Last summer I had the chance to experience the beautiful Adirondack region for the first time – ever.
I fell in love with the friendly people, the gorgeous mountain landscape, sparkling lakes, delectable craft beer breweries and luscious vineyards, and, I fell in love with all the beautiful little villages that dot this Northern New York wilderness paradise.
In particular, the village of Lake Placid.
LAKE PLACID – COME PLAY!
While I was able to lay my head for only one night in this world-class village, this was long enough for me to know that, one day, I will return to this picturesque village, on the shores of Mirror Lake, to truly explore all that Lake Placid has to offer.
OVER A CENTURY OF SNOWBALL FIGHTS!
With a reputation as “America’s First Winter Resort”, Lake Placid has been a winter destination for over 100 years! Lake Placid was made for winter!
Best known for hosting both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid’s place on the competitive sport’s stage began way back in 1920 with the “Lake Placid Skating Trio” of speed skaters Charles Jewtraw, James Hennessy, and Ray Bryant, who were the most significant factor in creating the association between Lake Placid and winter sports.
“Lake Placid and the Adirondacks provide an ideal winter landscape for extreme outdoor enthusiasts as well as for those who just like to play in the snow. From the backcountry trails for skiing and snowshoeing, to the groomed trails at Cascade and Mt. Van Hoevenberg cross-country ski centers, skiers will find the perfect surface to kick and glide. And for those more vertically-inclined, the region offers ice climbing routes galore!”
So what’s MY perfect Adirondack Snow Day?
With SO much to see and do in the Lake Placid region, it’s super hard to narrow things down to the “perfect Adirondack Snow Day”, but I think I’ve done it!
Oh Chute! Of course, the big kid in me would HAVE to try Lake Placid’s favorite unique, family friendly, affordable sledding experience – the Lake Placid Tobbogan Chute – that takes riders down a recycled ski jump and out onto the frozen surface of the lake. It looks like so much FUN!
Take a hike! The Adirondack peaks are accessible even in winter! I’d take another hike up Mount Jo…or maybe even Mount Van Hoevenberg. There’s nothing like the view from the top of the Adirondacks!
Take a walk on the Wild side! I would love to head back to the fabulous Wild Center! No matter the season, the Wild Center is a “must-see” attraction in the Lake Placid area! Fun for kids of ALL ages!
It’s all down hill from here! I could NOT visit the Lake Placid area in winter without hitting the slopes for a little downhill skiing action! Whiteface Mountain has diverse terrain, suitable for everyone from novice skiers, to those with advanced abilities on the slopes. Kids can even enjoy a resort of their own at Whiteface Mountain’s family favourite Kids Kampus.
Practice my Triple Salchow! Of course I’m kidding about that…for me, it would be more like practicing how to stay upright on two skates. Despite my lack of skating talent, skating the 2-mile plowed track that circumnavigates Mirror Lake, where the famous “Lake Placid Skating Trio” used to practice, sounds magical.
Down on Main Street! A trip back to Lake Placid wouldn’t be complete for me without a stroll down Main Street. Hugging the shore of Mirror Lake, quaint shops and restaurants line this charming village street. There’s so much to explore on Main Street, and you’ll often find the store’s owner behind many shop counters, waiting to welcome you into their establishments. There is definitely a sense of Lake Placid pride from the friendly locals in this town!
Check out what’s on tap! One of my favourite things to check out when I travel is local breweries. Lake Placid is home to one of the best New York State breweries – the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery. After a full day of playing in the great Lake Placid outdoors, slip inside the pub for some tasty pub fare, and be sure to try their award-wining Ubu Ale. Does that name sound familiar? Sit Ubu Sit. Good dog.
Quite frankly, one day is just not enough time to truly enjoy the Lake Placid region and the many great things this destination has to offer. To do a getaway to Lake Placid justice, you really need to stay a night or two. When you do, be sure to check out Hotel North Woods, a family owned and operated hotel, located on Main Street in the heart of Lake Placid. If you see charming Hotel North Woods owner, Gary Smith, be sure to say hello…and tell him Canadian Blog House sent you!
I’ve barely scratched the (ice) surface here with all the family friendly activities there are to do in Lake Placid! Take a look for yourself and discover YOUR perfect Adirondack snow day! Get creative and have fun…and you just might find yourself in Lake Placid this winter discovering your inner bobsledder!
For your chance to WIN your perfect Adirondack snow day, visit the Lake Placid website and enter your video before February 28, 2016!! Winners must claim prize/arrange lodging before March 31, 2016. Please be sure to read official contest rules before entering! Good luck my friends!!
For more Lake Placid, Adirondacks USA fun, follow Lake Placid on Twitter @LakePlacidADK, like Lake Placid on Facebook, and follow Lake Placid on Instagram!
Lake Placid. Come Play!
Disclosure: Canadian Blog House received compensation for this post. All opinions are our own.
