Shepard's Cove Lake George

Look what we've been missing since our twenties! At some point during that decade we decided to avoid Lake George Village in the summer season. Too much traffic, too crowded, too expensive, what - pay for parking! When we sat at the lakeside bar at Shepard's Cove on Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, Pam took in the breeze from the open doors and windows, cast her glance out on the lake, listened to solo act Rich Ortiz playing his acoustic music and felt she had been cheating herself all those years.

Our bartender, Jonny, flattered us by insisting on seeing our ID's. We knew immediately that he was going to be fun. We informed him of our purpose in visiting on that day, and after he and the other bartender finished ribbing us about having to "work" on Memorial Day weekend, we ordered our drinks and took in the interior scenery. Jonny answered our technical questions when time permitted. Reminiscent of a young bartender named Brian, whom Pam groomed during her former days as a regular at the Garrison, Pam plied Jonny for some of his favorite drink recipes. Her relationship with Brian had eventually culminated in a "drink of the day" game between them, and Jonny took the bait. Here are a few delicious concoctions he shared with us:

Jonny's Raspberry
Raspberry vodka
Sour apple liqueur
fresh lemon juice
fresh lime juice
cranberry juice
1 pkt sugar
shaken over ice




Purple Rain
Grape vodka
Blue curacao
cranberry juice

We settled in immediately, relaxed and feeling for the first time on this quest like tourists on vacation. Shepard's Cove, light and airy, has a distinct beach house feel. Whitewashed pine walls trimmed in blue add a cool feel as a steady breeze finds its way through a wide opening to the spacious upper deck overlooking the lake. Another equally large deck resides on the lower level as well, with marina for those arriving by boat. Little thought seems to have gone into the decor, a confusing combination of a series of framed black-and-white celebrity photos and beer advertising giveaways; the ladies' room pepto pink. A scattering of both high and low tables provide seating in addition to the wraparound bar, which seats approximately 25 people. A modest stage is located inside to accommodate the mostly local bands who contribute to the Lake George nightlife; an area on the deck for acoustic performers on a lazy afternoon.

We did not have the opportunity to sample the food. A glance at the menu divulged an assortment of soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and appetizers in the $6 to $10 range. Entrees include a variety of steaks, seafood, ribs and pasta ranging from $13 to $22. We found the drink prices to be in the average range - around $5.00 for a beer or simple mixed drink. Kim tried a beer (of course she did!) new to her - a Magic Hat Wacko Summer Seasonal. Malty, slightly sweet, with a mild hop flavor and a gorgeous soft watermelon color, it was light and quenching and complemented Jonny's Raspberry perfectly. Pam instructed Jonny on the proper proportions to recreate the Grape Crush from the Barking Spider.

We are primarily "Happy Hour" patrons and found Shepard's Cove a perfect place to have lunch or spend an afternoon with family or friends. Our guess is that the patrons of the night are of a more youthful and energetic demographic, attesting to the versatility of Shepard's Cove. We look forward to our rediscovery of Lake George.

Bottoms Up and Cheers!
Happy Hour in the High Peaks

The Barking Spider Spins its Web

North Creek's close proximity to us and its lure of a number of pubs urged us to return on this pleasant Saturday afternoon. Our original plan had been to spend some time in two different bars, the first being The Barking Spider at 302 Main Street in North Creek; the second, Basil & Wicks on Route 28.

Our first visit was The Barking Spider. A tiny facade, nestled between two larger structures, the long, narrow interior of the tavern did not inhibit the sense of spaciousness yielded by the high ceilings, natural pine wainscoting, and unfinished wide-plank wood floors. Modestly decorated here and there with snowshoes, skis and art prints, it was uncluttered, lending an airy sense. The rear of the bar overlooked the North Creek train station and the Hudson River.

The draft beer selection was limited but varied and I ordered a Bear Naked Ale, crafted by the Adirondack Pub and Brewery in Lake George. I honestly don't know what bottled beers were available, but Pam had an Ultra and someone had a PBR in a can, so I assume there was something for everyone.

