski lift. For instance, one day I ran into a friend I grew up with and we skied all morning together.”
L to R: Andy Heck (President of Alpin Haus) John Toper (Alpin Haus Clifton Park Ski manager) Charles Weitz (Amsterdam RV Outfitter)
“For the trails themselves, my favorite is the Royal. Royal is the beautiful black diamond trail you see from the lodge. After a run on Royal, like many skiers I move through all the different trails. During the year when the snow is bountiful I even head in the woods for some great glades skiing. Regardless of your ability there is a trail for you. One of the best parts of Royal is their commitment to snowmaking. Every year you know that the trails will be covered with a great base of snow lasting into April. Each night they groom making the trails perfect each and every day.”
Every year on the Thursday of President’s week Alpin Haus hosts a ski demo day at Royal Mountain, where ski vendors come and set up tents with next year skis. Customers then get to go out on the mountain and test the new product. Ski reps love how amazing, intimate, and special Royal Mountain is. They go all over the Northeast and say they never get treated as well as they do by us and Royal Mountain. Due to COVID-19, Demo Day is cancelled this year, but everyone is looking forward to 2022 to continue this fun long-standing tradition.
Before you head home, make sure you check out www.44lakes.com for suggestions on dining and shopping. Didn’t get enough from one day at Royal? Lots of cozy cabin rentals and hotel rooms only 10-15 mins away from the mountain. Fill up with a dinner from a local restaurant and shop at a family owned business ready to safely serve you.
Enjoy the winter and check out Royal Mountain Ski Area: 3072 NY Route 10 Caroga Lake NY 12032. Phone: 518-835-6445. www.royalmountain.com Email: info@royalmountainskiarea.com Find them on Facebook @skiroyalmountain for latest updates and additional information on snowdrag races and other events coming up 2021!
Empire State Development Announces “Raising The Bar” Restaurant Recovery Fund
Empire State Development is offering grants of up to $5,000 for restaurants adjusting to COVID-19 safety guidelines. The $3M+ Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund—supported by Diageo North America, Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits (a division of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits), National Development Council and ESD—offers NYS restaurants up to $5K to support COVID-19-related upgrades.
“Raising the Bar” grant funding can be used for COVID-19-related improvements and equipment that will allow the business to comply with social distancing guidelines, expand take-out/delivery operations, or accommodate outdoor dining such as plexiglass barriers/partitions, signage promoting social distancing and hygiene protocols, heaters, heat lamps, weatherization upgrades and insulated delivery bags; improvements that will allow the business to continue operating through the winter months such as filtration system upgrades and food heaters to maintain temperature for to-go orders and purchasing PPE and sanitation supplies necessitated by the pandemic; and COVID-19 related business improvements like patio heaters or contactless technology. Qualifying purchases and expenditures must be from September 1, 2020 onwards to be eligible. Initial round of grants are up to $5,000.
Initial grant funding will be awarded based on the received applications and dispersed independently by NDC, an experienced national economic non-profit that has been in operation since 1969.
Restaurants can apply to the “Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund” starting Monday, January 11, 2021. For more information visit the ESD website at https://esd.ny.gov/raising-bar-restaurant-recovery-fund.
Application Link: nysrestaurantrecovery.fluxx.io
Take a drive on the Fulton-Montgomery Quilt Barn Trail
The Fulton Montgomery Quilt Barn Trail (FMQBT) is located in upstate New York in the southern Adirondacks in the counties of Fulton and Montgomery. The area is a mixture of agricultural landscape, rural countryside and small cities and villages. The FMQBT is in the process of growing throughout the area and encourage residents to join the community pride and individual artistry found in a quilt barn trail.
Wooden barn quilt squares can be based on traditional patterns with individual influences making them unique to each property and community. The square is frequently mounted on a barn and is thus called a “barn quilt”, while the building may be called a “quilt barn”. When several of the squares are displayed throughout a community they create a “quilt barn trail”. They usually range in size from 4′ x 4′ to 8′ x 8′ although other sizes may be considered due to limited space. They are made from exterior grade materials to last many years. A material list is found on the website, fmquiltbarntrail.com.
