ADK Talks

ADK Taste
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ADK Talks brings you the stories behind the people, places, and things to do in the Adirondack Park of New York State. With 6 million acres, the Adirondacks are the ultimate playground.We take you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of one of America's most breathtaking regions. Just like we do on our website, adktaste.com, our podcast uncovers the hidden gems of the Adirondacks, offering hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay, eat, shop and do in the Adirondack Park.But this isn't just about places. It's about the people who make the Adirondacks so special and unique. In each episode, we talk to people from all walks of life—restauranteurs, farmers, innkeepers, historians, artists, local leaders, writers, hikers, and more. Hear real stories about what they do, their passions, and how they found their way here.And they'll share their insider tips on the best things to see and do in the Adirondacks – insights you won't find anywhere else.So subscribe now to ADK Talks to get real stories from real people, sharing the real Adirondacks.You can also visit us online at adktaste.com.

  1. 4D AGO

    Inside Nettle Meadow: Adirondack Cheesemaking, Passion, and the Hitching Post Tavern

    A woman walks away from toxic-tort law in Oakland, loads four Nigerian dwarf goats into a Honda Element, and drives 3,000 miles with her partner to a scruffy little farm in Thurman, NY. Two decades later, that leap of faith has become Nettle Meadow: a sanctuary for hundreds of animals and the home of Kunik, one of the most celebrated cheeses in America.  In this episode, we sit down with Sheila Flanagan, CEO and co-founder of Nettle Meadow, to trace the journey from collapsing barns and ice storms to national cheese awards and the warm glow of the Hitching Post Tavern in Lake Luzerne. Sheila shares how she and her partner, Lorraine, learned cheesemaking by trial, error, and sheer stubbornness—and why the terroir of the Southern Adirondacks is baked into every wheel they produce. You’ll hear about the goats who rode cross-country, the historic butter cellar that turned into an aging cave, the community that carried them through lean winters, and the tough choices they’re facing now as they look for the right partner to help Nettle Meadow’s next chapter unfold. If you’ve ever daydreamed about ditching a soul-crushing job for something wilder and more meaningful, this one’s for you. What you’ll hear in this episode How a burned-out toxic-tort lawyer in Oakland fell in love with a tiny goat farm listing and convinced her partner to move to Thurman, NY.The origin story of Kunik—why Sheila calls it “a buttery brie with a goat kick at the end,” and how Nigerian dwarf goats tricked them into thinking they were instant cheese geniuses.Growing from 36 goats to close to a thousand animals: hybrid “all-American” goats, Jersey cows, sheep, and a whole lot of retired and differently abled residents living their best lives.Why Adirondack terroir matters: goats munching nettles and raspberry leaf, loamy soil, and a 19th-century butter cellar that shaped the flavor of their cheeses.The brutal first winters—ice storms, deep snow, generators, and the moment Sheila almost put the farm back up for sale.How and why Nettle Meadow took on the historic Hitching Post Tavern near Lake George, and turned a dude-ranch roadhouse into an Adirondack cheese tavern and production hub.Tips for pairing Nettle Meadow cheeses with mac and cheese, salads, flatbreads, and more—plus how the menu gently converts “goat cheese skeptics.”Where to find Nettle Meadow cheeses across the country, from NYC specialty shops to regional grocers and national chains.Sheila’s honest look at growth, finances, and why they’re now seeking an investor to help sustain the mission—and possibly relocate the sanctuary closer to Lake Luzerne.Her advice for anyone dreaming of a big life change: what she’d do differently, and why she still says “go for it.” Resources: Learn more at www.nettlemeadow.comNettle Meadow Farm & Artisan CheeseHitching Post TavernToad Hill Maple FarmFriends Lake InnOscar’s SmokehouseMartins Lumber Produced by NOVA

    56 min

  2. DEC 15

    Education in the Wild: How Paul Smith’s College Shapes Climate Resilience, Careers, and the Future of the Adirondacks

