Category: Warren County

5 CapNY Family Owned & Operated Drive-In Movie Theaters

Updated: July 2024

Before there was cable TV and the internet (my own kids can’t imagine such a primitive time) families went out together to enjoy a movie in a car, packed full of kids. Sometimes the neighbor’s kids were mixed in the bunch too. I remember being about 8 years old, and walking to the drive-in movie concession stand with my dad, and the feeling I had when we all got to have our own brown paper lunch bags filled with buttered popcorn…

We lived on a small income, and this was one of the few times when we didn’t have to share the one treat that might have been quickly bought on another type of outing. The small bag of popcorn was all mine! It was like we were on a vacation, and then my parents would even let us have candy after 8pm at night too. I remember seeing people of all ages enjoying the movies that we’d watch together as a family, under the stars.

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY.

Kids today don’t like the things we liked back when we were kids right? I’m a parent that has these worried thoughts that many other parents have, and while I have really good kids… kids get bored easily. Would they be excited about sitting on a blanket or lawn chair outside watching the movie? Will my autistic middle child be able to sit through this movie with so many distractions and stimulation going on around him?

We packed the back of our suv with pillows & blankets, some lawn chairs, lots of hopefulness, and loaded ourselves inside and headed to the drive-in-movies for the first time with my children. We found the perfect spot, center of the field, not too close to the screen and not too far of a walk to the snack bar. We opened the back door, put some lawn chairs by our tail end, and set up the blankets and pillows too. It was now time to “officially” prepare for the movie. That means lots of snacks! We walked to the concession building before the movie started. There we rented a little portable radio that some drive-ins offer as an option to run your car radio on the vehicle’s battery, and it also can allow for the movie to be heard better outside of our vehicle while sitting in our lawn chairs.

Next, we needed food and drinks. The menu options now offered in many snack bars at drive-in movie theaters, compare more to pub fare and the food is good. This is a huge life saver as a parent. I didn’t have to rush making dinner and feeding it to the kids before we left the house. We each ordered a main menu item, drinks, and of course you can’t not order freshly popped popcorn and candy to have during the movie. After our picnic style meal, we cleaned up a bit, and then sat back, ready to watch the movie. I will never forget how I immediately felt sharing this cherished childhood memory with my own kids, and watching them experience seeing the largest outdoor movie screen they’d ever seen for the very first time… together as a family, under the stars.

Drive-in movie theaters are almost always owned by a local family living in the very community their theater is in. They don’t make much money off of your movie ticket. The families sell snacks and other foods, and that’s what helps keep these classic old school drive-in movie theaters open and alive for all of us to enjoy still. Some have been here for over 70 years. The concession stands create jobs, and employee people all throughout the duration they are open. Jericho Drive-in for example currently employs over 45 people. Please be sure to visit and support the snack bars when you go to the drive-in movie theater. I know these local family owned businesses will greatly appreciate you for this.

Below are a list of 5 drive-in movie theaters including my two top picks. All mentioned are worth taking a little drive to while visiting each of the counties they are in.

Open since 1952. Owned and operated by the Fisher family.

“In 1968 Frank took over the business from his father and still enjoys running it to this day .He has learned everything from the projectors to the concessions when he was just a teenager working with his father and through trial and error and have improved the theater tremendously from those early days.” their website stated. “The Hollywood Drive-In (TM) has been in business for 70 years and over the years has seen many changes. We have always maintained that having fun is what a drive-in is all about. We offer a neat and clean facility with a freshly mowed parking area. At the Hollywood Drive-In (TM) you will find a well trained staff ready to serve you with a relaxed atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy.“

They have also recently remodeled their concession building and have an expanded their menu to suit everyone’s palette. They offer fresh homemade pizza, which you can order by the slice or the whole pie. You can get cooked to order hamburgers, hot dogs and fries… and of course the old time favorite popcorn.

Their website mentions that the popcorn boxes are randomly stuffed with free passes into the drive-in.

Food Permit: Outside food can be brought for a fee; visit website for more information.

Open since 1957. Owned and operated by the Chenette family.

