Winter in Malone, NY

The chill in the air has been a bit… chillier than normal. But, the weather is bound to break and there is no greater area to enjoy winter than in the foothills of the Adirondacks! Are you looking to get out and breathe in some fresh air? Try some of the following winter activities to get your share of the winter fun!

1. Downhill Ski. With the Winter Olympics just around the corner, get your own taste of the downhill
   
   thrill! With two ski centers in the area, you’re bound to find something to suit you whether you’re a seasoned professional or just hitting the slopes for the first time! TitusMountain in Malone, NY is perfect for families and beginners. They have wonderful instructors ready to teach you everything from the basics to more advanced techniques and they have 47 trails to keep you busy practicing what you’ve learned. They are also the only ski center in the area with night skiing—so you can shred all day and night! Whiteface Mountain, roughly an hour drive from the heart of Malone, was host to two Olympics, so you know you are going to get some world-class vertical and trails. 
2.  Cross Country Ski. Looking for a little bit more scenery and a little less speed? There are many places to cross country ski in the area, including the Malone Fish & Game Club. They have over 20 groomed trails to get you going from a leisurely stroll to a more intense climb. These trails also border Titus Mountain, who have a program for interested patrons to come to the lodge for food and drink and head back out to the trails. [Trail Map Here]
3. Snowshoe. Less skiing and more natural movement, snowshoeing is a great pastime for those accustomed to hiking or walking in the summer months. You can snowshoe just about anywhere in the North Country! Try heading out to some of the hiking trails in the area for a more scenic jaunt, or head to the Malone Rec Park to get some exercise in. Snowshoeing is also available at the Malone Fish and Game Club as well.
4. Snowmobile. Looking for more adventure? Franklin County has great snowmobile trails! Grab a sled and you can jump to many restaurants such as Belly's or the Trailside, or event venues such as Titus Mountain. The snowmobile trails also connect to some of the best trails in the States heading out to Tug Hill and the surrounding areas. [NY Trail System Maps]
5. Tube. If you want to get some fresh air without having to worry about winter experience, than tubing is for you. All you need are some warm clothes and Titus Mountain will hook you up with the tube and the lift! If you're worried about the cold, there is a warming hut to make sure that everyone can stay toasty warm between runs!
6. Catch some entertainment. Just because summer is over doesn't mean that the fun has to stop. Local artists continually play at venues such as Titus Mountain, Fat Jake's, Mo's Pub & Grill and surrounding restaurants. With an open mic night at Titus every week and a party every weekend, you are all set to make sure that the fun doesn't stop!

Summer at the Rec Park

Are you looking for something to do in Malone during these summer months? How about trying out the Malone Rec Park? With 87 acres for entertainment and recreation, you should be able to find something to keep you cool, keep you active, or keep you having fun. How about some ideas?

1. Walk the trail. Roughly 1 mile, the trail cuts around the baseball and soccer fields and also cuts into the woods. Paved (or graveled) the entire walkway it's an easy and relaxing hike.
2. Take a paddle boat out for a spin. Rentals available from 1 - 8 pm.
3. Play a game of pick-up soccer. With one standard soccer field and additional practice fields you should find a spot!
4. Try out some handball.
5. Take the kids to the playground and hear them giggle.
6. Play a game of pickup basketball.
7. Get some action on the tennis courts.
8. Swim. 
9. KanJam, Hackey Sack, Ladderball, Bag Toss to name just a few park games!
10. From mid-September to December, watch the geese. This is a major migration stop for thousands of Canadian geese!
11. Try some volleyball on the sand court.
12. Fish off the dam.
13. Have a picnic. With multiple pavilions you can set up under the shade or find a grassy knoll along the walking path.
14. Watch a game of hockey at the arena.
15. Walk your dog.
16. Lay in the sun and enjoy the weather!
17. Wiffleball, Ultimate Frisbee or Kickball anyone? 
18. Pick some berries.
19. Test your skills... along the walking trail you'll come across balance beams, monkey bars, and other interesting obstacles.
20. Have fun with the family.

