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 home as a getaway location rather than just a beautiful place I get to work and live. So, for a minute, I've decided to take off my local hat and trade it in for my vacation hat and come up with the ideal plans for the perfect Speculator vacation.

Moffitt Beach 

While there are lots of great lodging options in Speculator,  I think i would choose to camp at Moffitt Beach State Campground. Camping is an integral part of having the full Adirondack experience and this campground situated right on beautiful Sacandaga Lake. There is a life-guarded beach for swimming as well as a boat launch for canoeing, kayaking, and more. The fireplaces on each site are perfect for an evening campfire, to cook dinner, over or to just relax around.

CampStore

From my campsite at Moffitt Beach, I would take my family for a nice little walk down Page Street to the CampStore! This amazing little store is less than a one-mile walk from Moffitt Beach. Here you can stock up on camping essentials such as firewood, ice, tackle, food items, and more. CampStore is also a hit with the kids because of their candy selection, novelty ice creams, and their throwback glass bottles of soda. They also have big plans to install a mini-golf course come spring!

Shopping 

Speculator has some great options for shopping. When you come into town, you can stop at Charlie Johns for all of your grocery needs including hot dogs and hamburgers for grilling, homemade deli salads,  and perhaps the most important of all — s'mores supplies!  
Right across the street is the Speculator Department Store, the perfect place to stock up on your Adirondack souvenirs, or to grab any clothing items you may have forgotten to pack.

Hike

There are lots of great hiking opportunities in the Speculator area, but I have a couple of my own family friendly hikes. The Sacandaga Pathway, located right behind the Speculator ball field is a favorite for many. The trail is easy and flat, and there are many great informational boards along the pathway to educate you about the plant life and wildlife in the area. There are also two areas that overview the Kunjamuk River. Another favorite of mine is the Auger Falls Loop which is great for its rewarding views. This simple, on- hour hike will lead you to an overlook of the falls, but the rocks can be slippery, so use caution. Especially with small kids. 

Paddle 

I would also take the opportunity to get my kayak out on Sacandaga Lake. There is a boat launch making it easy to get out there an explore the waters. There is also a connection between Sacandaga Lake and Lake Pleasant, if you are feeling ambitious. The proximity of the lake also opens up the opportunity to fish. Sacandaga is known for having walleye, rainbow trout, small mouth bass, and more. 

Packing Up 

On the final morning of my little getaway , once I packed up my site, I would grab some breakfast before I head out of town. And I would make sure to do this at Timberline Cafe. They have a menu of specialty breakfast sandwiches, like the Bleu Mountain, which is a fried egg topped with spring mix, a homemade bacon vinaigrette, and bleu cheese crumbles on a ciabatta roll. If their unique specialty sandwiches aren't your thing, you can build your own. The Timberline serves breakfast all day! 

Make your plans today to visit Speculator. There are lots of lodging, dining, and recreational options for you to choose from!