Header Image
Author
Body

5 Must Dos

Kids are getting ready to go back to school, the leaves are going to be changing soon, and pumpkin everything is going to be sold in stores. It’s mid-August, and fall is just around the corner. 

Before we give in and accept that our summer days are coming to an end and fall is close, let’s take advantage of the last few weeks of summer. Have you done everything you set out to do? Good news — you still have a chance. 

1. Friday Night Stargazing

Gib Brown, observing
Gib Brown, observing

On clear Friday nights, the Adirondack Public Observatory provides free stargazing to anyone interested. About a half hour after sunset, observing begins at the Roll Off Roof Observatory, located at 178 Big Wolf Rd. Booking a private stargazing session is also available if you have a group that would like to go. Take advantage of Tupper Lake’s dark skies and high elevation, and check out the observatory before summer ends! 

2. Grab a Cone

Mmmmmm!
Mmmmmm!

With summer coming to an end, we know that means one other thing: Ice cream stands will also be coming to an end. Soft serve ice cream cones are one of my absolute favorite parts of summer. I tend to visit Skyline Ice Cream more than I should. But if you have gone all summer without stopping to get a cone, I strongly urge you to splurge over the next couple of weeks. Summer cannot come and go without stopping at Skyline and trying the black raspberry twisted with vanilla. It’s a local favorite!

3. Catch a Sunset

What a view!
What a view!

Tupper Lake is known to be home to some of the best sunsets in the Adirondacks. Specifically, Municipal Park on the shore of Raquette Pond is one of the best spots to catch a sunset in Tupper Lake. Take in mother nature's art of the skies along the waterfront walkway, or pop into one of the overlooks and find out for yourselves. 

#TupperSunset

Fact: Can’t make it to Municipal Park for a sunset? Check out the web cam provided by The Wild Center and you will be able to watch them from your computer or mobile device. If you do this before August 31, screenshot your webcam sunset and post it on Facebook with the hashtag #TupperSunset. Your post will enter you into our contest to win a weekend of fun in Tupper Lake! The winner will be picked August 31. 

4. Paddle at Piercefield Flow

The calmness of Piercefield Flow
The calmness of Piercefield Flow

One of my favorite spots to go for an easy paddle is Piercefield Flow. It has great accessibility to launch any type of boat up to a medium-sized motorboat. I specifically like paddling here because the water is generally nice and flat. It can get rough depending on weather and the boat traffic on the water, but usually it is fairly calm. There is also great fishing in this section of the Raquette River. Don’t forget your pole! Lastly, there is a picnic area at the overlook, which is a great place to have lunch or a snack while taking in some beautiful views. Piercefield Flow has great options for every type of paddler. Wherever you decide to go, I hope you have an opportunity to hit the water before summer is over and the ice freezes over! 

5. Farmers Market

Fresh baked goods!
Fresh baked goods!

Nothing says summer like going to a farmers market and seeing all of the fresh blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and other fruits and vegetables, locally grown and/or made in the Adirondack region. Fresh baked goods, locally made crafts, and other goodies line the tents at The Wild Center every Thursday. Farmers markets will run at The Wild Center until September 14, when they shut down until next summer. Get some of your groceries for the week, or find a unique Adirondack gift when you stop by. 

There is still time!

There's plenty of time left to book a summer getaway to Tupper Lake. Check out some lodging, find a great place to eat, and tackle the list above for a great ending to your summer. 

Can’t make it for the end of summer? Check out why we love fall and plan to come during leaf season! 


This week in related ADK exploring:

Easy does it
A day with birds
Dip your hooves
Small-town fun
Les oiseaux de Le Chute
All 4 Schroon
Rockin' Pourman's