New Year's Resolutions

Out with the old and in with the new; the mark of a new year inevitably brings new resolutions to better one’s life. The obvious resolutions, such as losing weight and staying healthy, spending less and saving more, and organizing your life are always bound to show up on resolution lists (top ten resolutions here). But how about some other interesting resolutions? Here is a list of our top ten things to get accomplished this year (with, of course, some of the most famous ones still on the list!).

1. Travel More. Getting out of the house can always be a refreshing experience. Travelling doesn’t always mean vacationing. Refresh yourself and cross this nugget off of your resolution list by taking overnight road trips or long weekends (some great destinations just outside of Malone include Syracuse, Lake Placid, Albany, Montreal and Ottawa). Sometimes a staycation can even settle your travel bug until you get some time to really get out. So don’t limit yourself by only thinking of travelling in week-long segments to far-away places.
2. Learn to Ski or Snowboard. Most resolution lists include some category of learning something new. Why not try out snow sports? Titus Mountain is a wonderful family resort for those who want to learn the sport. Titus has a snow sports school and rentals available at the mountain for you to try it out—and their lift tickets are an exceptional value, especially going on weekends when there is night skiing. But a disclaimer: you might just get addicted. And if you are already a skier or rider, but want to try something more advanced, check out our information on learning about Terrain Parks. Or if you are a lady giving it a go for the first time, check out our "Ladies Learn to Ski" program.
3. Eat Healthier. Whether you want to eat healthier to lose weight, maintain weight, or just feel better, there are many opportunities to do so. When ordering your coffee, get it with non-fat milk instead of whole (you could save up to 10 pounds a year!) Get water with dinner instead of soda (15 pounds a year). Order a salad for an appetizer instead of the mozzarella sticks (Mo’s has some delicious salads). And ask your waiter or waitress how to make your meal healthier—normally they can tell you the ingredients to cut out.
4. Help Others. There are many opportunities to help others inside or outside of your community. If you are having trouble finding a place to state, try checking out your local Chamber of Commerce (Malone’s Website). Or check out http://www.volunteermatch.org to find out what is available (you can also post here if you are an organization). If you don’t have spare time, monetary donations are always welcome to a plethora of organizations.
5. Get Organized. Whether you have papers overflowing on your desk or your calendar looks like a chimpanzee scribbled through it; don’t fret because you aren’t alone. There are many ways to get organized whether you are planning for an event or just trying to keep track of your life. The first step is to find out what you need help organizing; if the papers overflowing on your desk are only from trying to plan a family reunion or wedding, there is no need to uproot your bill paying system. Stay on track. And sometimes it helps to have people on your side. There are many paid services such as organizing and cleaning professionals and wedding planners, but there are also many services available at no additional cost—always ask if there is anything else that is offered by your hotel, event venue, or service company (such as automatic withdrawal or email reminders).
6. Exercise More. Again, another resolution that always makes the top ten list, though it is the most joked about because it is never followed through. Make sure that when you are making your resolution to exercise more, you are making it an attainable goal. If you travel often, fit that into your regimen (Healthy Travel Tips). If the thought of running makes you gag, try a different form of cardio such as Zumba. Just doing something active fits into this plan—think skiing, golfing, walking, biking, playing softball—activities that you enjoy are much more likely to become a lasting resolution than something that you dread.
7. Learn to Play Golf. The Malone Golf Club is a world-renowned course. What better way to learn to golf on the best course available in the area? They also offer a program, Get Golf Ready, which is available to help learn the game of golf itself as well as etiquette and rules. And you might even get the chance to get a short clinic from the Vice President of the PGA, Derek Sprague (20 Minutes with DerekSprague). How cool is that?
8. Enjoy the Small Things. Bigger isn’t always better. And farther isn’t always nicer. Take some time to enjoy small things that your community offers. Have you been to the AlmanzoWilder Homestead? Hiked Elephant’s Head? Had dinner overlooking the Malone Golf Club or the Titus Mountain slopes? Have you walked the Malone Rec Park to see the gathering of snow geese? Taken a few minutes to yourself to watch a Malone Sunset?
9. Get your Finances in Order. This is always a tricky one. The obvious is to spend less and save more, and since spending is different for everyone, why not take a look at how to save more? There are the obvious tactics, such as getting things on sale and clipping coupons. But what about the not-so-obvious savings? Use your reward cards. Whether you are a member at a grocery store, retail store, hotel chain (info on Priority Club here), or Milk Club… dollars and points add up. Why waste the money that you are already spending?
10. Spend More Time with Family. Read number 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 and just remember: have fun.