    Where else can your morning class involve snowshoes, your lab take place in a 100-year-old white pine stand, and your campus stretch across 14,000 acres of Adirondack wilderness? Paul Smith’s College is a place where learning happens in the field — sometimes literally — and that’s precisely why we love it. This week on ADK Talks, we head to the shores of Lower St. Regis Lake with Dr. Brett McLeod, Dean of Faculty and Professor of Natural Resources, to explore what makes Paul Smith’s unlike any other college in the country. From forestry and fish restoration to culinary arts, climate resilience, and the beloved Visitor Interpretive Center, the “College of the Adirondacks” blends outdoor tradition with forward-thinking science, community partnerships, and a whole lot of boots-on-the-ground experience. What you’ll hear in this episode How a 19th-century wilderness hotel on Lower St. Regis Lake evolved into Paul Smith’s College — and why forestry, hospitality, and the liberal arts still anchor its identity.What it means to have a campus where every classroom door opens directly into the forest — including wildlife labs, winter ecology lessons, and fieldwork 20 steps from the parking lot.The story behind Paul Smith’s VIC: its origins with the APA, its role as a community hub, and why it’s one of the most accessible entry points for visitors curious about the college.How students earn a real Adirondack advantage through internships, DEC partnerships, guest speakers, and a strong pipeline into regional conservation and recreation careers.A favorite tale of “Adirondack resilience in action”: draft horses and students hauling 20 tons of lime across the ice to restore remote brook trout habitat.A primer on modern forestry — long time horizons, carbon, wildlife, timber, and the art of thinking 100 years into the future.New initiatives that broaden the college’s reach: artisan culinary training, specialized institutes, and programs like Battlefish Academy for veterans seeking a path into guiding and small business.How the Adirondack Watershed Institute works to protect lakes, prevent invasives, and educate boaters — and why firewood rules matter more than you think.A quick detour to a host favorite: the hike up St. Regis Mountain and its restored fire tower with views over the St. Regis Lakes chain. Resources: Paul Smith’s CollegePaul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)Adirondack Watershed InstituteSt. Regis Canoe AreaAdirondack Park Agency Produced by NOVA

    48 min

  3. DEC 8

    The Ultimate Adirondack Holiday Guide: Where to Go, What to Do

    In this episode of ADK Talks, we climb aboard what we’re calling the Holiday Express and take you on a whirlwind tour of the Adirondacks in winter. From Old Forge to Lake Placid, Tupper Lake to Ticonderoga and Lake George, we share our favorite ways to spend the holidays in the Park: where to ski, where to shop small, and where to find the kind of pie that could start a family rivalry. We talk through listener FAQs (“What is there to do if I’m up for Christmas? New Year’s? MLK weekend?”) and give you our best practical tips—like why you should rent skis ahead of time and how to find events where your ticket or donation stays local. What you’ll hear about: Holiday browsing in Old Forge & Inlet, from hardware-store gems to cozy local shops.A Blue Mountain Lake pairing: the ADKX gift shop and homemade diner comfort food.Classic films, live shows, and community energy at the Indian Lake Theater.Planning the perfect Gore Mountain ski day, plus North Creek and Chestertown stops.Winter fun at Ridin-Hy Ranch and the best comfort bites around Schroon Lake.Lake Placid’s Holiday Village Stroll and the beloved Santa Sunday at Whiteface.Skating under the lights on the Lake Placid Olympic Oval.Saranac Lake’s family-friendly North Country New Year festivities.Must-stop pies and pastries at the Noonmark Diner in Keene Valley.Tupper Lake’s magical Wild Lights and evening wander at The Wild Center.Adirondack Coast highlights, including Rulf’s Orchard and NewVida Preserve.Exploring Ticonderoga’s Star Trek Set Tour and local holiday traditions.Lake George cruises, cheese and spirits, winter markets, and the New Year’s polar plunge. Resources: Old Forge HardwareAdirondack Experience (ADKX) – Museum on Blue Mountain LakeIndian Lake Theater Indian Lake TheaterGore Mountain Ski Area, Gore MountainThe Wild Center – Wild LightsLake Placid Holiday Village StrollSanta Sunday at Whiteface MountainNorth Country New Year – Saranac LakeStar Trek Original Series Set Tour – TiconderogaNettle Meadow Farm & The Hitching Post TavernLake George Waterfront Cruises Produced by NOVA