I was able to reach and speak with Lisa Chenette by phone, one of the owners of The Jericho Drive-in & Twist Ice Cream Shoppe. She shared with me their family’s story. Jericho Drive-in was purchased in 1995 by Mike Chennette, and has since had a stand alone ice cream shoppe built in 2007 that services both their drive-in movie guests and the general public. This well thought out stand has service windows on both sides of the building, that sits partly inside of the fence surrounding the drive-in, and accessible to non moviegoers who only want to enjoy a cold treat from the ice cream stand. Like their Sweetheart Sundae that tells the sweet story of how Mike’s mother always called his father, Sweetheart. This special sundae was added to their menu in memory of Mike’s father after he passed away, and is only offered around Valentine’s Day, when the ice cream shoppe officially reopens for the season.

Their concession stand was just remodeled and their menu includes Philly cheesesteaks on a toasted bun, and Chinese Egg Rolls made by the local Chinese in Restaurant in their town to support another local small business.

Here are three more family owned and operated Drive-in movie theaters that I recommended visiting in these different counties here in Upstate New York.

Located between Catskill and Coxsackie NY, Hi-Way Drive-In movie theater is referred to as the ‘Cinema Under The Stars.’ The Gate and the Snack Bar open 90 Minutes Before the 1st Movie starts.

Open since 1949!

This is the Drive-in movie theater that created my own family’s very first drive-in movie memories. I can still remember when my 12yr old son asked for the first time if he could walk his little brother to the concession stand, by himself, and how as a child he felt like this was a move towards growing up. I watched them walk towards the snack bar, holding hands, and walk into the building. I watched and waited for my two boys to walk out of the snack bar and proudly bring back food and drinks for their other brother and their mom. I must say, I love the burgers here. Make sure you grab one from their snack bar when you visit them.

This two screen drive-in theater is family owned and operated by Ed & Tom Caro. “Many of our staff have been working here for years“, Ed shared. Ed & Tom Caro are both very active in the drive-in theater and both of their children have worked at the drive-in in the past too. Ed & Tom have worked towards not only making their drive-in theater a place where families can come to and make memories… they have also encouraged their staff to be a part of their drive-in family too. In fact, Ed shared that “We have a father & daughter, a mother & son, two sisters, and three cousins that all work for us“. This small locally owned family business, welcomes locals and visitors from outside of Saratoga County to come and feel like part of the Caro family too.

The Caro family added the second movie screen in 2008, and with the new addition they also updated & expanded their restroom area as well.

Outside Food and beverage can be brought for a fee per car; visit website for more information.

Movie sound is broadcast in stereo over FM radio and can be heard via your car radio or a portable radio that you bring. Additionally, boom boxes can be rented for $5 in the concession stand (limited availability) and they require surrender of your driver’s license until return of the radio. They do not have any speakers on the posts.

Open since 1958! Glen is open 7 nights a week during the season starting at 7:00 PM. Shows start at dusk.

CapNY Entrepreneur Resources

The Capital Region is rich with resources for today’s budding entrepreneurs and business owners.

There are so many potential resources that it can feel tricky knowing where to start. As an ever-growing millennial business owner, I am interested and search for the same value you are. When I put together this list, I wanted to ensure that each and every one of the resources I’ve put together was responsive and actionable.

Whether you’re looking to join the local community of business owners or kickstart your own project, these CapNY entrepreneur resources are a perfect way to start. Each organization included on this list responded to inquiries in a timely and friendly manner. You should have a similar experience.

What do they do?

The national organization of One Million Cups is based on the idea that support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee is what most young entrepreneurs need. There are chapters that host these events all over the country. The Albany chapter hosts networking events on Wednesdays at 9am with meetings including a presentation by a selected speaker, a discussion and Q&A.

How can you work with them?

There are two ways to work with the local chapter. Besides attending the local meeting, the chapter also offers coaching to its presenters.

What free and paid services do they offer?

All of the services offered by One Million Cups are free. These include the meetings and coaching participants might see.

Do they work with Millennials and Gen Z? What do they do to help?

Yes, and the organization is looking to include more millennials. There are a couple of millennials currently in the organization.

