Main Street Ice Cream Parlor (Olympic Jumping Complex, Lake Placid Ironman, Adirondack Loon Center)

July 24, 2023

Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, Chestertown, New York

Main Street Ice Cream Parlor

The term ‘old fashioned ice cream parlor’ conjures up nostalgic images of a wooden counter with fixed round bar stools, and a soda fountain. Main Street Ice Cream Parlor delightfully fits all my criteria. it is indeed an old fashioned ice cream parlor.

With lunch items (sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads),, desert items (pies and most importantly ice cream) it is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends, They served Hershey ice cream and had locally-themed sundaes. I decided on a “Snow Shoe” sundae with coffee ice cream – layers of ice cream, marshmallow and chocolate syrup. I guess this themed sundae is meant more for winter, but it was still a treat in July.

Main Street Ice Cream Parlor

While we waited for the sundaes to be prepared, I wandered around the shop perusing their eclectic array of jewelry, clothing, toys and nic-nacs.

Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, Chestertown NY outdoor seating

Outside the shop was nice large seating area where we enjoyed our sundaes, listening to thunder and anticipating the skies opening up with rain soon.

In the area (sort of) –

Adirondack Loon Center, Saranac Lake, New York – loons are very special birds that that inhabit lakes in the Adirondack Mountains ant throughout the northeastern United States. These birds do not have hollow bones like other birds – they have strong chest muscles that enable them to fly. This tiny museum celebrates loons with videos, photos and displays that taught us about their interesting fighting style, child rearing ways, habitat and lifestyles,

Adirondack Loon Center

Olympic Jumping Complex, Lake Placid, New York – ski jumping is a sport that has always fascinated me, both because of the heights and speeds involved and because of the way it is scored (based on distance and style). At the Olympic Jumping Complex , we got to see the jumping up close and meet some of the budding athletes on the field.

After a short gondola ride up the hill and an elevator to the top of the ramp, we could see what the jumpers see ( but we were protected inside).

Ski jump

Later we went outside to where ski jumping athletes were practicing. We arrived too late to get the formal tour, but that allowed us to meet some of the interesting athletes, many who travel most weekends of the year to practice and compete. One athlete told us he was taking the largest jump for the first time today (he unfortunately fell on landing, but was not hurt). We stood on decks right next to the ramps and watched them take flight- sooo cool!

Ski jumper in flight

Lake Placid Ironman Race, Lake Placid , New York – Ironman is often considered the ultimate endurance race – swim 2.4 miles, then bike 112 miles and top it off with a marathon run ( 26 miles). Lake Placid is one of the most difficult Ironman races with large hills on both the bike course and the run course.

Erica runs the marathon

We were there to watch our daughter compete in this race. She finished it in under 15 hours – impressive! It is always fun to watch these athletes compete, seeing the culmination of months of training.

ake Placid Ironman Race, Lake Placid , New York – Ironman is often considered the ultimate endurance race – swim 2.4 miles, then bike 112 miles and top it off with a marathon run ( 26 miles). Lake Placid is one of the most difficult Ironman races with large hills on both the bike course and the run course.

Erica runs the marathon

We were there to watch our daughter compete in this race. She finished it in under 15 hours – impressive! It is always fun to watch these athletes compete, seeing the culmination of months of training.

32 Scoops by Mina’s (Stewart State Forest, Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Kowawese Unique Area)

May 21, 2023

32 Scoops by Mina’s, New Windsor, New York

Scoops by Mina’s with Mina’s Spanish Kitchen next door

What could be a better combo than a Spanish food restaurant connected to an ice cream shop? Welcome to Mina’s in New Windsor, NY. Although we did not have Spanish food today, we did enjoy the ice cream.

In front of Mina’s is a wooden deck with a comfortable outdoor seating area. Inside is a deceptively large shop with more nice seating. Today there were TVs showing an intense pickle ball game – a sport I previously associated with senior citizens. Our young, fit-looking server explained that pickle ball is not just a game for active adult communities any more – it can be a very high intensity game played by young athletes – such as our himself – he played several times a week. I really need to try pickleball..

