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Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center’s Annual Open House
Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center will host its two-day annual Open House Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23 from 9:00am – 4:30pm each day.
Visitors may enter a Grand Prize Drawing for a choice of any new pair of skis in stock OR a 2014-15 Season Pass Membership. If the individual whose name is drawn has already purchased their 2014-15 Membership, his or her purchase price will be refunded.
During the two-day Open House all new in-stock cross country skis and ski packages will be discounted 30%. All other retail merchandise will be discounted 10% (sale items excluded). Season-long ski equipment rentals ($75 – $180 plus deposit) will be available. Lapland Lake’s operator, former US Olympian Olavi Hirvonen, and his carefully trained staff will assist with proper equipment selection and sizing.
A free children’s Reindeer Rally will take place at 10am each day. Pat Ferri, PSIA-certified instructor and Assistant Nordic Director, will lead fun and crazy games for children ages 5 – 12 on grass or on skis/snow!
At 3:30pm each day Pat will offer free hour-long wax clinic and ski care tips sessions. All are invited!
Spencer Morrissey, author of Adirondack Skier, a guide to some of the best trails in the Adirondack Park for cross country skiing, will be at the resort’s Finnish Line Lodge Saturday from 12:30 – 4pm both days to meet with customers and to autograph copies of his book.
Lapland Lake Season Pass Memberships will be available at normally reduced early-season rates; regular Membership rates will go into effect Monday, December 1st. For the seventh consecutive year all children ages 17 and under will receive free Memberships when at least one parent or legal guardian purchases a 2014-15 Lapland Lake Season Pass Membership!
Open House is free of charge. Facility use fees will be half-price both days for those wishing to ski, snowshoe and tube (conditions permitting). If there is no snow, visitors are welcome to enjoy complimentary hiking on the resort’s 50km trail system.
Attendees may visit with Lapland Lake’s reindeer at his lakeside home and enjoy complimentary cookies, hot chocolate, coffee and tea at the resort’s Tuulen Tupa Grill from noon-4pm both days.
Lapland Lake has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council’s Private Sector Tourism Partnership Award; Best XC Ski Resort in the Mid Atlantic Region and Best XC Ski Resort for Families, Best XC Ski Resort Poll; Top Ten XC Ski Resort Catering to Families, xc ski resorts.com and Fulton County’s Tourism Partner Award.
A complete cross country ski and snowshoe facility, Lapland Lake offers fully equipped rental and retail shops, a comfortable warming lodge with snack bar, a trailside restaurant and overnight accommodations in private housekeeping cottages. The trail system has 50km of trails for all ability levels. 38km are marked, mapped and snowcat groomed with trackset and skating lanes; 12km are ungroomed, marked, mapped snowshoe trails. Cross country ski lessons are offered daily by the resort’s staff of PSIA-certified instructors. Other activities include ice-skating, tubing, sledding, kicksledding and wilderness ski touring. A full winter Calendar of Special Events is also offered.
Located in the south-central Adirondacks, Lapland Lake is conveniently located just over an hour’s drive from Schenectady; 60 miles from Albany and Utica; four hours from New York City and Boston. Interested individuals may visit online at www.laplandlake.com or contact Lapland Lake for information at 518.863.4974 or vacation@laplandlake.com.
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of October 15-21
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Typical color remaining in downtown Gloversville the week of October 15.
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend 100%
Brilliance Dull to Average
Predominating colors Some yellow and orange remain
Rating Past Peak
Some color remains, but many leaves have fallen. Rain is in the forecast for the week and it is likely many more leaves will drop. The predominating colors at this point in the season are yellow and orange with a few hints of red.
There are still many fall events happening and plenty of apples and pumpkins to be picked!
FREE Harvest Tour, Route 29A Chain of Lakes, and Great Sacandaga Lake informational maps are available.
1.800.676.3858
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of October 8-14
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Reporting station Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins, Pine Lake (Adirondack Park) and Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend 100% higher elevations and 50-75% lower elevation (another week for peak)
Brilliance Average
Predominating colors Some reds, yellows, and browns with green still visible in lower elevations
Rating Near Peak to Peak
This is probably the last weekend to see any color in the higher elevations. The Town of Caroga has reached peak and the leaves are starting to fall. There most likely won’t be many leaves remaining the following week.
Lower elevations have slowed in the color changing process. They may reach peak this weekend but are starting to fall and the color is not as vibrant as in past years. Let’s hope for sun and not too much rain and wind to keep the leaves on the trees a little longer.
There are still many fall events happening and plenty of apples and pumpkins to be picked!
FREE Harvest Tour, Route 29A Chain of Lakes, and Great Sacandaga Lake informational maps are available.
