The summer stage in the North Country is rich with options for kids and their companions. From fairy tales to faux wizardry, here’s a look at what you can find in the weeks ahead.
For many people that live in the North Country, michigans are synonymous with summer. Though some local establishments serve these craveable, specialty hot dogs year round, the crowds still gather every year when Plattsburgh’s seasonal michigan stands temporarily open their doors for another season in the sun. To those that have never tried them, they may resemble the common chilidog. But to those that love michigans, they are a tradition and a must have of the summer (if not all year round).
When most people think of treasure hunters, they likely imagine the pottymouthed pirates of yore who sailed God-forsaken waters in search of gold coins and precious jewels. These savage characters used X-marked maps and primitive navigation tools to guide them to their booty.
Every year people of all ages flock to Fort Ticonderoga in Ticonderoga to see the fort and to learn about its significance in American history. They learn of Ethan Allen’s capture of the fort from the British in 1775, they view artifacts from the French and Indian and American Revolutionary wars, and they might even see a musket firing demonstration. This summer, however, people are invited to visit the fort for a slightly different reason— the ghosts. Over the years, several people, both visitors and employees of the fort, have reported seeing and hearing inexplicable things, leading many to believe that it’s haunted.
From its humble beginnings as farmland a few miles outside of Plattsburgh in the town of Beekmantown, Beartown Ski Area was a “field of dreams.”
Under the direction of what was called the Council of Community Services, and through the work of many local supporters, Norris Reyell sold 99 acres of his land for a dollar and became the first manager of Beartown when the slopes were cleared and ready for skiing in the winter of 1958.
Now more than 50 years later, residents who grew up skiing at Beartown are bringing their children to the hill. The family-oriented environment is at the core of the not-for-profit ski area’s mission. Go out on any given day and the hill will be covered with children, some barely out of the walking stage, whizzing past on skis and snowboards.
While humans can only tolerate being counted every 10 years, an annual bird census conducted by the Audubon Society has reached its 110th year. Conducted at year’s end, the Christmas bird count is an informal opportunity for birding enthusiasts across the country to get together and assess the health of avian populations in their area.
Since the Audubon Christmas Bird Count hit a notable milestone this year, I decided to shadow some experienced birders on this year’s Plattsburgh count. My goals: to see what sorts of birds stick around the city during our long North Country winters, to find out more about the hobby of bird watching and to learn whatever lessons I could.
From its humble beginnings as farmland a few miles outside of Plattsburgh in the town of Beekmantown, Beartown Ski Area was a “field of dreams.”
While humans can only tolerate being counted every 10 years, an annual bird census conducted by the Audubon Society has reached its 110th year. Conducted at year’s end, the Christmas bird count is an informal opportunity for birding enthusiasts across the country to get together and assess the health of avian populations in their area.
Name: Aimée (pronounced ah-may) Wheaton