RaChelle Hosley

RaChelle Hosley

RaChelle is the Aide to the Director of Tourism and Economic Development in Hamilton County. Living in the Adirondacks her whole life, she has always loved the area but is growing to love it more and more as a place to raise her two children. She loves taking her kids hiking, boating, to the beach, or in and out of local shops. She loves finding new (kid friendly) adventures!

Written by RaChelle Hosley

Adirondack Weddings

As you may have guessed, the timeframe between Thanksgiving and Valentine's days is the most popular time to get engaged. Maybe you've just gotten engaged or are just thinking to the future. The...

Best Places to Fish

We all know that avid fishermen are notoriously tight-lipped about their fishing spots. So much so that when I asked around about favorites, the most useful response I got was "on the water!" So...

Oak Mountain Downhill Skiing

Raised in the ADK  I have lived in the Adirondacks my entire life. I've grown up experiencing all that the mountains have to offer, and I have to say, one of my favorite places to go as a kid (and...

Derby Round-up

The lakes are frozen — get your lines in! Winter weather in the Adirondacks means ice fishing. Check out all of the great ice fishing contests going on this winter.   1st Annual Piseco Lake Ice...

Take an Education Vacation

Great Camp Sagamore is gearing up to open for the season. Everything is getting scrubbed down and spruced up after a winter of being closed. I was lucky enough to take a little walk around the...

Long Lake Events

If you're looking for something to do this summer, look no further than the action-packed town of Long Lake! All summer long they have great events, many of which you can not only spectate at, but...

The Small Town of Wells

Wells is a small town located in the Southern Adirondacks. It is also where I grew up and spent most of my young childhood. It's where I remember my first home, and my first school. My sister and I...

Speculator Vacation

While we are quickly heading into spring, I've got sun and fun on my mind. I'm thinking summer and vacation!  As I have lived in the Adirondacks my whole life, sometimes is can be difficult to see my...

Snowshoeing Fun

Most kids love playing in the snow — building snowmen, sledding, skiing. But last year, my kids took up a hobby that I wasn't overly familiar with... snowshoeing! They started out clomping around in...

Things To Do Indoors

We are right in the thick of winter here in the Adirondacks and let me tell you what, it has been COLD! There have been many consecutive nights of negative temperatures — some nights as low as -20,...

A Gift For Everyone

We all know people who are just impossible to shop for. Well, let me break down the perfect Adirondack gifts — by personality! The Adventure Seeker Do you know someone who's an adrenaline junkie and...

Holiday Shopping Ugh

We all know that sometimes holiday shopping can be a real drag. Going to the same stores, shopping for the same people - who seem to have everything ... This year, why not mix it up a little? Give...

Getting Ready for Winter

We are just getting our first official snowfall, so now is the time to get prepared so you are not caught off guard! Snowmobile If you own your own snowmobiles, now is the time to get them registered...

Stories of the Adirondacks

A place this full of history needs people to tell its stories, which is why we are fortunate enough to have a rich supply of historians, songwriters, and storytellers.  INLET'S STORYTELLER One such...

Adirondack Oddities

Driving through the Adirondacks, no matter what time of year, is always beautiful. But if you've ever driven though our little towns, you have probably seen a few of our roadside oddities. And if not...

Reasons to Love Fall

Fall is a favorite time for many here in the Adirondacks. I have quite a few reasons of my own for loving the season, but I decided to ask around to see what everyone else had to say.  Fall Colors ...

Fall on the water!

Last week I was fortunate enough to head out on Piseco Lake for a beautiful sunset cruise with some great friends. My husband, kids, and I  got to have a lovely lake-front dinner of homemade pizza,...

Fall Events

We are just as sad as you that summer seems to be coming to an end far too quickly. However, just because summer is almost over, it doesn't mean the fun has to stop! There are tons of great events...

Small Towns in the Adirondacks

When is comes to the Adirondacks, you may think of some of the larger towns like Long Lake or Speculator. But here, we are also famous for our small towns! Hope and Benson Let's start way down south...

My Favorite Restaurants

The Adirondacks are a great place for many things such as hiking, paddling, and camping. But one of the things done really well here is food! I haven't had the chance to eat at all of the great...

Adirondack Saddle Tours

It was a beautiful day in July when my friend Stephanie and I hopped in the car and headed north. Our end goal was Inlet, or more specifically, Adirondack Saddle Tours. I was going to take my first...

Favorite Experience

We all have our favorite experiences and adventures. I certainly have quite a few of my own including hiking, going to the beach, and stopping by Donuts and More for hot donuts and the best breakfast...

