Best things to do when options seem few

Best things to do when options seem few

Article written by Linda Grace

Publicity Clerk, Old Forge Visitor Information Center

 

 

 

Well, winter is here! You are ready. You may have your ski pass and your parka ready, or have your cross country skis waxed or snowshoes and poles all set to go. If you're a snowmobile enthusiast, your machine is probably full of gas, you have a place to stay in the Town of Webb, you and your crew have been planning this getaway for weeks; you have your NYS registration and your snowmobile has a nice new pink permit in place. One problem, though: the winter weather is not cooperating with your plans!! Now what do you do?

Take heart! There are other things to do on bad weather days. Here are a few ideas:

The Strand Theater is a great place to see current movies at exceptionally low prices. It also is stocked full of film history memorabilia that makes it a two-for-one activity.  The art-deco Strand is located in Old Forge across from Point Park and the Old Forge Hardware Store.  Quite often on school holidays, they will play matinees in the afternoon. You may find out what is showing by visiting their website: http://strandoldforge.com.

 

 

Don’t be fooled by the small size of Goodsell Museum in the center of town. This notable red house contains all you'll want to know about the Town of Webb’s history with eye-catching exhibitions and kind, helpful staff to answer questions and show you around. Right now you can experience what it feels like to be inside of a fire tower cab without needing to climb a mountain. You'll find it is well worth your time to stop in to visit this local treasure. Goodsell Museum is located at 2993 State Route 28, across Main Street from the post office. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9 AM- 3 PM. You may visit their website at: http://webbhistory.org.              

Shopping in Old Forge may seem sparse in the winter, but the stores that are open provide for a nice variety of shopping experiences. Many offer not only useful items, but also unique treasures.  Nearly all are walking distance from the free parking offered at Point Park in the center of Old Forge.  Take a leisurely stroll along the main street and stop for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants along the way. You can find the list of all our area businesses and their contact numbers on our website: http://www.oldforgeny.com.

There are workshops, classes and exhibitions available in Old Forge. View Arts Center is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Enjoy the variety of art work on display or visit their website for workshops and events. From the Information Center in Old Forge, View is on the left about a half mile north on Route 28. See their website at: https://www.viewarts.org.

You could also have some fun making simple jewelry at The Beadbox at 2946 Spring Street on the corner of Route 28 between Kinney Drug and DiOrio’s Supermarket.  They are open Thursday 2-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Kids love to join in the fun, too. You can find information about this shop on Facebook or you may call for information at 607-279-9925.  In the same shopping complex, consider weaving an Adirondack basket at Adirondack Green House Basketry.  Open hours are Thursday 2-7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Here is their website: http://www.adirondackgreenhousebasketry.com.              

The Old Forge Library usually has a small free art exhibition on display and it offers many events and workshops. It also has free wi-fi that's accessible even in the parking lot. If you didn't bring your laptop or tablet, there are several public-use computers inside. There are also magazines, newspapers, a children’s reading room, CDs and DVDs that can be rented, and, of course, lots of books! The library is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.  To see what this amazing library has to offer, you may visit their website: https://www.oldforgelibrary.org . It is located on Crosby Blvd. about a half a block from the Old Forge "busy corner."

Come meet our stars!! There is nothing like a winter sky at night!! There are many open spaces that you can go to be wowed by the constellations and falling stars. Here are several of those places:                

·         The park at the Hiltebrant Recreation Center is located about one half mile down North Street (which is also Snowmobile trail # 1). From the Information Center, take Route 28 north for a few hundred yards, then turn left (by Subway on the corner) onto North Street.

·         A little further down North Street is a parking area just before the North Street Bridge that spans the Moose River.  Park there and stand on the bridge to watch the blinking stars and listen to the mystical Moose River winding through the wild.

·         Here's another view from a bridge. If you have ever stood on the Green Bridge, you may have been awed by the view of the Moose River. For safety's sake, be sure to wear reflective clothing when standing on this bridge at night to take in the grand display of stars. From the Information Center, head South on Route 28, turn left on Forge Street (beside the Steak House) and then turn left onto Birch Street which curves around and becomes Green Bridge Road. Just after you cross the bridge, there is a parking area on the right. You may park there and walk back to look at the view from the bridge.

·         Another great spot for stargazing is over Fourth Lake from the Alger Island Boat Launch Access Area. From the Information Center, turn left on Lakeview Road (next to the yellow restaurant, Slicker’s). After the stop sign, follow the curve going left onto South Shore Road. Drive about 6.5 miles and turn left unto Petrie Road. Drive another mile to the Access area.

·         How about a short climb? You can head up Maple Ridge Hill for a nice overlook of the town and a grand display of the stars. From the Information Center in Old Forge, turn left onto Lakeview Road (next to the yellow restaurant, Slicker’s). At the stop sign, turn right onto Park Avenue.  Drive about one half mile and you will see a parking lot on the left (across the street from the Town of Webb School).  You may park in that lot and take the trail straight up the hill to get to the outlook area.

So, there's never a need to feel disappointed on a not-so-perfect winter day! Try some or all of the suggestions above and you may find that you're happy your plans changed!