Tag Archive for: Mohawk Valley Trails

Mohawk Valley Trails

New Tool for Local Trail Advocates

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) release a new handbook to guide grassroots advocates.

National Eagle Day event in Cobleskill coming on June 20

National Eagle Day event on June 20th from 9:00am-11:00am at the Cobleskill Reservoir Viewing Site in Schoharie County!

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

Wildlife Crossing Program offered at Schoharie Crossing

The Friends of Schoharie Crossing are excited to host a presentation on the wildlife monitoring program being conducted by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy in Montgomery County.

The Pleasant Lake Inn then and now

Our family truly enjoys living in the Mohawk Valley. This beautiful region is great place to live work and play. We feel very lucky to be able to call this area home!

Traveling throughout the valley and surrounding areas is something we do a lot. We love to see what is over the next rise and discover new and interesting places along the way. 

One of our favorite places to go to enjoy some delicious food and create lasting family memories is The Pleasant Lake Inn in Stratford, NY.

The Pleasant Lake Inn’s story

The Pleasant Lake Inn was original built in in the 1930’s just a short distance from Pleasant Lake. The Inn served the local folks who had camps on the lake providing home cooked meals and a small bar to wet your whistle. The location takes advantage of the east-west route of NYS-29A, the proximity to Pleasant Lake, and the attraction of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and snowmobiling in the area.

The Inn had a few rooms upstairs they rented out during the different seasons for local travelers, etc. They did a thriving business during hunting season and then later as snowmobiles grew in popularity. Hunters from far and wide knew of The Pleasant Lake Inn, the great food offered, and excellent hunting available nearby.

The Pleasant Lake Inn in the 1970s.

These qualities, and the good times enjoyed there is what drew my father to “The Inn.”

Back when I was just a lad, my father traveled upstate to enjoy hunting season and often stayed at the Inn. Traveling with his friends, they’d caravan together as they took the 5-hour journey. He enjoyed his time so much that in 1969 he bought The Pleasant lake Inn as he took his young family upstate.

When I think of where I would call home when I was young, I think of living at the Pleasant Lake Inn. Living there was a unique experience and I have many good memories of being there with family, friends, and growing up there.

Remembering growing up at the Pleasant Lake Inn.

It was here that I learned to hunt with my father and learned to cook with my mother. Our cooking, however, was for the large groups of snowmobilers and other groups when they arrived. Not surprisingly, I also learned how to entertain myself living in a neighborhood with few other kids to play with.

Hunting, fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, building tree houses, and camping in the woods were typical activities growing up. Winters were always fun! I remember winters with so much snow! I enjoyed learning to ski and helping my parents groom the local snowmobile trails. The trail grooming made it easier for snowmobilers to make their way to The Inn.  

As a family business, my brothers and I balanced our fun with helping out where we could. Cleaning the bar and refilling the coolers each morning before the school bus arrived was our morning routine. Winters were cold – so there was plenty of wood to split, stack and carry. 

Pleasant Lake Inn on NYS 29A during snowmobile season.

The Pleasant Lake Inn today

These days, the Pleasant Lake Inn is a warm, welcoming place offering great food, good cheer, and friendly staff who make you feel right at home! The location takes advantage of proximity to Pleasant Lake, and the attraction of outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing.

Warm and welcoming dining experience in the Adirondacks.

With each visit to the Pleasant Lake Inn we feel welcomed, renewed, and at home. When you visit, be sure to say “Hi!” to Gail and Nate. Over the past few years they have worked hard making many improvements to the building. They offer great food for you to enjoy, and have established a great place to be to make lasting memories with family and friends!

The food is wonderful and everything is an excellent choice. If you enjoy having a burger, than the PLI Burger would be a great place to start!

Enjoy a signature PLI burger at The Inn.
Winter Was Here | Fort Herkimer NY | Mohawk Valley Today

Snowmobilers are Optimists!

Snowmobilers look forward to lots of snow and getting out on their sleds with family and friends. With this in mind, snowmobile events are a great way to enjoy the beautiful Mohawk Valley!

Photo credit Nick Stoner Trailers

Check out these local snowmobile events

These clubs and other organizations add to the fun and enjoyment of snowmobiling. In short, they create events and opportunities for all to enjoy in the Mohawk Valley!

Salisbury Ridgerunners

The Salisbury Ridgerunners Poker Run is on Saturday, February 1, 2020 starting at 11:00am. The event begins at the Salisbury Ridgerunners Club House located at 717 Curtiss Rd, Salisbury, NY 13454.

Salisbury Ridgerunners Poker Run Banner | Salisbury NY | Mohawk Valley Today
Photo credit Salisbury Ridgerunners

While being a members only event, everyone can join in on the fun by purchasing a “One-Day Membership”. It’s important to note that winning prizes go up to $1,000, so a one-day membership can really be worth it. Learn more at the Salisbury Ridgerunners Poker Run event page. Additionally, you can contact the club via the Salisbury Ridgerunners website .

Nick Stoner Trailers

The Nick Stoner Trailers are putting on Poker Run 2020! This event is on Saturday, February 1, 2020, and open to the public. Registration begins at 9:00am. Participants will start at the The Outlet Restaurant located at 2401 State Highway 10 Caroga Lake, NY 12032. Above all, more information can be found at the Poker Run 2020 event page. You can also contact the club via the Nick Stoner Trailers website.

Nick Stoner Trailers Snowmobile club banner with logo | Caroga Lake NY | Mohawk Valley Today
Image credit Nick Stonier Trailers

Do you have a need for speed? Try snow drag racing at Royal Mountain Ski Area!

If you’re looking for something with some energy and acceleration, then try Snow Drag Racing.

Royal Mountain Ski Area is hosting Snow Drag Racing on Saturday, February 1, 2020 & Saturday, March 21, 2020. The races take place at Royal Mountain Ski Area, 3072 Route 10, Johnstown, NY 12095. Registration begins at 4:00pm and open until 6:00pm on race days. In addition, information is available at the Snow Drags events page.

Royal Mtn Snow Drags | Johnstown NY | Mohawk Valley Today
Photo credit Royal Mountain Ski Area
Moonlighters Poker Run

The Moonlighters Poker Run is on Saturday, February 22, 2019. This event benefits the Royal Mountain Moonlighters Snowmobile Club. The Poker Run Starts at the Ephratah Rod and Gun Club, 327 State Hwy 67, Ephrath NY. Registration is at the Ephratah Rod and Gun Club at 9:00am and will take place rain, snow or shine! Find out more at the Moon Lighters Poker Run event page.

Think Snow!

Featured image credit to Cliff Oram Photography 2020 and Mohawk Valley Through the Lens.

Enjoy your time outdoors in the Mohawk Valley!