Top 10 Reasons to go to Titus Oktoberfest

 

Saturday, October 6, 2012. Doors Open at 10am. 

Be There or Be Square.

1. See the new mountain.

So you've heard about all these renovations that Titus has undertaken. But we think it's about time you see them instead of just reading about them! Check out the new trails and glades (there's 15 of them!). There will be chairlift rides up the mountain so you can get a bird's eye view of the new trails and glades and then hayrides down the mountain too!

Don't forget to check out the newly renovated lodges--you can't miss it. From brand-spanking new eating areas (yumm... Mo's Moon Valley Grill) to spectacular masonry, these expanded lodges are sure to get you excited for ski season... that is if the trails haven't yet! We've got more lockers, more tables, more bar space and more options for you! Don't miss out on seeing all of this first hand before the snow even starts to fly!

2. It's going to be a great time.

 So yeah, we're a new mountain and everything, and that is going to be great to see. But not only are the views going to be great, your time at Oktoberfest will be well spent too! Gather your friends, family, coworkers, acquaintances, frenemies, bros and BFFs and get down to live music, gaze up at spectacular fireworks, eat some great food, drink some great brews, enjoy the local vendors, play some kids games or take a hay ride... there's a ton going on so we're sure we'll find something that sparks your interest!

3. Ski & Board Swap.

 So you need some extra cash? Or maybe just some new gear? Well you have to check out our Ski & Board Swap this year and you are sure to find some deals! It's the best time to get rid of some of your old stuff that you've outgrown and upgrade to new-to-you stuff. Items can be brought with you the day of the event, however, there is a form to be completed. We will also started to accept equipment beginning Monday October 1, 2012 during normal business hours (8-4:30). Come ready to buy and get ready to fly!

4. Season Pass Sale.

What is all this commotion for if not to make Titus Mountain bigger and better for you to SKI?!? Come pick up your season pass and be ready for the first snowfall before the weatherman even knows. We've got lots of different pass types, from regular ski bums to families and more! And if Titus is your second home, you might be interested in our awesome new Peak Club passes complete with premier parking and lockers! Get them now because prices go up November 1st... and we've done all our snow dances and chants so we're ready.

5. Race Program Sign-Ups.

Are you a speed freak? Obsessed with technique? Love the chill of winter air whipping past you at 40, 50, 60 miles per hour? Then our race program might be the thing for you. And sign-ups will be at Oktoberfest. If you've got questions... ask them. And if you're itching to get training already, bring your pens because we've got our Titus Mountain Race Team on hand so that you can get ready for the thrill of downhill racing.

6. Support the Ski Patrol.

 We've all taken a few spills on the mountain--it's just part of the sport. But I bet we'd all be a lot less likely to hit that double-diamond if we didn't know that there were people out there ready to help us out just in case. This year at Oktoberfest you can support your Titus Mountain Ski Patrol by purchasing some food because all proceeds go to benefit your volunteer ski patrol!

