Take a Goat for a Hike… and Other Fun Classes
When you hit a few days of cold, wet and rainy weather — it happens — and are on the verge of cabin fever, you can likely find a class, workshop or lecture to change your perspective. Even if it’s an outdoor class, at least you’re having fun while sporting your rain gear. There’s literally something for everyone. We sign up for several each year to break up the hiking/paddling days and meet new people. Here’s a list of activity calendars we check for classes.
The Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) has really great classes. I mean, how could you pass up the July 9 Take a Goat for a Hike outing? Seriously! Building an Adirondack Lean-to, Camping with Loons, Turtles of New York… the list goes on and on with lots of great stuff for adults and kids. Most are outdoors, but there are some indoor options too. It’s about 22 miles or 35 minutes to drive to the VIC.
If you’re not already a member and familiar with the ADK Mountain Club, you should join, support all their amazing work in the Adirondacks and take advantage of their classes and discounts. Their calendar is full of outdoor outings like cycling, hiking, trail work, as well as workshops like beginner backpacking. Plus, if you join one of the chapters, you’ll get access to the chapter events. Be aware that their guided trips and teen programs fill up fast.
Along the same vein as the ADK Mountain Club classes, Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) in Lake Placid and the Mountaineer in Keene Valley offer serious training for building your outdoor expertise. We’re talking about a 9-hour class for Rock & Ice Climbing, Avalanche Education and Companion Rescue, Wilderness First Aid, as well as Adirondack Fly Fishing Camp. Even if you’re not taking a class, the Mountaineer is a great store for the gear hound to check out. It’s located about 20 miles or 30 minutes from our cottage. And of course, EMS on Main Street is walking distance.
For the foodie and those who appreciate local farms, check out the events listed by Adirondack Harvest. This organization supports all types of small farms and local businesses across the Adirondacks, and they list various events hosted by the participating farms. I’ve become infatuated with Little Farmhouse Flowers’ Instagram feed, and noticed there’s a workshop series hosted by Little Farmhouse Flowers. Definitely on my wish list. Other classes on the Adirondack Harvest website include a tour of a lavender farm, mushroom foraging, and a cheesemaking workshop in November that sounds amazing. And similar to the Paul Smith’s VIC, there’s a Take a Goat for a Walk at the Cook Farm. This goat walking thing must really be catching on!
One class I’ve been wanting to take is a cooking class through the Carriage House Cooking School. They offer classes where you prepare a meal or a specialty dish at their farm, or you can also arrange a private dinner class. With so many locally grown ingredients, this is a great way to sample a taste of the Adirondacks.
The Lake Placid Center for the Arts is in easy walking distance from our cottage, and offers an array of programming. Looking at the current list of classes I see painting, photography, beading, improv and dance. Definitely a place to get artsy. Another option for dancing is the Dance Sanctuary in Saranac Lake, which lets you drop-in for classes.
Speaking of drop-in classes, CrossFit Lake Placid, which is literally a few houses down the street from our cottage, offers the opportunity to drop-in for a workout at their gym. They also offer classes like weightlifting seminars. Could be interesting?!?! I’m not going to lie — I’ve never tried Crossfit, but I can vouch that this gym is always busy and has a dedicated following.
Yoga is more my speed, and there are plenty of places to practice yoga around Lake Placid. You can drop-in for pilates or yoga at The Studio Upstate on Main Street or classes at MIM Yoga.
If you’re interested in the old camps and historic buildings around the Adirondacks, you should join the Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) organization and sign up for their tours and workshops. I can’t say enough good things about the quality of their tours. It can be difficult to get tickets if you’re not a member, but there may be a few openings. It’s worth checking. We’re signed up for four tours on their 2022 calendar including a biking tour, and I can’t wait.
