LaValley Real Estate Blog http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:37:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 en hourly 1 Summer Fun and Things to Do!! http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/summer-fun-and-things-to-do-80.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/summer-fun-and-things-to-do-80.html#comments Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:29:01 +0000 Jim LaValley http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/summer-fun-and-things-to-do-80.html Summer is here and while the weather is warm it’s a great time to get outside. It is also the perfect time to catch up with family. I come from a large family so coordinating events to do together is always a little challenging. This summer instead of taking a big pricey vacation somewhere we decided to try and visit some local attractions. You know, the ones that you always mean to get to but just never quite get there. If you live in St. Lawrence County, all of these trips are easily accessible.

First off I have a 3 year old niece and a 2 year old nephew so we wanted to include them in as many trips as we could. The Wild Center in Tupper Lake was up first. We had a blast looking at the otters and the turtles and touching the “glacier.” After a quick lunch it was time to walk around outside on the nicely groomed trails. With ages 2 to 56, there was something fun for everyone and all had a good time. Two weeks later, it was time for our next adventure, North Pole NY.

One of the best kept secrets of the world is that Santa Claus actually lives here in Northern New York just an hour and a half away from Potsdam! Little ones will have a great time here with rides made just for them and a chance to feed Santa’s reindeer. My niece and nephew had a blast and the hardest part of the day was convincing them that it was time to go home. Now that July is winding down and August is rapidly approaching we hope to fit a few more trips in. Visiting Thompson Park Zoo in Watertown is on the list as well as trying to do some geocaching. We discovered the hard way that you really do need a good GPS for geocaching! All in all the nice weather never lasts too long up here and it is easy to get caught up in a variety of projects as we struggle to fit everything in. However, we need to remember one project that is always with us, our families. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

-Jennifer Blevins
LaValley Real Estate Sales Associate

]]> http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/summer-fun-and-things-to-do-80.html/feed British Leyland in the North Country? http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/british-leland-in-the-north-country-76.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/british-leland-in-the-north-country-76.html#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:45:24 +0000 Jim LaValley http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/british-leland-in-the-north-country-76.html Many might not think the Adirondack area as a home to smaller cars made in England, and collected by a few dedicated enthusiasts. There are a scattered number of us out here, who love to tool around the narrow roads in our little cars. The scenery is often breathtaking, and to include our little finds in a few photographs, makes for priceless framing. The winding roads are part of the adventure. The more predictable weather means we can plan trips into the Adirondack Park on roads that are very well maintained, scenic, and hilly. Often there is sparse traffic, and it seems we have the road to ourselves. There’s just enough room to stow our back packs, hiking, and picnicking items while we set out for a great afternoon together. The trip home often is accompanied by a beautiful sunset over mountains and lakes, dotted with log cabins with smoking chimneys. We spot different birds and if were lucky some unique wildlife sightings. Some of the other little cars I’ve spotted in the area are other older MG’s, Triumphs and Land Rovers.

Offered by Philip D. Collins
1973 MGB GT owner

]]> http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/british-leland-in-the-north-country-76.html/feed Back to the Country http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/back-to-the-country-72.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/back-to-the-country-72.html#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:17:04 +0000 suzanne http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/?p=72 Today’s Wall Street Journal has an article worth reading- “Green Acres is the Place to Be.” Interest in rural property is still strong, and the recession has encouraged many young professionals to look for a place to escape and retreat from hectic lives. North Country and Adirondack residents know we are lucky to live here, and in the real estate business we hear the interest in our region from buyers who want “just some land tucked in the woods with some privacy or a waterfront cottage where I can spend weekends.” Prices are still reasonable and the quality of life is terrific.  In fact, Progressive Farmer magazine named several Adirondack Counties, including St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties as two of the top Northeast  counties in which to raise a family.  We’re within reach of major urban areas like New York City, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, Montreal, Ottawa and Ontario.

]]> http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/back-to-the-country-72.html/feed Higher Education in the North Country http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/higher-education-in-the-north-country-69.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/higher-education-in-the-north-country-69.html#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:11:08 +0000 Jim LaValley http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/?p=69 One doesn’t have to look far to realize that the quality of higher education in Northern New York is second to none.  In the St. Lawrence Valley there are 4 prestigious schools within 10 miles of each other.  St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton are in Canton, and Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam are in Potsdam. 