Examples of companies/entrepreneurs they’ve worked with

Richard Lin is a millennial who is part of the local 1 Million Cups leadership team. He also recruits and coaches presenters, runs the weekly meetings, provides feedback and connects individuals within the meetup.

Visit their website for more.

What do they do?

Business improvement districts are organizations that aid businesses by offering a variety of support services. While the original idea of BIDs was likely centered on brick and mortar business, today’s BIDs are integrated with incubators, coworking spaces, mentoring and more for today’s HQ-less solopreneurs.

During the events of 2020, the ways these organizations aided businesses changed in many ways. For example, the Central Ave BID repaired over 30 storefronts on Central Ave after more than 40 storefronts were damaged in June.

How can someone work with them?

If you’re looking for extra support for either a brick and mortar business, or another business, try your local BID. They are loaded with support mechanisms and community connections to help young entrepreneurs get what they need.

What free and paid services do they offer?

When I asked one board member what services the BID offered, he told me, “Whatever is necessary.” Here some of the resources offered by the local BIDs:

7 day a week cleaning services for properties in that area
Designated ServSafe training
Accounting and booking lessons
Mentor pool
Cohorts
Customized training for main street businesses
Trade training
Scholarships
University incubator programs

Do they work with Millennials and Gen Z? What do they do to help?

Yes! Local BIDs work with all generations, including those that come from local colleges and universities. I reached out to most of the Capital Region’s BIDs when working on this article and I found most highly responsive and helpful.

Director of the Central Ave BID Anthony Capece says the organizations want to “help entrepreneurs before they get in over their head.” We all know that can happen fast, so don’t wait to reach out.

Who is the main contact for entrepreneurs? What is the best way to reach them?

It depends on which BID you’re attempting to reach. Here are some of the local BIDs that were responsive to my inquiries:

In addition, here are the links to the Downtown Troy BID (Rensselaer County) and Downtown Glens Falls BID (Warren County)

What do they do?

The Capital Region Chamber provides leadership and resources to help grow member businesses and the local economy. They also encourage a strong community by connecting members to people, businesses, and issues important for business success.

What free and paid services do they offer?

There’s a membership fee associated with joining. The organization’s rates aren’t listed on its website, so I asked about them and staff resounded: “We don’t publish rates on our website because there are multiple variables in determining one’s membership investment (i.e. if it’s a restaurant it’s based upon the number of seats).” You can fill out this form to learn more.

There are a number of complementary and paid programs for members. There are also some programs for non-members. Some of the programs include:

Entrepreneur Boot Camp
BusinessU professional development programs
Tech Valley Young Professionals Network
Webinars

Do they work with Millennials and Gen Z? What do they do to help?

Yes. Anyone is welcome to join the Capital Region Chamber.

The Entrepreneur Boot Camp program is designed to assist younger entrepreneurs on the path toward running their own businesses.

More than 50 different instructors teach in this program. Students a have the opportunity to win more than $3k in grants for their business.

Interested? Click here to learn more.

entrepreneur Resources

5 Family-Friendly Skiing and Tubing Centers Across CapNY

Whether you’re a bona fide ski bum or just feeling ski-curious, ski areas offer acres of open air and gorgeous natural scenery, making them some of the most fun family-friendly spaces to spend with energetic kids.

Hunter is an ideal destination for serious skiers and first-timers alike. Pros will love their summit elevation of 3,200 feet, a vertical drop of 1,600 feet and 240 ski-able acres. For newbies, there are easy runs with wide cruising lanes and kid-friendly carpet lifts. Plus, be sure to check out their 1,000-foot tubing hill. It’s one of the biggest in New York, with its own surface lift to carry riders back up the hill.

Where to eat:

Hunter has 4 separate mountain faces with lodge dining throughout the area. At Goldye’s Café in the Learning Center (the on-site headquarters for skiing lessons), you’ll find treats, soups, and a great view. Just outside the base lodge, look for Pika’s Waffle Stop. They serve Belgian Liege Waffles, hot chocolate, and grab-and-go lunch fare. For a hearty Bavarian dinner, head across the street from Hunter Mountain to Jagerberg Beer Hall. They serve big soft pretzels, bratwurst and flammkuchen (flatbread pizza). Select from their German beer menu available for dine-in or take-out by the bottle or the growler.

