Blog
Fall Foliage Report: October 9-15
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 11 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.
Johnstown
Reporting station: Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 70% in higher elevations, 50% in lower elevations
Brilliance: Average to Bright
Predominating colors: Yellow, orange with some greens and reds
Rating: Midpoint
Higher elevations are reaching peak this weekend while the lower elevations still have a lot of green. It is midpoint in the lower elevations with more leaves shedding every day. Over the next week to two weeks the foliage will likely reach peak.
Another fall weekend in Fulton County means another weekend full of activities. Registration is still open for the Bike Thru History weekend. In addition to various routes on a two-day fully supported event, there are non-rider options to participate. Friday evening will feature a social at the Holiday Inn with appetizers and a presentation by the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Hometown Association. Saturday features programming at Johnson Hall State Historic Site and the Fulton County Museum with dinner. Pre-registration is required and fees do apply.
On Saturday, the Mayfield Historical Society is hosting its Fall Family Fest and Cruise-In from 12 to 4pm. The Fall Family Fest will include tours of the Rice Homestead, weaving and spinning
Gloversville
demonstrations, face painting for the kids, produce and pumpkins for sale from Brower’s Farm, apple cider, cider donuts, and hot dogs with the locally iconic “Lee’s Famous Hot Dog Sauce” will be for sale. The descendants of Lee Goulet, owner of Lee’s Snack Bar in the village of Mayfield, donated Lee’s secret meat recipe to the Mayfield Historical Society as well as its snack bar signs which will be on display. The DVD “Harnessing Nature: Building the Great Sacandaga” will be available for sale.
Also on Saturday, from 12 to 6pm is the Gloversville Fall Fest at Trail Station Park. There will be pumpkin painting, free bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, potato sack races, three-legged races, hula hoop contest, giant yard games, music, vendors, and more.
The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts has a full calendar for October. Pre-registration is recommended for most activities. Classes for adults and children are offered and range from cooking classes to fall crafts to yoga.
Come and enjoy the colors of autumn and the many events Fulton County has to offer.
Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!
1.800.676.3858
Fall Foliage Report: October 2 – 8
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 11 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.
Caroga Lake
Reporting station: Caroga Lake and Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 60% in higher elevations, 40% in lower elevations
Brilliance: Average to Bright
Predominating colors: Yellow, orange with some greens and reds
Rating: Midpoint
Each week there is less green and more yellow, orange, and red appearing. In higher elevations, like Caroga Lake, midpoint to near peak in certain spots is occurring. With rain over the past week, trees that changed early are already losing their leaves.
Apples at Rogers Family Orchards
While checking out the near peak leaves in Caroga Lake this weekend, be sure to visit the Caroga Lake Volleyball Club Craft Fair at the Wheelerville School. The craft fair runs from 2pm-7pm. Additionally, a Roast Beef Dinner sponsored by the North Bush United Methodist Church will be held from 3pm-7pm.
It’s a great time to stock up on fall harvest decorations like pumpkins and gourds or go apple picking. The Gloversville and Johnstown Farmers Markets will be ending soon for the season. Take a harvest tour today!
Come and enjoy the colors of autumn and the many events Fulton County has to offer.
Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!
1.800.676.3858
Fall Foliage Report: September 25-October 1
I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 11 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.
Johnstown
Reporting station: Caroga Lake and Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 40% in higher elevations, 20% in lower elevations
Brilliance: Average to Bright
Predominating colors: Green with a lot of yellow and some orange and red
Rating: Beginning moving to midpoint in the higher elevations
Green is still predominant in the lower elevations with more yellow, orange, and red appearing each week. In higher elevations, like Caroga Lake, midpoint of the change is fast approaching.
Fun family fall events continue throughout the upcoming week. Saturday is Bacon Jam in Gloversville. This bacon and music festival in the heart of downtown will feature food vendors with bacon-centric creations, a beer garden and live music.
The annual Fulton County’s Day at the Farm agricultural festival is on Sunday. Come out and support our agricultural community at Rogers Family Orchard, west of Johnstown. Everyone receives a complimentary ice cream cone and a chance to climb the hay mountain. Horse and tractor drawn wagon rides are always a favorite. Festival food will be available from vendors. Parking and entrance to the grounds are free.
The Johnstown Historical Society is hosting events on October 1 and 2. Tuesday features An Evening in the Colonial Cemetery, a guided ghost walk through the Colonial Cemetery on Green Street, Johnstown. Wednesday is An Evening of 18th Century Merriment at the Burk Inn with hot chocolate by VanWyckes’ Chocolate Haus and music by Liasons Plaisantes.
Come and enjoy the colors of autumn and the many events Fulton County has to offer.
Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!