Adirondack Experience The Museum On Blue Mountain Lake

As many of you know, our beloved museum in Blue Mountain Lake has undergone a lot of changes in the last few months.  They have changed from The Adirondack Museum to  Adirondack Experience, the...

Adirondack Fourth of July

One of my favorite times of the year is coming up — and it's coming up fast! I don't know about you, but when I think about summer, I think about camping, s'mores, fireworks, and parades. Well, here...

Kunjamuk Cave

A Break in the Weather After what seemed like weeks and weeks of non-stop rain, we finally got some much needed sunshine in the Adirondacks. So, I grabbed my friend Steven and his dog Theo and we...

Things to Do Along the Way

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and you know what that means... It's time for the Great Adirondack Garage Sale! With sales from Speculator to Inlet to Indian Lake to Long Lake (and...

Playground Hopping

Have you been as stir crazy this year as I have been? It seemed like the cold weather just didn't want to let go. Well, now that the  snow is gone (and hopefully we won't see any more) all I can...

Interview with an Angler

Trout season is open here in the Adirondacks, so I decided to sit down with an avid angler to talk about his love of fishing.   Charlie Warfield is an experienced fly fisherman that lives (and...

RaChelle's Law

In my house, Murphy's Law is not a thing. We refer to it as RaChelle's Law... if it can go wrong, it already has - or it will! This is the way my life goes in general, but especially over the last...

Got Cabin Fever?

Spring fever... cabin fever... Call it what you will — I'm feeling it! We've had a fantastic winter season, but lately we've had a lot of warm temperatures and rain, usually followed by plummeting...

Winter Waterfall Challenge

28Feb2017
Have you checked out the Adirondack Experience Waterfall Challenge? With 19 waterfalls to explore, ranging in difficulty from easy (1 point) to difficult (4 points), there are options for all ages...

Cross-Country Skiing in the Adirondacks

So far this year, we have had a fantastic winter. There is certainly no shortage of snow! Storm after storm has dumped plenty of the fluffy white stuff on us.  The fantastic thing about winter in the...

Valentine's Day Tradition

While this will be mine and my husband's first Valentine's Day as a married couple, it is hardly our first rodeo. This will be our 11th Valentine's Day together. Our first being on the day of the...

Ice Skating In The Adirondacks

With temperatures regularly lingering below freezing, don't forget to pack your ice skates this winter for your next Adirondack adventure! While most people come here to go skiing or snowmobiling (...

Winter Events

This year, I made a resolution to stay home more.  Well, that went out the window fast! There are just way too many great events going on to sit at home. There is a little something for everyone. I...

How to Bartend

10Jan2017
Hello 2017!It's a new year, so why not take the time to learn something new? Here's something easy you can learn, and that's sure to impress your friends at your next party — how to bartend! Learning...

The Faces of Oak Mountain

Oak Mountain is a family friendly ski mountain located in Speculator, NY. Even though it is considered "small," it takes a team of dedicated people to keep it going not just in the winter but all...

Ice Fishing

While the ice is currently not quite thick enough just yet, I've been giving a lot of thought to something I've always wanted to do but never have — Ice Fishing. I figured I better do a little...

Being Naughty at the Ice Bowl

Are you looking for a way to be a little bit naughty but still stay on the nice list? Check out the 2017 Adirondack Ice Bowl on 4th Lake in Inlet!  Non-Stop Action January 27th and 28th, The Woods...

Give the Adirondacks

Christmas is just around the corner, and while we sit here and cross our fingers, pray and do snow dances in hopes of a good winter, it's never too early to think about summer. Maybe your family is...

Getting Oak Mountain Winter Ready

For most people, skiing isn't something that crosses their minds until the temperatures drop or those first few snowflakes fly. At Oak Mountain, skiing is a year-round thought. From prepping the...

Your Next Family Getaway

If you are looking for a great place for a winter family get-together, Long Lake might just be the place! With great shops, restaurants, and plenty of fun activities, this quaint town should be at...

Jasper Day Trail

Inlet is a small town in New York, populated by just over 300 year-round residents. It is situated in the western Adirondacks not far from Old Forge. Although it is a small town, it is one with lots...

Adirondack Firetowers

We all have fears. Some people are scared of spiders (myself included), some people are scared of snakes, or clowns, or dogs, or small spaces. And some people are scared of heights. If you fall into...

Dinner with a View

11Oct2016
Please note: as of October 2024, Melody Lodge is currently not in operation. However, there are plans to re-open in the near future. Whether you've been to Melody Lodge and have great memories or are...

Things to learn this winter

Summer has flown by and now we are headed into peak foliage season. But as much as I love fall, right now I have snow on the brain! If you are looking for a reason to visit this winter, here it is -...