This family-owned Schenectady ski area has 8 trails across 60 acres, with a 270 foot vertical drop. Located 20 miles northwest of Albany, Maple Ridge holds after-school and weekend ski and snowboard lessons for kids. Equipment is available to rent on a daily or seasonal basis here. Maple Ridge welcomes visitors of all ages. Guests who are under 3 or over 70 ski for free, making a day on the slopes an affordable multi-generational family experience.

Where to eat:

Maple Ridge is more about the slopes than eats, but it’s just a 10-minute drive to the Tops American Grill. There they serve loads of kid-friendly options from chicken tenders to burgers to breakfast-all-day.

Located in the hills of southern Washington County, this mom-and-pop resort calls itself “New York State’s Coolest Little Ski Area.” Lift tickets and lessons at this Greenwich mountain are affordable, plus they welcome young families with kids just learning to ski. They’ll teach any age and encourage starting ski lessons for kids aged 4 – or even as young as 3. Kids will also love the 2-hour tubing sessions! With everything but overnight lodging, Willard Mountain makes a great family day-trip destination. And if your family gets hooked on skiing, they offer great deals on season passes. The options include seasonal rental of ski equipment for kids who tend to grow out of their gear each year.

Where to eat:

Plenty of grab-and-go bites are available at their cafeteria. Settle into a sit-down meal at their wood-paneled lounge Thirst Aid Room. The lounge offers hearty options – poutine, loaded chili, and steak sandwiches with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and American cheese. And check the kids’ menu that includes personal pizzas, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, chicken fingers and French fries.

Located between Lake George and Saratoga Springs, West Mountain has 31 trails, a snow tubing park, and 126 skiable acres. They accommodate skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Lessons and equipment rentals are available for all visitors.

Skiing tends to be an early-bird activity because the sun goes down so early in winter. Yet, West Mountain is known for their lighted trails and night skiing. You’ll keep skiing for hours longer than you could at neighboring mountains.

Where to eat:

At the West Mountain Lodge, the West Express Café takeout window serves to grab and go. The menu goes from breakfast sandwiches, mac and cheese, burgers, to burrito bowls, and soups . The West Mountain Bar & Eatery serves a similar menu and is open for sit-down dining and bar service.

Windham Mountain is a must-visit spot for all ages. Whether you’re a first-timer, an expert skier this Greene County ski mountain and resort offers beginner-to-expert terrain. They feature 12 lifts, and 285 ski-able acres, with 54 trails stretching across 2 peaks. Kids (and adults!) who want an alternative can get their downhill exhilaration at Windham Mountain Adventure Park. The fun includes 6 snow-tubing lanes and a racetrack for mini snowmobiles.

And if you’re just looking to lounge around while your family hits the slopes?

After a long day (week, month) of managing kids on and off the slopes, deep relaxation is in order. Windham’s Alpine Spa offers appointment-only treatments like the Hudson River Stone Massage, relieving sore muscles with warm, smooth river stones. Or try the Deep Heat Muscle Repair treatment, combining massage with steamy towels steep in sage, rosewood, and lavender. Non-skiers can wander the quaint town of Windham, with its sweet little indie book shop, Briars and Brambles Books. Stop at the incredible little French bakery, La Pastisserie Normande, a dreamy winter destination in itself.

Where to eat:

Windham has range of on-mountain dining spots, including the Mountain Express Cafeteria and Seasons Restaurant in their main lodge. The Wheelhouse Mountain Lodge is the spot breathtaking mountaintop views. You’ll find or sandwiches, soups, tacos and beer on the menu. Plus there’s the cozy cabin offering Belgian waffles and hot cider to skiers on the go.

Exploring the less traveled (and less expensive!) Catskills, in and around Greene County. Farms, drive-in movies, kids, food, beer, shopping, home design, and real estate. Brooklyn DoubleWide

family Skiing Tubing

7 Great Places to Ride Horses in CapNY

There’s no better view than the one from a saddle. The rhythmic pattern of horse hooves on a sandy path melts away all my stress of daily life. Plus, a sure-footed horse can carry us to places off the beaten path through scenic fields, alongside streams, and into the foothills of the Adirondack and Catskill mountains.