Tavern owner Tim McGraw's enthusiasm and willingness to share experiences and future plans for the bar were encouraging as was his humor in explaining the presence of the flag of the great state of New York, hanging in effigy overhead. (That's a story for another blog.) Terri, the bartender, was quite accommodating in her quest for a substitute for white zinfandel (Pam's drink of choice), which the Barking Spider does not stock.

A mix of patrons came and went throughout our two-and-a-half-hour visit. In fact, we were there longer than most. Representing a variety of age groups, regular visitors to the area, locals and winter sportspeople, the clientele were friendly and inquisitive, as we seemed to arouse curiosity as we scribbled observations in our notebooks. We assured them we weren't from the health department or up to no-good. We spoke with many who happily answered questions and made suggestions for other places to visit. The Bear Trap in Indian Lake was suggested a couple of times, so it looks as though we may be headed that way in the near future.

Our husbands eventually showed up (we said it was OK) and we left for dinner at Basil and Wick's. We are not restaurant reviewers, but I will say that, though the seating process was disorganized, the food was excellent. Basil and Wick's chili is the "Bands and Beans" award winner and both husbands ordered that, the plan being that the two of them would ride home together (taking their barking spiders with them). I think Basil and Wick's will be visited again when they're not so busy, so that we can properly review the bar.

It's already clear that it will be difficult to choose the top bars for our book. I predict we will find something positive and unique in every place we visit. I am pleasantly surprised at the enthusiasm and well-wishes Pam and I receive when we explain what we're up to, from customers and staff alike. You meet the nicest people in the Adirondacks!

Cheers,

Kim

A Visit to (not from) The Barking Spider

It was late Saturday afternoon, or was it early Saturday evening?  In January in the Adirondacks, if there's still daylight, we must cling to daytime and call it late afternoon.  It was late Saturday afternoon when we entered The Barking Spider.  This establishment was recommended to us, but I was already curious about it myself.  Last week I saw the sign from across the street while we were visiting Trapper's Tavern.  I was just far enough away, and at an awkward angle, to have trouble reading their sign and laughed later as I described the thought process to my sister.  It went something like this.  Reading horizontally, The Bar, The Bar King, The Barking?  But what's with the spider web worked into the sign below the name?  Aha, vertically, I read the word Spider.  Ooooh, The Barking Spider.  Now, keep in mind, I was sober and it wasn't dark yet.  Then, ok, what does that mean?  So, of course, when it was suggested that we check it out on our "quest", I had to go, not to mention that I found I know the owner.

It's a guy thing, and many of you may already know the meaning, but I did not.  While interviewing the owner, Tim McGraw, naturally I had to ask.  I think he knew the question was looming, and I think he has answered it just as delicately many times before.  It was his 8 year old son's idea - sure, blame it on the kid (they usually blame it on the dog)!  But then I'm really thinking...an 8 year old boy knows this term and I do not?  Tim proceeded with a description of a closely cramped hunting camp after a night of beer drinking, and noises in the night.  We were left to draw the obvious conclusion from there, as I will leave you as well.  If there's any doubt, Google it!

We met some nice people, almost immediately.  That's the way things are in the Adirondacks.  The bartender was pleasant and professional.  She was fairly busy so we didn't bother her with our plethora of questions but instead took in our surroundings and jotted some notes.  We got into a conversation with two men from New Jersey.  They have been coming to North Creek for 15 to 20 years so we reminsced about some bars gone by (some even before their time).  We learned a little about the imaginary line between North Creek and Indian Lake, skis vs. sleds, from Al Mulligan of Indian Lake.  We intend to cross that line with tires.  I believe the line melts with the snow, but wonder if a new line between canoes and motorboats replaces it.  Al owns the Adirondack Trail Motel, which is conveniently located across from the Bear Trap Inn in Indian Lake.  Good to have accommodations nearby if you really want to explore an Adirondack tavern.

Shift change... In comes the owner, Tim McGraw, who immediately gets to work restocking the bar.

More to come on The Barking Spider...

Bottoms up!
Pam

Coming soon...

We plan to return to North Creek this weekend.  This time we will try to squeeze in two reviews.  We'll start with The Barking Spider and make our way to Basil & Wicks.  I remember Basil & Wicks when it was a wee little bar.  It's all grown up now.  The Barking Spider - looking forward to the story behind that name.

Bottoms Up!
Pam