1.800.676.3858
Fall Foliage Report: September 18-24
I LOVE NY starts the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 11 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.
Perrella Garden on the FMCC Campus
Reporting station: Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 15%
Brilliance: Dull but getting brighter
Predominating colors: Mostly green with touches of yellow, red, and orange patches
Rating: Beginning
More patches of color are beginning to appear this week. There is still a lot of green but the color is definitely progressing and becoming brighter.
The Broadalbin Village Art Show will host an artist meet and greet Wednesday night. The exhibits will be open through September 22 at 6 local businesses during each venue’s regular business hours. Also on, September 21 and 22 is the Broadalbin Youth Commission’s 1st Annual Craft Fair at the Broadalbin-Perth High School.
Saturday, the Johnstown Historical Society will present a living history walking tour through the Johnstown Cemetery, “Stories Behind the Stones”.
On Sunday, Pine Lake Park is hosting a Craft Fair & Fall Festival with hundreds of craft items, mums, and pumpkins as well as a vintage car show, hay rides, chili cook-off and more. Also on Sunday, Gloversville Neighborhood Improvement will their second annual Music on the Porch event with live music and food.
Come and enjoy the colors of autumn and the many events Fulton County has to offer.
Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!
1.800.676.3858
Fall Foliage Report: September 11-17
I LOVE NY starts the “New York Fall Foliage Report” on September 11 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: Gloversville
Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 5%
Brilliance: Dull
Predominating colors: Mostly green with touches of yellow, red, and orange patches
Rating: Just Beginning
Fulton County Visitor Center
The leaves are just beginning to change with a lot of green and hints of yellow, orange, and red sporadically throughout.
Visit Caroga Lake, Gloversville, or Johnstown to see what seasonal goods are available at our regional farm markets. Mums, apples, and pumpkins are always sure to please.
On Friday, the Micropolis Cooperative will host a “Meet the Artists” reception in its gallery. Eggshell and mixed media mosaic artist Linda Biggers is the featured artist. Linda’s show runs through October. Paintings, drawings, pastels, photographs, fiber art, mixed media, woodwork, glass, digital art, jewelry, pottery, woodland assemblages and fine art cards by Micropolis artists will also be on display.
Saturday and Sunday, the Hotel Broadalbin will host the Sacandaga Market: Handmades & Harvests, a market collective of artisans, farmers and vendors featuring activities for all ages including bounce houses. Live music by Corry Loveday, Dan Lynaugh, North & South Dakotas Band, Steven Cowles, and Gary McCoy. Admission is free.
Come and enjoy the colors of autumn and the many events Fulton County has to offer.
Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!
1.800.676.3858
Bike Thru History
Friday-October 11, Saturday-October 12, Sunday-October 13
Bike Thru History on a unique fully supported one-day or two-day tour showcasing Fulton County, the Mohawk Valley and southern Adirondacks featuring interactive route stops allowing cyclists to learn about the history that provided the foundation and continue to support the local and regional communities.
Full weekend-Friday night appetizers, breakfast, Saturday dinner, light lunches
Route support-Water, snacks, SAG vehicles, cue sheets, road marking
Swag-Long sleeve t-shirt
Other-Shuttles to historic sites after rides and historic speakers
Lodging-On your own, special rate $119 plus taxes/night at the Holiday Inn with Booking Code: CCE until October 1
Non-riders-Welcome for a reduced fee
Click for Bike thru History Participant Handbook 2019
Click for Bike Thru History Updated Route Guide 2019
*Pricing Below*
**Mail-in Registration Form located in the Participant Handbook**
All Rides Start & Finish at the Johnson Hall State Historic Site in Johnstown, NY 
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 ROUTES (3 OPTIONS)
SHORT ROUTE-TRAIL 16.6 Miles (Out and Back)
F, J & G (Fonda, Johnstown, Gloversville) Rail Trail Out and Back
Description: Paved Trail (access to trail is ½ mile on road from Johnson Hall State Historic Site). Starting in the middle of the trail, route heads South along the Cayadutta Creek, at the end turn around and head North thru the center of Gloversville and Johnstown. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30600297
MEDIUM ROUTE, Road Route-Historic Route 5 – 47.2 miles
Description: Mix of Road and paved trail – back country roads (Amish Country), paved trails and Route 5. Route descends down in the valley and follows Rt. 5 along Historic Sites. Crossing the Mohawk River you follow the Erie Canal-route follows on paved/optional use of stonedust section. Re-Crossing the Mohawk River we come up out of the valley. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31013648
LONG ROUTE, Road Route-Historic Route 5 – 55.9 miles
Description: Fulton County with X- tra Back Country! Mix of road and 8 miles of paved/wide trail. The Long Route follows above Medium Route with a loop of back country roads added. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31014045
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 ROUTES (3 OPTIONS)
SHORT ROUTE – 18.6 miles
Johnstown & Gloversville Criss Cross
Description: Mix of Road and Paved Trail – This route meanders thru Johnstown and Gloversville past many historical buildings, monuments & markers. Adding a little back country loop and then returns on the F, J & G Rail Trail. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31014886
MEDIUM ROUTE/TRAIL AND ROAD MIX – 32.5 Miles
Mohawk Valley & Erie Canal
Description: Back roads take you down to cross the Mohawk River. Stopping at Schoharie Crossing the route follows the Erie Canal (road or trail) to Amsterdam re-cross the Mohawk River. Short piece on Rt. 5, going by Old Ft. Johnson then-head north up to Johnstown. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30592721
LONG ROUTE/Road Route – 75 miles (3/4 Century!)
