We try to find the time to make sure some of the items being sent to family and friends are “made in the Adirondacks.” That special moniker indicates a range of products from maple treats or rhubarb concentrate to elaborate bark-trimmed furniture. Since we live in the Adirondacks we are fortunate to be able to share some of the bounty with other family members not so fortunate.

The advertisements for Black Friday specials come at such a steady stream of daily flyers and commercials that my head starts to ache. Black Friday may be the day to brave the mall, but Small Business Saturday is the day that I support the backbone of the Adirondacks: the downtown shops, business owners and restaurants.

Indian Lake, Inlet and Old Forge each have a weekend of activities planned that help make holiday gift-giving decisions easier. For the 16^th year Indian Lake is celebrating its Country Christmas Tour November 29-30. New to that event is the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts musical production of Miracle on 34^th Street at the Indian Lake Theatre and a children’s story time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

According to Event Organizer Annelies Taylor the Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour is a unique opportunity to not only shop locally, but also meet the artists and crafts people making the merchandise.

“There is a map to all the various area locations,” says Taylor. “People can see how the different artists work, have a hot chocolate and find the perfect gift. That makes this different than other places. You won’t find anything ‘Made in China’ here. Some artists will be making their products while you watch. The model train exhibit is back again with all sorts of scenery and trains running at the same time.”

Each year children are  invited to make presents during the “Gifts to Give” workshop. Last year the children’s craft was a stamped picture frame. This opportunity not only gives kids the chance to think of others, it allows parents a moment to complete their own holiday shopping.

The Inlet and Old Forge Christmas On Main Street is once again hosting horse drawn wagon rides, treasure hunts and face painting for the young ones. Those unique Adirondack shops and artists galleries will be open throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, November 29 – December 1, allowing each person  the opportunity to search for those perfect gifts. The Old Forge businesses are making sure everyone has a chance to visit with a second helping of holiday activities, December 6-8.

I hope you are able to find everything you are looking for. Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo of  Willemson’s Model Trail Exhibit used with the permission of Annelies Taylor of Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour