The Mohawk Valley and its surrounding edges are home to some of the most breathtaking waterways in the Northeast—each with its own rhythm, charm, and sense of escape. From the pine-lined lakes of the Adirondacks to the wide, island-dotted stretches of the St. Lawrence River, these landscapes aren’t just beautiful—they’re deeply personal to the people who live here.
In this issue, we’re not just sharing destinations—we’re sharing stories. The photos and reflections on the following pages come directly from Mohawk Valley residents who’ve opened up about their favorite getaways. These are the places they return to again and again, where summer memories are made and local traditions come to life. Whether it’s casting a line at Big Moose Lake, paddling through the Moose River, or grabbing a dockside drink after a swim in Delta, each escape holds meaning.
You’ll hear from people who’ve found peace, fun, and connection at these waterways—people who know that a lake breeze can change your whole day, or that the right swimming hole is worth the drive.
We’re spotlighting five of the region’s most iconic escapes: Old Forge, Big Moose Lake, Delta Lake, the Moose River, and the mighty St. Lawrence. Some are wild and remote, others are alive with energy. Some invite quiet mornings on the dock, while others are perfect for sunset cocktails and live music on the water. But all of them are shaped by the people who love them—and who were kind enough to let us in on their version of the perfect summer day.
So whether you’re planning your next weekend adventure or simply looking to fall in love with the region all over again, let this guide be your inspiration.
The Mighty St. Lawrence
Just beyond the Mohawk Valley lies one of the Northeast’s most iconic summer getaways. The St. Lawrence River, with its 1,800+ islands, castles, lighthouses, and deep history, offers a completely different kind of adventure—bigger water, bolder views, and endless ways to explore.
Base yourself in Clayton or Alexandria Bay and head out by boat or kayak. Cruise past Boldt Castle, hear tales of rumrunners and river legends, or paddle quiet island channels that feel like your own private escape.
Onshore, the charm continues—Clayton’s Bella’s Café and Wood Boat Brewery, or Dockside Pub in Alex Bay, offer food, views, and small-town hospitality at its best.
From fairy-tale castles to freighters gliding past your paddle, the St. Lawrence is where history and summer collide—and it’s closer than you think.
Featured on our cover, Bridgett Buschmann Hodkin shares, “the St. Lawrence River is more than a place to visit. It is cousins laughing, it is water splashing and the wind in your hair, it is chasing lightning bugs, it is sitting around the bonfire, and it is sipping your coffee on the dock and watching the sunrise. The River is the essence of everything that is marvelous about summers, and after you’ve been there once, when you return, it will always feel like you’re coming home.”
“The River”
The “River,” as it’s affectionately known, isn’t just a summer retreat—it’s the soul of the Buschmann family legacy (pictured on our cover). Located along the St. Lawrence River, this cherished stretch of land and water has been in the family 160 years, since 1865, when Allie Buschmann’s great-great-grandparents first purchased it for farming.
What began as working land has become sacred ground, passed lovingly from one generation to the next. Over the years, it has hosted every season of life—from winter ice skating to summer reunions, and even a bit of mischief: in journals kept by Allie’s great-grandmother, stories were recorded of Prohibition-era smugglers pulling boats up to the dock under the cover of night.
Today, the river remains a gathering place for the sprawling Buschmann family. Every summer, aunts, uncles, sixteen cousins (including Allie), significant others, and a pack of family dogs reunite here for a week of tradition and togetherness. Mornings begin with coffee on the porch, and days are filled with boating to nearby islands, riding wave runners across the water, and soaking in the sun from the dock. Nights bring big dinners, card games (pitch is a family favorite), and bonfires under the stars. It’s a place where time slows down, and memories are made in every ripple of the water and every echo of laughter.
This summer carries a deeper poignancy, following the recent passing of the family’s beloved matriarch, Bonita (Bonnie) Buschmann of Deansboro. Bonnie was the heart of the family—graceful, strong, and endlessly devoted to the traditions that held them all together. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her spirit lives on in every shoreline moment and every shared family story.
As Allie and the next generation return to the river this year, they do so with reverence—for the history written here, for the woman who nurtured it, and for the promise that this sacred place will continue to bring the family home for generations to come.