One of the bigger pieces on the trail is the Mayfield Mural, at the Mayfield Fire District Building on 28 North School Street. What started as an idea between the FMQBT and interim Superintendent Kathy Dougherty in fall of 2018 has been completed.
It’s been a collaboration among many in the Mayfield community. The project is the result of hard work and the talented students all coming together to make Mayfield a prominent stop on the Fulton Montgomery Quilt Barn Trail.
The mural itself is 8’ x 28’, and it consists of two 4’ x 4’ squares designed & painted by a Mayfield Fire District member & the CubScouts/Webelos Den. Of the remaining 2’ x 2’ squares, 38 were painted by students in a studio in art class at the Mayfield Jr/Sr Central school & the artist from the FMQBT.
The FMQBT now in its 7th year, is a steadily growing tourism trail with over a 160 registered locations.
We hope you will take a drive to see #155 along with the many others found in our latest brochure.
Brochures are available in many locations including the outdoor display at the Visitor Center in Vail Mills.
If you aren’t familiar with the trail please check out the video on YouTube & Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Fulton-Montgomery-Quilt-Barn-Trail-456846717778409
Please visit www.fmquiltbarntrail.com, for more information and a pdf of the trail map.
Haunted History of Johnstown Walking Tour
There will be absolutely no walk ins for any of our tours.
While this tour is not especially scary we do not recommend it for young children, toddlers, or babies and will require any children under 18 to be accompanied by an adult.
https://form.jotform.com/202643317013039
2021 Walleye Challenge Ice Fishing Derby at the Great Sacandaga Lake Postponed until 2022
2021 Walleye Challenge Ice Fishing Derby at the Great Sacandaga Lake Postponed until 2022.
Gloversville NY: The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce regrets to inform the community that the 2021 Walleye Challenge Ice Fishing Derby at the Great Sacandaga Lake is postponed until 2022.
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and safety for our community, the Chamber and local organizers have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Walleye Challenge.
“The tournament and registration take months of planning in advance,” Tourism Director of Development Anne Boles said. “We are unable to plan a large gathering at this time, as we continue to adhere to New York State Government guidelines. We are very hopeful for less constraints by 2021, but the reality is we cannot plan for a large crowd now with the current restrictions and guidelines in place. It is truly a very hard and difficult decision to postpone. We look forward to continuing our traditional tournament with Fuel N Food, Lanzi’s, and all our local sponsors and donors in 2022.
Past fishing enthusiasts will receive a postcard in the mail regarding postponement, and is posted on 44lakes.com and Visit Fulton County NY Facebook page.
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Fulton County Outdoor Adventure Day – Saturday September 26th from 10am-4pm
Fulton County Adventure Day Scheduled for Saturday, September 26th
BROADALBIN: Fulton County Outdoor Adventure Day is a day to highlight the outdoor activities in Fulton County. It is a multiple venue event where you can find a table about hunting, fishing, boating, biking, antiquing, and many local artisans featuring handmade goods and fresh farm products.
It is scheduled for Saturday, September 26th for 10am-4pm, sponsored by Fulton County and www.44lakes.com
Fulton County Administrative Officer Jon Stead said, “The Fulton County region has beautiful landscapes and exceptional recreation for every level of interest. Fall is a great time to get your equipment, pick a date, and go explore.”
There are multiple venues to spread out the event to showcase what the Route 29 and Route 30 Corridor have to offer. Inaugural anchors will include: The Fulton County Visitor Center, Historic Hotel Broadablin, The Wildlife Museum, Adirondack Harley Davidson, Frank’s Gun Shop, SchoolHouse Antiques, and the Great Sacandaga Brewing Company.
