Blog

News from the Adirondacks for visitors and residents alike

09/18/2012

Believe it or not, in about 10 weeks, if the weather cooperates, we'll be skiiing and boarding at Whiteface Mountain.

We're reminded by this because today, Whiteface Mountain announced that Aaron Kellett will be its' new General Manager replacing the retiring Bruce McCulley.

Aaron is a great young guy who's been skiing at Whiteface since he was 2 years old. He managed parks and pipes for the Olympic Mountain in recent years. But more importantly, Aaron works well with, and understands, the new school and old school patrons of Whiteface.

Bruce, meanwhile, departs to become pastor of his church.

Also, Lauren Garfield has become the new marketing manager replacing the beloved Bridget Hinman. Lauren moved upstairs from the group sales position she had been manning.

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Before the snow (and snow-making) flies for the winter, the annual Whiteface Oktoberfest is rapidly approaching. Mark the dates of Sept. 29-30.

There will be lots of original German fare and entertainment, including Die Schlauberger, Spitze, the Alpen Trio, Schachtelgeberger Musikanten and others in the Bavarian lineup.

Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for juniors and seniors, and $13 for a trip up the Cloudsplitter Gondola.

Fall foliage will be spectacular by then. It's an event and a visual not to be missed.

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The 5th annual Holiday Village Stroll takes place Dec. 7-9 in Lake Placid.Highlights from the festive Adirondack weekend include:

--Skating party at the Lake Placid Olympic Center
--Santa's arrival by fire truck on Main Street
--Free holiday story time, ornament making, crafts and ---gingerbread house building
--A charity Jingle Bell Run, harvest market and artist exhibits
--Free wine tastings, gift wrapping and local store promotions
--Tree lighting in the village's lakeside park as well as a 
--Yule log hunt and lighting 

Visitors will experience the magic of the holidays with twinkling lights, festive decorations, art exhibitions, tastings and dinner specials, night life and entertainment, shopping promotions and limited edition commemorative Holiday Stroll pins during this weekend-long event. Numerous lake Placid hotels will offer festive packages to complement the Holiday Village Stroll experience in Lake Placid:

--Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort starting at $169 per night. Includes deluxe accommodations, welcome gift, $50 in holiday shopping dollars, lakeside bonfire with marshmallows and S'mores, along with gingerbread house making. Children 12 and under are free.

--High Peaks Resort starting at $189 per night. Includes two nights of accommodations, $50 in holiday shopping dollars, and a $50 resort credit.

--The Pines Inn starting at $119 per night. Features packages for couples and families, including a holiday welcome bag, late check-out and coffee and muffins each morning.

--Mirror Lake Inn starting at $599 for a family of four for two nights. Includes deluxe accommodations for two adults and two children, breakfast each morning and $50 in holiday shopping dollars. Choose to add the Santa turn-down service with cookies and milk.

--Northwoods Inn starting at $210 for two nights. Includes accommodations, breakfast for two each morning, admission to the Art Reception in The Cabin Gallery, two free drink coupons, live entertainment and $20 in holiday shopping dollars. Children under 12 no additional charge.

--Wildwood on the Lake starting at $199 for the two-night stay. Includes lakefront accommodations for four, a welcome box of Candy Man Chocolates and an undecorated wreath to take home. Coffee and muffins served daily, with hot chocolate and cookies in the afternoon.

--Best Western Adirondack Inn starting at $144.00 per night. Includes accommodations for two adults, breakfast and $20 in holiday shopping dollars.

--Free matinee showing of The Polar Express at the nostalgic Palace Theatre

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Finally, don't forget Wednesday night's local guest chef is Cottage bartender and local Sotheby's realtor Corey Iaria (photo below).

Corey, accompanied by Mirror Lake Inn Executive Chef Jarrad Lang and staff, will do the healthy thing this week with Thai cuisine. 

For starters, Corey will present Tom Kha Gai (Thai Chicken Coconut Soup), followed by Pad Thai (a popular stir fry dish featuring chicken and shrimp). Dessert will b a coconut lime sorbet.

All for just $29 per person.

Last week was a hit with Lake Placid's Armando "Dick" Persico and his pork osso bucco.

Next Wednesday, Sept. 26, finds Mountain Lake TV personality Derek Muirden with a roasted stuffed pork tenderloin. Meet this local PBS foodie at the Mirror Lake Inn.

Please join us, won't you?