ADIRONDACKS
Winding your way through scenic byways of the Adirondacks’ six million acres during the peak of leaf-peeping season offers breathtaking mountain views. One of the best ways to experience this majestic region’s stunning vistas is to take a spin in the mountains! A good introduction is a drive along The Whiteface Memorial Veteran’s Memorial Highway is a five-mile toll road with views of the Adirondack High Peaks, open through October 14th. After a day of exploration, stroll along cozy mountain villages. There are several regions in this area. Outdoor adventurers can hike, climb, mountain bike, and canoe amidst colorful fall foliage. Head to breathtaking Ausable Chasm, where naturally formed sandstone aging back 500 million years, creates a memorable backdrop for a fall excursion. Make sure to take a family float tour through the Grand Flume and Whirlpool basin. For hikers, the 46 High Peaks mountaintops will thrill at a 4,000-feet elevation, making this wilderness area one of the most popular in the Northeast during fall for leaf peepers in search of expansive scenery. For the family, head to The Adirondack Experience in Blue Mountain Lake, which provides a complete history and immersive activities of the region, from learning about the wildlife and viewing Native American art to writing on a slate tablet in a one-room schoolhouse and feeding trout. Weekenders get a serious rush speeding down Gore Mountain or Whiteface Mountain, both skiing areas that offer downhill mountain biking in early fall. You’ll maneuver down maintained trails during peak foliage season. For those who don’t want to experience the twists and turns, both mountains offer scenic rides in gondolas—the Scenic Skyride at Gore and the Cloudsplitter Skyride at Whiteface—or on ski lifts weekends through mid-October as well. Info: visitadirondacks.com. Here, two areas we highly recommend. • Lake Placid Region Fall in Lake Placid is all about days bathed in the fiery glow of foliage: pumpkin orange, flaming red, and sunshiny yellow. Fall days spent here in the beautiful, fresh air, surrounded by glorious colors covering the mountains, are unlike anything else. Revel in the scents and sounds of forest trails, the sparkling shine of Mirror Lake, and a picnic-perfect park. Part of Lake Placid’s beauty is that you don’t have to go far to find fresh air, natural solitude, and opportunities to stretch your legs and feel great. This is the place to rejuvenate your body and mind amid the crisp crackle of falling leaves and golden light. Loosen up because it’s time to kick your perfect fall day into high gear—literally. Visit the Olympic Museum, an homage to the Mirror Lake Suite Courtesy of Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa
26 | Our City, Your Life | OCTOBER 2020
Lake Placid
1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, both held in Lake Placid. Race like an athlete at the Lake Placid Bobsled Experience or take in panoramic views of the High Peaks at the top of the Jumping Complex. Rent a mountain bike from High Peaks Cyclery and hit the local trails. They’ll suit you up with everything you need, and they can point you toward tons of beginner trails to explore. While the surrounding mountains lend themselves to epic riding, there are also plenty of wide, well-groomed trails with only moderate elevation change to be found. The Craig Wood Trails in Lake Placid or the Hardy Road Trails in nearby Wilmington are great places to start. As you gain speed peddling past the red, orange, and yellow leaves, the colors will become a beautiful blur blazing like fire in your peripheral vision. Enjoy the swish and crunch of fallen leaves on the trail as your tires roll through. It’s far from your basic fall experience, but it might just become one of your new favorites! After an eventful but perfect fall day, you’re probably hungry. Freshen up and hit Main Street Lake Placid for a very satisfying and delicious meal. From house-smoked barbecue to authentic Italian, casual Americana, and creatively crafted local cuisine, the chefs of Lake Placid put their all into making your dining experience as exceptional as the rest of your Adirondack experience. Info: lakeplacid.com. Best Stay The Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa boosts your senses, providing an extraordinary experience for the body, mind, and palate. You’ll soon find that it treats your needs as unique and accommodates you in personalized ways. Mirror Lake Inn’s track record of excellence includes the AAA Four-Diamond rating for more than two decades. The beautifully appointed rooms and suites afford firstclass amenities and fabulous views with whirlpool baths and fireplaces. The inn offers the finest cuisine and impeccable service with Instagram-worthy sights at The View for its fine dining featuring creative comfort foods prepared with slow-cooking methods. The Cottage offers a cozy neighborhood-style bar, waterfront deck, and menu with pub-style favorites. The resort treats each guest’s needs as unique and accommodates them in personalized ways. This attitude, along with gracious service and attention to detail, is at the inn’s heart. The concierge desk arranges all on and offsite activities, such as yoga, rainy day activities, world-class fly fishing, and customized guided outdoor adventures. Info: mirrorlakeinn.com.