Love it’

The ice cream was Perry’s and I chose Pistachio Nut and Peanut Butter Chip with peanut butter sauce, I have had Perry’s Ice Cream before, and I enjoyed it again today in this friendly shop while watching pickle ball. My idea of fun!

In the area- New Windsor, New York is loaded with both historical and natural interest areas. We visited a natural area (Kowawese), a historic area (Purple Heart) and one that is a mixture of the two ( Stewart State Forest)

Purple Heart Hall of Honor, New Windsor, New York – The Purple Heart is an honor bestowed on service men and women injured or killed in the line of duty. This museum celebrates them and their service.

The Purple Heart award – a small token with a big meaning

This place was incredibly well done with colorful and informative exhibits that added a human element to the Purple Heart award. There were displays about the military and the Purple Heart, kiosks where we clicked on and given recipient names to learn their story, and displays of technologies to help injured folks. There were friendly attendants happy to answer questions.,

Kowawese Unique Area, New Windsor, New York – the Hudson River starts as a small brook in Lake Tear in the Clouds in the Adirondacks and increases in size until it exits to the Atlantic Ocean near New York City, 315 miles later. Along the way there are many interesting sites and one of there is the Kowawese Unique Area. The area has picnic areas, places to watch river traffic and areas to walk along the river edge. Nice walk for a beautiful day.

Kowawese Unique Area

Stewart State Forest, Rock Tavern, New York – in the 1970s plans were made for SST airplanes to land at Stewart Airfield. As a buffer zone for the noise and other potential problems, New York State purchased about 7,000 acres. Times changed and the SST planes did not ultimately did not use Stewart, airfield, hence the buffer zone was not needed. Through the actions of numerous volunteers, the land eventually became Stewart State Forest.

Exploring the area on our bicycles was fun, and I hope to return there. There are numerous roads previously made for airport usage that are now great for bike riding – some paved with grass lines now poking through and some not paved.

Sight on a unpaved road in Stewart State Forest

Recently boardwalks were added, beautifully made and maintained. There was an amazing selection of birds and plants, a water snake, beaver dens and even a giant bees nest. The Merlin Bird Ap on my phone came in handy to identify bird sounds. Stewart State Forest is a great place to visit!

Stewart State Forest boardwalk

Spotted Duck Creamery

July 11, 2022

Spotted Duck Creamery, Penn Yan, New York

I need to thank my friend Janet Kerby for this recommendation!

Ice cream and frozen custard bases are often made with eggs, usually chicken eggs. At the. spotted Duck , they use duck eggs from home-grown ducks. In fact many of their ingredients are locally sourced – blueberries, mint, even the homemade chocolate chip cookies.

We walked up to the first walk up window where we were cheerfully greeted. There was a list of available flavors which included non-dairy and gluten free options (nice options for folks who need them). We were given verbal explanations of the flavors and how wholesome the ingredients are. Being chronically .Indecisive when given too many attractive flavor options, I went with the Keuka flight – 4 scoop sampler (Java Junction , Fleur Bleu (Blueberries and lavender), Ditch Mint (fresh mint and chocolate) and Real Cookies n’ Crème) and Don went with a four scoop sundae,

yummy sundae

The ice cream was fantastic, smooth, great, clean tasting flavors that had just the right melt. The ice cream was served in reusable (glass and wood) containers, we actually gave it a bit of a high class feel. There was a area with picnic tables in the back to sit at, which made the experience very relaxing and enjoyable. A very necessary stop in the finger Lakes,

In the arena: the Finger Lakes are an incredibly beautiful section of the world with huge farms. Rolling hills and beautiful lake views. The climate systems created by the lakes make this area uniquely suited for growing grapes – winerys abound

.Keuka Lake Outlet Trail – Keuka Lake is connected to Seneca lake by this stream. In 1833 a canal was made along this stream that contained 28 locks over an 8 mile path, to make it navigable. Numerous factories popped up in the area including grist mills, saw mills and distilleries to make use of the water power in the area. The canal closed in 1877. The tow path along the canal, later the path of a railroad is now the Keuka Outlet Trail. Remnants of the locks and mills can still be seen.