1.800.676.3858
Triathlon seeks Charitable Organization
The Peck’s Lake Protective Association (PLPA) Board of Directors is seeking applications from not-for-profit organizations to be awarded as the designated charity to receive a portion of the proceeds raised by the 2015 triathlon. The applicant organization must be a 501(c)(3) corporation (or be able to demonstrate to the PLPA Board’s satisfaction appropriate financial safeguards for the distribution of funds); must serve Fulton County residents with 100% of the funds used for direct client benefit/services. The application and complete criteria are available at: http://www.fultonmontgomeryny.org/pages/PecksLakeSprintTriathlon/. The application deadline is December 15, 2014.
The Peck’s Lake Sprint Triathlon is scheduled for August 1, 2015. Photos from the 2014 event can be found on the Visit Fulton County, NY Facebook page.
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
During the week of September 21, Fulton County had the opportunity to welcome the Outdoor Channel’s Fishing University hosts, guests, and crew. The fishing legends who host Fishing University, Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier, were graciously greeted with warm upstate New York hospitality wherever they went in the community. “From the car wash to restaurants to marinas” they were welcomed with open arms.
Fulton County should be proud of the reception these important guests received and proud of the final product that will air in early 2015. Fishing University’s season includes 13 episodes, two of which were filmed in Fulton County. The show filmed on the Great Sacandaga Lake and Canada Lake as well as school segments at Mayfield High School and Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services (HFM BOCES). Each episode will air six times during the season and has the potential to reach 40 million viewers.
The filming of these episodes could not have taken place without the help of the sponsors, guides, businesses, and community members that 
helped make this happen. Thank you to John Havlick and Frank’s Gun & Tackle Shop for helping sponsor the filming and the “Meet & Greet” at Lanzi’s on the Lake, coordinating the week’s events, and so much more. Thank you to Jason Pajonk, David Karpinski and Taylor Made Products for helping sponsor the filming and for the fantastic factory tour of the Harrison Street, Gloversville facility. Thank you to Stephen George of Allwater Guide Service and Rob Javarone for guide services and fishing coordination. Thank you to the Holiday Inn staff, Cranberry Cove Marina, Canada Lake Store and Marine, Lanzi’s on the Lake, and many others for their hospitality and service. Thank you to Mayfield High School and HFM BOCES students and staff for helping us highlight the great assets of Fulton County. And thank you to the Fulton County Board of Supervisors for their continued support and awareness of the importance of tourism in Fulton County.
Sincerely,
Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director
Fulton County Tourism Department
Harvest Tour Maps Available
The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Business Development Center, and Montgomery County Agriculture Economic Development have announced that the official 6th Edition Harvest Tour in Fulton & Montgomery Counties Map has been revised, printed, and ready for distribution. The 2-county map is a guide of agritourism properties that exist in both counties.
Agritourism is tourism based on attracting visitors to agricultural operations. This type of tourism is comprised of businesses such as crop and animal farms, u-pick operations, wineries, aquaculture and for-fee fishing operations, Christmas tree farms, herb farms and greenhouses, maple syrup and cheese producers, and farm stands.
“The Harvest Tour Guide is a great tool to showcase our local farmers and producers. Fulton and Montgomery Counties have such a variety of fresh local products as well as wonderful resources that reflect the area’s agricultural heritage, and it is important to continue to promote that aspect of our region,” states Karl Gustafson, Economic Development Specialist, Montgomery County Business Development Center. “This year’s map has an updated look, new categories, and includes information about the regional CNY Fresh campaign and the new Fulton Montgomery Quilt Barn Trail
.”
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Montgomery County to produce this valuable guide which provides added resources and cost-savings to each organization. Visitors and residents are exposed to a tremendous amount of information about our combined counties and the agri-businesses located here,” adds Director of Tourism for Fulton County, Gina DaBiere-Gibbs. “This valuable resource for tourism in the area highlights the vast agricultural community that many visitors from the New York City and Albany areas may not be regularly exposed to. Many want to see how cheeses and milk are made and want to know where their vegetables and meats come from. Many of the farms and businesses on the map not only sell you the product, they will show you how it’s made,” continues DaBiere-Gibbs.
The FREE agritourism map is available at the following locations:
Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, 2 North Main Street, Gloversville
Fulton County Visitor Center, State Routes 30 & 29, Vail Mills
Montgomery County Business Development Center, 9 Park Street, Fonda
Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District 4001, State Highway 5S, Fultonville
For more Montgomery County tourism information logon to www.visitmontgomerycountyny.com. For more Fulton County Tourism information visit www.44lakes.com.