From north to south, the capital region has great places to ride horses. Horseback trail riding is my favorite way to explore CapNY. Stables that rent horses for guided tours means you don’t have to own one to enjoy riding. Spring, summer and fall are the most popular times of year. Some barns offer winter rides as the weather allows.

Each trail riding location operates a little differently. Walk-ups can be accommodated at some places, where others require reservations. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm rates, availability and age requirements.

In the small town of Hadley, residents crowded the streets in early 1951. They were eagerly awaiting the arrival of a special rail delivery: a train car carrying 30 wild horses was arriving from Montana. As the horses stepped out of the train, wranglers were waiting. They drove the band of horses five miles north along Route 9N, through small towns, and up to Painted Pony Ranch. This was the first and only delivery of horses to the Adirondack area by railcar. But Painted Pony was far from the first riding ranch in the region.

The first Adirondack Mountain dude ranch opened in the 1920s. At the industry’s peak, there were almost 40 dude ranches and 19 horses-for-hire stables in the area. These three trail riding stables have been an integral part of CapNY cowboy culture for decades, and are favorite places to ride for non-horse people and equestrians alike.

Mountain View Rocking B Ranch – Opened in 1942, Lake Luzerne
Ruggiero’s Riding at The Painted Pony Ranch – Opened in 1953, under current ownership since 1999, Lake Luzerne
Rydin-Hy – Opened in 1940, Warrensburg

Not far from the bustling downtowns of Albany and Troy are acres of woods and open fields, which are perfect for exploring by horseback. Unforgettable aromas waft from wildflowers in the summer. And if you’re lucky, there’s a possibility of seeing deer, turkey and other small wildlife. Best of all, it’s possible to trade in city sidewalks for quiet trails less than 25 miles from Albany or Troy at these three great places to ride horses:

Krumkill Stables – Albany
Cinch ‘em Up Stables – Stephentown
One Trick Pony – Johnsonville

Though not as large as the Adirondacks, the Catskill Forest Preserve has nearly 290,000 acres of protected land, beckoning horseback riders of all ages and levels of experience. Unique from other riding destinations, stables in the southern part of the Capital Region offer multiple attractions for all ages.

Exotic animals, camping and paintball are part of the experience at the Bailiwick Animal Park and Riding Stables in Catskills. Mix and match activities for a full-day of family fun or make it into an overnight getaway.

Bailiwick Animal Park & Riding Stables

Katie Navarra is a professional writer based in the Capital Region. She has written for Popular Science, The Motley Fool Blueprint, Western Horseman, Horse & Rider and others. She is also a life and executive career coach who helps clients find clarity and success in and out of the office. Learn more at katienavarra.com.

Adirondacks Horseback Riding trails

A Breath of Fresh Air: 16 CapNY Walks in the Woods

Lucky for us, CapNY is flush with amazing outdoor spots that offer wide open green space and interesting walking trails that often lead to curiosities and wonders, like waterfalls, windmills, and so much more.

Here’s our list of 16 beautiful walks in eight-county CapNY that will allow you to safely commune with nature, take a deep breath, clear your head, and move your body.

West Campbell Road, Schenectady, NY 12306

Transport yourself to the marshy lowlands of The Netherlands — windmills included! — just outside of downtown Schenectady. This 1.8-mile loop leads through woods before the trail becomes a boardwalk around a small lake. Look for a small wooden windmill at the trailhead.

Sanders Road, Schenectady, NY 12302

Tucked away in Glenville along Washout Creek, follow this short walking trail to find a small cascade of waterfalls that turns into a dry creek bed in the summer. If you wait to try this trail in warmer months, use the lack of water to look for fossils in the river rocks.

776 Bozenkill Road, Altamont, NY 12009

Clocking in at two and a half miles, Wolf Creek Falls Preserve is a short drive from the town of Altamont in nearby Knox. It is part of a 138 acre parcel that is included in the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy. The trail abuts many old fieldstone walls, pointing to the history of Albany’s earliest settlers.

