Donnelly's Ice Cream

Photo from flickr user d-4ce

Operating out of a former Dairy, Donnelly's Ice Cream features the creamiest homemade soft serve. Each day, only one flavor is available, always twisted with vanilla. Weekends are always chocolate, while weekdays alternate through fruit, nut and other flavors. Last I visisted the flavor happened to be Strawberry, but no matter the flavor, you can't go wrong!

The shack, located at the intersection of Routes 86 & 186 is located in between the Paul Smiths College / Lake Clear Airport area and the village of Saranac Lake. Make a stop on the way back from the Saranac Inn Golf Course or just go for a drive. The mountain vista that faces the shop is pretty impressive in its own right. Donnelly's is open Memorial Day through Labor Day and should not be missed by any ice cream lovers. Til next year!

Summer Hike: Pitchoff

My nephew and his friends came to visit recently, and they hiked Pitchoff. The summit sits at 3,497 ft and actually features several summits with views of the Cascade Lakes, Cascade Range Marcy, Colden & Algonquin as well as the Sentinel Range and Whiteface. On a clear summer day you can see Vermont's Green Mountains to the East. The trial is popular, although there will always be fewer people on this trail versus the nearby bald summit of Cascade. Some rock scrambling is involved in this otherwise moderate hike. Some rock portions can be slippery without appropriate footwear.

The trail head sits in between Keene and Saranac Lake on NY-73.

Golfing at Saranac Inn

Seymour Dunn, renowned Scottish golf pro and architect designed the Saranac Inn course in 1902. The 18 hole course was once part of The Saranac Inn, one of many Great Hotels in the Adirondacks before it burned in the 70s. The 18 hole course, located across the street from Upper Saranac Lake is considered to be among the best maintained in the Northeast and especially the Adirondacks. The course is challenging with fast greens and was awarded Golf Digest Best Places to Play - "The best course in the Adirondacks is immaculately maintained with friendly service and spectacular greens, tees and fairways." The Inn also offers rentals, lessons and a driving range.

To make a tee-time call (518) 891-1402.