    53 min

  4. DEC 1

    Season to Season: Adirondack Harvest and the Year-Round Local Food Movement

    In this episode, we explore what it really means to eat locally in the Adirondacks — not just during summer’s peak produce season, but all year long, even through deep winter. We sit down with Bella Susino, Program Leader of Adirondack Harvest, the regional initiative (housed within Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County) connecting people, farms, forests, and communities across the North Country. Bella takes us from the grassroots origins of Adirondack Harvest in the early 2000s to the vibrant, ever-growing local food scene of today. We talk drought, climate resiliency, winter markets, CSA culture, local economic impact, and why “buying local” is really an investment in your neighbors, community health, and even the ecosystem. Along the way, we get into farm-to-school programs, the challenges behind digital marketing for small farms, how restaurants can be better partners, and why Essex County remains the beating agricultural heart of the Adirondack Park. And yes — we also get a peek behind the scenes of the beloved Adirondack Harvest Festival, plus Bella’s heartfelt ode to Raquette Lake and a gentle reminder that some backcountry treasures should stay off the map. What you’ll hear in this episode: How Adirondack Harvest grew from grassroots farmland protection efforts into the region’s most comprehensive local food network.Why Essex County is the agricultural “breadbasket” of the Adirondacks — and how drought and new weather patterns are reshaping farm life.Winter farmers markets: where to find them, what to expect, and how to discover year-round local products.The real economic impact of buying local — and why co-ops, farm stands, and direct-from-farm bulk buying matter.Bella’s favorite success stories connecting farms to restaurants, schools, and hospitals (including seed potatoes, microgreens, and local food in the Saranac Lake Medical Center).New initiatives for 2026: cuisine trails, international food trails, increased digital help for farms, and expanded education efforts.The roots and evolution of the Adirondack Harvest Festival — from its Rutabaga Festival beginnings to 3,000-visitor celebrations today.Why Leave No Trace matters far beyond hiking… and what “old-world Adirondack living” really means. Resources: Adirondack HarvestCornell Cooperative Extension of Essex CountyEssex Food HubBig Slide BreweryKneading Change: How Triple Green Jade Farm is Rising TogetherLeave No Trace PrinciplesNori’s Village Market Produced by NOVA

    56 min

  5. NOV 17

    You Asked, We Answered: The ADK Talks Mailbag

    In this episode, we crack open the ADK Talks mailbag — and you did not hold back. From the mysteries of the blue line to the origins of the word Adirondack, from Great Camps you can actually stay in to the surprisingly wholesome truth about nudists in the Adirondacks… you kept us laughing, thinking, and occasionally Googling just to make sure we weren’t making things up. We share the questions that made us stop mid-sentence, the ones that sent us down rabbit holes through history, and the ones that reminded us why we love this wild, weird, wonderful park. Somewhere along the way, we talk about road signs that don’t quite know where they are, a Westport chair that became a global icon, and a stream named after an abandoned pair of BVDs. (If that isn’t peak Adirondack, we don’t know what is.) It’s curious, quirky, and just plain fun. It’s a chance to explore the Adirondacks the way we love doing it: following your questions, wandering off trail now and then, and celebrating all the stories tucked into these 6 million acres. What you’ll hear in this episode: What the blue line really is… and one sign that gets it hilariously wrongThe true meaning behind the name “Adirondack”The Westport chair that became a global iconLeave No Trace tips, the ADK editionA very local legend involving a pair of BVDsHow we actually find our guestsA surprisingly wholesome chat about nudists in the ADKHow to visit or stay at real Adirondack Great Camps Resources: Great Camp SagamoreGreat Camp SantanoniWhite Pine CampThe PointLake KoraThe Hedges on Blue Mountain LakeCamp UncasTopridgeCamp Wild AirAdirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH)Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor EthicsAdirondack Center for Loon Conservation Produced by NOVA