7. Supports your Local Community.

First off, for every admission ticket purchased, $1 goes towards Adirondack for Kids--a not-for-profit charity where the money stays local. It doesn't get any better than that. But we're also going to have over 50 vendors at Oktoberfest, from purses to candles to hotels to cars to furniture and more! You can support your local artisans and craftsmen and their endeavors by taking a walk through our vendor aisles. And we hear that there are going to be some pretty interesting things there... but don't take our word for it! And hey, Christmas is coming up...

8. Live Music.

 The Trench Town Oddities Band will be playing from 2p-6p and DJ Phat & Slim from 6p-10p. For 5 bucks you can't go wrong. Enough said.

9. Info on getting paid to ski!

 Do you love to ski or snowboard? Does the smell of fresh powder make you giddy and the sounds of bindings give you goosebumps? Do you believe that the world would be a better place if everyone knew the joys of gliding down fresh powder on a mountain? Then this gig might just be for you... this year at Oktoberfest there will be ski & snowboard instructors on hand to answer your questions about getting paid to ski as an instructor! Not a bad way to spend winter by passing on your knowledge of a sport you love to those eager to learn, hitting the slopes with them, and getting some cash while you are at it. So if you've got some questions make sure you ask them!

10. It's going to be a GREAT time.

Fall Foliage in the Adirondacks

Though summer isn't officially over until September 22, summer is officially over... Kids have gone back to school, college is already in full swing, temperatures have slowly started to dip, and the leaves have already started to change. But have you had the privilege yet to see the majesty of a full North County Autumn?

www.visitadirondacks.com

Thousands of foliage watchers, or leaf-peepers as they are lovingly known, come to New York from all over the world to see the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows as our broad-leaf trees shed their leaves. Why is New York foliage so awe-inspiring? According to I Love NY, "Unlike the rest of the country, the northeastern U.S. is particularly blessed with a great variety of broad-leaved trees, which help give the region’s foliage a spectacular color range. Also, New York State has almost as many acres of such trees as the rest of the Northeast combined" (source).  

Peeping season starts in the Adirondacks and slowly moves south into the Catskills. While the entire process lasts about 2 months for the lovely greens to turn to brilliant hues of warm colors, two weeks is usually the time frame for peak color changing, with peak brilliance lasting 3-4 days for any given area. So it's time to plan your trip to the North County to get a piece of this beauty!

Here are a few tips to ensure a spectacular view of the stunning Adirondack landscape in Autumn.

Prepare.

Looking out your window and seeing a few colors might strike the adventurer inside you to go out and see the foliage on a whim. But you aren't the only person who is thinking the same thing. To truly enjoy the foliage, you should have a set route and accommodations ready. Not only does this save you the hassle from getting lost and getting stuck in an area or stuck without lodging or both, it gives you the luxury of taking your time. Leaf-peeping is about the views, and it would negate the whole trip if you are forced to rush through the area. Now is the time, if you haven't already done so, to look up some great fall foliage packages, like the one at the Holiday Inn Express of Malone.

Take advantage of different perspectives.

www.visitadirondacks.com

Driving is a pretty standard go-to when it comes to watching the foliage. But have you ever stopped to consider the myriad of other ways to capture a view? The North Country is well-known for it's outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating. What about capturing some views from those perspectives? Most hiking trails and boat launches are easily accessible right off the roads in the Adirondacks, so you don't even have to plan on biking the whole way. Just take a pair of hiking shoes and stick them in your trunk, strap a kayak to your roof, or put a bike in the back and when the moment strikes you, get out into the thick of the trees and be awed.

Be Safe.

Drive slow. This goes hand-in-hand with taking your time. Want to make a last second stop at hiking trailheads or want to pull off to the side of the road to take a spectacular picture? This is only possible if you are driving slow enough to make the turn! This also allows other drivers to be aware of what you are doing and could prevent you from getting rear-ended, which would certainly put a damper on your vacation. Slow speeds also allows you to be aware of a Fall Foliage hazard: wet leaves. Leaves are beautiful on the trees, but when they make the road slick, especially on many back country roads where the foliage is the best.