Keuka Outlet Trail

We took our bikes along this trail and enjoyed its scenic vistas and learning about the history of the area. We started in Dresden and ended in Penn Yan. We met our friend Janet who has a house in the area and were treated to a tour of beautiful Penn Yan downtown with craft stores featuring talented artists, distilleries and restaurants. I hope to get back to Penn Yan again. Much to our surprise, the trip back along the Keuka Outlet Trail was almost downhill making for an easy, fun return trip..

Martha’s Dandee Cream and Grill

June 25, 2022

Martha’s Dandee Cream and Grill, Queensbury, NY

Love the model showing the sign

location, location, location – Martha’s has all three – across the street from the Great Escape Six Flags Park; a large parking lot and nicely visible from the road. But location is not the only thing Martha’s has going for it. It is also efficiently run with good food and friendly service.

We drove into their parking lot and saw a row of red boxes with water jumping between them making a fountain, a sign with a rooster, long building with lots of walk up windows (with no lines) and a lot of people.

Martha’s Ice Cream

We walked up to an open window and ordered small hot fudge sundaes with mocha ice cream, mine with peanuts, Erica’s without nuts. They came incredibly fast – beautifully layered with soft mocha ice cream, hot fudge sauce and peanuts. There was whipped cream and a cherry on top. The sundaes were a generous size and delicious – the soft mocha ice cream was very flavorful, the peanuts fresh and crunchy, the hot fudge did not melt all the ice cream – a great experience.

Hot fudge sundae with mocha ice cream

The ice cream even more enjoyable because of the generous amount of seating. We chose benches facing the crazy rides at the amusement park across the street. I have never been brave enough to do roller coasters, but I love watching them.

We loved this place

Martha’s also has a full grill and lots of other food, but we were only interested in the ice cream so we did not look at the rest. I really liked this place.

In the area: We stopped at Martha’s on our way home from Tupper Lake where Erica just finished their Tinman Triathlon. I was a great spectator.

Tinman Triathlon swim

Tupper Lake, located in Adirondack Park in upstate NY. was settled in the 1844 mainly as a lumber producing town. In the late 1800s it sustained a large fire destroying most of the town, which was rebuilt to the town it is today. Eventually the lumber industry became less important, but remnants are still seen in placards in parks, skeletons of buildings, lumberjack competitions and rail trails.

My first encounter in Tupper Lake was a family vacation many years ago when I was in high school. About all I remember of that trip was going to a dump at twilight to see black bears – I never knew that I would eventually live in the most densely populated state in the country and often see black bears in the wild – when I walked in the woods after work (I saw two cubs last week), crossing streets and even in my own backyard. I also remember I liked Tupper Lake. I still do.

My next encounters with Tupper Lake were when I was in college in Potsdam, NY. My trips home always went through Tupper Lake – I remember seeing their Lumberjack Festivals and stopping to get snack or drink. I have always found the Adirondacks to be one of the most beautiful places in the world, and Tupper Lake to be a great place to jump off for hiking, swimming, or kayaking,

Our trip there this year included camping at the Little Wolf Campground – we enjoyed the view of the clean, flat, lakefront campsite, the guitar playing of fellow camper, the kindness of the owner who let us use his kayaks to watch the sunset as we paddled around the lake. I highly recommend this campground if you are staying in the Tupper Lake area.

I walked a lot of miles exploring the town during the triathlon – there was a walkway along the Racquette Pond with placards about the lumber industry in the Adirondacks. Interesting fact: Several companies logged in the Tupper Lake area at the same time. When with the logs were cut, the were all marked with the company that cut it, so when it was floated downstream, they could keep track of whose log each one was

John’s Drive-In

December 5, 2021

John’s Drive- In, Montauk, New York

The last time I was on Long Island was in 1980 when I had a co-op job in Glen Cove. I loved the positive energy on Long Island then, and was pleased to find it still there. Today we came to the eastern tip of Long Island to celebrate our anniversary. Of course our celebration included ice cream – today at John’s Drive-In .

John;’s Drive-In

John’s Drive-In had burgers, shakes and ice cream. The ice cream was homemade and came in metal containers as opposed to the usual cardboard ones. There was a large variety of interesting flavors and the customer in front of me said I had to try the Peppermint Bark -which is one of my favorite flavors anyway. He was getting a pint to take home.