New York State Capitol Building, State Street, Albany, NY 12210

You don’t have to travel far from our area downtowns to find some green space. West Capitol Park offers stunning views of the Capitol building and is home flowering trees, sweet-sounding birds and rascally (but entertaining) squirrels. Bring your sketchbook for al fresco art time.

100 Defreest Drive, Troy, NY 12180

Tucked away on the northern side of Rensselaer Technology Park is a set of trails that lead to a surprising waterfall. You will need sturdy shoes for this trail, as there are hills to climb and you may have to cross water to stay on the two mile trail. Park in the loop near WMHT studios, and look for the red discs posted as trail guides.

Staats Island Road, Castleton-On-Hudson, NY 12033

For more walks in the woods that lead you to water, venture down to the shores of the Hudson River as you explore this well-groomed trail that is great for dogs. Picnic tables are available, and bring your binoculars if you have them, as there are plenty of opportunities for bird watching for various types of waterfowl and smaller migratory birds.

Falstaff’s Parking Lot off Wait Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Just beyond Downtown Saratoga and the Skidmore campus is a series of walks in the woods along hiking trails that make the bustle of Saratoga Springs feel like a world away. There are several trails to choose from, none of them longer than two miles. A 200-foot elevation gain means an uphill climb on some trails, but this is still family-friendly.

Riverview Road, Rexford, NY 12148 (Multiple entrances)

This four mile loop offers an array of interesting sites and vistas, including Eric Canal remnants of towpaths and double locks, Clute’s Dry Dock, Forts Ferry, and a picnic area overlooking the Mohawk River that is nestled within the bird conservation area designated by NYSDEC. Audubon New York has observed more than 200 bird species in this area.

1 North Front Street, Hudson, NY 12534

Go for a stroll along the well-maintained gardens, dotted by manicured shrubs and historical statues and markers, before grabbing a bench to overlook the Hudson River while the sun sets on the Catskill mountains. This city park has the feel of a hidden European green space.

480 Rock City Road, Chatham, NY 12037

This easy hike around Sutherland Pond is maintained by Columbia Land Conservancy. While the views are lovely and the hike takes little exertion, the best part is greeting all the friendly dogs that you’ll encounter at Ooms. This is also a notable place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Betke Boulevard, Coxsackie, NY 12051

Need a place to lay out in the sun on a blanket (with plenty of distance from others!) or to kick a soccer ball around? Riverside Park, in Coxsackie, is a great place to do just that. The expansive views of the Hudson River and the boats that traverse that waterway are just an added bonus.

Trailhead located just south of Prattsville town center on NY-Route 23, Prattsville, NY 12468

Looking for artistic inspiration? Try Pratt Rock Trail, coined “America’s First Mount Rushmore” for the carvings into the rock facade and statues along the way. There are some steep inclines on this trail, which occasionally calls for climbing over large rocks, but the trail is otherwise moderate. Views down the Schoharie River Valley and its fertile farms can be see below.

County Route 49, Salem, NY 12865

Plan on spending some time with your thoughts as you gaze over Carters Pond, just outside the quaint town of Salem. This super-short and very flat hike leads to an overlook area that allows you keep an eye out for swooping birds (including predatory fowl like eagles and hawks) and breaching fish snatching bugs from the pond’s surface.

Windy Hill Road, Greenwich, NY 12834

This short trail along the Battenkill River invites walks in the woods at any time of year and leads to several small perches that allow visitors to view the falls below. If you have limited time but want a big impact, keep this gem in mind.

Towpath Lane, Fort Edward, NY 12828

This northern section of the Lakes to Locks bike path connects riders, skaters, runners and walkers to Lake George from downtown Fort Edward. It connects through various towns through Warren County and offers views of the Adirondacks, Glen Lake and the Hudson River. The trail is paved for smooth riding.

82 Haviland Avenue, Queensbury, NY 12804

While this trail is seven miles long and runs from the Feeder Dam to the Old Champlain Canal, you can choose to just explore a portion of it by foot, or use the well-maintained trail for a longer run or a bike ride. A five acre park surrounds the entrance on Haviland Avenue and there is plenty of space for enjoying a meal outside or setting up supplies to do some sketching or writing.