In the Adironack region there is Paul Smiths College and North Country Community College, while SUNY Plattsburgh is in the Champlain Valley.

Each school has a tremendous success record and is very involved in their respective communities.  Besides the educational value they create, they also provide a powerful economic engine to the region.  Keep an eye on each school as they will be doing more to bring greater economic growth to the region.

]]> http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/higher-education-in-the-north-country-69.html/feed Ski Big Tupper, Again http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/ski-big-tupper-again-66.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/ski-big-tupper-again-66.html#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:59:02 +0000 Jim LaValley http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/?p=66 There has been a tremendous volunteer effort to get the Big Tupper Ski Area open this winter - 2009-10.  After discussions with the investors of the Adirondack Club, and in consultation with the Adirondack Park Agency, it has been determined that if there is no connection between the volunteers and the Adirondack Club, then there is no concern that the ACR project is commencing. 

The volunteer effort is focused on re-opening what is known as Chair 2.  This lift and the associated trails will cover approximately 2/3 of the mountain.  There will be no snowmaking, no night skiing, and will be open on a limited basis as snow allows.  A web site is being developed that will provide updates to the general public.  The web address is www.skibigtupper.org. 

So, get the skis ready and come enjoy Big Tupper, again.

]]> http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/ski-big-tupper-again-66.html/feed Adirondack Summer http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/adirondack-summer-61.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/adirondack-summer-61.html#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:42:26 +0000 suzanne http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/?p=61 It’s a big weekend in Tupper Lake! The Tinman competition brings LOTS of people to the area and it looks like the cyclists are already on the roadways warming up. The route between Cranberry Lake and Tupper Lake is marked at the mileage points, and tomorrow we will see a huge crowd. This events draws participants from Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, Montreal and all over New York State.

Summer is here! Black flies are gone, and it is great to have a chance to kayak on the lakes, take out the fly rods and go for long walks and hikes. The region offers lots to do. A favorite stop is the Wild Center, and when the otters decide to entertain, they are fun to watch. The Bog River Flow is an incredible canoeing route into the remote Low’s Lake where it’s possible to catch big bass, see eagles and hear loons call. From Low’s Lake, a fantastic canoe/portage route travels through the Five Ponds Wilderness area and ends on the Oswegatchie River near Wanakena.  This morning on my way to Tupper Lake, a big black bear ran across the road in front of me!  He/she was in a huge hurry and disappeared into the woods.

It seems like just the time we, in the Adirondacks, get into our “full-summer” mode, the fall shopping catalogs come out! The fall Cabela’s catalog just arrived in the mail, and I am not ready to think about a change of seasons. A good friend once described the summer season as a series of weekend days. June is Friday night, July is Saturday, and August, with just a hint of cool evenings and some color in the trees, reminds us of Sunday and time to think about returning to our work schedule for the week.
I’d like my Friday night of June to last a bit longer.

]]> http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/adirondack-summer-61.html/feed Cranberry Lake Centennial http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/cranberry-lake-centennial-57.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/cranberry-lake-centennial-57.html#comments Sun, 10 May 2009 17:21:28 +0000 suzanne http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/?p=57 The Cranberry Lake Boat Club Centennial Summer kicks off on Saturday, May 23. The Watertown Times had a nice article about the Centennial opening ceremony. Senator Joseph Griffo, Adirondack Mountain Club Executive Director Neil Woodworth, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Pat McKeown, Clifton-Fine Economic Development Development Corp. President Chris Westbrook are just a few of the speakers.

There is an activity for just about everyone this summer. The Adirondack Trails Day sponsored by the ADK Mountain Club opens the Cranberry Lake 50 mile trail. The Kayak Poker Paddle is an annual event on the lake. This year, there are Sailboat Races featuring the Rochester, NY Yacht Club. A golf tournament, lots of hiking in the Five Ponds Wilderness and fly fishing lessons are all on the schedule. For those who like history, there are great opportunities to learn about the Bear Mountain Association and Union Point, see artifacts from the region, take a walking tour of Wanakena, tour old camps, and see the Newton Falls Paper mill.

Many members of the boat club planned this year’s centennial event. The Boat Club’s 100 year existence says a lot about the interest and commitment of the people who live in this region to promote the great lifestyle offered in the community. And, besides Cranberry Lake, another beautiful lake in the region is Silver Lake, a non-motorized lake in the hamlet of Cranberry Lake. Star Lake, just a short drive from Cranberry Lake, has its own history and unique and classic camps.

