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A new kind of trail

In the heart of the picturesque Whiteface Region in New York, where the Adirondack Mountains and the Ausable River have forged a stunning, inspiring landscape, something wooly is going on! The NY Fiber Trail, a state-wide self-guided tour with stops at farms, shops, and artist’s studios, includes a stop in the Whiteface Region, an area abundant with farms and destinations perfect for knitters, crochet devotees, creators of felted wonders, and more! 

The NY Fiber Trail offers a passport, which travelers can have stamped at each stop or destination. It makes for a fun, interactive experience and a great way to chart your adventures, and, at the end of the season, you can submit a photo to the Trail to enter to win a gift card to the shop of your choice! The trail is a carefully-curated network of fiber farms, artisan studios, and yarn shops that showcases the beauty of natural, locally sourced fibers. The trail is a great opportunity to connect with and explore the artistic community in the Whiteface Region, while appreciating the splendor of the region's landscape.

A palette of natural fibers

The only official Fiber Trail stop located within the Adirondacks is right here, in scenic Upper Jay. Yarns at Young’s Studio & Gallery, owned by artist and Adirondack native Sue Young, offers a wide selection of high-quality yarns sourced from farms and artisans both local to the Adirondacks and beyond. Sue offers special events, including wool yarn dyeing workshops, welcomes knitters for things like World Wide Knit in Public Day, and much more. 

Two women browse an art gallery and fiber arts shop.

Young’s shop — which also features her handcrafted pottery and the work of other local artists — sells yarn and other fiber art supplies in a range of all-natural formats: from silk and linen to alpaca and Merino wool, the offerings at the shop are a dream for knitters. Not a knitter yourself, but interested? Don’t let that stop you! Young’s carries knitting kits, while Sue is a great source of friendly advice and guidance. She can help you choose the perfect yarn for your next project.

A colorful array of skeins of wool radiate outwards from a small orange pumpkin.

Yarns at Young's is not just a yarn shop; it's also a gallery showcasing the incredible talents of local artisans. You can purchase amazing creations that are already finished! You just might find your next favorite ski hat right here. Browse scarves, hats, mittens, bags, socks, and more!

Close-up of a hand-knit winter hat and skeins of all-natural wool on display.

Blue Pepper Farm: a wooly paradise

Since you’re in the area and you’re feeling warm and cozy, don't miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Blue Pepper Farm, located just over two miles away from Young’s Studio & Gallery. This family-owned sheep farm is a hidden gem which doesn’t just produce fabulous products, it also has overnight options so visitors can enjoy the true Adirondack farmhouse experience. 

Blue Pepper Farm is home to a flock of happy sheep, whose wool is sheared every year in late winter. The Eaton family skirts the wool themselves, and it is then carefully processed in a mill downstate to create high-quality, Animal Welfare Approved-yarn. By purchasing Blue Pepper’s yarns, you're not only supporting a local business but also having the unique experience of connecting with the source of your fiber arts passion!

Blue Pepper Farm offers unique farmstay experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in farm life or simply take in the stunning Adirondack views from your porch. Help pick fresh veggies for dinner, sample the farm’s fresh, organically-raised lamb, eggs, and pork, and gain a deeper appreciation for the natural fibers you use in your projects. Choose from a farmhouse fit for a family reunion, a more adventurous yurt, or a cozy mini cabin.

Sheep graze on a green meadow with a mountain range in the near background.
Image courtesy Blue Pepper Farm.

Get close to fall

The NY Fiber Trail passport contest runs through October 31, 2023, giving you the perfect excuse to combine fall foliage and wooly fun! While you're here, there are trails to walk and hike, great restaurants to enjoy the local harvest, and a variety of attractions and special fall events. You'll be able to soak up fall in the Whiteface Region, and enjoy our cozy, beautiful region.

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