News Posts

We thank you and our staff over the years for enabling us to reach and complete a 28th season cruising and dining on Raquette Lake. “…around half of all businesses no longer exist after five years. Only one-third make it past their 10th anniversary. These statistics have been remarkably consistent through the years. Interestingly, major…

Last one of the 2018 season!  Sat Sept 1.   Matt Grainger entertaining.  Still only $7!  Board 9:30.  Sail 10-11:30.

http://www.adirondackexperience.com/story/2018/a-magical-ride-aboard-the-avery-mae

People are interested in stories.   Storytelling helps people relate to one another.   We often use staff birthdays as the occasion to highlight their stories and transform them from the service provider you enjoy on a cruise to a flesh and bones human being with diverse experiences and talents.  To date we have written about Biz…

Prepared for you by Chef Jim Pohl, a 2003 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park Sauteed chicken in a roasted red pepper coulis Grilled pork tenderloin with wild mushroom demi Maple glazed carrots Penne pasta tossed in an herbed scampi sauce Summer salad with honey ginger vinaigrette Fresh fruit Baguettes &…

We have a bus lunch on Tues June 19.  The bus group is taking about 35 seats so we do have 20 seats available if anyone is looking for something to do this week. You’ll probably see a loon or 2! And it’s supposed to be gorgeous weather!  Boarding 11.  Sailing 11:30-1:30.  Give us a…

We hate to disappoint those who wanted to come, but we have had so many reservations we’re sold out!  Board at 3:00.  We’ll sail as soon as everyone who reserved is on board.  

Road trip!  Travel blogger Dany spent several days with her partner Aldo in search of undiscovered gems, off-the-beaten-track venues,  driving from the Raquette Lake/Blue Mt Lake area to Tupper to Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Ausable Chasm to the Champlain Valley area. “The Adirondack Mountains State Park seduced us right from the start with Bambi-like deer and squirrels running around to hide their acorns. And I realized that for the whole time I never missed the “big fellas”. Forget Walmart and Starbucks (more or less): we found much better stuff in the Adirondack Peaks.” https://www.travellingdany.com/2017/11/adirondack-peaks/   “If you are like us and you don’t like the tourist traps, then we suggest you to go for something authentic. It tells you a lot about a place and the people who live there.” What do you think?  

No excursion tomorrow because of the Caribbean party cruise.  Today, 2-3:30.  $15 pp.

 We kick off our 27th season with our annual Mitch Frasier cruise on Sun. May 28.  Limited to first 100 people. 2-4-1 Luncheon cruises on Saturday June 3,10,17 and 24.  Reservations required. $10 off dinner cruises on Sat June 3 and June 10. Reservations required. Sagamore & Sail June 16, Fri.  A $58 value for…

Great Camp Sagamore’s Beer Weekend is June 23-25.  Go to their website to register.  They always sell out.  Captain Dean’s photo is in the article because beer weekend starts with a beer pairing dinner cruise on the WW Durant, with menu planned by Chef Jim and Rachel in concert with the weekend’s beer maestro.  Always…

Web cam is down.  We feel as awful as you do about it.  Power outages not helping.  Matt came and fixed once but it’s off again.  Hopefully up by Mon.

Stop in this Fri, Dec 30 for FREE tacos from 6 pm until none left.  Plus a cold one and a warm welcome. Winter boat open daily during Christmas vacation week.  Then Thurs- Sun.

Noé  Socha is a guitar and harmonica player from the small town of Carpi, Italy. Influenced by artists such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and Blues musicians Mississippi John Hurt, Muddy Waters, and Lightnin’ Hopkins, Noé has created his own signature sound. He pairs a fiery guitar technique with virtuoso harmonica playing, channeling the sounds of the Mississippi…

Sat Sept 3 Here’s what to expect for your $30 per person: Saranac Brewery, Saranac Beer, 12 Beers of Fall, Celebrating German roots Boarding 1:30-2:00 with sailing 2:00-3:30 Must be 21 years to taste; DD can be under 21 years Matt Grainger entertaining Reservations appreciated Limited to 75 people Includes appetizers Generous pours $20 DD

