This Under-the-radar Upstate New York Town Is an All-season Destination-With Its Own Ski Hill, Lake, and Brewery

"There's a warm, fuzzy feeling that blooms in my heart every time I drive past the welcome sign in Speculator, New York. Nostalgia has a way of doing that. The old-school wooden billboard is a nod to the town's laid-back vibe as an outdoor recreation hub in the Adirondacks, which has remained largely unchanged. Speculator is a home base for a medley of year-round activities: hiking, camping, swimming, and paddling on Lake Pleasant in the warmer months, and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling come winter."

"Bearhurst Lakeside Cottages is a historic property and one of the last Great Camps still standing. The original structure dates back to 1894, and there are five lakeside cottages open seasonally. There's plenty to keep you busy both on and off the property-just make sure to be back for their stellar sunsets. Other options include The Inn at Speculator, which has a handful of modest rooms and operates as a bed-and-breakfast."

Speculator, New York offers a nostalgic small-town atmosphere and direct access to Adirondack outdoor recreation. The town supports year-round activities including hiking, camping, swimming, paddling on Lake Pleasant, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and extensive snowmobiling. Hamilton County features roughly 600 groomed snowmobile trails, and Speculator’s ski hill hosts downhill skiing, snowboarding, and events. Lodging ranges from Lake Pleasant Lodge with on-site canoe and kayak rentals to historic Bearhurst Lakeside Cottages (dating to 1894), The Inn at Speculator, and short-term rentals that often require a summer-week minimum. Nearby Moffitt Beach Campground offers shoreline campsites from mid-May through mid-October.

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