Is it hot in the city right now? Tired of those long exhausting hours at work? In case you forgot Labor Day is just around the corner. That is right!!! An extended weekend with an enjoyable 3 days off. (Gosh, wish I had that…kidding..need the moolah) So, RICH YOUR NEWSCASTER AND PERSONAL TOUR GUIDE is here to tell you that there is no better place to be now or this weekend than in the Adirondack Mountains in beautiful Lake Placid, NY!!!!

The extended forecast this week is great. Hot 80 degrees in downtown Lake Placid, perfect for swimming, hiking, biking or any other interesting outdoor activites. Being donned the Tour Guide of the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort (it is a great job) let me clue you in on a few ideas to help you plan your travels. Grab your hiking gear and head over to the ADIRONDACK LOJ and the Mount Marcy/Heart Lake area. There are some great mountain ranges for you and your entire family to enjoy a vigourous or relaxing climb in the Adirondacks. Heart lake is beautiful and picturesque and if you plan on hiking Mount Marcy plan leaving very early in the morning as it is a full day hike. But, such great views at the summit. For the inexperience climbers there is Mount Jo and some other trails in this area which will be right up your alley.

Not up for a hike and just want to kick back and relax on the beautiful waters in Lake Placid? Then enjoy a nice relaxing cruise on the LAKE PLACID MARINA BOAT TOUR on the serene waters of Lake Placid. This tour will take you out and a guide will explain the great history of the lake itself and you will get the story of the mysterious “Lady of the Lake”. (Yah, oohhh, a legend..gotta love them) They are actually going to shoot a motion picture of this mysterious woman from Lake Placid’s great history.

If you are still reading this blog? WHY??!!! I expected to see all of your smiling faces by now! Get in that car or on that motorcycle and head to Lake Placid!! Weather is gorgeous and time to enjoy that extended Labor Day weekend.

Mirror Lake is still very warm and is great for swimming. Try out our White Sanded Beach made out of crushed limestone. (oh…feels so good on the toes) Hop into one of our many canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedalboats and enjoy a relaxing paddle in the lake. Weather forecast is looking great and mother nature has been very good to us this summer season.

Of course, while you are in the area head over to all the OLYMPIC VENUES and enjoy the history of the 1932 and 1980 Olympics. Your family will have such a great time. In the hiking mood then I suggest heading up to the Mount Marcy and the Cascade Lake region where there is hiking trails for everyone. Pack a lunch and enough water as some of the trails are a full day hike. The children will love hopping on the ADIRONDACK SCENIC RAILROAD which takes you through the back area from Lake Placid to Saranac lake and back. (I love riding the train and dreaming of running the locomotive..hehe).

So, stop wondering what happened to summer! There is still plenty left to enjoy and now is the time to take advantage of all that Lake Placid and the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort has to offer. Have a great day everyone! See you soon!!

Even though the summer season may be winding down soon! That is no excuse to pack up that Mounain Bike just yet. (You did already? What!! Get that back out!) As you know we have some of the best terrain in the Adirondacks for both on road and off-road mountain biking. Just 9 miles down the road we have our very own Whiteface Mountain where you can enjoy all of this. (No, it is not just for skiing) Whiteface Mountain Bike Park offers riding for all abilities and styles of riding, from hard core to gentle cruisers, great cross country trails and everything in between. There are a total of 27 very different trails to chose from and the most vertical in the East with a whopping 2,476 feet. To tie into all this biking extravaganza, yours truly MS. DEAL-MAKER the queen of deals, has added a biking package for the rest of summer and of course fall season. You will definetly get the exercise.

From now until September 6th, we have our BIKE & STAY PACKAGE which included a night stay in one of our Deluxe Guest rooms and entrance into the amazing trails of Whiteface Mountain. Biking with a partner then it would be $99 per person any day of the week. Riding solo and need to clear your head from all the stress of everyday life then it is $169 per night. Feel like an upgrade to a romantic fireplace or whirlpool tub room after a long day of riding then please ask and there would be a small upgrade fee. Want to come up in the fall season. Well, why not enjoy the same rates from September 10th until the 17th of October on the weekends. The later in September that you stay at the Golden Arrow you will start seeing how colorful the mountains transform. A myraid of colors from the foliage will outstand and amaze you. (ahhh…makes me all warm and fuzzy inside)

Feel like this package is just not for you. Then how bout just adding on your own package to any guest room you would like. For $50 per person in addition to the cost of the room enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at our very own Generations Restaurant where I am sure you will see MADAME CUISINE hard at work and then after you are fueled up head over to WHiteface and enjoy your mountain biking excursion.