Fall Campfires

27Sep2016
Fall is Here Gone are the late sunsets and warm nights. Shorter days and cool night are here... I'm not quite ready for winter yet, but there is nothing better on a chilly fall night than a campfire...

Rock On!

Rock On Here in the Adirondacks we have many great mountains to hike, but we also have tons of great rocks! With so many awesome sights to check out, it is hard to choose one favorite! Rocky Mountain...

Fall Festivals

A notable temperature shift has been happening over the last couple of weeks, making many people realize summer is coming to an end! While we may be packing away the beach chairs and getting ready to...

Adirondack Museum with Friends

Fun with Friends There is so much to do here in the Adirondacks, what better way to experience it than with friends?? I love getting a few friends together to go for a hike, take a boat ride, pack a...

Swimming Holes in the Adirondacks

Take a Swim There are some really great places around the region to take a dip, from public beaches to hidden swimming holes, and they are all worth checking out! Public Beaches Each town has its own...

Bar Hopping

Here in the Adirondacks we know how to enjoy life. We're always up for camping, paddling, fishing, hiking, and more. But we also enjoy relaxing, and what better way to do that than with a nice, cold...

Camping With the Family (Dog Included)

My family hike into Spruce Lake I'm not much for roughing it in the great outdoors. My idea of a vacation is a nice plush hotel with a big comfy bed, room service, and maybe, if I'm lucky, a swim-up...

Green is the New Black

Everyone wants to be "green,"  whether it be through recycling or repurposing, myself included! I love scouring pages on Pinterest, looking for the next great DIY idea, and hoping for some way to...

Summer Events

Ready for a Summer Vacation? Its time to pack up the RV and hit the road! Summer is just around the corner and the Adirondacks is the place to be. Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in the...

Adirondack Museum(s)

Summer is approaching very quickly, which means camping, hiking, and beaching! It is one of the best times of year here in the Adirondacks, and we are just busting at the seams with things to do....

Summer Traditions

  My Family Every year my family climbs Panther Mountain in Piseco. It has been a tradition of ours since my daughter was two. It is a great hike, easy enough for young kids to do mostly on their own...

Farming in the Adirondacks

03May2016
Farming As a Means of Survival The Central Adirondack region has traditionally not been known as  farm country. Between the weather, the short seasons, and the terrain, it has always been a less than...

Historical Landmarks

12Apr2016
The celebration of Hamilton County's Bicentennial is happening this year, and we have been doing a little delving into our history! While 1816 marks the inception of the county, Wells and Lake...

The Big Melt!

Water Everywhere! Spring can be a tricky time here in the Adirondacks. It is starting to warm up and the snow is starting to melt. There's no more skiing, no more snowmobiling, and it's time to trade...

John Buyce

23Feb2016
The Blacksmith of Speculator  John Buyce was the resident Blacksmith in Speculator, NY, opening his first blacksmith shop in 1889. He had a few shops over the course of his career, but ended up with...

Fun and Excitement for your Valentine's Weekend!

Take a Trip! With Presidents week coinciding with Valentine's Day, it's the ideal time to escape! With so much to do and see, it's a great opportunity for a romantic getaway, even if you are on a...

SnoCade

Let's Make Tracks! 3rd annual Snocade From February 12th through February 22nd of 2016, Indian Lake will kick off SnoCade, a festival of all things snow! This is Indian Lake's 3rd year hosting this...

The Family Behind the W.W. Durant

Double Take Have you ever seen a boat frozen into the lake in the middle of winter? You might figure someone waited a little too long to get their boat out of the water before the freezing...

Adirondack Ice Bowl

The Annual Adirondack Ice Bowl Pond Hockey Tournament, which has been happening since 2009, will once again be held on 4th Lake in Inlet. Participants and spectators alike look forward to planning...

Holiday Traditions

Family and Community Traditions for the Holidays Family Traditions Some of my favorite memories involve family holiday traditions. When I was a kid, my sister and I would bake and decorate hundreds...

2015-2016 Winter Events

As the cold sets in you may want to bundle up and wait the winter out - but then you would miss out on so many great events going on in the heart of the Adirondacks! From ice fishing to snowmobiling...

Avoid the Madness and Shop Local!

Crowded Malls? No thanks! Black Friday shopping is a phenomenon that has taken over the country. People are camping out for days waiting for the hottest, newest merchandise at the best deals. If this...

Made Of the Adirondacks

Made OF the Adirondacks Shopping local helps keep our communities unique and keeps our small business owners prosperous. In the Adirondacks there are a lot of small, family-owned businesses, many of...

October events in the southern Adirondacks

October has always been my favorite time of the year. The cool crisp air, the new colorful landscape, and Halloween! There is still so much going on in the Adirondacks! Try Your Hand at Keg Rolling...

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