Lake Placid

The name well represents the location as it is exactly that, peaceful, and placid. Located in the far northern part of New York state, this is a great place for a serene getaway. Lake Placid was the home of the famous winter Olympics from 1932 and 1980. Because of these events, the area is full of things to do. From day trips with fun-filled activities to weekend stays, this place has it all. The village of Lake Placid is nestled in the Adirondack mountains, making this the ultimate travel destination.

To who

The beauty of Lake Placid is welcoming to families, solo travelers, couples, or groups looking for adventures or even a relaxing space to melt away stress. It takes about 5 hours from NYC to get to this majestic wonderland.

Things to do

Once visitors arrive in the village, they have a wide-variety of activities to divulge in. The activities vary widely depending on the season and time of year. In the summer months, hiking is a huge hit with the numerous trails it has to offer for both beginners and avid hikers.

If you are interested in activities on water; the lake offers fishing, boating, canoeing, and most recreational water activities. For those who prefer a greener landscape, you’re also covered as the Craig Wood golf course is large enough to play golf all day long on.

As this town was home of the winter olympics, many of its activities are centered around the winter months. During this time Lake Placid offers at least as much for its guests to do as in the summer months, if not more. There is cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, you probably can’t think of a winter sport that they wouldn’t have. Nearby Whiteface Mountain is a highly valued location for downhill skiing that will surely serve all levels. On the Toboggan Chute you can experience thrill while sliding down a 30-foot structure onto a frozen Mirror Lake.

The attractions at Lake Placid are naturally beautiful and offer everyone that visits more than enough to do for any much-needed getaway. No matter the time of year, this is a hot spot for those who know about it; the summer and winter months just happen to bring out the best adventures in Lake Placid.

Olympic Jumping Complex

A must visit location is the Olympic Jumping Complex. Here you get to experience a glimpse of the thrill that scareless ski jumpers face. Travel up to a ski jumping tower in a Skyride gondola. You can enjoy the incredible views of the Adirondack Mountains and witness the steep ramp ski jumpers head down on. If you want a more hands-on experience, slide down from a 70-foot tower with Sky Flyer Zipline. This breathtaking slide takes you down 700 feet, while you enjoy the views, while zooming by at over 30 miles an hour speed.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Nearby Mt. Van Hoevenberg has plenty of exciting activities for everyone. Surrounded by beautiful nature, cross-country skiing during the winter and cross-country mountain biking during the summer are great activities to enjoy here.

One of the things that you should certainly try is the Cliffside coaster. This ride combines the thrill of a rollercoaster while enjoying the incredible views, making this an unforgettable experience. If this sounds too scary, remember that you control the brakes and can go as fast or as slow as you are comfortable with.

If you are looking for even more of an adrenaline rush, then the Lake Placid Bobsled Experience is for you. It offers rides on over a half-mile-long bobsled track. This thrilling ride reaches speed up to 55 miles per hour and is not for the faint of heart.

Whiteface Mountain

Only about a 30 minute drive from Lake Placid is Whiteface Mountain. This famous outdoor activity destination has something for every season. Hiking during the summer and downhill skiing during the winter. If you are looking for an easier way to enjoy the incredible views, head up the Veterans’ Memorial Highway. Have an unique experience driving up New York’s fifth-highest peak at 4,867 feet. If you are not an avid hiker, this is a great way to get to experience views from a mountain top.

High Falls Gorge

High Falls Gorge is a privately owned nature park with a stunning hike along four waterfalls. They can accommodate all levels and ages, which makes it an easy location for families with children or multi-generational groups. The walk takes around 45 minutes but you can make this a half-day visit by enjoying a lunch at their picnic area.

During the summer months they have two glass platforms for getting the best views. During the winter months you can see how ice forms on the cliffs of the waterfalls. Traction devices are offered for your footwear and you can also experience snowshoeing on their separate one mile long trail.

Where to eat

Looking for soul food or a beverage to enjoy as you wind down by a fire each night? The Great Adirondack Brewing Company offers specialty brews that you can’t get anywhere else. This place is known to be a favorite by the many who visit and keep them coming back. There is also outdoor seating available around the year on their dog-friendly patio.

Top of the Park is a great choice for cocktails and small plates of thoughtfully paired ingredients. Right by the Mirror Lake with a gorgeous view, this is the perfect place to go enjoy a sunset.

For breakfast or brunch, you can’t go wrong with the Breakfast Club, etc.. Both the breakfast and the view are just incredible at this place. Your day will get a great start when it starts from here.

To sum up

Lake Placid is a place where a person can escape without feeling crowded and in which that allotted peaceful fun. Though the beauty and history of this remarkable village are well known and popular, the place has room for many and allows everyone of all ages to enjoy everything it offers. In summer, winter, or all seasons between, the mountains, lake, and lodge hold something special for every traveler. Lake Placid is a vacation for any holiday, event, or even day trip to see new things, learn new things, or gain tranquility. With the placid calmness of the water, the twisting trails of the mountains, and mother nature, this should be the next vacation for everyone. New Yorkers should definitely go experience this amazing attraction that their state holds.