Last Monday night prime rib buffet tonight. Last pizza cruise on Wed. Last BBQ-themed luncheon cruise Sat. Last Brunch Reinvented on Sun. Last moonlight cruise on Sat night. After Labor Day, cruising Sat lunch, excursion and Sat dinner.  Return to traditional Sunday Brunch.  Cruising midweek with preformed groups…..individuals welcome to piggyback, pending space availability.  Through…

Shirley and I are taking an afternoon cruise on the Hudson. I wasn’t going to say anything until my arms stuck to the bar buying $12 worth of drinks. Mismatched chairs, need of paint, sticky bar are only the beginning. And all this for $22 per person for 2 hr ride. You need to raise your rates and you can let the boat go to hell. NOT!! Keep up your entire staffs professional attitude and work. It shows and is greatly appreciated!! Bob S.

Canceling Monday’s excursion, 2-3:30 (8/29).  Mechanic may not be finished with work on generator so playing it safe.  So sorry to disappoint.

Due to private charter wedding, the scenic excursion, dinner and moonlight cruises have been cancelled. Join us for Brunch on Sun!  Or Intimate Dining Sun night!

Yum! Chef-made pizza! 11:30-1:00.  Chef-made pizza, root beer float in a souvenir mug.  Salad.  And a cruise with commentary.  All for $25 if 12 yrs and older, $15 if ages 4-11, $5 if under 4 yrs.

Two  Saturdays in August, Aug 6 and Aug 27 and the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, Sept 3, we’re trying something a little different on our luncheon cruises. Same cruising time- board 10:30, sail 11-1 pm Same price- $40 per person inclusive of cruise, meal, tax and gratuity; children under age 12 $20 pp inclusive…

    Adirondacks is #4. http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/americas-10-best-state-parks#!4-adirondack-park Adirondacks is #4. 

Here Are The 10 Coolest Small Towns In New York You’ve Probably Never Heard Of http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-york/coolest-towns-ny/

We know what it’s like to have a huge gaping hole in your staff and wonder how you’re going to fill it.  Happy to put this out there to our network of friends and supporters to help Tim at Utica Bread and The Tailor and the Cook.  Ya never know!   BTW, be sure to have dinner sometime at The Tailor and the Cook-  really delicious! Here’s Tim’s message: Hello Friends, Advisors, Supporters, and Guests of Utica Bread and The Tailor and the Cook – I send this message with a favor to ask – Utica Bread Needs Your Help! We are seeking a Full Time Baker at Utica Bread. Ideally, we are looking for a professional baker with experience in European and Artisan Breads. That being said, we would also be more than happy to find a passionate cook or…

http://www.raquettelakenavigation.com/wedding-cruises/    We just launched a revamped wedding page.   What do you think?  

  Imagine if you will, a large hunter’s bark shanty on a small rise overlooking a ten acre farm with cows grazing in the open surrounded by hay fields, crops and an orchard. From 1837 to 1860, this was home to Raquette Lake’s first settlers, Matthew Beach and William Wood.  They eked out a hard, solitary life as hunters, trappers and guides welcoming the earliest explorers and the first wealthy tourists. The man who gave the region the name Adirondacks, Professor Ebenezer Emmons stayed with Beach and Woods in the 1840s while surveying the area. If you were to see William Wood, you might not believe your eyes. He managed to bound through the woods hunting deer, portage his canoe atop his head, and carry a 70 lbs pack long distances – all while walking on the stubs of his…

Spring, Summer or Fall.  We’ve got it covered!