]]> http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/cranberry-lake-centennial-57.html/feed News in the North Country http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/news-in-the-north-country-50.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/news-in-the-north-country-50.html#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:51:48 +0000 Jim LaValley http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/?p=50 Newspaper, radio and television have all been facing tough times.  But here in the north country, local people rely heavily on all of the various sources to get their local news.  We wonder if one source missed something, or if another source has more of the information we want.  And, by all appearances they seem to be doing okay financially.

In the St. Lawrence Valley one of the most popular papers is North Country This Week.  It’s a weekly that offers everything from the heavy to the humorous.  Similar to that is the Tupper Lake Free Press.  Another weekly that gives the detail on local “stuff”.

Other daily newspapers that are important in our area include the Plattsburgh Press Republican, the Watertown Daily Times, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, and some will even subscribe to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Magazines have some popularity in the north country, but they are very limited.  Besides the news oriented magazines, the north country has Adirondack Life - a lifestyle type of magazine, and not much else.

Television seems more important during the winter months as things get dark at around 4pm, and a lot of folks are ready for bed by 9.  Some of our TV stations include WPTZ in Plattsburgh, WWNY in Watertown, News 10 Now, and local PBS stations WCFE and WPBS.

Radio is tough in the north country, simply because of the demographics.  With the hills, it’s easy to lose a signal and always at a very important moment.  Radio stations include WNBZ - part of Mountain Communications, WPDM, 101.5 the FOX, NCPR - a public radio station, and a variety of others.  We have seen a number of north country folks going to satellite radio - Sirius and XM - which allows more content and a signal that will go the distance.

When it comes to news and entertainment, the north country needs their newspapers, radio, and TV just to keep the chatter lively around town.

]]> http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/news-in-the-north-country-50.html/feed Adirondacks one of 10 Best Places on Earth You Don’t Want to Miss http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/adirondacks-one-of-10-best-places-on-earth-you-dont-want-to-miss-45.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/adirondacks-one-of-10-best-places-on-earth-you-dont-want-to-miss-45.html#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:51:08 +0000 suzanne http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/?p=45 USA Today the Adirondacks as one of the 10 Best Places on Earth. We’re right up there with Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the Valley of the Kings in Egypt! It is a slice of heaven, especially in early spring before the black flies arrive. Spring also marks the sign of increased real estate activity in the waterfront market as buyers’ thoughts turn to summer and having their own best place on earth. It’s nice to share our enthusiasm of the Adirondacks.  What makes it a best place?

Fishing is one reason!  Bass season opens in June, and it is fun to paddle the lakes with a fly rod and popper.  The Adirondack lakes are interesting - many have coves and bays, islands and interesting and varied shorelines.  Plus, the views are spectacular.

Hiking is another reason!    The High Peaks offer spectacular views, but many other areas in the region offer great hikes to lakes, ponds, and remote wilderness, like the Five Ponds Wilderness in Cranberry Lake.

The communities and people are also wonderful places to visit and live.   Many tourists flock to the Lake George and Lake Placid regions, but the smaller communities of Long Lake, Tupper Lake, Cranberry Lake and Star Lake are also nice places to stop for a break in one’s travels, and these towns have lots of wilderness to explore too.   One of the best places for breakfast is the Stone Manor diner in Cranberry Lake.  They have the best “stuffed French toast“  filled with cheese and ham, and then maple syrup over the top.

There is something for everyone in the Adirondacks.  If you like remote, you can get way off the beaten path, but if you like the busier communities, then head for Tupper Lake, Lake Placid & Saranac Lake.

]]> http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/adirondacks-one-of-10-best-places-on-earth-you-dont-want-to-miss-45.html/feed The ice is out! http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/the-ice-is-out-38.html http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/the-ice-is-out-38.html#comments Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:54:00 +0000 suzanne http://www.lavalleyrealestate.com/blog/?p=38 The ice is out on several lakes- nice to see some sunshine and the grass turning green. The Laurentian Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club has some great hikes planned for the early spring. Saturday’s schedule calls for a hike at the Paul Smith’s Visitors Interpretive Center, and Sunday a hike along the North Branch of the Grasse River. This is a great club and they welcome participation in their activities. This is a good group to get involved in if you are new to the region. Many of the members work at area colleges in St. Lawrence County, including Clarkson University, SUNY Potsdam, St. Lawrence and SUNY Canton.

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