    38 min

  6. NOV 10

    Weekender Hotels: Reinventing Adirondack Stays with Keir Weimer

    From Great Pines on Fourth Lake to the rebirth of North Creek’s Phoenix Inn, Weekender Hotels is rewriting the script on where (and how) we stay in the Adirondacks. In this episode of ADK Talks, we sit down with Keir Weimer, CEO of Weekender Hotels, whose mission is to breathe new life into classic Adirondack motels and resorts while keeping them rooted in place, history, and the outdoors. Keir shares how a 100-year-old, run-down waterfront resort on Fourth Lake became Great Pines—and the unlikely origin story of Weekender’s growing portfolio of boutique adventure hotels stretching across the Adirondacks and the Northeast. We dig into his philosophy of adaptive reuse, why he wants guests out of their rooms and into the mountains, and what’s in store for the former Phoenix Inn / Copperfield in North Creek as it transforms into a four-season basecamp for Gore Mountain and beyond. What you’ll hear in this episode: How a real estate broker became a hotelier with the transformation of the old Northwoods Lodge into Great Pines Resort.Why Weekender Hotels focuses on reviving classic Adirondack motels instead of building new ones.The philosophy behind their three pillars: iconic locations, inspiring adventure, and modern, tech-friendly stays.What’s ahead for North Creek’s Phoenix Inn, including new restaurants, wellness spaces, and community membership options.How adaptive reuse keeps the Adirondack character alive—mixing nostalgia with sustainability.The role of local partnerships and tourism development in making projects like North Creek possible.Lessons Keir’s learned growing a hospitality brand rooted in the outdoors.His advice for entrepreneurs chasing big ideas in small towns.Reflections on Adirondack heritage—from Great Camp Sagamore to today’s “get outside” mindset.A few of Keir’s favorite roadside treats and hidden-gem ice cream stops.Why the Adirondacks remain his go-to place for inspiration, adventure, and renewal. Resources: Weekender HotelsGreat Pines Resort – Fourth Lake, InletThe Alpine Lodge near Gore MountainTrailhead Lodge - Tupper LakePartner highlights: Gore Mountain · The Wild Center · Warren County TourismIce cream favorites: Northern Lights (Inlet) · Benny’s (Old Forge) · Custard’s Last Stand (Long Lake) Produced by NOVA

    42 min

  7. NOV 3

    Wild at Heart: Teddy Roosevelt’s Adirondack Adventure

    The Rough Rider rides again—right through the heart of the High Peaks. In this episode, we sit down with nationally known Theodore Roosevelt repriser Joe Wiegand to relive T.R.’s deep Adirondack ties—from youthful birding trips and great-camp visits to the legendary midnight ride that began at Mount Marcy and ended with the oath of office in Buffalo. Joe shares how he “becomes” Roosevelt on stage, why the Adirondacks shaped T.R.’s grit and conservation ethic, and how communities today keep that history alive. What you’ll hear in this episode: Becoming T.R. Joe’s unlikely path—from a hippie-comedian’s son to 400 shows a year as Roosevelt—and the craft behind first-person history.Adirondack origins. Teen summers at Paul Smith’s and St. Regis; paddling Saranac & Tupper; and Roosevelt’s first publication on Franklin County’s summer birds.The night ride. Lake Tear of the Clouds, the dash via Aiden’s Lair with driver Mike Cronin, and daybreak at North Creek where news of McKinley’s death awaited—history made on Adirondack roads.Conservation President. From doubling national parks to creating national monuments and massively expanding national forests with Gifford Pinchot—T.R.’s enduring legacy.Walk it yourself. Joe’s favorite route retracing T.R.: Upper Works → Flowed Lands → Lake Colden → Mount Marcy → Lake Tear—a strenuous, unforgettable line through history. Enjoy the episode—and if it stirs your own “strenuous life,” rate/review the show and share it with a fellow Adirondack history buff. Links & Mentions: Town of Newcomb — details for Teddy Roosevelt Weekend (watch 2026 updates).Visit North Creek / Tannery Pond Center — programming tied to the anniversary.Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (Buffalo) — inauguration reenactment & naturalization ceremony each Sept. 14.teddyrooseveltshow.com — Joe Wiegand’s schedule & performances.medora.com — Gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park; summer performances in Medora.Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (Medora) — slated to open during America250 festivities in July 2026.Great Camp Santanoni — a favorite T.R. haunt (watch for docent programs & carriage-road visits).Lake Tear of the Clouds / Mount Marcy — source of the Hudson and the high point of New York, central to the 1901 story.Aiden’s Lair (NY-28N) — iconic staging point on the night ride. Produced by NOVA

