LOCALadk Magazine

e fort itself has been painstakingly restored, and in some cases supplemented with beautiful stonework outlining the signature perimeter of the fort that served as a lookout for activity on the lake. Every few yards, another cannon was pointed in the direction of approaching adversaries. Guarding them stood military representatives, passionate ambassadors of the story behind them. is is a living example of fort life, as these history enthusiasts take on the roles of tailor, shoemaker, guard, carpenter, and cook. ese doyens of history live their roles authentically, as their uniforms are made on-site using materials and methods of the era; shoes are handcraed from leather; and staff "mess" is cooked over open fires each day using reproduced 18th century tools. e story is alive and well and represented as if the visitor were taken back to the 1700s. e place is real, and so is the food. ese early cooks may not have had the advantage of today's chefs and kitchens, but they had the skill and the palate to adequately feed the fort's community. Each reenactor of fort life knows their role and the history behind their cra. ey are well-trained and proud of their work. For a moment it was difficult to tell the difference between the reality of today and the moment in time represented. e fort sits on a parcel of 2,000 acres that include dramatic vistas throughout; heirloom apple orchards; the King's Garden, offering beautiful floral arrangements reminiscent of the days of Washington and Jefferson; vegetable gardens that support the on-site restaurants; and battle entrenchments that provided cover for soldiers under fire. e Pell family, who had purchased the land in 1820 and restored the fort for public admiration, also lived on the property, and built a magnificent home, the Pavilion. e Pavilion is a National Historic Landmark and is considered the earliest summer home built for that purpose in America. Aer transferring the entire property to what would become the Fort Ticonderoga Association in 1931, the place continued to go through a process of restoration. In 2021, the 6,000 square foot Pavilion was restored to its original glory as a centerpiece to the view of Lake Champlain. From the shore, just a few hundred yards from the Pavilion, rests the Carillon (the original name of the fort), a 40-seat wooden cra that takes visitors on a 75-minute boat tour around the perimeter of the lake—complete with a story that vividly describes the battles that took place and the wrecks that lie deep in the waters below. e on-site café, and now the Pavilion, serve various restaurant menu items to the public, but will be transitioning to a more significant role in the future. Intent on bringing the fort to a more treasured role for visitors to the region, Fort Ticonderoga is entering a phase of improvements to transform the 2,000 acres into a food and beverage destination for events and fort visitors alike. In the next year or so, the property will become one of the most sought- aer venues for weddings, conferences, workshops, classes, and festivals, with the added perk of reenactments as a backdrop. Food will provide memorable dining and educational culinary stories for all who participate in fort events. e restaurant outlets will move toward exciting menus that connect to the international story of the fort, the types of food that are inspired by original recipes, and a strong alignment with local farmers and producers as well as the fort's vegetable gardens. From the Fall Heroic Corn Maze Adventure to battle reenactments, meaningful food will be the common thread that ties the experience together. is unique property is about to become a true food and beverage destination, a place to return to oen. As I walked through the magnificent King's Garden, filled with heritage flowers, from vivid red poppies to black tulips and manicured perennials, took in the aroma of fresh herbs, and admired the variety of heirloom apples that are destined for property pies and fall apple butter, I wondered why it took me so long to return to this special place, a place where history does grace the dinner table. Visit Fort Ticonderoga soon, and oen, and watch as the transformation continues to unfold. e history, the views, the action, the people, and the food are not to be missed. FORT TICONDEROGA: https://www.fortticonderoga.org/ LOCALadk 22

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