Come on over and pack up those bikes to the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort. When you go to Whiteface please tell Downhill Mike that the Golden Arrow said hi. (he is such a sweet man..hehe) Time to hit the ole package trail and round up some more great savings. Bye all!

As the summer season keeps rolling along and the beautiful weather continues, so do all the exciting events in the surronding area. RICH YOUR SPORTSCASTER letting everyone know about the exciting events that will be happening these next few weeks.

But first I want to congratulate all the Ironman/Ironwoman who participated in Sunday’s Ironman race. You are a true Ironman and even though the weather was lousy you kept on racing. CONGRATULATIONS! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!

Okay, back to the events!! All you active athletes who like a little rough and tough in your sports. Then the 37TH ANNUAL CAN-AM RUGBY TOURNAMENT is right up your alley. This weekend from July 30th through August 1st, 2010 teams from all over the US will be descending into Saranac Lake and Lake Placid for this head and body smashing event. The men and ladies will be bumping, tackling and running for the goal to ensure their teams victory. (I am sure to see many banged up knees, arms, and heads,,hopefully not mine…lol!) So, if this is your cup of tea then head down to Saranac Lake this weekend for all the action.

For all of you skater enthusiasts who like to spin, jump and glide across the ice, has Lake Placid have a great event for you. I am talking about the LAKE PLACID ICE DANCING CHAMPIONSHIPS that will take place August 5th through the 8th. Ice skating couples from all over the US will be descending on the area in hopes for GOLD! (If they were to invite me on the ice, I would spin myself right through the ice..hehe). So, all of you who love figure skating this is a competition not to miss. If you would like info about scheduling and times please visit www.lakeplacidskating.com you will not want to miss it!

Oh! Do not want to forget our Lacrosse Players. The 2010 LAKE PLACID SUMMIT LACROSSE TOURNAMENT will be held this coming week from Weds. August 4th through Sunday August 8th. All over Lake Placid in many fields provided down near the Horseshow grounds, teams will be racing back and forth with their netted sticks and trying to score goals for their team. (Watch out, flying ball coming at your head..lol) It is a great tournament!! Lake Placid is proud to host these Lacrosse teams year after year.

So, for all of you who do not think there is plenty to do in the area, head to Lake Placid because there is an enormous array of events in store for the near future. Okay, time to strap on my miracle running shoes. So many places to be and little time to be there. Wish me luck!!! Goodbye everyone!

Back by popular demand the Adirondack Harvest is back!! That is right! In our very own GENERATIONS restaurant Chef Dave Hunt will be working with local vendors and farmers again to bring back this great meal. Instead of dinner this time we will be having a Sunday Brunch!! (yes you wanted brunch and we aim to please) This event will be happening this coming Sunday July 18th, 2010 at 11:00AM. Reservations will not be required and the cost will be $28 per person. (small fee to enjoy great food). I will now let our very own MADAME CUISINE remind everyone what an Adirondack Harvest is all about!! Take it away gal!

OH LA LA!! Madame Cuisine taking time out of my busy schedule in the kitchen to inform you about this delicious meal. An Adirondack Harvest Brunch is a meal designed to promote discussion about the challenges of purchasing/dining locally. Guests will sit down to a locally grown, 5 course, family style meal with our very own head chef David Hunt, Generations Restaurant Manager Mark Corr, area farmers and local brewers. (Of course do not forget this gourmet queen..i will be whipping up some great dishes..yummy)

Check out the great Brunch Menu:
* Chilled Athena Melon Soup with wild blueberries and champagne
* N.Y. state cantaloupe melon from great lakes region
* Northern N.Y. Blueberries from Rulfs Orchard
* Asgaard Farm Maple Goat cheese Blintz with Local maple syrup

* Asgaard Farm Fresh Eggs Benedict with wilted fledgling crow spinach on English muffin and hollandaise sauce

* Braised Kilcoyne sauerbraten with fledgling crow red cabbage and farm purple potato pancakes

* Stir Fried Oriental Greens with Soba noodles – a combination from two farms – tot soi from fledgling crow and bok choy from Rulfs.

