When it comes to Northeast mountain towns, it’s hard to beat Lake Placid — particularly come holiday time. The cozy, scenic little city decorates Main Street with lights and snowflakes, and each locally owned shop has its own holiday décor.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Placid gets even better. As the home of the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games, visitors can explore Lake Placid’s preserved facilities, enjoy dog sled rides or try their hand at tobogganing across a frozen lake. Located four hours driving from Hoboken, Lake Placid is the perfect spot for a weekend trip this winter. Here are a variety of ways to enjoy this kid {and dog!} friendly getaway.
Lodging
The Lake House
This rustic, modern hotel has the cabin vibes you’d expect from a true mountain town. Located on the north end of town just steps from Main Street, The Lake House takes dog-friendly to a new level. Think “welcome bandanas,” in-room dog bowls and even a bed. With a stocked bar next to a huge stone fireplace—and, come holiday season, a big decorated tree — The Lake House will definitely live up to your winter getaway dreams.
South Meadow Farm Lodge
A bit further from downtown Lake Placid, the South Meadow Farm Lodge feels like a remote and natural getaway. Perfect for ski enthusiasts, some of Lake Placid’s most popular slopes are right at the lodge’s doorstep. This quaint little rustic cabin has seven rooms and homestyle full breakfasts that are made equally amazing by the onsite maple-sugaring operation.
Local Eats
READ: A Hoboken Girl Getaway to Woodstock, NY
Lunch
Big Mountain Deli & Creperie
With 46 sandwiches, specialty coffee, and mimosas {because #weekendgetaway}, the Big Mountain Deli & Creperie is a must-visit on any Lake Placid trip. They offer tried-and-true favorites like egg and cheese or egg and smoked salmon sandwiches, but you can give your taste buds a particularly unique treat with combinations like the Sawteeth sandwich {peanut butter, homemade granola, banana, and apple butter} or the Nye {apple, brie, and honey mustard}.
Dinner
Lake Placid Pub & Brewery
This cozy pub overlooking Mirror Lake is a great way to end a Lake Placid day. The Lake Placid Pub & Brewery has flatbreads, burgers, fish & chips, and tacos, as well as a kids menu with options like grilled cheese and chicken fingers. With fresh microbrewed ales and lagers, beer enthusiasts will be in heaven.
Dessert
Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery
If there’s any room left after dinner {or really, any time of the day!}, stop by Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery, also on Main Street. With pumpkin and s’mores milkshakes to sundaes and flavored hot chocolate {with a scoop of ice cream}, there’s a reason kids flock here for their weekend treats.
Activities
Olympic Sites
From 90-meter ski jump towers to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, this small town is full of history. The Olympic Museum is just outside downtown and includes artifacts and interactive displays about both historical events that took place here. Additionally, the adjacent Herb Brooks Arena {think Miracle on Ice} is also open for visits. To try your own hand at the Winter Olympics festivities, you can actually try a bobsled ride at the Olympics Sports Complex {participants must be 12 years or older}.
Toboggan Chute
Lake Placid’s tobogganing experience sends adventure lovers from kids to adults down an ice-covered, 30-foot-high converted ski jump out across the frozen Mirror Lake – with toboggans often traveling over 1,000 feet. The chute is an affordable {$5-$10} winter-only activity.
Dog Sledding
Dog sled rides are also a must for winter visitors to Lake Placid. Mushers and their pups take participants out on the frozen Mirror Lake for some four-legged fun. To participate, walk down Main Street to Mirror Lake to arrange your experience onsite, or call local tour group, Thunder Mountain Dog Sled Tours (518) 891-6239.
Skiing
Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort — a 20-minute drive from downtown Lake Placid—is one of the state’s most popular ski slopes. It offers slopes and lessons for beginners, as well as top-notch moderate to advanced ski runs, including the 2.1-mile long Wilmington Trail, the Northeast’s longest single intermediate run. For convenience, try the free Mountain Valley Shuttle, which runs between Lake Placid and Whiteface.
Shopping
The holiday spirit radiates from Main Street’s adorable {and, for the most part, dog-friendly!} local shops. Stop by Non-Vintage Antiques for some rustic curiosities or visit Two Harts for chic winter-weather accessories. Adirondacks Chocolates on Main Street is another great spot for souvenirs {that may or may not make it home…}
Things to Know
Olympic Sites Passport
The Olympic Sites Passport is a great deal for those interested in visiting Lake Placid’s variety of Olympic spots. For $40, you can stop by Whiteface Mountain for a gondola ride, skate at the Olympic Speed Skating Oval, tour the Olympic Jumping Complex and more.
Transportation Alternatives
If driving isn’t an option, consider taking Amtrak’s Adirondack Service. This route runs from Penn Station through the Hudson Valley and Saratoga Springs. The nearest stop to Lake Placid is in Westport {40 miles from Lake Placid} — from here, Amtrak offers a bus to Lake Placid.
The Drive Home
If you are planning to drive, break up your trip with a quick stop to explore the Catskills on your way home. While you could make an entirely separate weekend trip out of the Catskills, here’s a quick guide to some of our favorite spots.
Have you been to Lake Placid? Share your experience {or any other recommendations} with us in the comments below!
See More: Watergrasshill Bed & Breakfast {A Weekend Getaway to New Paltz}
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