Here are some resources to help you in your Fall Foliage Tour planning...so get to it!

VisitAdirondacks.com 
I Love NY Fall Foliage 
nyfallfoliage.com 
Holiday Inn Express Fall Foliage Package

Enjoying the Franklin County Fair

Two weeks ago the rides were being packed up and vendors were tearing down their booths; The Franklin County Fair had come to it's 162nd conclusion. From the Demolition Derby to Kellie Pickler, the Ferris Wheel to Frenchy's Fried Dough, and the Cow Barn to the Horse Shows, this year's Franklin County Fair was, in my eyes, a success. While there were some ups and downs, here are 2 simple reasons why the Franklin County Fair is worth going to:

1. Season Passes -- Season passes to the Franklin County Fair were $40. The Fair was open for 8 days, which means that if you went every day, the cost was only $5 a day. This is phenomenal! Take into consideration that if you did in fact go every day, you got to see 4 concerts--some of which could cost you up to $100 for "Grandstand" seats. and you have got a deal. If the artists that were playing weren't your taste, however, for $5 a day you get to do some extensive window shopping, see art exhibits, watch horse shows, see what anyone watches Nascar for (Demo Derby), and learn about the area. That's all the free stuff. If you wanted to spend a little bit more, you could have gone on rides, played games, eaten some yummy food, actually bought stuff from window shopping, and even gotten your face painted. If you're in the area, a season pass is surely the way to go.
2. The Grandstand Entertainment -- Outside of The Demolition Derby, Tractor Pull, and Franklin County has Talent Show, this year brought in some pretty good entertainment. Whether you like the genre of music that was played or not, many people did. All Star Weekend had people drive in from Canada to see them. Rhonda Vincent had people in the crowd who have traveled the country watching her. Travis Tritt and Kellie Pickler are big names in the country world. And, for the most part, these artists were also gracious enough to come and meet their fans, take pictures with them, and even sing "Happy Birthday" to them in the middle of their show. Whether you paid the $15 for one show, bought a Season Pass, or paid extra for track seating, these shows, by themselves, are upwards of $100.

While I don't suggest going to the fair every single day, every single year, I do certainly suggest taking a few minutes and seeing what your county has to offer. After all, fairs were originally a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated carnival or funfair entertainment (thanks, Wikipedia). The Franklin County Fair does just that. Just another thing to do while you are in Malone.

Fun Facts: Did you know that the Franklin County Fair has roughly 75,000 people attend every year? Considering the fact that the County itself is home to only 50,000 people, this is quite a feat. (400 cows makes the journey each year too)

Twenty Minutes with Derek Sprague: PGA Secretary

Did you know that Malone is home to one of the officers of the PGA, the largest working sports organization in the world? Derek Sprague, a Malone native, is not only the Head Golf Pro at the Malone Golf Club, but also the Secretary of the PGA of America. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Derek the other day to ask his perspective on the game of golf and the PGA.

Growing up near the 1st Hole on the East Course at the Malone Golf Club, Sprague was no stranger to golf. In fact, his mother thought that "the golf course [was] the safest playground in America and what better place to grow up [than] on the green grass right across the road." And for many Malone residents who have known Sprague from the past 30 years from his position as the Golf Pro and Manager at the Malone Golf Club, it comes as no surprise that he has held leadership positions for the game that he grew up on--and the Secretary position was just the next step.

Q: What are the steps to becoming an officer of the PGA?
A: You run a national election, just like the presidential elections that are coming up. It lasts 15 months; I campaigned from the middle of 2009 until November of 2010. You are voted on by 115 delegates who represent 27,000 people (just like our Congress).

Q: What made you want to run for this position?
A: I've been in leadership positions for golf and this was the next logical step. I was on the board of directors for the Northeastern NY section, which is one of 41 different sections.

