Every year we make choices and plans about what vacation we’ll take. Where should we go? Where should we stay? What should we do? And with so many options, just in this country, it’s very difficult to choose. So I want to throw out one of these options to you. Living in upstate New York, I have traveled through the Adirondacks over the years, and it really is a special place to visit.
Within the Adirondack Region is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. It is also home to 105 towns and villages. There is often a misperception that the Adirondack Park is a national park, but it’s actually a combination of public state land, forever wild land and privately owned land. It’s a massive area totaling more than 6 million acres including hundreds of lakes. It varies significantly in topography and altitude. The deeper you go into the area, the higher and more wooded it gets.
It’s truly a beautiful place with all the forests, hills, and lakes. It draws many people over the course of the summer. There are myriad towns to investigate, peaks to conquer and lakes to paddle through. Canoeing, kayaking and boating are a very popular part of the Adirondack experience. You almost can’t go without partaking!
There’s a quiet beauty and casual way about the Park. With the many places to stay, you can choose how quiet and how casual. The Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid and Sagamore Resort near Lake George are two of the more upscale resorts in the area offering spas, dinner – the full experience.
But then there are many small, local places where you can rent a rustic cabin or cottage on a lake, as well as bed and breakfasts and inns. And as you make your way through the Park, find your favorite local restaurant or food establishment. There’s something for everyone!
Take a walk through some of the towns where you’ll find dozens of artisan products created by local artists, from watercolors to wood-carving to jewelry to photography – all of them created with the Adirondack theme in mind. Many of them have wonderful souvenirs to take home with you or gifts to give for celebrations. I will often do some Christmas shopping while I’m there.
Scattered throughout the Park are various attractions such as museums, boat tours, hiking trails, along with the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks. If you hike them all, you get a t-shirt! Visit Lake Placid, the home of the 1980 Winter Olympics, as well as numerous breweries and wineries.
And don’t forget to keep your eyes open for all the different types of wildlife around you. From deer, bear and beavers, to beautiful birds, including loons which are special to the area, and maybe a moose if you’re lucky!
In addition, there is a rich history throughout the Park. Many famous people had summer homes and camps in the Adirondacks in the early 1900s. Presidents and well-known entrepreneurs visited every year and called the area home for the summer.
The Adirondacks really are an unforgettable place that speaks to everyone in some way. There’s no place like it! Make your plans to come visit and see what speaks to you!
I Love NY!
Article Written by: Kim Shattell
