Ride the Trail of Ancient Tonics, Brews, Spirits & Foods

From ancient times, beverages were the “life blood” of staying healthy and were born from the botanicals of Mother Nature. They considered a medicinal elixir, and their evolution changed history. Each region of the world made use of what was naturally available, and we have compiled the ages into 5 distinct eras.

What better place to learn about the natural origins of ancient beverages than the Adirondacks?

Ride the Nature Trails of Ancient Brews & Spirits!

Ride, sample, and taste through this rich history by viewing their natural roots on our nature trails and then stopping for the tasting stations as we flavor nature's “spirits” and foods.  

From the use of pine tree resin that sealed food jars to the botanicals of juniper, thyme, dandelions, honey, apples, and countless others. Learn how their use and innovations made what we drink -  as well as being critical ingredients of the foods we eat today. Think smoked salmon in a berry relish, apple strudel, and our honey bourbon Gigglewater!

Reserve & Receive

Within your ticket, you will receive the special password to get past our hidden door to our 1920s Speakeasy–err–library.

From there, your " spirits” and food trail continues with special tasting tables of historical brews, elixirs, and tonics. We will highlight non-alcoholic beverages with an option to purchase the alcoholic ones. Each table is themed, and some of the foods you sample will contain the key ingredients of the “spirits.”

Family-owned since 1886, some recipes will take you back to the Old World, the Adirondack pioneering days, Prohibition, the Cure Cottages and Grand Hotel era.

Adirondack “spirits guides,” self-directed interpretive material, and trivia set the flavor for a fun and interactive experience.

Your Food and Tonic Trail Event ticket includes a Five Era Tasting Trail of Food and Beverages.

• Stagecoach or wagon ride with Lucky Clover Farm thru the woods and to the beach
• A tonic scavenger hunt trail ride
• A walking trail through Adk History of food including a Great Camp Center and 1920 Speakeasy “Library” 
• Food tasting stations through the 5 Eras of Adk Foods & Tonics (non-alcoholic)
• Option to purchase period inspired alcoholic drinks
• Bonus walk thru the Labyrinth “cocktail” plant garden 

How It Works

1. Start with a stagecoach ride and tonic scavenger hunt. Ride with Master Coach Driver Lauren and her majestic horses Jasper and Fly down “over the “river” and through the woods then to the beach lakeside with a view of Saint Regis Mountain.  Can you find the Adirondacks natural tonic botanicals and herbs.  Be eligible for a prize - purchase a ticket and get the clues.
2. Get dropped off at the Great Camp Center for of History of Foods and tonics tasting of the Native American and Pioneer Era.
3. Walk the covered walkway to a 1920’s Speakeasy - uhh  “library” for Prohibition and Cure Cottage spirits, tonics and food tastings with Proprietor Ernest.
4. Conclude your trail tour with Chef Cathy for more history and tastings with  foods from  the Grand Hotel and Farm to Fork Era.

_{*Not included: non-tasting/alcoholic drinks, taxes, gratuities.}