Jun 10, 2008 — NCPR is media sponsor for the No-Octane Regatta this Saturday at Little Wolf Lake just outside Tupper Lake. The event is open to all people-powered small craft, with a special emphasis on wooden boats. Todd Moe talks with co-organizer Hallie Bond about what's new at the regatta this year.  Go to full article

May 21, 2008 — For nearly 30 years, Jane Desotelle has been collecting herbs in the Adirondacks for teas and sometimes an entire meal of found food. Desotelle owns "Underwood Herbs" and also runs a botanical sanctuary. She's a gardener, artist and plant expert. She recently led a plant walk for TAUNY on Falls Island in downtown Canton. Todd Moe tagged along to learn more about weeds that are good for you. Reminder: It's often illegal to pick wild plants on public lands, and always ask permission before venturing onto someone else's property.  Go to full article

May 14, 2008 — Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, TAUNY, is moving this month. The arts group closes this weekend for the move just up the street in downtown Canton. The new 7,000 square foot space over three floors includes more room for exhibits and classes, and lots of Victorian charm - arched windows, tin ceilings and hardwood floors. Todd Moe toured the new space and spoke with TAUNY Executive Director Jill Breit.  Go to full article

Nov 28, 2007 — Artist, writer and historian Caperton Tissot and her husband visited the Adirondacks for nearly 20 years before finally settling in Saranac Lake five years ago to be closer to family. She says she instantly fell in love with local history and culture. Her new book, History Between the Lines, Women's Lives and Saranac Lake Customs, is not about people of great power or privilege. It's filled with ordinary stories that trace what she calls Saranac Lake's "spirit of goodwill" from the mid-19th century to the present. The 16 profiles, based on interviews with women and their families, illustrate the important role women play in carrying on traditions that define the unusual character of a small town. Todd Moe spoke with Capterton Tissot about her book.  Go to full article

Nov 27, 2007 — The largest suspension footbridge in the United States is located in a tiny Adirondack hamlet with just a half dozen year-round families. Located in southern St. Lawrence County, Wanakena is probably best known as the home of the New York State ranger School. But for many people it just isn't summer until they've walked the 171 feet from one end of the bridge to the other and dipped their toe in the Oswegatchie River. Today NCPR and TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, continue our look at some very special places in the North Country. Varrick Chittenden made several trips to the footbridge this past summer and talked with folks who have a soft spot for the bridge and the town. Varrick and Joel Hurd recently talked about the bridge and its importance, past and present, in the northwestern Adirondacks.  Go to full article

Nov 14, 2007 — There are few seasonal flavors that are as strong on the senses as apples and apple cider. For months and months we settle for fruit imported from who-knows-where, until late summer, when local apples are ready for picking and pressing. For many decades, people in Jefferson County have known that the first turning of the leaves means that Burrville Cider Mill is running at full capacity, producing some of the tastiest cider in the region. Today, NCPR and TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, continue our look at some very special places in the North Country. A few weeks ago, Joel Hurd and Varick Chittenden visited Burrville to learn more about cider, donuts and why many people think this oldest building in the county is haunted.  Go to full article

Oct 26, 2007 — You're invited to take a walk in the woods and learn more about the future of a special tract of Adirondack land at the Catamount Lodge & Forest Woods Walk, tomorrow (10 am-3 pm). The event is sponored by Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, or TAUNY, and hosted by Catamount's new owners, Joe and Ruth McWilliams. Over lunch tomorrow, they'll share their objectives for owning the property and talk about their long-term management plans. Todd Moe spoke with the couple about their future plans for the 379-acre property in South Colton.  Go to full article

Oct 10, 2007 — TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, hands out its annual North Country Legends awards in Canton this Sunday. One of the recipients, 88 year-old Annis Holmes, opened her yarn shop in Chestertown in 1952. She still runs the shop and teaches people to knit. She's known as an expert Adirondack Buff mitten knitter, developed in response to the region's cold winters. Todd Moe stopped by her knitting shop recently for a chat.  Go to full article

Sep 25, 2007 — The northern edge of Franklin and Clinton Counties is a guitar fan's paradise. Not only is Malone home to one of the world's best-known inlay artists, Dave Nichols, but Orville Gibson, founder of the Gibson Guitar Company, was born in Chateauguay and is buried in Malone. And a few miles east of Chateauguay on a quiet stretch of Route 11, is a store that attracts guitar players, hunters and passers-by whose cars, and stomachs, are running on empty. Today, NCPR and TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, continue our look at some very special places in the North Country. In the shadows of some newly-constructed wind turbines is Dick's Country Store and Music Oasis in Churubusco. Earlier this summer Varick Chittenden and Joel Hurd visited the store and learned why musicians and hunters travel hundreds and even thousands of miles to this North Country landmark.  Go to full article

Sep 11, 2007 — Many communities define themselves, at least somewhat, by their food traditions. Clinton County is no exception to this with it's take on the classic american chili dog called the Michigan. Today NCPR and TAUNY, Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, continue our look at very special places in the North Country. While michigans are easy to find in and around Plattsburgh, many of the original establishments that have served michigans since the 1940s have gone away. But one place, Clare and Carls, is still going strong, selling hundreds of hot dogs a day for the few months it's open each year. Joel Hurd and Varick Chittenden visited the restaurant to find out why it's so popular.  Go to full article