Q: You are going to be President of the PGA in 2014--are there any interesting events we can look forward to seeing you in?
A: I will be President from 2014 to 2016. In 2016 the PGA will celebrate their centennial and golf will be reintroduced into the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The last time that golf was an olympic sport was in 1904, so most people will have never seen it... I don't know many 112 year-olds! It will also be a Ryder Cup year, which is being held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota.

Q: As an officer of the PGA, what do you envision for the future of the PGA?
A: I would like to see PGA Pros become more in-demand. They are the best trained people to run facilities, but unfortunately their qualifications as a PGA Pro have not yet translated into the field. They have shown an aptitude to play and they have the best formal training in the world.

Q: How about for the Malone Golf Club? Anything big planned or exciting when you are President?
A: Well, being in my position I do get some weird looks, like "Have I seen you on T.V.?" I think it definitely gives some credibility and stature to our club and the golf business. But, no, we don't have any big things in the works... the last thing we did was remodel our lobby to showcase PGA highlights and ties to the Club, as well as the Ryder Cup which is happening in Chicago this year.

Q: Do you have any interesting statistics on the effect of golf on the North Country?
A: Well 20,000 tourists come to the area annually, which is pretty significant to a small community like Malone. Of the 45,000 rounds that are played, roughly half of it is from non-members who are traveling in.

Q: Why do you think that they are making the trip to Malone?
A: Well, we have fantastic golf packages with the area hotels. It's a great venue--people get to play on 2 championship courses while they are here, and we have great service. And it's affordable in comparison to other venues. If you take the quality that we offer, our service and our venue, and compare it to some northern clubs, we are quite comparable but our prices are better and ancillary expenses are less.

Q: Your duties take up a considerable amount of time--how often do you actually get to golf?
A: I actually get to play more in this position than I did before, because I get to play with sponsors and business partners who are also passionate about golf.

Q: What is your handicap?
A: I play scratch, or 0. They don't give me any so I don't give them any either...

Q: What is your favorite course to play on?
A: That's tough... I've been fortunate enough to play the top 100 courses in the country, and each has it's own unique traits. It depends if you are looking for a venue like on the ocean or something like a challenge.

Q: Who is your favorite golfer?
A: It's fun to watch the new golfers that are up-and-coming and getting to see how they are perceived by the public, but it's also fun to root for the old guys that I grew up with. But I would have to say that I root for all the guys on the Ryder Cup team.

Q: Was there any golfer in particular who it was a great honor to meet?
A: I had the pleasure of sitting down with Arnold Palmer for 45 minutes and it was one of my best experiences. He's not playing anymore but he is one of the finest golfers, and he is in his early 80s now.

Q: Is there anything that you do to disconnect from golf?
A: Well, golf consumes a lot of my life, at least on different levels. Even on vacations, golf is the forefront of why we are there. It helps that the whole family enjoys the game too. But we spend time with winter activities, like skiing at the local Titus Mountain or even Whiteface.

Info on the Malone Golf Club

The Malone Golf Club is the finest golf facility in Northern New York, Southern Quebec, and Ontario. They have 36 Championship golf holes divided into two great golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones. The club was also recently awarded four and one half stars by Golf Digest and received the "Good Service" seal for both the East and West Courses. Malone Golf Club is membership owned by over 700 members. They provide professional "Country Club" services to members and guests at very affordable rates.

Titus History

For those of you who have been on vacation to Timbucktoo for the past 6 months, you probably haven't heard that Titus is going through some changes... big changes. New trails, new glades, new lodges, new services, and a new...Logo? You bet! And we can hardly contain our excitement... for the early birds you might have gotten a sneak peak. 

We could go on and on about how Titus is changing for the better, but before we do that, why don't we take a trip down memory lane and see the journey the mountain has gone through to make it what it is today? (and stay tuned for the logo!)