Fulton County Outdoor Adventure Day is adhering to NY forward social distancing guidelines. Please bring a mask and please be mindful of the 6ft apart guideline. There will be hand sanitizer stations located throughout the event.
Anchor sites will have a passport map for the day. Visitors are encouraged to pick a passport up at any anchor site and use it as a guide for the day. Visit 5 out of 7 sites, and drop off at any location for a chance to win a $50 chamber check. There will be 4 chances to win.
Activities for the day include:
At the Fulton County Visitor Center (located 3687 Route 30- on the Route 29 and Route 30 Roundabout)
–Fulton County Sheriff- Outdoor safety
–Gloversville Police Department- Bike Safety and helmet raffle
–GSL Safe Lake Initiative- Boating Safety Advocacy
–Glen Cottage Farms- Flowers and Gardening tips
–Liz Argotsinger- demonstrating construction of a Quilt Barn Square
–Katie Rhodes- Co- owner of TogaNola, nature walk on the rail trail, hiking safety, responsible outdoor enthusiast chat. Katie and hiking partner Bethany just completed the first female unsupported thru-hike of all 46 high peaks.
–Slip Stream Watercraft- Outdoor & Sporting Goods company
–Sacandaga Valley Arts Network (SVAN) – Visitor Center Art Gallery open
–Howie Dingman and Harry Lewis- Hunting and fishing items for sale
–Bam Bam Jerky- 100% NY State raised organic grass fed beef jerky for sale
–Carl Jurica- Experienced Bee Keeper
–John Anadio- Hunting and Fishing Antique appraisals
–Bethy’s Barkery- dog bakery specializing in gourmet dog treats
–Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
–Fulton County Scott Henze Planning Director
–2020 US Census Bureau
–Potter industries ,leather goods for sale
School House Antiques (3678 State Highway 30, Broadablin) will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary in business. Deals and specials will be advertised day of event.
Historic Hotel Broadalbin (59 West Main St, Broadablin) has the following vendors. The hotel restaurant will be open all day. Hotel Vendors are: Mama Be’s Honey Hot Sauce, Historic Hotel Broadalbin, Deb’s Treasures, Sam’s Signs, Ivory + Bow, Sharra’s Cupcakery, Toga Nola, Mud Rd Maple Sugar House, Peck’s Flowers,Planted organics, Saratoga Apple, Walkers Wicks, Peterson Farms, Queen Bee Bakery, Color Street, Gails Glasses , Goods From the Woods, Kristy’s Soaps, Sleepy Bear LLC, The Ash Tree Astrology, Pelican Bluff, and I’m not gunna get ticked. Tanya Defriest will be presenting on Lyme Disease Prevention. Katie Rhodes- Co- owner of TogaNola, will also be at the hotel speaking on safety, responsible outdoor enthusiast chat. Katie and hiking partner Bethany just completed the first female unsupported thru-hike of all 46 high peaks. Her company, TogaNola will also have a limited supply of free granola samples. A free pumpkin “face painting” g
PASSPORT FLYER Outdoor Palooza v.4iveaway by artist Nancy Murphy, and a free fall family picture taken by Local Focus Photography.
Hotel Broadalbin is also hosting a Virtual Fishing Tournament. The Sacandaga Showdown Fishing Tournament is $15 fee for open class. It is from 6am-2pm. Fish anywhere by boat or shore with the Fish Donkey smartphone App. Catch a fish, take a picture, send in measurements, and release. Prizes will be announced at the hotel at 3pm. Special thanks for Franks Gun Shop for prizes. Please see Historic Hotel Broadalbin’s Facebook page for FishDonkey link to register or go to tourney.fishdonkey.com to search for Sacandaga Showdown Fishing Tournament.
The Wildlife Museum (3747 State Highway 30, Broadalbin) is open and with every paid admission, you will receive a free raffle ticket for a rifle. Details at the museum on Saturday. The wildlife museum is an educational institution whose mission is to the promote public understanding and appreciation of traditions of hunting, fishing & trapping.