John & Bonnie Buschmann of Deansboro, (pictured in 2016) sharing a joyful moment on the water with their beloved dog, Gus—where generations of memories have been made.
The Moose River
Winding through the forest just outside Old Forge, the Moose River offers a peaceful, easygoing paddle through pure Adirondack wilderness. With lazy curves, sandy banks, and the occasional heron lifting off ahead of your canoe, it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and take it all in. Outfitters like Tickner’s make it easy to float one-way, so all you have to do is show up, paddle, and let the river do the rest. It’s the kind of place that stays with you—quiet, wild, and endlessly worth returning to.
Emilia Borelli shares: “While the majestic beauty of the Fulton Chain lakes is undeniable, I’ve discovered a more intimate and soulful connection with the Moose River.
Life along the river is peaceful, ruled by the sounds of nature and undisturbed by motorboats. Gliding in my kayak, I’m allowed an uninterrupted spectator’s glimpse into the river’s vibrant ecosystem.
Once a loon swam silently under the water next to my kayak, only to shoot up in front of me and groom himself for minutes within the reach of my paddle. I discovered a tucked-away alcove where a bale of turtles gathered to soak up the November midday sun. I’ve recorded the sounds of kits in a beaver den, saw an Osprey take a defying dive to catch his midday meal, horrifyingly saw a spider as big as my hand, and was lucky enough to sit peacefully in the middle of a swarm of newly hatched dragonflies.
I’ve experienced an overwhelming and healing peace on the river, where Mother Nature showcases her best. Each time I pull my kayak back on the riverbank, I can’t wait to share the river’s story, so powerful, beautiful, and wild all at the same time.
And, just a little postscript, lake life can’t be knocked, as it is where I get to spend time with my friends, and honestly, what could be better than that?”
Teddy Borelli (above), our calm and curious river scout, stands at the ready—soaking in the stillness, surveying the lily-covered water, and clearly in his element.
Delta Lake
Just outside the city of Rome, Delta Lake State Park is one of the Mohawk Valley’s most convenient and beloved warm-weather escapes. I still remember the first time Alex and I took the kids—grabbing sandwiches from Mazzaferro’s, tossing chairs into the car, and heading out for sun, water, and a lot of laughs.
That first summer afternoon made me realize what an incredible spot this was, so close to home yet it felt like a real getaway. We’ve been back many times since—birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and impromptu beach days—but I’ll never forget that first dip in the lake.
Built around a man-made reservoir, the park offers a little bit of everything—sandy beaches with lifeguards, shaded picnic areas, calm waters for paddling, and boat launches for everything from tubing to fishing.You can rent a kayak or paddleboard on-site, cruise the lake by boat, or catch a summer event hosted right in the park.
After a day in the sun, head into Rome for dinner at Crust Kitchen & Bar, (my favs are the Rip & Dip—their to-die-for bread with sweet & spicy tomato oil—and the When Pigs Fly salad), or keep the views going with dinner at my mom’s favorite place – the Delta Lake Inn. For local finds, visit The Copper Easel for artisan creations and art supplies and grab a coffee or snack at the connected superofficial cafe.
Melissa Grube shares that “Delta Lake State park is a great spot for public boating. It’s large enough to water ski or go tubing or just swim in the lake. The depth makes it easy to fish for northern pike or small mouth bass. Summer sunsets are the perfect way to end a hot day on the water.”
Big Moose Lake
Tucked about 20 minutes north of Old Forge, Big Moose Lake is where the Adirondacks truly quiet down. No busy villages here—just still water, scattered cabins and four-season lake homes, and the sound of loons echoing across the pines. Paddle its narrow coves, hike from hidden trailheads, or simply drift and watch the clouds roll by.
It’s peaceful, wild, and steeped in mystery: this is where Grace Brown’s tragic 1906 murder inspired An American Tragedy. Some say her ghost still lingers in the evening mist. After your paddle, grab a steak or a Moose Mule at Big Moose Station, a cozy restaurant in a converted train depot. With starry skies overhead and quiet all around, Big Moose Lake leaves its mark.