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of October 1-7
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins Week of October 1
Reporting station Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins, Pine Lake (Adirondack Park) and Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend 95% higher elevations and 50-75% lower elevation (another week or so for peak)
Brilliance Average-Bright/Vibrant
Predominating colors Bright reds and oranges, yellows, and rusty reds, with only a few spots of green still visible (still spotty green in lower elevations)
Rating Near Peak to Peak
Parts of Fulton County are within the Adirondack Park; these locations will reach peak color this weekend. Some trees have started to drop leaves and Saturday’s weather forecast is rain. If you can visit during the week, you are likely to see some beautiful colors and landscapes.
Lower elevations are likely to reach peak the following week around Columbus Day Weekend. Let’s hope for sun and not too much rain and wind to keep the leaves on the trees a little longer.
There are still many fall events happening and plenty of apples and pumpkins to be picked!
FREE Harvest Tour, Route 29A Chain of Lakes, and Great Sacandaga Lake informational maps are available.
1.800.676.3858
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 24-30
Treeline at Rogers Family Orchard week of September 24
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Tree changing in Johnstown week of September 24
Reporting station: Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins, Pine Lake (Adirondack Park) and Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 50% in higher elevations and 40% lower elevations
Brilliance: Average-Bright
Predominating colors: Yellows, Oranges, Reds… still patchy in some locations but the green that remains have a yellow or rust tint.
Rating: Mid-Peak
According to Dave at Southern Adirondack Pines, “The colors are coming on strong and we’ll be at mid-peak by the weekend. There are a lot of yellows, rusty reds and large patches of bright red highlights. The remaining greens are nearly gone & the colors are getting quite vibrant. The drive up Route 29A from Johnstown/Gloversville to the north end of Fulton County is beautiful.” Others have reported that the leaves at West Lake and Canada Lake are a “perfect backdrop”.
The weather forecast is sunny and mid-70s. In the coming week, if we get any rain it may take that opportunity away.
Come stay for the weekend… the farm markets are open, “The Addams Family” is at The Glove Performing Arts Center, and Fulton County’s Day at the Farm is on Sunday. Visit our calendar to help plan your autumn getaway.
FREE Harvest Tour, Route 29A Chain of Lakes, and Great Sacandaga Lake informational maps are available.
1.800.676.3858
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 17-23
View across Pine Lake from Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins on September 15
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Reporting station: Southern Adirondack Pines Campground & Cabins, Pine Lake (Adirondack Park) and Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 30% in higher elevations and 15% lower elevations
Brilliance: Dull-Average
Predominating colors: Greenish-Yellow, Rusty Red with touches of Orange and Brighter Red
Rating: Beginning to Midpoint in some locations
While this morning is gloomy, the autumn colors are starting to appear at a faster pace than the previous week. The recent crisp mornings are a reminder of the many fall events happening and the Adirondacks are a great place to see the foliage change.
Many trees are changing from green to yellow. Some have a brownish red peeking through and hints of orange and brighter red are starting to appear. At this point, very few have deep vibrant colors. Within the next two weeks, we should see a brilliance of color and reach peak leaf peeping.
The mountain views showcase a progressive timeline in the change of colors. The higher elevations tend to change slightly earlier. If enjoying scenic rides through Fulton County, expect to visit the higher elevations a few days earlier than lower elevations.
Call for a free copy of our Harvest Tour map to accompany your Fall Foliage ride! The Harvest Tour map will assist in finding apples, cider, pumpkins, mums, baked goods, and so many more seasonal products.
We also have the Route 29A Chain of Lakes map and the Great Sacandaga Lake map; both maps include attractions, shopping, dining, and much more to help plan your Fall Getaway!
1.800.676.3858
Fulton County Foliage Report: Week of September 10-16
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 10 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Fulton County has its own “foliage spotters” to participate in this annual report.
Our Fulton County Report for the Week of September 10-16:
Reporting station: Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 5%
Brilliance: Dull
Predominating colors: Still green, starting to yellow and brown
Rating: Just Beginning
In years past travelers who signed the guest book at the Fulton County Visitor Center rated the best scenic rides through Fulton County. Today, we feel, these still hold true.
- The most popular drive, Rt. 29A West/Rt. 10 North through the Caroga Lake, Pine Lake area, and 29A west through the Town of Stratford.
- The second most popular scenic drive is north Rt. 30 North through Northville around the Great Sacandaga Lake and then south down Lakeview Road through the Town of Broadalbin.
- The third favorite starts Rt. 334 and runs South through the community of Sammonsville.
We also recommend taking the hike up Kane Mountain (prior to hunting season) for a spectacular view. Please be aware of your surroundings and be cautious.
In the villages and cities many properties have the best trees that turn color year after year. A great example would be the Fulton County Courthouse on N. William Street in Johnstown. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in Fulton County especially during peak season when the leaves have turned 100%.
Please enjoy the “Leaf Peeping” season and the many autumn activities Fulton County has to offer.