Lake Placid Village, N.Y.—host of the first Winter Olympics in 1932 and again in 1980—is a base camp for year-round Adirondack adventures. The town is on the north border of the 6-million-acre state park that covers one-fifth of New York state. Take it easy with theater and performing arts events or strolling the quaint boutiques, specialty stores and shops on Main Street. Enjoy a wide array of great family day hikes from Cascade Mountain (easy to climb for panoramic views), Owl’s Head, Balanced Rocks or Cobble Hill, which is right in the village. For the more adventurous traveler, enjoy biking riding on roads that take you from lake to lake, mountain biking on intown trails and some of the best rock climbing in the Adirondacks.
Area events include the Songs at Mirror Lake held each Tuesday, June 30-Aug. 11. This free performance features bands at Mid's Park on Main Street. Bring chairs and a picnic, but remember there's no smoking or alcohol permitted. The 12th Annual I Love BBQ & Music Festival, held July 7-9, is rated one of the top 10 barbecue festivals in the nation, according to USA Today. The family-friendly Whiteface Mountain Oktoberfest, hosted on September 30 and October 1, celebrates Germany's Bavarian culture with authentic music, dancing, food and beer. Many summer bike, marathon and triathlon events are scheduled. Plan getaways at Lake Placid Tourism. lakeplacid.com.
Nonstop round trips to Albany, N.Y. average $186 on Delta. Albany is 140 miles, or about 2.5 hours, to Lake Placid. Closer is Burlington, VT at 62 miles. Rates average $326 on Delta, nonstop. Rates are based on 21-day advance purchase.
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BUDGET
Stay: Choose from a charming motel-style room or a multi-room family cabin with kitchenettes at the Cobble Mountain Lodge. This recently renovated lodge offers a variety of authentic Adirondack cabins from $159 and room rates from $99. On site is an outdoor pavilion with a fireplace barbecue. 2983 Wilmington Road, Lake Placid, N.Y. 518-302-5690, cobblemountainlodgellc.com.
Eat: Locals love Liquids and Solids. Menu "solids" include charcuterie for $6; small plates for$5-$13; and entrees for $15-$18. A four-course, food-and-beer pairing menu is offered every Friday evening for $59. The gastro pub serves beer, wine and creative cocktails. Al fresco patio seating is available on warm days. 6115 Sentinel Road, Lake Placid, N.Y. 518-837-5012, liquidsandsolids.com.
Experience: During any season, take a 30-minute walk to High Falls Gorge to see its four majestic waterfalls. The half-mile round trip of groomed paths and trails have sturdy bridges and glass floor walkways. At the gorge, stop for a break at the River View Cafe for lunch , a beer, or a choice of New York state wines. Take lunch to go to sit in the scenic picnic area along the AuSable River.highfallsgorge.com. And, you can drive four miles east of the village to South Meadow Farm, a family-run maple sugaring operation. Stock up on all things made with maple syrup. 67 Sugarworks Way, Lake Placid, N.Y. 518-523-9369, maplesyrup.net.
MODERATE
Stay: The rustic yet elegant Stagecoach Inn has been welcoming travelers since 1833. The inn is minutes from the village, and features Adirondack style details, from the two-story great room, one of four common rooms, to cozy guest accommodations with fireplaces and private baths. Rates start at $169 and include a home-cooked breakfast. 3 Stagecoach Way, 518-523-9698, Lake Placid, N.Y. lakeplacidstagecoachinn.com.
Eat: Family-friendly Lisa G's serves American comfort fare with a modern twist, such as schnitzel and grits. Try the daily special or the best burger in the Adirondacks. All-day lunch is about $10 and dinner is $14-$23. During the summer, dine out on the waterside patio. 6125 Sentinel Road, Lake Placid, N.Y. 518-523-2093, lisags.com.
Experience: Lake Placid hosts two of the nation's most prestigious equine events: the Lake Placid Horse Show and the I Love New York Horse Show. Nearly 1,000 horses and ponies gather for two weeks at the end of June and early July with international jumping competitions.
Lake Placid Horse Show. June 27-July 2.
I Love New York Horse Show. July 4-9
Both shows: 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $2 weekday, $5 weekends, 12 and under free. 5514 Cascade Road, Lake Placid, N.Y. 518-523-9625, lakeplacidhorseshow.com.
Also, take a one-hour, behind-the-scenes tour of the show grounds, stalls and tack rooms at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for just a dollar. Food and snack service is offered daily.
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SPLURGE
Stay: Cozy up in a sumptuous cabin at the Lake Placid Lodge, a legendary hotel originally built by hand during the arts and crafts movement. The Pine Cabin has a king-size bed, a comfortable sitting area in front of a wood burning fireplace, a deep soaking tub and a private porch with views of the lawn and lake. Other cabins, from $539-$989, offer views of Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain. Rates include a daily chef's treat, an evening nibble, turndown service and seasonal activities from bonfires, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. Various packages offer a third or fourth night free. 144 Lodge Way, Lake Placid, N.Y. 518-523-2700, lakeplacidlodge.com.
Eat: The View is a romantic but not fussy restaurant located at the Mirror Lake Inn. It's a place for special occasions and fine dining (AAA Four-Diamond). Entree prices are up to $49. Before or after dinner, take a one-hour walk around Mirror Lake. 77 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid, N.Y. 518-302-3000, mirrorlakeinn.com/dining/the-view.
Experience: The Adirondac Rafting Company offers family adventures on the wild and the scenic Hudson River Gorge through the Adirondack Mountains. A 16-mile run offers whitewater fun with all the gear, skilled guides and lunch in the remote gorge. Book a spring run for big water, in the summer or during the scenic fall foliage season. $89 per person; $79 each for six or more people. 6440 Route 30, Indian Lake, N.Y. 518-523-1635, lakeplacidrafting.com.
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Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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