Paul Danforth shares that for him, it all started on the north shore. Getting there was part of the adventure. “We’d drive up, then take a tin boat a mile across the lake to reach our camp. It was remote, peaceful, and entirely its own world—complete with a party line phone shared by everyone on the north shore. Some of my closest lifelong friends were made during those summers on the lake.
Favorite memory? The 4th of July fireworks. Boats filled the water, families gathered, and as the fireworks burst above the lake, it felt like they were close enough to touch. That image has never left me.
Today, our house at Big Moose is on a road, but the magic is still the same. The stars shine just as bright, and the fireworks still light up the sky every Fourth of July. Now it’s my kids jumping off the dock, hiking the same trails, waterskiing in the same coves, and making the same kind of lake friends that shaped my childhood.
My Favorites Near Big Moose Lake:
- Best Coffee Shop: Blue Line Coffee House (Inlet or Old Forge)
- Best Pizza & Wings: Back Door Bar, Old Forge – gluten-free options, too!
- Best Restaurant: The Nest in Old Forge – delicious food, a standout menu, and an incredible wine list
Big Moose Lake isn’t just part of my past—it’s where tradition continues, one season, one splash, and one starry night at a time.”
Old Forge
Old Forge is often called the “Paddling Capital of the Adirondacks,” and for good reason. This lively village sits at the western gateway to the Adirondack Park, surrounded by water — from the wide expanse of Old Forge Pond to the winding Moose River. In summer, it comes alive with the hum of boats and the rhythm of paddles, but early mornings belong to the quiet explorers. Launch a kayak at sunrise and you’ll find stillness, golden light, and maybe a blue heron or the echo of a loon.
If Old Forge is the hub, the Fulton Chain of Lakes is its crown jewel — eight sparkling lakes connected by the Moose River and stretching nearly 20 miles through the heart of the Adirondacks. From bustling Fourth Lake to the quiet beauty of Eighth, the chain offers something for every kind of summer escape: boating, tubing, paddling, and fishing, all with mountain views and small-town charm.
Symeon Tsoupelis shares, “Old Forge is a very special place for my family. We have met so many wonderful people and love spending time on the lake, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling and skiing at McCauley Mountain!”
Jill Morris grew up in Old Forge and, like so many others, found her way back. Shortly after COVID, she returned with her family—and what was once a beloved summer escape has become a year-round way of life. Her children, who used to spend just their summers here, are now full-time residents, soaking up the magic of lake life in every season.
Jill shares: “The mountains are calling… and the lake heals everything along the way.”
Old Forge & The Fulton Chain:
Where Time Slows and Memories Grow
Old Forge & The Fulton Chain:
Where Time Slows and Memories Grow
Just an hour from the Mohawk Valley’s busy heart, Old Forge feels a world away—where the hum of traffic fades into birdsong, and your only schedule is sunrise, s’mores, and stillness.
At the base of the Adirondacks, the Fulton Chain of Lakes stretches like a glistening ribbon, wrapped in forest, dotted with loons, alive with laughter, campfires, and wake trails.
Morning coffee at Blue Line or Ozzie’s, pancakes and laughter at Walt’s Diner, vintage wit decorating the walls and our hearts.
Afternoons are for boating to Inlet, for pizza at Tony Harper’s or stopping by Daiker’s, or fishing quietly from the dock. The days are long—filled with jet skis, water skiing, and teaching the kids to kneeboard, with handwritten notes left on Dog Island, tucked into a weathered mailbox, waiting to be found by future summer dreamers.
Hike the Fulton Chain Trifecta: Bald Mountain, Black Bear, and Rocky Mountain, each summit a rite of passage for young legs and old hearts.
And by firelight, read the timeless tales of Adirondack childhoods by Gary & Justin VanRiper—books written right here, stories that inspire kids to turn the pages by flashlight, then run off to live them the next day in the woods beyond the porch.
Catch a movie at the historic Strand Theatre, or drift out on the boat after dark, stars above, still water below, peace settling in like mist over the lake.
At the Adirondack League Club, you will find miles of preserved wilderness, untouched beauty and silence that teaches. But it’s the people who make this place eternal—neighbors who lend tools, tie off boats, offer beers and advice and company.
A community of kindness, held together by dock lines and goodwill.
Old Forge isn’t just where we go—it’s where we become.