A Bit of History

Late 40s/Early 50s
John Johnson family constructs and operates a homemade rope-tow (powered by the back wheel of a Buick sedan) as Johnson Ski Center.

1960

Original lodge is built. The first manufactured lift is installed (Dopplemeyer T-Bar). Moon Valley opens to the public under the Johnson family ownership with Philip Savage as general manager.

1962
The Crescent Room lounge and kitchen are added to the original lodge. A second lift is installed (Hall double chairlift which is current Chair II). The trail network is expanded.

1970
Moon Valley is purchased by Dr. Ernest Winslow of Corinth, NY.

1980
Moon Valley is purchased by Mr. Paul Augustine of Minnesota. The area name is changed to Titus Mountain. A Hall triple chairlift (current Chair IV) to summit of the Lower Mountain is installed. The trail network is expanded again.

1981
Snowmaking commences.

Mid 80s

There is expansion and remodeling of the original Lower Mountain lodge and Crescent Room. A larger lounge and deck, dining area, and locker facilities are added.

1989
Upper Mountain lodge is constructed and the Upper Mountain trail network is completed and opened to the public. Current lifts VII (Hall double chairlift) and VIII (Hall triple chairlift) are installed.

1990
Installation of current Lift I (Hall double chairlift) and expansion of trail network.

Early 90s
Construction of the Lower Mountain Administration/Rental/Retail/Learning Center complex is finished. Original Lift VI (Hall double chairlift) is installed and the trail network is expanded again. The Middle Mountain open to the public.

1995

Current Lift V (Hall double chairlift) replaces the original Dopplemeyer T-Bar on re-contoured main slope. The Learning Center handle-two is installed and the Learning Center slope is improved. The tubing park opens to the public with a slope and handle-tow.

1999
A fire destroys the maintenance buildings and equipment but restoration is completed in time for the 1999-2000 season.

2003
The Terrain Park is added to the Lower Mountain.

2005
Current Lift III (Hall double chairlift) is installed on the Learning Center slope. The New Lift VI (Hall double chairlift) extends original Lift VI from summit of Middle Mountain to the base of Lower Mountain. Titus Mountain Website launches.

2011

Long-time owner Paul Augustine passes away on January 1st and the family sells Titus Mountain to the Monette family of Malone, NY. The area name is changed to Titus Mountain Family Ski Center. The Lower Mountain lounge is redecorated, the Administration/Rental/Retails/Learning Center complex is remodeled and IBC opens an on-mountain store. The Terrain Park is expanded, a Pisten-Bully groomer is added to the fleet, and an all-new website is launched.

2012
The Lower Mountain lodge is completely remodeled. Fifteen new trails and glades are added. Contemporary POS/MIS capability is introduced and a wireless network is installed.

NOW
Titus Mountain continues to expand and add, but we still stay committed to what the Buick-powered tow rope was founded on--affordable family fun in North Country Winter.

Hometown "Tourist"

My own travel observation...

Sometimes it is absolutely wonderful to be a "tourist."

It's been one week since I had the wonderful opportunity to take a day trip to Lake Placid, and literally, be a "tourist." I have lived in the North Country for a good portion of my life, yet have never experienced it as your stereotypical tourist--camera out, sunglasses on, and itinerary filled with actual tours. 

The point of going over my wonderful day with you is to pass on my observation--sometimes it's great to be a tourist in your own town. I learned a lot about Lake Placid that I didn't know. I saw the town from a different point of view--a point of view that makes people from all sorts of cultures and backgrounds to want to vacation in Lake Placid (we saw a father and son speaking Italian while we were there!). While we all love to travel and see the sights outside of what we see every day... you can't truly get the most out of your experience until you have a firm grasp of where you are coming from.

