Nestled in the Adirondack High Peaks, the town of Lake Placid blends Olympic-size adventure with a laid-back country vibe. Water abounds, both liquid and frozen, and you'll feel just as comfortable grabbing a seat on a mountain bike or in front of a cozy fire.
The Adirondacks have hosted relaxing getaways since at least the 19th century. After a visit, you'll agree-they're only getting better with age.
STEP ONE
Gear Up
Golf clubs or fishing rod? Skis, hiking boots, or bicycle? The required kit in Lake Placid is limited only by your own imagination and the vagaries of the season.
No matter what your plans, bring layered clothing and waterproof gear for the variable weather common to northern mountain locales. Fear not, a wide range of shops and outfitters can rent or sell you anything that's been left behind.
One thing you're not likely to need is formal attire. Nights on the town have a distinctly casual air in a place where they're fond of saying the stars outnumber the streetlights.
And don't forget a good book for that Adirondack chair.
STEP TWO
Pick Your Pastime
Take a Hike
Miles of trails await your feet. The Adirondack's greatest peaks are in the Lake Placid region, including the challenging 5,344-foot (1,629 meter) Mount Marcy—New York's highest point.
Seek solitude at one of the area's many quiet high-country ponds. Copperas Pond, off Route 86 at Wilmington Notch, offers great views of Whiteface Mountain.
Or simply stroll through town and around the pleasant shoreline of Mirror Lake on the 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) loop that is accessible directly from downtown Lake Placid.
Hit the Water
The Adirondacks are home to some 3,000 lakes and ponds and an additional 6,000 miles (9,660 kilometers) of rivers and streams. If you're at all aqua-minded you've come to the right place.
Test-drive a legendary Adirondack guide boat. Canoes and kayaks are also available for rent, whether you prefer a leisurely trip on Mirror Lake or an extended paddle-and-portage adventure on water trails once used by Native Americans and early settlers.
If you'd prefer to let someone else do the driving, cruise Lake Placid on an enclosed, circa-1900 boat from Lake Placid Marina.
Or sign up for a rafting trip. Hudson River Gorge offers exciting three-season white water in a wilderness setting. Bring your kayak or sign up for a rafting trip to explore Class III to V white water. Spring runoff makes that season best for thrill seekers, while warm temps and lower water are summer's appeal. Fall brings its own attraction—leaf peeping.
Wet a Line
The West Branch of the Ausable River is legendary among fly fishers, who pursue the river's wily trout among breathtaking natural surroundings. (Hatches heat up around May 1.)
The river is far from the only water in town. The nearby Saranac chain of lakes is a prime bass fishery, while Lake Placid and Mirror Lake are also popular spots to hook up.
Grab a Seat
Sit back and watch some of the world's best athletes showcase their skills. Perfecting sports from ski jumping to soccer, skating to skeleton sledding, top athletes train and compete year-round at Lake Placid's facilities. The Olympic Regional Development Authority maintains a calendar to help you keep track of the action (www.lakeplacid.com/dbsearch/public_orda/searchNew.cfm).
After watching the heroes of today and tomorrow, you can check out those of yesterday in the Lake Placid 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Museum.
Seek the Snow
Though its Olympic adventures are history, Lake Placid remains a world-class winter playground. Whiteface Mountain offers skiers the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies. Skaters can live their own dream on the downtown Olympic Oval—site of Eric Heiden's five-gold-medal performance. Adrenaline junkies can take a bobsled ride down the Olympic track—professional driver included.
Quieter pursuits are equally enjoyable. Try snowshoeing, sleigh riding, or just sipping a cup of something hot in front of a roaring fire.
STEP THREE
Know When to Go
There's no bad time to visit Lake Placid. The town is probably best known as a winter wonderland—for good reason. Though the days are short and cold, the town's unmatched facilities ensure enough skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing to satisfy even the most die-hard powder hounds.
The spring thaw gets rivers running and paddlers smiling. Bursts of color appear as wildflowers come into their own. Bugs come out also, but among them are hatches to excite fly-fishers.
The Adirondacks in summer are a study in blue and green, with vast forested mountains dotted with thousands of lakes. The town's cultural calendar is also in full swing during the summer season.
Fall means foliage, of course. Bright sunny days and nippy nights create the panoply of colors that makes the region a leaf-peeping paradise.
STEP FOUR
Get There
Drive time is about five hours from Boston or New York. At Route 87's Exit 30, take Route 9 north for two miles (3 kilometers) to Route 73. Route 73 stretches some 28 miles (45 kilometers) to the Lake Placid area.
The Adirondack Regional Airport is located in Lake Clear, about 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Lake Placid.
STEP FIVE
Catch Some Z's
From campsites to cabins, cozy inns to swanky spa resorts, Lake Placid has accommodations for every taste. You couldn't sample them all, even over the course of dozens of trips, though you'd surely have fun trying.
The Lake Placid visitors bureau site (www.lakeplacid.com) is a great place to begin exploring your options.
-Brian Handwerk
Photograph by Michael Melford