Great Sacandaga Brewing Company (3647 State Highway 30, Broadalbin), Adirondack Harley Davidson (106 Bellen Road Broadalbin), and Franks Gun Shop (3831 State Highway 30) are open for business and welcome your visit. Don’t forget to hand them your passport while you shop!
There will be live music throughout the day. Playing at the Visitor Center are the Backporch pickers (10a-12p), Mike Gowans(12p-2p) and George Spencer and Joe Ag (2p-4p). The hotel will feature 10a-12p Danny Lynaugh, 12p-2p Vinny Michaels, and 2p-4p Corry Loveday.
The Outdoor Adventure Day passport will include an additional list of local restaurants and shops to visit while you are in Vail Mills and Broadalbin.
Any questions please call Anne Boles, Director of Tourism Development at 518-725-0641, or email tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org. Please visit www.44lakes.com and our Facebook page, Visit Futon County, NY and like and share the event page for up-to-date details.
The Sacandaga Valley Arts Gallery and Gift Shop OPEN!
The Sacandaga Valley Arts Gallery and Gift Shop, located at 303 S. Main St. in Northville, opened with a new rotation of art, supplied by its organization’s artists, on July 3rd, according to Gallery Manager, Sandra Peters. Peters related, “We have taken steps to prepare the Gallery and Gift Shop for safe viewing of the arts and for gift shopping in compliance with New York State’s ‘Interim Guidance for Low-Risk Indoor Arts & Entertainment during the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency.’ With so many other venues closed and events canceled, we were hesitant to move forward, but after due consideration of our SVAN Board, we concurred that our venue poses a low risk opportunity for those in the Sacandaga Region who are looking for something to do, enjoy the arts, or want to shop for an original art gift.”
The SVAN Gallery & Gift Shop is open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday mornings. “SVAN artists will be available to assist visitors with questions about the art on display or to assist you with a purchase,” Peters related.
Johnson Hall Opens July 22
Johnson Hall State Historic Site will open for the 2020 season on Wednesday, July 22. In response to the covid-19 pandemic, the following health and safety guidelines will be in effect for the season:
- Guided tours will be given on Wednesdays through Sundays.
- Tours are by advance reservation by phone only. Visitors can call (518) 762-8712 from 9am to 4pm on Wednesday through Sunday to schedule.
- Tours will be limited to 5 people.
- Masks must be worn by all visitors inside the buildings, and social distancing observed.
- Access into the buildings will be controlled by staff. Visitors should arrive no sooner than 10 minutes prior to their tour to enter the stonehouse to pay their admission.
- The museum shop will be available to visitors following their tour.
Interpretive signs throughout the grounds of Johnson Hall detail the historic structures and features that were once part of the estate. Social distancing should be practiced by visitors on the grounds.
Johnson Hall was the 1763 English Georgian estate of Sir William Johnson and Molly Brant. Johnson was the largest single landowner and most influential individual in the colonial Mohawk Valley. His success in dealing with the Six Nations had a lasting impact on their relationship with the English, and largely influenced England’s victory in the Anglo-French struggle for control of colonial North America. Today, the main house and flanking stonehouses, originally surrounded by a 700-acre farm, interpret Sir William and Molly Brant’s family life through guided tours of the period room settings, educational programs and special events.
Johnson Hall State Historic Site is located at 139 Hall Avenue in historic Johnstown, just off West State Street (State Highway 29 West). For more information, write JohnsonHall@parks.ny.gov or visit www.facebook.com/johnsonhallstatehistoricsite.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
The NY State Parks Explorer mobile app is now live!
NEWS: The NY State Parks Explorer mobile app is now live! Available for both iOS and Android, this free app provides key info about destinations, activities and adventures all in one place. Discover must-see locations and enjoy quick access to directions, hours, trail maps, and helpful know-before-you go details. Download today!
Apple Store: http://ow.ly/pzGL30qV56f
Google Play: http://ow.ly/PrI630qV54O