From the shores of Lake Champlain to the heights of Mount Defiance, Fort Ticonderoga offers picturesque views around every corner and family-friendly activities this fall that capture the essence of the season. Ticonderoga’s defining history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative story telling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, enriching guided tours, thrilling weapons demos, boat cruises, endless outdoor activities, captivating signature events, and premium exclusive experiences.

“Surrounded by magnificent autumn backdrops of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains, the epic beauty makes Fort Ticonderoga a must-see destination any time of year, but especially during the fall,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga president & CEO. “Daily offerings bring visitors into Fort Ticonderoga’s defining story through hands-on activities, programs and exhibitions which inspire the joy of learning together for families and visitors of all ages, while gaining a deeper understanding of our nation’s past and its meaning to us today.”

Family Friendly Fall Fun

By Rod Bacon

A restaurant channeling the cruizin’ culture of the ‘50s and ‘60s, and paying homage to a popular song originated by Big Joe Turner that was covered by Bill Haley & His Comets, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even The Beatles, among others, opened last month in Queensbury.

 Shake, Rattle & Roll, owned by Fort Ann concrete contractor Dale Baldwin, has been taking shape for the past five years.

“We worked on it in the winter when concrete work was slow,” said Baldwin. 

The 3,024-square-foot building was erected by Peterson Builders Framing Contractors of Charlotte, N.C. Baldwin’s son, Travis, did all the finish carpentry and his daughter, Amanda, performed the painting and staining tasks. Glens Falls-based E&T O’Connor did the site work and DE Contracting of Lake George did the paving. Cerrone Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning of Queensbury installed the plumbing and heating. 

The restaurant, which will be open from April through November, serves hamburgers and “Hound Dog” hot dogs, with sides of  french fries, mac-and-cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. Twelve flavors of ice cream that can be ordered in cones, sundaes, floats, or banana splits, are offered for dessert. The ice cream, which can also be ordered from a walk-up ice cream window, is from King Brothers Dairy in Schuylerville.

By Paul Post

Four of seven commercial spaces at developer Chris Patten’s latest project, 46-56 South Street in Glens Falls, are already accounted for.

Katy’s Wine and Whiskey Bar and Jud’s Tavern are scheduled to open when work on the three-story, mixed-use building, with 20 second- and third-floor apartments, is completed this winter.

“I really want to bring back South Street,” Patten said. “To do that we need to generate foot traffic with bars and restaurants.”

The large previously-vacant building, at the corner of South and Elm streets, was recently painted a handsome navy blue and white, and will transform dramatically at night with multi-colored lighting along the roof line.

Nearby, Patten is also redeveloping 10 Broad Street, site of a former Rite Aid store, with construction of a three-story structure comprised of a 56-space ground-floor parking garage and 24 high-end apartments overhead.

The two projects combined total $11 million – $5 million for 46-56 South Street and $6 million for 10 Broad Street. The latter project is called The Point.

By Paul Post

Sylvain Cloutier, the Adirondack Thunder’s new head coach, wants to build a heavy team that punishes opponents physically.

One of the Capital Region’s most prominent law firms is getting in on the action, too, as Harding-Mazzotti, “The Heavy Hitters,” has won arena naming rights under a five-year agreement through 2030.

The relationship with a prestigious Albany employer is expected to spark new marketing opportunities and bring more events to the downtown venue, a major contributor to the local economy.

“The financial package is certainly a factor, they are in every naming rights agreement,” Thunder President and arena General Manager Jeff Mead said. “That being said, we were also looking for a partner that wanted to become part of our community.  Harding-Mazzotti wants to do that. Their firm seems genuinely excited to partner with us.”

New signs identifying Harding-Mazzotti Arena already adorn the building, in anticipation of the Thunder’s home opener against the defending Kelly Cup champion Trois-Rivieres Lions on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Adirondack Winery is thrilled to announce three major victories from this year’s New York Wine Classic hosted by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation (“NYWGF”). The Classic is open to all New York State wineries, celebrating the diverse products made in the state under multiple different categories. The NYWGF worked alongside the Beverage Testing Institute to judge wines entered, ranking them on a points-based system.

Adirondack Winery walked away with high scores for its Gewurztraminer (2023 Vintage) “Million Dollar Beach”), Cabernet Franc (2021 Vintage) “Autumn in the Park”), & Dry Riesling (2023 Vintage) “Red Cardinal”), all ending the competition as Gold Medal Winners. The Gewürztraminer (2023 Million Dollar Beach Gewürztraminer, Finger Lakes) also won the prestigious “Best of Class” award, scoring an incredible 93 points, making it the Best Gewurztraminer in the state!

“Gewurztraminer is a floral, aromatic white grape varietal that favors the cool climate of New York’s Finger Lakes, where we source these grapes. Upon arrival, the grapes undergo an extended cold soak to allow for maximum flavor extraction, followed by a slow, cool fermentation resulting in a Gewurztraminer wine that truly expresses the terroir of its region. This gold medal is a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation we strive for at Adirondack Winery,” said Courtney Rankin, Winemaker.

Battenkill Conservancy (BkC) is pleased to announce that Miranda Trombly Harrington, Cossayuna native and a longtime supporter of the Battenkill, has joined BkC as its Donor Engagement Coordinator.  

Miranda is a graduate of Greenwich High School, received her BS in Biology from The University of South Florida and works as an Environmental Educator at Moreau State Park. Certified in Wilderness First Aid and an ACA-accredited paddling instructor, she loves inspiring people with accessible, fun, and engaging ways to connect with nature.  Her future goals of becoming a NYS-certified hiking guide will further support outdoor safety, education, and environmental stewardship in our region.

Miranda’s bonds with the Battenkill run deep.  In addition to her family ties, her work with highway cleanups, The PIcky Bug Tables and The Battenkill Runs Through It River Festivals demonstrate her dedication to help preserve the watershed for the community and future generations.  Last spring, Miranda and her fly fishing husband, Bryan Harrington, were married at BkC’s Schmidt Meadow Preserve in Jackson.