So when the employee with a poor attitude finally decided to come and serve us, I ordered a scoop of the recommended Peppermint Bark and a scoop of Pumpkin Oreo. I got two scoops, but that did not include Peppermint Bark. (Peppermint Bark is not usually chocolate with white and chocolate chips and no peppermint flavor. Maybe John’s makes a peppermint-less Peppermint Bark?). The server insisted it was Peppermint Bark and I was disappointed, I considered asking a different employee for a sample of Peppermint Bark before I left, but decided it was not worth the effort.

John’s Drive In

The shop had plenty of nice seating both indoors and out. We chose indoors since it was cool outside.

When I thought about this experience, I realized how fortunate I have been. In the 100s of ice cream shops I have been to, I have rarely seen employees with poor attitudes and I do not remember ever getting the wrong flavor before. Pretty impressive record! The ice cream here was good but I was disappointed by atmosphere. I would not recommend a visit to this shop.

Peppermint Bark?

In the area: this was my first visit to eastern Long Island – very scenic .

Montauk Point State park – this is the eastern most point of New York State with paths down to the rocky coast. The rocks under the hide tide lines were covered in green algae, which was pretty and probably slippery. There were Sandy bluffs along the coast line.

Montauk point

There was a lighthouse and the grounds were open but we could not go inside the structures were closed for the season. With the rocky coast and was easy to envision ship wrecks happening here, hence the statue shown,

“In memory of those lost as sea”

Camp Hero State Park – a park twice formerly used as a military base with many of the structures still at standing. We followed the recommended path to see the mess hall, recreation area and lots more. My favorite was the old radar facility. There was also a beautiful walk out to the water.

Radar at Camp Hero

Shadmoor State Park – beautiful hiking trails through a lightly wooded area leading to a beautiful walk along the bluffs. Probably the most amazing thing to me here were the number of people who went off the path, past fences in some places, to get the perfect picture sitting on the edge of the bluffs. I thought these things were supposed to be unstable, but no one seemed to have any problems. maybe they are more stable than I thought and and it is the fall risk that is the danger. Either way, the walk along the bluff was beautiful and I stayed away from the edges.

Shadmoor State Park

Shadmoor Bluff Walk

Cedar Point County Park, near Sag Harbor, New York – this took us away from the bluffs to some flatter sandy areas where water bodies met. It was a cool and windy day when we went which added an element of excitement. There were plenty more hiking trails that we did not have time for, but would love to explore if we are ever back in this area.

Cedar Point County Park

Cranberry Bog State Park, Riverhead, New York – This was the first stop on our way home. It was a short walk in the Long Island Pine Barrens around an old cranberry bog. We did not see any cranberries, but we did enjoy beautiful scenery and some nice foot bridges.

Cranberry Bog

Long Island Martine Museum, Sayville, New York – a second stop on our way home. This is a hidden gem museum made up of several buildings. We started in the boat restoration building where a group of passionate men met regularly to work on restoring an historic boat. They shared a lot of information about historic boat restoration which had Don fascinated for quite a while.

Boat being restored

Next we visited the building with exhibits on oysters harvesting – a topic I previously knew nothing about. Rich people historically really liked oysters!

Oyster exhibit

We then looked around the main building with some very interesting exhibits on historic monitoring Long Island for ship wrecks and rescuing people involved in them. Ship wrecks do not usually happen in beautiful weather and calm seas, so resucing was done in a series of creative ways.

I then walked out to the water front and saw very muddy waves. I do not plan to swim here,

Byrne Dairy

(Great Bear Recreational Area, Rice Creek Environmental Center)

August 24, 2020

Byrne Dairy, Oswego, New York

Byrne Dairy is a local upstate NY company that makes their own ice cream “since 1933” using products from local dairy farms and distributes it to local shops, like this one. They offer both hard and soft ice cream, sundaes etc.

Yummy

This Byrne Dairy shop was a convivence store with an ice cream alcove near the front. We stepped into the attractive alcove and looked at the tasty choices.

