Mildly-regrettable ideas for your visit to Lake Placid
A trip to Lake Placid wouldn't be complete without filling up your time with some "regrettable" decisions. Whether its putting in big miles on the trail and feeling so sore the next day, or getting a tummy ache by savoring a bit too much of our locals flavors, we can safely say that you won't actually regret putting these 5 "bad ideas" on your Lake Placid vacation itinerary!
1. Do absolutely nothing after a big hike
Up for the challenge of a long Adirondack hike? Whether you are getting into one of the tougher Adirondack 46 High Peaks trips, doing a section-hike of the Northville-Placid Trail, or even stringing together one, two, or three of the Lake Placid 9’er hikes, a reward is surely needed. If you must “do absolutely nothing”, do the version where you indulge in a spa day! There are luxurious spas located on-site at some of our best lodging options, as well as right along Main Street for your convenience. Post-hike, we can’t recommend the Foot Sanctuary enough. It's on Main Street, targets exactly the treatment you need post-hike, and offers access to other amenities close-by.
Warning: Your muscles will be achey, your body tired, and your feet will be wishing you had chosen to stay in all weekend. But where’s the fun in that? A spa day will turn your questionable ideas into the best weekend of your life.
2. Eat way too many treats
Lake Placid is famous for its sweets, and especially its maple syrup! So much so, we even have a shop dedicated to it. As you go out for breakfast, maple syrup dominates your pancakes, your bacon, heck even your coffee! Don’t hold back, you’re on vacation, and that unique Adirondack sweetness needs to be enjoyed. Walk past Emma’s Creamery, smell those smells, and walk through the doors. Craving chocolate? Bop on into Adirondack Chocolates and get one of everything. Chocolate not your thing? There’s no one that can resist the temptation that is the Adirondack Popcorn Company on Main Street. And a tip for those visiting, there’s a fudge counter inside the Adirondack Trading Company. You’ll thank us later.
Warning: You’re in for a serious sugar crash, but it’s a sticky-sweet adventure while it lasts.
3. Buy all the souvenirs you don’t need
When shopping in Lake Placid, everything is going to catch your eye. Handcrafted mugs, knick-knacks to give to your friends and family, and all of the apparel your heart desires. Fan of the Lake Placid hockey lore? There are plenty of spots to pick up a slice of that 1980s Olympic Games spirit. Shopping Main Street means making memories last. Don’t hesitate to grab that framed photo from galleries like Gallery 46 or The Curious Otter that captures your favorite Adirondack moments. Make your own souvenirs at Just Bead It and Pure Placid. Get your favorite person something special at Darrah Cooper or Sparkle Lake Placid. The options for your souvenirs are so endless that you’ll just have to walk down Main Street yourself.
Warning: Your luggage might burst at the seams, but you'll smile every time you see that extra moose-themed mug or balsam fir scented candle.
4. Drink one too many local craft beers
Lake Placid has some great local breweries, and sampling every craft beer on the menu sounds like a great idea—until you try them all in one sitting. But don’t let the possible headache deter you from the sampling spree. It’s an exciting time in Lake Placid for local craft beer. We’ve got mainstays like the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and Big Slide Brewery who you simply can’t go wrong with. Right on Main Street you can sample beer from Tupper Lake, Clayton, and Auburn, NY at Raquette River Brewing Tasting Room, The Boat Tasting Room, and Prison City Adirondacks Taproom, respectively. You should keep the day going too, with many bars and pubs stocked up on all your new favorites. Be sure to enjoy our local brews responsibly, and don't drink and drive.
Warning: Hangover loading. But, you’ll have fun discovering unique flavors and chatting with locals at the brewery. Who knows, you might just be able to get those secret hiking trail coordinates or local fishing spots along the way.
5. Attempt to see every tourist spot in one day
Pack your day with visits to every museum, Olympic site, and scenic spot around Lake Placid. Inline skating, taking a gondola ride, or appreciating history pique your interest? Change the “or” to an “and”, and grab a Legacy Sites Passport so that you can check off all these boxes in one day. In between your activities for the day, make stops at scenic spots like John Brown Farm, Heaven Hill, Cascade Lakes, and even at spots along the Ausable River (we love Monument Falls and Connery Pond). Stretch those legs and gaze upon what makes our town special: massive mountains, ribbon-ey rivers, and wildlife everywhere you look. By the end of the day, you’ll be so tired that everything has blended together!
Warning: You'll be exhausted, but you can say you’ve seen it all (even if you don’t remember much!).
While many of these ideas come with warning labels, you’ll look at all of these memories with complete, 100% fondness. The mild regrets of sore feet, bulging luggage, and full bellies pale in comparison to the magical experience you’ll have hiking through these mountains, connecting with locals, and sampling everything the Adirondacks have to offer. Staying here is special, so make the most of your trip, and make sure you plan wisely!