Paradox Brewery Has BIG Plans for North Hudson
Our Bike Adirondacks Partner of the Month for June are the fine folks at the Paradox Brewery, who have a brand spanking new 25,000 square foot brewery just off Exit 29 of I-87 in North Hudson. Owners Paul and Joan Mrocka and their talented brew crew can produce 50,000 barrels a year at this new facility that also boasts a tasting room, merchandise sales area, and an outdoor pavilion.
That’s a far cry from the 200 gallons a year that Paul used to brew at his Paradox Lake home after falling in love with brewing while stationed in Germany as an Army pilot. The Mrocka’s opened their first brewery in 2013 in a small building on Route 9 south of the village of Schroon Lake. The small outdoor serving area became so popular with local residents and summer visitors that an expansion was in order, and that fit right in with New York State’s plans to encourage economic development around Exit 29, where the beloved Frontier Town amusement park had closed down in 1998.
The vastly enlarged Paradox Brewery is part of that plan, and the new facility opened in the first week of March, 2020–just in time to close down again due to Covid except for sales for customer pick-up. But as the pandemic recedes, the word is spreading that Exit 29 is the place to be for great beer, food, and fun at the new state campground and equestrian park. Plus more is on the way, according to Paradox Marketing Manager Meghan Eagan. A second outdoor pavilion is under construction, and Eagan says “We’re open to ideas” for other events including festivals, live music, and a vaccine clinic that’s already scheduled for June.
“We are in the middle of the Adirondacks, we appreciate the outdoors, and it’s a great way to have our name out there and be part of the community. We’re trying to branch out and let people know who we are, and this partnership with Bike Adirondacks is a great way to do that.”
That partnership is already bearing fruit with the Handlebarley gravel ride, scheduled for September 25 at the Brewery. The 41-mile mixed surface ride will feature a route that’s 95% on rural backroads, avoiding traffic and emphasizing the rich scenery and history of the area. In addition to full ride support with two staffed rest stops and a pizza fest with live music at the finish, the event also includes a stop at the Penfield Homestead Museum. The museum in Ironville features original artifacts from the early pioneer Penfield family and other historic Crown Point homes, as well as exhibits covering the local iron industry, town history and involvement in the Civil War.
“Paradox Brewery is set up perfectly to host a cycling event,” said Bike Adirondacks owner Doug Haney. “Not only is their beer delicious, but the brewery itself is magnificent and features easy access from the Northway and fabulous views of the southern Adirondack peaks. Plus, the road and gravel route options from the brewery are endless.”
Registration for the Handlebarley is now open.