The Great Sacandaga Lake & Adirondack Park
Description: 75-Miler departs with the Medium route, but diverts in Amsterdam to head up into the Adirondack Park, crossing the Great Sacandaga Lake into Northville. The last leg brings you back via 30/30A. (Northville is a cool little town.) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31014671
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 & 13 (Note: If you prefer to drive, parking is available at start site-Johnson Hall SHS)
Route from Holiday Inn to Johnson Hall Start Site by Bicycle, One-way is 2.0 miles (90% on paved trail)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30592820
Full Weekend Includes:
Meals: Friday Night Appetizers, Saturday & Sunday Breakfast, Saturday Dinner, Light Lunch Saturday/Sunday
Route Support: Saturday & Sunday Route support-water, snacks, SAG vehicles, cue sheets, road marks
Swag: Long Sleeve T
Other: Bus shuttles to historical sites Saturday & Sunday following the ride, Historical Speakers
Hotel/Lodging Registration: On Your Own, discount for registered participants at the Holiday Inn
(see Lodging information above)
Full Weekend Participant-Rider
Adult (18 and older) $175
Youth (17 & Under) $75
Child (3-6) $25
Full Weekend Participant-Non Rider (includes everything except ride support & snacks)
Adult (18 and older) $145
Youth (17 & Under) $65
Child (3-6) $15
Day Only Rides Include: (Saturday or Sunday)
Ride Support, Snacks, Light Lunch, T-Shirt
Day Rider Only (Saturday or Sunday)
Adult (18 and older) $50
Youth (17 & Under) $15
Child (3-6) $5
Registration Extras (Adult Price/Youth Price/Child Price)
Bus Shuttle (per day) $25/15/5
Friday Night Social $15/10/5
Saturday Dinner $30/15/5
Refund Policy:
Full Weekend rider – 100% refund up to 2 weeks prior (Sept. 27) minus $50 registration fee
Daily rider – Full refund 2 weeks prior (Sept. 27) minus $10 registration fee
September 28 – October 4 50% refund both Full Weekend and Day riders
No refund October 5 and later – shirts will be sent to anyone cancelling
Thank you to our sponsors:
Visit BikeThruHistory.com for other regional cycling routes to do on your own.
Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend
Northville Rotary announces featured artists Carolyn Adamczyk and William Betrus for the eleventh annual Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend
The Northville Rotary Club’s eleventh annual Woodworking & Fine Arts Weekend is expected to once again fill the village with thousands of visitors. Always the third weekend in July, the eleventh annual event is taking place Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21 at the Bradt Municipal Building and Town Park, 412 S Main St., Northville.
A stained glass dragonfly on a lily pad by Carolyn Adamczyk
Over 60 juried artists and selected fine craftsmen will be displaying countless examples of the area’s most exquisite works of art. Among the fine artisans you can expect to find; woodworkers, painters, jewelers, photographers, weavers, basket makers, potters, and others, all displaying their unique talent with items available for purchase.
The Northville Rotary is proud to announce this years featured artists are Carolyn Adamczyk of Northville, an exceptional stained glass artist, and William Betrus of Saranac who is designer and creator of unique Adirondack custom furniture.
Carolyn Adamczyk creating a stained glass panel
Carolyn Adamczyk grew up in Hope, New York and graduated from Northville Central School in 1985. Upon graduation, she joined the Air Force and served for over 20 years. Carolyn always knew she would return to Northville. She and her husband Ken moved back in 2014.
Carolyn started creating glass art shortly after retiring from the Air Force. She always had an artistic side and finally had the time to pursue her art. Her business, Silver Maple Stained Glass, is just two years old, but she has been creating and selling for over 12 years. Carolyn’s art is original, and often taken from the nature that surrounds her. If you would like to learn more about Silver Maple Stained Glass, contact her at 518-863-2256 or check out her Facebook Page.