* N.Y. state cherry clafouti with poma liqueur reduction and whipped farm fresh cream.

* Screwdrivers made with lake placid vodka

CHEF DAVID HUNT

We would like to thank Cris Winters for joining us at the first Adirondack Harvest and writing in the Adirondack Explorer about her experience at this event. If you would like to read about this article please click on ADIRONDACK EXPLORER.
I am so glad that you and your friends enjoyed every savory bite..OH! LA! LA!

I am looking forward to having more individuals enjoy this great meal. So, why are you still sitting there? Get in the car and head up to Lake Placid to Generations Restaraunt on Sunday for a great Brunch. Your taste buds will be glad you did. Do not forget to tell them that Madame Cuisine sent you. I am being waved to help in the kitchen. Until then have a delicious day!! OH! LA! LA!

Okay! As the title mentions, it is golf season in Lake Placid and the question of the hour is….Where are your golf clubs? Did you misplace them or just give up on that slice all together? (Shame on you, dust off those clubs) Now is the time to head to Lake Placid and join in a few rounds of golf. The summer has finally kicked into gear. No rain, beautiful warm sunny days and the grass on the courses are greener than ever and waiting for you to tee off! To tie into this season, your very own gal who likes to make deals, MS. DEALMAKER is back to offer two great summer packages.

Lets start off with THE SUMMER EAGLE golf package. (I know play on words..but I love it so..hehe) This golf package is available during a midweek stay Sunday through Thursday evenings. Sorry, not available on weekends or Special events. Based on double occupancy for $259 per person, this package includes two nights lodging and 18 holes of golf each day (cart included) at
either The Whiteface Club & Resort or CraigWood Golf Course. Our Guests are welcome to play on this package at The Lake Placid Club Mountain Course for an additional $5 per person, per round surcharge or the Saranac Inn Golf Club for a $20 surcharge per person, per round.
The lodging is in one of our Spacious Deluxe Guest rooms with two double beds. Yes, a great saving to entice you to the Lake Placid region.

Not up for golfing every day while your in Lake Placid and feel like you need to take in some of the glorious views and sites. (Don’t blame you, my little arm gets sore after 18 holes). Well, of course the dear of deals has a package just for you as well. I have the HIT THE GREENS ADD-ON PACKAGE. Unfortunately, it does not include a room that would be separate. Sorry! For $70 per person you can Add this package on to any guest room. This includes a round of golf (cart included) to either Whiteface Inn or Craigwood Golf courses and a delicious breakfast in the morning to our very own GENERATIONS restaurant. This package may be added on even during the weekends.

Come on everyone! Locate those clubs and work on perfecting that golf swing! Drive or bike on over to Lake Placid and the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort to enjoy a relaxing day of golf. I will be looking for you if you dont!! OH! I will be back in the fall with another great golf deal! Everyone enjoy your day and hope it is feeled with lots of sun.

What do BBQ Food, Horses and Riders and Fireworks have in comon? It has to be 4th of July time in Lake Placid! That is right! Time to break out the ole barbeque grills and enjoy the great tastes of a BBQ! Speaking of which it is a great time to mention the I LOVE BBQ FESTIVAL held over the fourth of July weekend. OHHHH!!! LA LA!! MADAME CUISINE grilling up some great flavors for you on my grill! Also, would like to mention about the festival of great food that will be grilled up in Lake Placid. This festival will be held July 2nd through the 4th. (I cannot wait to taste all this great food….DELICIOUS!!). What is this festival all about? Well, let me tell you!

This festival will be featuring music, kid’s rides, food demonstrations and a professional barbecue competiton sanctioned by Kansas City Barbecue Society! This competition brings in some of the best culinary BBQ talents in the nation. Including our very own Madame Cuisine! What makes it even better is that the money raised by this event helps to fund the SHIPMAN YOUTH CENTER which is a local recreation center for Lake Placid’s Youth.

After you fill your belly on some great food. Why not head over to the Horseshow Grounds where some great competition is taking place. THE LAKE PLACID HORSESHOW is taking place from today through the 4th of July. See Equestrians from all over the world competing for large cash prizes. It is a show not to miss. Then on the 4th of July line up on Main street for the annual 4th of July Parade around 6pm in the evening. Who knows you may even see Santa Claus from the North Pole? (Yes, he does visit in the summer and loves July 4th). Then at dusk sit down at our beach or at the public beach on Mirror Lake to see the sky light up. Children and adults alike will see a grand display of fireworks set to music to cap off a great 4th of July 2010.

