Vacation In The Adirondacks
Vacation In The Adirondacks – Not only does Upstate New York offer you the chance to fully enjoy the outdoors, it also offers worldly scenery that few other regions can match.
Earlier this year, I was looking back on the amazing vacation I took with my partner in the Adirondacks. The Adirondacks are a special place to us, as it was where we went on our first real vacation together. We were new partners and it was a new relationship where we had yet to learn one another’s tastes and quirks. I wanted to take Lisa somewhere that would make her smile, somewhere that would relax us both and delight us both, but I wasn’t sure what those places might be. I wanted to get away from it all but still experience something memorable without spending an arm and leg. Yet I also wanted to avoid tourist areas that I would be pre-judged for driving a minivan and not some kind of “camper” vehicle, which is pretty much the only vehicle option in the Adirondacks anyway. With those goals in mind, here’s what we decided upon:
The Adirondack Mountains of New York is an exciting and scenic place to vacation. Find out why the Adirondacks are a great area to be your next vacation destination.
There are many places you can go for a day off or a week-long trip. You will find that the location should fit in with your vacation plans, and is within your budget. You should also consider what activities are available at the location you choose. Here are some popular vacation spots that may suit your interests.
Did you know New York State has over 28,000 miles of fishable waters? Charter a guide to help you catch your share.
Vacation In The Adirondacks
Located in the northeastern corner of New York State, the beautiful Adirondack Mountains are one of the region’s top tourist attractions and home to several of New York’s top ski resorts. It’s also where you’ll find some of the state’s best hotels and resorts.
Given the region’s natural beauty and ruggedness, it’s perhaps no surprise that many of the best places to stay focus on an authentic American lodge-style of accommodations. This is certainly true of top locations such as The Whiteface Lodge and Lake Placid Lodge, both located in the historic village of Lake Placid and appealing to those who enjoy a little luxury with their outdoor experience.
Also worth considering are the Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, also in Lake Placid, and The Point on Saranac Lake, both of which offer a high-level of quality and elegance.
Find the best place to stay for your next mountain vacation with our list of the top resorts in the Adirondacks.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid
The sumptuous 5-star Lake Placid Lodge is a fine luxury property that offers an authentic Adirondack vacation experience. Built in traditional wilderness lodge fashion, with rough-hewn beams and plenty of stone features, this charming lodge-style accommodation is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux luxury group of hotels.
Its excellent suite-style accommodation options are definitely upscale, and can, in some cases, be combined to make even larger multi-bedroom units. A popular choice are the lodge king rooms. These deluxe units feature king beds, spacious bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, as well as real woodburning fireplaces. They also feature furnished balconies. (Accessible rooms are available for those with mobility issues.)
In addition to its large meeting and conference rooms and indoor activities, such as cooking and arts and crafts classes, the lodge also makes full use of its natural setting to provide plenty of outdoor fun. Highlights include water-based activities such as fishing, paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as wildlife interactions. And in winter, guests can enjoy such fun activities as dogsledding, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Regular family movie nights are also hosted. Feeling peckish? Enjoy a meal in the on-site restaurants, including both fine- and casual dining options.
Accommodation: Lake Placid Lodge
2. The Point, Saranac Lake
Considered one of the most stylish vacation addresses in the Adirondacks, the elegant adults-only The Point on Saranac Lake should be on everyone’s bucket list of must-visit destinations – and be sure to add the words “romance” and “Boathouse” in brackets after the resort’s name.
This plush 5-star resort’s most requested accommodation, The Boathouse literally sits atop the lake above the resort’s boat storage. Notable features include a large master bedroom with a four-poster canopied bed, a spacious bathroom with a bathtub big enough for two, plus a pair of twin beds hanging from the ceiling of the huge wrap-around deck. Adding to the luxury (and the romance) are a large fireplace, a dining table for two, and plenty of comfy spots to relax.
When not lounging about in your comfortable quarters, head out for a day of fishing, waterskiing, or boating (or a little of all of them). Other sporting activities available to guests include tennis, croquet, or badminton. Use of canoes and kayaks are included with your stay, and barbecues are provided.
Accommodation: The Point
3. The Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid
Just a few minutes’ drive away from the village of Lake Placid, the 4-star Whiteface Lodge blends in well with the natural surroundings thanks to its rustic log construction. The emphasis is very much on luxury experiences, from world-class amenities that include a full-service spa and fine dining in its splendid restaurants, to the inclusion of its very own movie theater.
Also available for guests to enjoy are a fitness center, heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool, and hot tubs. There are also tennis courts, a games room, campfires, and even an ice-cream parlor to sample during your stay.
A popular choice of accommodations at The Whiteface Lodge are the spacious one-bedroom units. Designed with a nod to the region’s past, these elegant units come with separate bedrooms with king or queen beds plus a pullout queen-sized sofa bed in the expansive living area. They also boast large bathrooms with jet tubs, and custom-made furnishings and accessories. (If available, ask for a suite with a fireplace.)
Accommodation: The Whiteface Lodge
4. Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, Lake Placid
Another excellent 4-star choice for a Lake Placid getaway, the elegant Mirror Lake Inn offers a variety of luxurious accommodation options. A popular option are the bright and airy “Lookout Rooms.” These exquisite suites come with two queen beds, tile flooring throughout, and huge windows offering superb views over the lake or mountains. They also feature a separate seating space that can be closed off from the bedroom area.