William Betrus along with his wife Elaine began Adirondack Custom Twig in 1998 as a family run business, specializing in ornate Adirondack style twig work. They have been building rustic furniture and fixtures all of their lives. Their workshops are located in the remote Adirondack Park of upstate New York. Growing up in and around the Great Camps of the Adirondacks, has provided them with diverse prospective, and exposure to this unique art form. Their proximity to Lake Placid, and the high peaks allows them to enjoy many different venues.
William Betrus and his unique twig style bed
All the furniture created by William and Elaine is made from the finest materials selected for their character. They create pieces for bedrooms, kitchens, the outdoors, or great rooms. Their unique rustic furniture can be seen at the prestigious Lake Placid Lodge in Lake Placid New York, or on their website www.adirondacktradingpost.com. Their artistic twig furniture has been shown at the Western Design Conference in Cody, Wyoming, as well as many years in the Rustic Furniture Show at the Adirondack Museum, Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y.
Come meet both artists at the show. The weekend will begin with a “Meet the Artists” Reception on Friday from 5:00-8:00. Hours Saturday will be 9-5 and Sunday 10-3 and include demonstrations, raffles, and a silent auction. Food can be purchased from a number of vendors. Proceeds from this event will be used throughout the year to provide scholarships to students, support community organizations, and projects of Rotary International. Contact Sue Owens sowens26@gmail.com for more information.
Maple Weekends
The Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association will once again host Maple Open House Weekends, March 23, 24, 30, and 31, allowing the public to take a free tour of area sugarhouses and see maple syrup made onsite.
Families are invited to experience first-hand the sights, smells and sounds of maple sugar-making. Past events have been so successful they have been expanded to multi-weekends, giving more opportunities to visit sugarhouses.
Signs will be placed along roadsides over the course of the weekends to direct motorists to the sugarhouses. The sugarhouses will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Most sugarhouses will offer samples and demonstrations. Many of the locations will be serving pancake breakfasts as well.
Participating Fulton County sugarhouses:
Brower Road Sugar House, Gloversville, (518) 848-7685
Frasier’s Sugar Shack, St. Johnsville, (518) 568-7438
Mud Road Sugar House, Ephratah, (518) 744-0624
Peaceful Valley Maple Farms, Johnstown, (518) 762-8936
Maple season generally runs from now through the beginning of April. The Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association is a trade organization representing maple producers in Washington, Warren, Saratoga, Montgomery, Fulton and Rensselaer Counties. The Upper Hudson region is among the biggest syrup producing areas in New York State. To find more information about the event, local sugarmaking, and maple recipes, visit www.upperhudsonmaple.com.
Lapland Lake Moonlight Guided Evening Snowshoe tour
Lapland Lake Nordic Vacation Center will offer a Moonlight Guided Evening Snowshoe Tour Saturday, March 2.
These popular, guided tours start out at with a bowl of chili and a side of cornbread at our Kuuma Feeding Station 2nd floor of the main lodge building. Then strap on your snowshoes (also available for rent) and head out with our guides on a memorable moonlit tour, stopping at a lakeside campfire for a snack and hot beverage. 5:45pm to approx. 9pm. Tour leaves the lodge building at 6:30pm. Please arrive at 5:30pm if renting snowshoes.
Cost for the tour is $39.00 ($5.00 + tax extra if renting snowshoes). Ages 18+, please. Space is limited; reservations are a must! Headlamps are strongly recommended. We have a limited number to loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive at 5:30pm if renting snowshoes.
A complete cross country ski and snowshoe facility celebrating its 41st winter season, Lapland Lake offers fully equipped rental and retail shops, a comfortable two-story warming lodge with food service. 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.
In addition to cross country skiing and snowshoeing, other resort activities include ice-skating and tubing on two junior hills.
Lodging is available in 10 housekeeping cottages, as well as our new studio unit “The Owl’s Nest”. Lodging packages include use of trails each day and evening including days of arrival and departure, use of the Finnish wood burning sauna and discounted ski lessons. Attractive lodging discounts are offered midweek.
Lapland Lake has been presented with numerous awards:
• Best Cross Country Ski Resort category (#3) in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award contest.
• North America’s Top 10 Snowshoe-Friendly Nordic Centers (#4), Snowshoe Magazine
• The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council’s Private Sector Tourism Partnership Award
• Tourism Partner Award, Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• “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 Resorts Catering to Families”, xcskiresorts.com.
Located in the south-central portion of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, Lapland Lake is just over an hour’s drive from Schenectady; only 60 miles from Albany and Utica; four hours from New York City and Boston.
Lapland Lake may be contacted at 518-863-4974, vacation@laplandlake.com and online at www.laplandlake.com.