    59 min

  8. OCT 27

    More Tales of Ghosts and Spirits in the Adirondacks

    From deep, cold-water mysteries in Lake Placid to candlelit marches at Fort William Henry, this Halloween-season episode serves up more true (and truly fun) tales of Adirondack ghosts, legends, and oddities. Jane leans into lore, Steve brings the “Acker facts,” and together they map a spine-tingling route you can actually visit—if you dare. What you’ll hear in this episode: The Lady of the Lake (Lake Placid): The 1933 disappearance of educator Mabel Smith Douglas, the startling discovery near Pulpit Rock decades later, and why dusk paddles still give locals the shivers.Plus, other Lake Placid haunts—from the Stagecoach Inn to footsteps after hours at the Palace Theatre.Ghost town in the woods (Tahawus/Adirondack): Foundations, whispers, and a brush with presidential history; why silence in the High Peaks can be the scariest sound of all.Five-star frights (The Sagamore, Lake George): Rebuilt after catastrophic fires and still rumored to host a woman in green, “Walter,” and a mischievous golf-course kid who nabs your balls.Candlelight chills (Fort William Henry): From French & Indian War trauma to today’s haunted tours—marching boots, phantom gunpowder, and why archaeologists’ finds still raise hairs.Champ of Lake Champlain: Nessie’s American cousin, the famed 1977 Mansi photo, and the fun fact that Vermont (and New York) moved to protect him—just in case.A kinder haunting (Santa’s Workshop, Wilmington): Arto Monaco’s playful spirit, tinkering toys, and music boxes that play when no one’s around.Bonus bite (Spanky’s Diner, Massena): A jukebox with free will and a phantom waitress with bottomless refills. If you loved this haunted ramble, subscribe, drop a rating/review, and swing by ADKtaste.com for more stories, food, folklore, and events from across the Park. Links & Mentions: Stagecoach Inn (Lake Placid); Palace Theatre (Lake Placid)Pulpit Rock, Lake Placid (Mabel Smith Douglas)Adirondack Experience: The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (mining history)The Sagamore Resort (Bolton Landing, Lake George)Fort William Henry Museum & Haunted ToursLake George Battlefield ParkNew York’s Haunted History TrailSanta’s Workshop (Wilmington)Champ (Lake Champlain)The Mansi Photo (1977)Spanky’s Diner (Massena) Produced by NOVA

    27 min
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About

ADK Talks brings you the stories behind the people, places, and things to do in the Adirondack Park of New York State. With 6 million acres, the Adirondacks are the ultimate playground.We take you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of one of America's most breathtaking regions. Just like we do on our website, adktaste.com, our podcast uncovers the hidden gems of the Adirondacks, offering hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay, eat, shop and do in the Adirondack Park.But this isn't just about places. It's about the people who make the Adirondacks so special and unique. In each episode, we talk to people from all walks of life—restauranteurs, farmers, innkeepers, historians, artists, local leaders, writers, hikers, and more. Hear real stories about what they do, their passions, and how they found their way here.And they'll share their insider tips on the best things to see and do in the Adirondacks – insights you won't find anywhere else.So subscribe now to ADK Talks to get real stories from real people, sharing the real Adirondacks.You can also visit us online at adktaste.com.

Information

  • Creator
    ADK Taste
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 ADK Talks
  • Show Website
    ADK Talks

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