Arts, History & Culture

The creative spirit is very much alive in the Adirondack North Country Region. Venues for music, theater, dance, and film are in many locations along the Scenic Byways. Performers cherish the opportunity to enjoy the region’s scenery and fresh air while honing their craft. You will find well-known performers at a local theatre company or concert hall. Our museums help you understand local traditions and conditions, from the Great Camps of the Gilded Age to the effects of global warming on the northern forest. A variety of cultural sites interpret the stories of resourceful individuals who have carved a living from the land.

From your vehicle you will see the beauty of the landscape that has drawn artists and writers to the region for over a century. The region’s distinctive cultural heritage springs from the natural resources that first drew people to the region and planted the seed for the communities you see today. Few other places exist where you can see how geology and geography play an integral role in forming the human environment. A Scenic Byways journey will allow you to visit the places and meet the people that will help you experience a way of life that continues to sustain the culture and economy of the region.

While traveling through many Scenic Byway communities you will find much of the local history in easy view at significant landmarks and buildings, vestiges of the past that are proudly preserved for continued use today. Plan to explore each of the Scenic Byway communities where a stroll along the main street will reveal those historical treasures, along with a friendly shop owner, an informative librarian, an artist at work, a comfortable local diner and many other hidden gems.

Prepare for an authentic experience. Art lovers will want to check out the galleries galore and take in the art in public spaces. A stop at a farmer’s market or roadside stand provides the opportunity to obtain local foods, syrup, and hand-made products. A number of resources will assist you to learn more about a historical society, arts association, agricultural program or museum.

Adirondack North Country Scenic Byway Arts, History & Culture attractions include:

For More Information on Arts, History & Culture

• Adirondack Architectural Heritage
• Adirondack Farmers’ Market
• Adirondack North Country Association
• Adirondack North Country Crafts
• Arts Council for the Northern Adirondacks
• Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
• St. Lawrence County Arts Council, NY
• Traditional Arts in Upstate NY (TAUNY)