Curator’s statement
The Adirondacks hold a special place in my heart and visiting Lake Placid brought back a flood of wonderful memories. My grandparents owned a "camp" on Lake George, part of the broader Lakes Region, which includes Saranac Lake, Mirror Lake, Lake Placid and Lake Champlain, among others. Every summer, my family would load up the station wagon - kids, dogs, cats, bikes, coolers and anything else that could fit and head up for the summer from Boston. The town of Lake Placid is nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of lakes, mountains and forests. Renowned for its natural beauty, it's a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Having hosted two Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980, the Village of Lake Placid also offers a charming array of shops and restaurants.
The Fora Difference
Book with Stephanie to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Lake Placid Lodge
Experience nature's beauty at Lake Placid Lodge.
Fora Perks
- ★
Food & beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Adirondack Hotel On Long Lake
Your lakeside haven in the heart of the Adirondacks, offering rustic charm and natural beauty for a serene stay in New York's wilderness.
The Lake Placid House
Your Adirondack escape in the heart of Lake Placid, where mountain views, cozy accommodations and outdoor adventures await
Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
Your lakeside retreat in Lake Placid, where stunning views, outdoor adventures and Adirondack charm combine for a memorable stay.
Unlock perks by contacting Stephanie to book your trip.
Day 1: Arrival at The Lake Placid Lodge
Upon arrival to this lakeside retreat, indulge in a complimentary glass of champagne and a homemade brownie, then check into one of the suites next to the main Lodge, providing a picturesque view of the lake. I opted for the Raquette Suite, which boasts two working fireplaces, full soaking tubs, showers, king bed and a private deck. The suites exude a rustic charm with spacious living areas, a petite sink and a mini fridge in the kitchenette.
After settling in, rendezvous at the dock for a 4pm boat ride on one of Lake Placid's grandest wooden vessels, a Hacker-Craft that claims to be the largest on the Lake. The ride is a feast for the eyes, offering an intimate view of the natural surroundings of the lake and its surrounding "camps."
Upon returning from this informative 1-hour boat trip, savor a drink at Maggie's Pub, grab a local Olympic Park schedule from the front desk and revel in the splendid view of the lake from one of the many Adirondack chairs. The tranquility offers a welcome respite from the bustle of everyday life.
The Lodge features two dining establishments: Maggie's Pub and Artisans. Reservations for dinner are recommended for both before arrival. However, for tonight, kindle a fire in the fireplace and order room service from Maggie's Pub. I suggest the cheese plate, followed by the Garganelli Bolognese with a Baby Gem Caesar Salad or the Lobster Roll (in season). Set up on the table of your private deck and enjoy the cricket serenade by the Lake.
Day 2: Explore Lake Placid village and embrace the Olympic legacy
Enjoy your included breakfast at Artisans, and be sure to secure a seat by the fireplace on the outdoor deck. After relishing your fill of coffee and pancakes, venture into Lake Placid Village. Explore the charming shops, then make your way to The Olympic Center. Immerse yourself in history and catch any games that might be in play. As a personal note, I was around 10 when the US clinched the Hockey gold medal, so standing on the actual rink where the "Miracle on Ice" took place was a breathtaking experience! Descend to the lower indoor rink and see if you can catch a glimpse of the Olympic Ice Skaters and Dancers refining their routines or even better, try your hand at skating.
Continue up Main Street to Big Mountain Deli. Select from an impressive array of 50 sandwiches, including savory crepes. Take your meal to go, then head behind the library (it may not seem like much). Secure one of the picnic tables for a splendid and serene view of Mirror Lake or venture past Eastern Mountain Sports to Mids Park for a scenic lunch.
After a leisurely stroll in the village, drive over to the Olympic Jumping Complex and embark on a gondola ride to the summit of the jumping ramp. The vista is awe-inspiring, offering a genuine appreciation for the skill and bravery required to navigate the ramps! Much like other Olympic facilities, the Olympic Jumping Complex is a hive of activity with athletes preparing for upcoming competitions, including the Olympics. Remember that schedule I recommended grabbing? Take a glance to see what's happening in each of the facilities.
Return to The Lodge and head down to the lawn, where you can participate in a Birds of Prey presentation, allowing guests to hold and interact with various Birds of Prey indigenous to the area. Alternatively, spend the rest of the afternoon on one of the watercraft available to all guests.
After unwinding a bit, it's time for dinner. I opted to venture off-property for a casual meal. Smoke Signals BBQ hit the spot. On your way back to the lodge, pick up an after-hours drink and some dessert from Maggie's Pub and head down to the bonfire – a fitting end to a perfect day!
Day 3: Yoga and breakfast
Rise early and partake in the yoga class on the lower deck of the main lodge, overlooking the Lake. If yoga isn't your cup of tea, grab a bike and explore the streets of the Whiteface Club, which connects to the Lodge. (Or just sit and enjoy your coffee on the dock) Afterwards, make your way upstairs to Artisans for breakfast.
Upon check-out, head to High Falls Gorge for a moderate hike and an up-close and personal view of the Falls. It may be a bit touristy, but if you're seeking a light to moderate hike to wrap up your weekend, I highly recommend it. Before bidding adieu to the Adirondack area, pay a visit to the Keene Farmers Market, where you can pick up local produce, snacks, and handcrafted items as mementos of your enchanting weekend.
Places to eat & drink
Need to know
Nature not your thing…here are some other activities that you can try: Whiteface Golf and Tennis Club, The Wild Center, Lake Placid Center for the, The Peaks Paint Bar, Bowling at BIG Z’S, Scenic Adirondack Flights, John Brown Farm State Historic Sitem, Lake Placid Historical Museum, Palace Movie Theatre, Adirondack Carousel, Saranac Laboratory Museum and Sailing Lake Champlain.
![Advisor - Stephanie Cunningham](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711107586/contentful-migration/advisors/image/9ce7a37cb2b0-IMG_0972.jpg)
Travel Advisor
Stephanie Cunningham
Get in touch with Stephanie
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Stephanie within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, 5 Boutique Hotels in Boston.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on Nature Escapes travel.