Slow travel: Lake Placid style
“Slow travel” is not necessarily a new way of traveling, but an approach many are taking to vacations these days. The practice encourages travelers to embrace immersive, mindful experiences over fast-paced itineraries, taking time to get to know the places they visit rather than speeding through the bucket list.
Whether strolling along scenic forest trails or picturesque Main Street, Lake Placid’s tranquil ambiance in summer supports a slower, more intentional pace. In this patch of heaven carved into the High Peaks, you’ll find yourself and your travel buddies slowing down in no time. Experience attractions that will take your breath away, like High Falls Gorge or the heights of Whiteface Mountain Veteran’s Memorial Highway. When it's time to come down out of the clouds, iconic restaurants, wellness retreats, and miles of green are waiting for you.
This storied summer playground is here to stay, so there’s no need to rush in your exploring. With hints of lodge luxury and plenty of Adirondack goodness, discover how you can soak up the most of your slower vacation in Lake Placid.
Lodging
You need a place to stay, and we have just the fix. Lake Placid boasts a variety of experiences, from boutique B&Bs to legacy resorts and hotels.
The Lake Placid Lodge - True Adirondack luxury
A testament to the golden age of Lake Placid, the Lake Placid Lodge has stood at the edge of the lake, showcasing true Adirondack living within its lodging experience and design, for generations. You'll quickly see why the lodge was ranked #4 Top Resort in the Mid-Atlantic by the 2024 Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards. Timber and stone Great Camps of the Gilded Age make up this property, where prominent families of old spent their days around Lake Placid’s lakes and trails. Since the Adirondacks' earliest vacationers, they’ve been hard at work to elevate the experience, year after year.
Rustic luxury meets all the comforts of modern hotel standards with stone fireplaces, towering hand-carved wooden beds, and sumptuous fabrics that envelop you with comfort the moment you enter your room, suite, or cabin. Out of bed and onto the grounds, the Lake Placid Lodge offers unrivaled access to the lake, firepits for lounging, and stone porches that offer peace and quiet only the Adirondacks can provide. Oh! And did we mention the wine cellar? You’ll want to take a peek at their collection on premises.
Eastwind Lake Placid - Boutique and unique
With year-round relaxation in mind, Eastwind Lake Placid will be your home away from home. Located in the heart of town, you’ll be just steps from all your favorite stomping grounds and the trails to boot. What was once a vintage motor lodge has been completely remodeled and outfitted into an artisanal hotel, complete with a bar and lounge, vintage library, sauna, and a private dining room.
Speaking of rooms, their 29 designer suites offer incredible accommodations, each with their own touches of crafted luxury and Adirondack accents. Pick from views of the mountain, river, pool, or all three! Rooms like the King Suite Champlain come with all of it, including a fireplace, lounge area, and balcony.
If you’re in the mood for glamping, Eastwind covers that too. With a more Scandinavian approach to camping, stay in cabins like the Lushna Petite or the Lushna Suite, situating you outdoors with a mini-fridge, electric kettle, poured coffee & tea kits, and of course a bathroom (hey, we did say glamping!).
Attractions
These activities take a little longer, but that’s the whole point! Slow down with adventures that last longer than an afternoon.
Take a brewery tour
An event that will take you all day, it's easy to slow down with one of Lake Placid’s favorite activities, taking a brew tour! There’s something magical about sipping a cold, hoppy IPA while gazing at the Adirondack peaks like you're the main character in a beer commercial. Local breweries offer tours that are both equal parts education and intoxication—you'll learn about hops, malt, and fermentation, then promptly forget it all after your third tasting flight. It’s cozy, it’s charming, and honestly, it’s the perfect après-hike or “I-just-came-here-for-the-beer” activity.
High Falls Gorge
High Falls Gorge is the Adirondacks’ most breathtaking, (almost) year-round trail, offering impeccable scenery only this region can provide. Step into your own nature documentary (minus the narration) and witness four majestic waterfalls cascading over rocks into a deep crevice carved a billion years ago. Bask in the misty presence of waterfalls, learn about all the natural wonders of the region along the way, and don’t forget to browse the gift shop on your way out. Just a short drive from Lake Placid, you can decide whether to spend half a day or half an hour.
Accessibility is one of the Gorge’s strengths. With sturdy bridges, glass floor walkways (summer season only), and groomed paths, High Falls Gorge is accessible to all ages. A quarter-mile round trip, wheelchair-accessible path brings guests to the center of the waterfalls, while a half-mile round-trip walk brings guests over steel bridges and walkways for a close-up view of the waterfalls.
Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway
Driving up the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway feels like unlocking a cheat code to one of New York’s most breathtaking summits. This 5-mile scenic drive climbs over 2,300 feet to the top of Whiteface Mountain, the state's fifth-highest peak at 4,867 feet. Along the way, you'll be treated to panoramic views stretching across the Adirondacks, with glimpses of Vermont and Canada on clear days. At the summit, explore a stone castle built from native rock, grab a bite at the 4610′ Grill, and bask in the views over your meal. For the final ascent, choose between a short, steep hike with handrails or an elevator ride through the mountain itself. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just in it for the adventure, this drive offers a visual reward that’s hard to beat.
Golfing and spa days
The golf and wellness scene in Lake Placid is huge, so we decided to combine the two for this blog. A day of golf and spa pampering in Lake Placid is basically living your best “treat yourself” fantasy. Start the morning teeing off on a scenic course designed by one of the greats, with mountain views that almost make you forget to hit the ball. After a few satisfying drives, trade your sweaty golf shoes for a plush robe and head to one of the many resort-level spas around. Think deep-tissue massages, salt rooms, and that glorious moment when someone else is in charge of your relaxation. By the end of the day, you're glowing, slightly sore (in a good way), and wondering if this should just be your lifestyle now. What’s more, golfing and spa packages are abundant, so make sure to research what deals you can get in on.
Take your time with our chefs
Salt of the Earth
Situated in a century-old house with just nine tables, Salt of the Earth blends an exclusive dining experience with authentic Adirondack roots, and an impeccable farm-to-table menu that will quickly make this your new favorite spot. With a team deeply connected to Upstate New York and boasting impressive culinary experience, you’ll find yourself in good hands from the drinks to desserts. Their beautiful plating is only the start, with dishes like their Pan Seared Duck Breast, Vietnamese Wild Boar Stew, or the New York Strip. Pair your meal with their extensive wine and IPA list. You may want to book your table in advance — their great reputation means they get busy during peak times of the year!
Interlaken Restaurant
If you’re looking for a dining experience steeped in Lake Placid’s history, the Interlaken Restaurant is your spot. Home to both the Interlaken Inn and Restaurant, your visit will be nothing short of excellent. The interior boasts lodge accents with a hint of 1920’s decor, blending classic architecture with rooms that will have you feeling warm and cozy while you dig in. Their upscale menu offers a rich collection of Adirondack favorites, classic American plates, and a unique New Orleans flair. Dig into Mains like the Vegetable Capellini, the Wagyu Flat Iron, or the Duck Confit.
Slow down in Lake Placid
No matter how you spend your time here, Lake Placid makes it easy to relax and unwind, with no pushy bucket lists or itineraries. Take as long as you like and soak up all that this mountain town has to offer.