So, what are you waiting for head to LP this 4th of July weekend. Your family will thank you for years to come. Well, talking about all this food has made me hungry to fire up the grill! Have a great Summer season everyone!!!!

So, who out there is in the mood for a delicious and appetizing dinner? Do not want to cook at home? You dont have to! Join us at GENERATIONS RESTAURANT where we will be holding our first ever ADIRONDACK HARVEST DINNER. What is a Harvest Dinner you may ask? Well, let our very own MADAME CUISINE fill you in on all the details.

OH LA LA!! Madame Cuisine taking time out of my busy schedule in the kitchen to inform you about this Dinner. An Adirondack Harvest Dinner is a meal designed to promote discussion about the challenges of purchasing/dining locally. Guests will sit down to a locally grown, 5 course, family style meal with our very own head chef David Hunt, Generations Restaurant Manager Mark Corr, area farmers and local brewers. (Of course do not forget this gourmet queen..i will be whipping up some great dishes..yummy)

When is this taking place you may ask? It is happening this Sunday June 27th, 2010 at 5:30pm and will happen monthly throughout the growing season. If you feed your belly too much you are welcome to stay over at the Golden Arrow in one of our comfortable rooms. For just $40 per person you can sit down to a great meal and enjoy one alcoholic beverage if you like.

CHECK OUT THE MENU FOR THIS UPCOMING HARVEST DINNER:

TO START:

KEESVILLE FARM STRAWBERRIES WITH COUNTRY BISCUIT
FRESH CREAM AND MINT

WOW! This gals mouth is watering from all the great choices! OH LA LA! Why are we holding this event? The Holderied family (god bless them) owns and operates the Golden Arrow in Lake Placid. It has been recognized as one of the greenest hotels in the State of NY and was awarded the Audubon Societies highest rate of 5 green leaves for its sustainability initiatives. The family recently took over operations of the restaurant Generations and are working towards holding the restaurant to the same green standards as the resort. Generations will be hosting the Harvest Dinner where local farmers and brewers are bringing their food and beer. Chef Hunt will create a meal using those ingredients. The goal will be to raise awareness by discussing the challenges and benefits of eating locally.

As you can see, this is going to be a very enjoyable and delicious evening. Time for this gal to get back in the kitchen and get busy. I am looking forward to seeing each and everyone of you this coming Sunday. Toodles!!!

Hey all you athletes out there! Are your ready to run a marathon? No!?
Well, time to lace up those shoes as Lake Placid is the place to be this weekend. RICH YOUR SPORTSCASTERjust back..pant pant..from a run around the lake…(out of breath). Hold on let me grab a drink. AHHH!! Thats better. Okay, so as I was saying Lake Placid is the stop to be to watch some great athletes.

Lake Placid and the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort is the host for the 2010 LAKE PLACID MARATHON. That is right! Lake Placid has their very own marathon that has been taking place for over 5 years now. Forget the Boston or the NYC Marathon, come on over to the Adirondacks and watch these atheltes run for themselves or some great charities. They will be participating in a full marathon of 26 miles or half marathon of 13 miles and you can cheer them on to the finish. (whew i am tired after 4 miles..gotta work on that endurance) The race will be taking place this coming Sunday June 13th from the start of the race at 8AM until the finish by 2PM.

The world’s leading running magazine, Runner’s World, reports that a recent readership survey voted the Lake Placid Marathon as the second most popular “Best Destination” race in the United States! Results are listed in the January 2010 issue of Runner’s World Marathon Guide now on newsstands nation wide.
According to the survey, the Lake Placid Marathon’s high ranking is the result of voting done by 7,980 runners who took the 2008 runnersworld.com survey online over a 383 day period. There were 435 marathons held in the United States in 2008 (Runner’s World, 2010).
The Lake Placid Marathon was the national runner-up behind the Big Sur Marathon in California.

As you can see, we have a sporty quaint village that has some of the top rated races in the US. Stop into the Golden Arrow this weekend and check out the great view we have of the lake and who knows you may be back next year to participate in the race! Well, time for me to hit the showers. Feeling a little tired after the run. Hope for sunny weather for race day and everyone have a glorious weekend!!