Better still for larger families are the 1,200-square-foot family suites. These spacious units cover two levels and boast three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a full-kitchen, and a large living room with a cozy fireplace.
The amenities consist of a large, heated indoor swimming pool with its adjoining hot tub and sauna, along with a fitness center. There are also a variety of dining options from which to choose, most including kid-friendly menu items. Be sure to try the resort’s afternoon tea experience.
Golfers are granted privileges at the nearby Whiteface Club, while skiers and snowboarders are just steps away from the slopes.
Accommodation: Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa
5. High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid
Consisting of three distinct – and distinctive – vacation properties, the 4-star High Peaks Resort is located in the very heart of historic Lake Placid. Whichever building you stay in, you won’t be disappointed: the accommodations are of a high-quality and comfortable, each with a décor and design that reflects its Adirondacks roots.
A great choice for couples and families alike are the spacious one-bedroom suites. These spacious units each come with a good-sized private entrance area, a large living room, plus a wet bar with mini-fridge and microwave. They also feature a dining area and two private furnished balconies.
On-site amenities include a large state-of-the-art fitness center, and an impressive four swimming pools (two indoor, two outdoor). Kayaks and paddleboards are available for guest use. Casual and fine-dining restaurants are also available.
Accommodation: High Peaks Resort
6. The Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing
Constructed in 1883 and carefully restored to maintain its charm and character, the elegant 4-star Sagamore Resort on Lake George remains a popular Adirondack getaway destination. Highlights of a stay at this 70-acre resort include its casual and fine-dining establishments, a heated swimming pool and having plenty of space to spread out and relax.
It’s also a great fishing spot, and canoes and kayaks are available for guest use. Other highlights include a reproduction touring vessel offering trips across the lake, as well as a spa, tennis courts, and a championship golf course.
The resort consists of 137 rooms and suites, each boasting Adirondack-themed décor. Expect standard features to include quality furnishings, spacious marble-accented bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, pullout sofa beds, and balconies (some with lake views).
For a truly luxurious stay, book into “The Castle.” This stunning 2,000-square-foot vacation home comes with no less than six bedrooms and four bathrooms. Other features include five gas fireplaces, a full kitchen, dining and living rooms, and superb lake views.
Accommodation: The Sagamore Resort
7. Garnet Hill Lodge, North River
A popular back-to-nature destination for couples and families alike, the 3-star Garnet Hill Lodge looks every bit as if it has always been a part of the landscape. This historic, rustic lodge has in fact been offering quality Adirondack vacations for decades and continues to attract guests year-round for such activities as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, hiking, biking, and white-water rafting. Best of all, use of the resort’s canoes, kayaks, and bikes is included with your stay.
On-site amenities include a restaurant with lake views (be sure to try the fish and chips). Their hearty breakfast is complimentary.
A variety of accommodations are available, including two standalone cabins set in the surrounding woods. Other popular choices include the traditional log house rooms with good-sized marble bathrooms and glass showers. If available, be sure to request a lake view.
Accommodation: Garnet Hill Lodge
8. Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, Lake Placid
Highly regarded for its respect for the environment, the family-owned Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort in Lake Placid offers guests a modern take on the traditional Adirondack resort vacation. A highlight of a stay is relaxing on this 3-star resort’s private sandy beach or hopping aboard a rowboat, kayak, paddleboat, or canoe (paddleboards are also available).
Other amenities include a large, heated indoor swimming pool with adjoining hot tubs, steam bath, and sauna, as well as a well-equipped fitness center. There’s also an on-site restaurant offering casual food.
A great choice for families are the two room Algonquin Suites, which can sleep up to five guests. Features include a master bedroom with a king bed, a living area with a pullout couch and authentic wood-burning fireplace, HDTV, and a private balcony. They also come with a mini-fridge, a microwave, Keurig coffee maker, and a spacious bathroom with a jet tub. Larger two-bedroom units are also available.
Accommodation: Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
9. Crowne Plaza Lake Placid
The 3-star Crowne Plaza Lake Placid is a great choice for those seeking a high-end vacation location in the Adirondacks. The amenities are top-notch and include a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center, an indoor heated swimming pool plus hot tub, and on-site dining.
Its lakeside location is a real draw, with inspiring views from pretty much everywhere, including at the hotel’s fire pits, where guests congregate each night.
The accommodations are equally high-quality, and include a number of accessible units for those with mobility challenges. Options include king or double queen beds with upgraded mattresses and bedding, work desks, HDTVs, and spacious bathrooms.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Lake Placid
10. The Alpine Lodge, North Creek
The Alpine Lodge in North Creek was constructed in the Adirondack Great Camp style. Just a five-minute drive to Gore Mountain, which is a popular winter ski destination, Alpine Lodge is also within walking distance of downtown North Creek’s shops and restaurants.
The 3-star hotel has a mix of rooms and suites, including family rooms. The most expensive rooms here come with Jacuzzis and wood stoves that create a romantic ambience. The decor throughout is mountain chic with lots of polished wood, giant area rugs, and cozy leather couches.