Do you have favorite CapNY Walks in the Woods that we’ve missed? Send us a note about your top walks!

Journalist. Owner of Silly Goose Farm. Momma. Ambivert. Check out her website!

nature trails Walks

Get Outdoors: Warren County Paddles-to-Pubs

The Adirondacks are one of the best places to spend the summer in Upstate New York. As an avid hiker and paddler, I venture up to Adirondack State Park as often as possible to enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities. My favorite part of a long day outside? Stopping at one of the many Adirondack breweries for a cold one.

Take a trip with me as we go through some of the best Warren County paddles-to-pub spots and breweries. From lakes, ponds and rivers to several craft breweries, you’re never too far away from a paddle or a pub.

We start our Warren County paddles-to pubs adventure at Glen Lake in Queensbury. A non-motorized boat launch for the lake is located at 290 Glen Lake Road. The boat launch also features picnic tables, a restroom and a fishing dock. The two mile long lake is a perfect size for a relaxing day of paddling in a canoe or kayak. If you’re an angler (using a hook and line), Glen Lake is known to have brown bullhead, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, pumpkin seed, smallmouth bass, walleye and yellow perch.

Located just minutes from the boat launch is one of my personal favorite breweries, Northway Brewing Company! A warm atmosphere paired with some delicious beer makes for a perfect post-paddle destination. My personal favorites are the Perfect Day Pilsner and Sunrise Session IPA. Their colorful cans make for a lovely lakeside photoshoot, too!

Paddling Lake George can be intimidating due to the lake’s massive size and heavy traffic. However, if you stay in a more secluded area like the lake’s Northwest Bay, you’re likely to have a calmer paddling trip while still taking in the sheer beauty of the lake. There’s a reason it’s nicknamed the Queen of American Lakes! A Department of Environmental Conservation public boat launch for the Northwest Bay is located off of route 9N in Bolton Landing. Enjoy stellar views of the Tongue Mountain Range as you paddle around Northwest Bay.

If you’re going back into the town of Bolton Landing after paddling, be sure to stop by Bolton Landing Brewery Company, a family-owned microbrewery located on the shores of Lake George. Their spacious outdoor patio is a great spot to socially distance while enjoying a brew. Check out their website to see what’s currently on draft!

Technically Moreau Lake State Park is in Saratoga County, but it’s so close to Warren that I’m including it here. This paddler’s paradise is located between Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls, in the foothills of the Adirondacks. The easily accessible boat launch allows you to be out of your car and in the waters in no time! I love paddling on Moreau Lake for many reasons, but most of all, I love that there are no motorized boats allowed. This makes for calm waters suitable for any paddling skill level. Explore the small ponds off of the lake and you’ll be sure to spot ducks, turtles and a wide variety of fish. Keep an eye out for the loon that lives on Moreau Lake, too!

When you finish paddling, head on over to the newly reopened Common Roots Brewing Company in South Glens Falls. They have a huge selection of beer, and if you’re an IPA lover, Common Roots is definitely the place for you!

Thirteenth Lake in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness: A true backwoods paddling experience minus a long hike to the boat launch. Bonus! The lake also has a network of hiking trails and 13 lakeside campsites.
Garnet Lake: Another calm paddling destination that is ideal for all skill levels. With over six miles of shoreline to explore, this hidden gem will keep you paddling all day long.
There are several boat launches on the Hudson River in Warren County. While paddling the Southern Hudson can be challenging, the calm waters of the Northern Hudson are a paddling dream.

Maria Gigliello is an avid hiker, paddler and writer who enjoys spending as much time as possible doing all three things in the Adirondack State Park. She is just as passionate about beer as she is about responsible outdoor recreation and is always in search of a good view and a brew. You can follow her adventures on her blog, The Dirt.

Beer Kayaks nature

Category: Warren County

5 CapNY Family Owned & Operated Drive-In Movie Theaters

CapNY Entrepreneur Resources

5 Family-Friendly Skiing and Tubing Centers Across CapNY

7 Great Places to Ride Horses in CapNY

A Breath of Fresh Air: 16 CapNY Walks in the Woods

Get Outdoors: Warren County Paddles-to-Pubs

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