It’s in there in tiny print. Thank you for voting us Runner Up in the Fine Dining category of Adirondack Life’s Best of…..contest.

http://www.twcnews.com/nys/rochester/getaway-guy/2015/09/23/durant-getaway.html

Matt Weimer the baby and Matt Weimer the man, holding a chip Captain Dean gave him 23 years ago!  His mom is Phyllis and Bill Blanchard’s daughter.

http://www.saratogian.com/general-news/20150904/great-camp-sagamore-has-survived-numerous-challenges-board-members-honored-for-preservation-efforts

http://www.delawaretoday.com/Delaware-Today/September-2015/Gorgeous-Fall-Getaways/The-Adirondacks/index.php/cparticle/4#anchor

It’s been said that “imitation” is the sincerest form of flattery.  If that’s true, then Comedian and Voice Actor Steve Van Zandt sure knows how to give a compliment! Best known for his amazingly accurate vocal and physical impersonations of the famous,  Steve’s live Stand-Up Comedy Shows are an eclectic mix of hilarious Celebrity Voices, completely original characters,…

Our last pairing dinner!  Fri Aug 21.   A few seats available.  Call to reserve!  315-354-5532 Grapes vs Growler 5 course pairing dinner cruise

A 5 course Pairing Dinner Cruise on Friday, Aug 21 Course 1: Wild Mushroom Dashi (very earthy clear broth soup) Paired with Wine: Maggio Ranch Pinot Noir Beer: Adirondack Octoberfest Course 2: Duck with blackberry sauce and wilted greens Wine: Into Merlot Beer: Rodenbach Course 3: Summer salad with Arugula, goat cheese, peaches, almonds, dried cranberries dressed with apricot vinaigrette Wine: Leonard Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Beer: Saranac Clouded Dream Course 4: Pork spare ribs with root beer based BBQ sauce and gruyere mac and cheese Wine: Old Soul Old Vine Zinfandel Beer: Good Nature Brown Ale Course 5: Bacon crust cheesecake with reduced maple syrup drizzle Wine: Heron Hill Late Harvest Vidal Blanc Beer: Founders Porter Reservations required. $80 pp inclusive. Board 5:00-6:00. Sail 6:00-9:00 pm

AARCH (Adirondack Architectural Heritage) www.aarch.org booked the Durant Wed July 15 for a fundraiser cruise.  20% of proceeds will be donated to AARCH.  If you’re not familiar with AARCH, check out their mission and accomplishments on their website.   Wednesday’s luncheon cruise boards at 11 am and sails 11:30-1:30.  $40 pp inclusive.  $8 pp will be donated to AARCH.  Space for about 20 more. Call 315-354-5532 to reserve.

“Peaceful Perfection” 5 of 5 starsReviewed July 11, 2015 NEW Ok. Been on a few of these dinner cruises around the country. Scenery is usually good and the food mediocre at best. This trip was the EXCEPTION! We did the intimate dining cruise and had an absolutely superior experience. The boat was in pristine condition; paint fresh, windows sparkling, heads (restrooms) spotless. The we get to the food. Perfect in every respect. Now to the staff. Extremely accommodating, highly knowledgeable, and very efficient. Owned and operated by the Pohl family for 25 yrs., they have it figured out!!!! We’ll be back. Try it!! Visited July 2015 http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g48467-d1536481-r287845586-Raquette_Lake_Navigation_Co-Raquette_Lake_New_York.html#

Thanks Kurt Gardner and Adirondack Mountain Productions for this video.  What do you think?  https://vimeo.com/127735886

Peak Colors For the Next Few Days!   Great weather predicted through the weekend.  Ride with us on one of these scheduled scenic excursions: Thurs 9/25  3:15-4:45 Fri 9/26 3:30-5:00 Sun 9/28 4:00-5:30   Or you can ride on the open upper deck on our luncheon cruises (which are all sold out): Thurs 9/25 11:30-1:30 Fri 9/26  11:00-1:00

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/let-s-help-mitch-/184599

Cruises in the Adirondacks Although upstate New York’s Adirondacks are first and foremost a mountain range, they’re also synonymous with the recreational activities available on its hundreds of lakes, rivers and creeks. Maybe you’re not the most adventurous outdoorsman; or perhaps you just want someone to treat you to an excursion on an Adirondack lake….