It's important to note a couple quick quotes here regarding being a tourist: it is said that you should be a traveler and not a tourist. Travelers, they say, embrace a culture, learn the ways, and enjoy the experience of travel. Tourists, they say, bring their own stereotypes about their destination and watch their destinations pass by through a looking glass rather than immersing themselves into the experience. I agree--when at all possible, be a traveler. But, if you are just traveling through your hometown, why not be a tourist? Look at your town through the looking glass. Bring your stereotypes. Because it's only then when you can see what others see and experience what others experience. (Great blog post about the differences).

I spent the first part of the day taking a boat cruise on Lake
Placid and saw some of the most beautiful camps, landscapes, and views of Whiteface Mountain and other 46ers were spectacular. There was only one other couple on the tour with us, so we were able to ask all the questions that we wanted. We even saw people cliff-jumping (while we egged them on). And as long as I have lived in the area, it still baffles me that most people think that Mirror Lake is Lake Placid and vice-verse (I'm guilty of this too!). I was then lucky enough to tour Mirror Lake Inn, a 4-diamond spa and resort. I was in awe! I finished off the day with some dinner and drinks at both local-oriented and tourism-oriented establishments.





Now for a little bit of Malone marketing....
Have you seen Malone from a tourist's eyes? Have you taken a property tour of the Holiday Inn Express? Watched a sunset from the patio of Mo's? Gotten a golf lesson from the PGA of America secretary? Skied a black diamond, green dot, and tubed in one day at Titus? Be a tourist in Malone--you'll probably be surprised by what you see.

Eat, Sleep, Play Apps

Eat, Sleep, Play: Apps!

If you get a chance to look into my iPhone, you will see that I have a plethora of Apps ranging from the famed Temple Run to the obvious Facebook and the important Banking apps. When I am traveling, my phone is my lifeline. If I am stuck in a place, I go to my gaming folder. If I am lost, I got to my travel folder. If I need some updates, of course I go to my social folder. When I'm on my free time, I have a hiking and music folder.

So, when you come into Malone (or I suppose any place), it makes sense to have some apps to make the most of your travels.. I've gone through and compiled a list of the best apps for Eating, Sleeping, and Playing. Most of these apps I have used, though some of them I researched online because I'm not much of a golfer.

General Travel:

TripIt
Great for: Keeping tabs on your travel plans

Price: Free

Eating:
ZagatGreat for: Finding & reserving at restaurants and general food knowledge.
Price: $0.99

Sleeping:
TripAdvisorGreat for: Finding & showing prices of hotels as well as reviews from other travelers.
Price: Free

Playing-Ski:
RealSki
Great for: See lift and run names, current activities, and track your runs.
Price: Free (with available in-app purchases)

Playing-Golf:
Swing by SwingGreat for: Watching your game with graphs and stats and checking the hole with a GPS range finder.
Price: Free

Just for Fun:
SpotifyGreat for: Listening to tons of tunes on your travels.
Price: Free ($9.99 for premium service)

Keep in mind that there are over 500,000 apps for the iPhone. In no way is this a complete travel guide list or even a semi-almost-complete list. This is more of a "create a Malone folder" list. When you are coming into town, just download these babies and you'll have a great time heading back home looking at how well you golfed, the trails you skiied, or reviewing the Holiday Inn Express you stayed at with our delicious cookies!

Skylines

Having just moved to Malone for this position, I have the "outsider's eye" -- I can look at Malone from the eyes of a tourist and see the exact same skyline as any other person, but because I don't see it every day, it is absolutely beautiful to me. This past weekend was perfect weather- gorgeous sun, lovely temperatures- and I witnessed a beautiful sunset. So I wanted to share the skylines of Malone to other travelers and that will be the post for the week!

Looking out over the fields behind the hotel, the orange horizon glow stayed in the skies for a long time that night.

The hotel sitting on the backdrop of a midnight blue and burnt orange sunset.

The orange mixed with the sky to make violet hues everywhere.

Malone gets the most beautiful blue skies.

A bright sunset.

The blue skies with seemingly "fake" clouds because they contrast the blue so much.