This Is The Adirondack Mountains's Quirkiest Little Town
Speculator, New York, is a town of about 400 full-time residents, but this small town is big enough to fit a second “town” inside of it. Though its location makes it a desirable hub for outdoor adventure, one of the most alluring attractions in Speculator is its own mini-Route 66 within the town's borders.
In addition to the charming small village, there are also rocks in the shape of pigs, caves that can barely fit more than one human at a time, and a mini waterfall all within reach. One visit to this tiny town, and you'll see why Speculator is the quirkiest little town in the Adirondack Mountains.
Get Your Kicks
For any enthusiast of roadside attractions, peculiar landmarks, and notorious tourist traps, Route 66 is a can't-miss. The famed Route 66 runs 2,448 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. The large road(side) attraction features hundreds of distinct stops along the way, but for folks who can't take the time to make the full trek, you can just opt for the condensed version with a visit to Speculator. Here, visitors can roam through the Mini Route 66, an homage to the Great American Road Trip, but smaller.
Tucked deep in the Adirondack Mountains, the village contains a church, gas station, post office, general store, barber shop, school, and ice cream parlor, all constructed from scrap wood from the local lumber yard, odds and ends from garage sales, and obsolete businesses. The details in each building include antique objects, such as a wood stove, inkwell desks, and a real bell in the school. An elk weathervane sits atop the general store, as well as stocked shelves, and the gas station is equipped with antique pumps, while mannequins occupy the barber shop chairs. Although the buildings are locked for safety and preservation, guests can admire the details of not only the establishments but also those inside through the windows.
Outdoor Oddities
Visitors come to the Adirondacks to take in the remarkable views of mountains, forests, and lakes, and others come for a giant pig! Pig Rock can be found on the curbside of Route 30, just north of town. A giant rock resembling a painted pig welcomes guests. The rock is believed to have been painted by a local family’s daughter in the 1960s and was saved from removal due to protests by local citizens when it was threatened by road widening. Also on the same route is Speculator Public Beach with a family-friendly sandy shore leading to Lake Pleasant.
For even more rock-focused attractions, hike down the Kunjamuk Trail to explore Kunjamuk Cave. Only 15 feet deep and 8 feet wide, the cave has a small window opening at the top. The 2.75-mile trail with an elevation gain of 150 feet will take explorers to the unique cave. Although the cave can also be accessed from the road, the hike offers more adventure and activity. Within the small cave, examples of geology and natural history can be found in a series of rock formations formed over thousands of years.
Take in more of the natural beauty of the Adirondacks by visiting Whiskey Brook Falls. Easily accessible from the road, this miniature waterfall is about 5 to 6 feet tall and is surrounded by towering boulders. From the parking lot, follow the bank of the creek upstream, and in about 50 feet, you'll hit the tiny but mighty falls.
Delight in an array of pursuits at Oak Mountain Ski Resort. Located in the southern Adirondacks, the resort offers a variety of activities: skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing in winter, and hiking, biking, pond skimming, and box races in summer. There's also the annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks event, which includes night skiing, live music, and skiers descending the mountain with torches in hand. Make the most of the day and end it with a dinner at Acorn Pub & Eatery. Pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and salads are just a few of the offerings available at the on-site restaurant.
Mini Route 66, Pig Rock, and Kunjamuk Cave aren’t the only distinctive sites in Speculator. Guests and locals often find themselves at Charlie Johns Store. The store prides itself on being a true general store, offering more than just groceries. There's also a bakery and deli, general merchandise, camping gear, souvenirs, and more for sale here. Charlie Johns has everything you might need to participate in any of Speculator’s all-season activities.
Grab A Drink
The mountains, the trees, and the flowing lakes are what make the Adirondacks serene and whimsical, but make sure not to overlook the other draws of Speculator. Relax a bit on Lake Pleasant and savor a craft-brewed beverage at Lemon Tree Brewery. Equipped with a lounge furnished with leather seating, a fireplace, and an outdoor space with a fire pit, this brewery's amenities let guests enjoy the indoors or the outdoors with good friends and good drinks.
As previously mentioned, the Oak Mountain Ski Resort contains a variety of activities, including dining at the Acorn Pub & Eatery. Quench your thirst with one of six craft beers on tap, innovative cocktails, or a Shirley Temple, while soaking in the mountain views. Stop in on a Thursday for its MexEcono Night, or enjoy any of their winter menu items, thoughtfully curated with a wide variety of options for skiers, snowboarders, and other adventurers looking for a hearty bite.
The 100-plus communities in the Adirondacks welcome visitors, and most come to soak in the panoramic views of mountains, lakes, valleys, cliffs, and forests. But make sure to check out the oddities that set this community apart from the others. Speculator is more than just a small town with big views; it's also quirky, charming, and unique. Take the trip and discover why Speculator is the quirkiest small town in the Adirondacks.