Tourism Partners- you’ve had a great season!  It’s time to celebrate and appreciate your staff.  Let RLN do the cooking and dishes.  $37 per person, min of 20, for a buffet luncheon or dinner cruise.  That’s for everything: 2 hr cruise, buffet-style meal cooked by Chef Jim (all fresh & from scratch).  Or……a scenic excursion with light appetizers, $20 pp, 20 min.  You can bring your own band or music or use ours.  Midweek or weekend. Affordable &  Available!  Now taking reservations through Nov 5.  Give us a call!  315-354-5532

Fri Night Oct 18 Full Moon Cruise w/ Johnny & the Triumphs. All males 21 yrs+ admitted free of charge. $7 otherwise. Sat Oct 19 Snowflake excursion 12:30-2:00. Can’t promise snowflakes but can promise complimentary cider and doughnuts. Sat Oct 19 Beer Pairing Dinner Cruise in cahoots with Keith at Saranac Brewery. 4-7 pm.

All 3 days this weekend predicted beautiful weather. We’re gearing up for Columbus Day weekend. Have you made your reservations yet? Lots of cruising and a special event on Sun. A Gilligan’s Island-themed Brunch Pairing Cruise.

Chef’s specials this weekend are ahi tuna and New Zealand rack of lamb. And of course, there’s grilled salmon, chicken and prime rib!

http://www.newsday.com/travel/camp-santanoni-in-the-adirondacks-reclaiming-its-gilded-age-glory-1.5883421   Good to promote our history and hesitage!  And in a national paper.  Good work!Then the article was picked up by the Hudson Valley Connisseur, “The region’s authority on refined living.”  A friend of mine from Saugerties gave me a copy of the article.

Thanks Mitch Edelstein for bringing this to our attention. http://www.newsday.com/travel/new-york-s-adirondacks-offer-plenty-of-fall-foliage-1.6010193

The Fall Public Cruise Weekend Schedule begins on Fridays with a dinner cruise, boarding at 4 pm and sailing 4:30-7:30, earlier to try to capture more daylight. Complimentary appetizers during cocktail hour.  For planning purposes, Fri Sept 20 is a private charter. Saturdays we offer a luncheon cruise, scenic excursion and dinner cruise. Sat dinner boards 4:30-5 and sails 5-8, again trying to capture those rays!  For planning purposes Sat Sept 14 is a private charter wedding cruise during the excursion and dinner time slots. And we celebrate Sundays with a Champagne Brunch cruise featuring bottomless Bloody Marys (using Rachel’s  Elixir) and mimosas, plus prime rib at the carving station and a whole lot of other delicious items.

On Friday, August 30, 2013, our Mystery Wine Pairing Dinner Cruise will feature Wine Expert Greg Taylor of Frederick Wildman Wine Distributors collaborating with Chef Jim and Beverage Manager Rachel Pohl on the wine & food pairing. You’ll just have to trust Chef Jim, Rachel and Greg on this one. Five courses, five different wines. $75.00 per person. Reservations required. Limited to 66 people. Some of you may remember Greg and his wife Sharon ran Friends Lake Inn for years and now own and operate The Fern Lodge in Chestertown, NY. So you know the bar is set high if it meets Greg’s standards. Greg “found” wine during his work with the U.S. Ski Team as a Service Rep with a large 80’s entertainment budget, enjoying pricey Bordeaux and Burgundies. After funding with the Ski Team dried up, Greg became…

Fresh Yellowfin Ahi Tuna, sesame seared, served with a marinated cucumber salad and East Meets West spicy dipping sauce or 1/2 rotisserie chicken, rosemary brined, grilled and roasted and served with natural pan juices    

It’s interesting to note that the word “vacation” comes from the fact that the wealthy during the Gilded Age period in American history left or vacated the dirt and heat of the city and headed north to the coolness of the mountains and wilderness….hence vacation!  Read all about the birthplace of the American vacation on the link below.  Nice press for our own beloved Great Camp Sagamore. http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/Where-Was-the-Birthplace-of-the-American-Vacation-199170351.html?c=y&page=3