Byrne Dairy

I chose Holy Cow (Vanilla ice cream with peanut butter cups and peanut butter swirl) and Maple Walnut. Awesome.

Maple Walnut and Holy Cow

The ice cream was creamy, tasty and had lots of add-ins (peanut butter swirl, pecans etc..)

There were outside tables on both sides of the shop, so we chose one side, sat down and totally enjoyed our treats.

In the area:

Great Bear Recreational Area – We got out of the car and were looking at the map trying to figure what trail we wanted to take when two men came up and asked if we needed help.

Map of trails in Great Bear Recreational Area

After giving us directions, I asked them if there was anything we should see while we were here. They were volunteers who obviously put a lot energy into keeping the park nice – they told us what they wanted to see – happy people enjoying this park . Everyone we passed in this place (mainly mountain bikers) did look like they were really enjoying the place -I think those volunteer must be happy!

White Pine

We decided on the yellow trail – trails were mostly well marked and easy to walk on.

Great Beat Recreational Area

Along our route we saw the old Great Bear spring from the company in the early / mid 1900s. (The name has since been sold many times). The spring area was decorated with fancy marble and other acutroments which are showing their age, but still really cool.

Great Beat Spring Water historic pump house- outside

Inside of Great Bear Spring Water facility with marble.

We also saw an old lock along the Oswego Canal. A “guard lock”, used when the water was at a high level.

Old lock on Oswego Canal

The trail also included a short board walk and several small bridges for the rainy season.

Great Bear Recreational Area

Rice Environmental Education Center at SUNY Oswego- seeing the displays in this building, hearing a class in progress and walking the trails made me want to go back to school and study environmental science!

I saw one of these on the Oswego Canal and did not know what it was- now I do!

Harlequin Duck

They also had plenty of trails outside with environmental stuff.

Oswego Canal Towpath – the jewel of Oswego (in my opinion) – both sides of Oswego Canal had walking paths – I would walk these frequently if I lived here!

Walkway over a power dam inlet – felt shaky!

I have no idea what is in pipe

Erie Canal Towpath – ok, this was actually the next day, on our way home. But we loved it, so I had to include it!

We started at Camillus, NY and rode our bicycles to Jordan, NY. There was a sort of canal museum near the beginning of our ride and some other interesting things along the way.

Mechanism for a lock door

Buoy boat that serviced kerosene lanterns along canal

Tiny houseboat a couple lived in on the canal for 30 years

Beautiful, easy riding path

We did manage to find a sudden drenching rain storm along the way. Then we understood what all the bus stop- like structures along the way were for and wished we were near one when we needed it! I love the Erie Canal!

Stone’s Candies

August 23, 2020

Stone’s Candies, Oswego, New York

We asked some locals what they recommended we do while in Oswego. They gave us several ideas – and then told us that we should not leave without ice cream from Stone’s Candies. They must have recognized me from my ice cream blog pictures!

When we arrived on a quiet Sunday evening in Oswego, we found an unassuming store front. Inside there was a large selection of candy that was probably really good, but I was not here for candy.

Stone’s Candies

They also had a posted ice cream menu- this did interest me – The writing was on the wall

While I loved the creativity of the Garden Sundae, I went with the homemade vanilla custard (recommended by the locals). I am not sure of the technical difference between ice cream and custard, I do know this was very creamy and tasty with generous portions. it had great melting characteristics which made it fun to eat.

Don got the hard black cherry ice cream which was also excellent with a generous portion size.

Yummy!

They had outside tables that we sat at to enjoy our treats.

Stone’s Candies

In the area:

Breitbeck Park, Oswego overlooks Lake Ontario, and much of the area including the waterfront, marina and Breitbeck Park were being up graded to help their tourist industry.

The park has beautiful gardens.

and great seating.

I love what they have done thus far!

H Lee White Martine Museum – very interesting museum with intriguing displays,

the technology behind these lenses has always fascinated me.

A tugboat to explore,

And a boat used for construction

Sterling Natural Area– we stopped here from a little sign we saw when driving. It was a really cool place – we started by following the most beaten trail because we have found the beaten paths often go to the coolest places. It brought us to the beautiful shore of Lake Ontario with lots of fallen trees and bluffs

and smooth rocks.

No sharp edges here!

Although I did not had a bathing suit with me, I could not let such a warm, beautiful day go by, so I swam in my clothes. It felt like a calm fresh water ocean with no undertow. I was hooked! Totally loved it!

We then followed some of the nature trails- I finally got to see a rookery – heron nests in dead trees in a swamp. My day was complete!

Rookery of blue heron nests

Bev’s Dairy Treats

August 22, 2020

Bev’s Dairy Treats, Oswego, NY

Bev’s Ice Cream sits on the shore of beautiful Lake Ontario, which is so vast and has a shore of rocks polished better than any man-made tumbler. The scenery made me love Bev’s before I even looked at it.

Lake Ontario behind Bev’s Dairy Treats

Bev’s Serves Perry’s Ice Cream which I have always enjoyed. Their flavor selection was great. The also have soft ice cream, floats and shakes.

Plenty of choices

Ordering was by a walk-up window – there were four windows open, all with a line. When we went to get on a line, we were unsure if a couple standing there was on line or just looking at the menu. When we asked them, she said they were not on line, he said they were. We all got a good laugh as we discussed whether they were even together. There was a happy atmosphere here, both with the other customers and the friendly, efficient help. I chose a scoop of Fireball (cinnamon ice cream with cinnamon swirl) and a scoop of Parkerhouse (amaretto ice cream with maraschino cherries) in a cone,

Fireball and Parkerhouse

It may sound like a strange combination, but the two flavors actually nicely complemented each other. The ice cream was fresh, flavorful and fun to eat. There were plenty of tables to sit at.

Plenty of seating was available

but I chose the better option and sat by the Great Lake with my feet in the water looking at the waves and the rocks…

In the area:

Marconi Tower – this was a stop in Binghamton on our way to Oswego,

This tower was built in the early 1900s to determine if a moving train could receive radio signals- a precursor to the technology needed for cell phones,

FORT ONTARIO – This place is located on the shore of Lake Ontario which was a very strategic location in several military conflicts. It is filled with military history that I did not totally follow.

My favorite parts of the fort were the ammunition magazine, carefully vented and constructed so it would not blow up,

magazine built into the side of a hill – it never did blow up when the fort was in use

Inside of the magazine

and the underground places they shot guns from (ramparts?)

Underground place they shot guns from

I also liked the rifle-shooting demonstration with the explanations of muskets and rifles used at various times and how technology advanced.

I did not like when they told me that fifes were not used much in the civil war because they had been replaced by bugles. I like fifes better.

Bottom line – Fort Ontario was a fascinating place and we had a great visit.

Chester Ice Cream

March 15, 2020

Chester Ice Cream, Chester, New York

When we walked into Chester Ice Cream, we were cheerfully greeted by a friendly server. We learned that we took a long trip to get ice cream made right near home – they sell Curley’s Ice Cream family made in Riverdale, NJ. I have had this ice cream before, and found it top notch – today was likewise no disappointment, Chester Ice Cream features hard and soft ice cream. They also sell hotdogs.

Ymmm. – Curley’s Ice Cream

We honed in on the specials – creative sundaes and shakes.

Don went with ice cream nachos (3 flavors of ice cream with toppings and waffle chips for dipping. I had a Fluffanutter Sundae with Chocolate Peanut Butter and Espresso Chip ice cream. The ice cream was smooth, flavorful and totally enjoyable!

The shop has plenty of comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere. – we sat for close to two hours chatting! There was a steady stream of customers getting very nice looking treats, some eating in, some taking out. I guess Corona Virus scares do not decrease ice cream enjoyments.

nice place to hang out and chat

In the area: Goosepond Mountain State Park – This is a state park with no office or ranger station that we could find. It was more a place where you park along RT 17M and walk into the woods. We first parked at the wetlands area and took a short circuitous route through the wetlands with a boardwalk. We could hear birds that sounded sort of like ducks, but could not see them. This would probably be en even better place to visit in the summer.

We took a second stop further down the road where there was another trail, mostly paved that went several miles through the woods. I was a nice relaxing walk.