Summer in the Adirondacks is a beautiful time of year. From Lake George to Lake Placid, vacationers come back year after year to enjoy the summer vacations in the Adirondacks. Visitors from the New York City and Long Island area of the state have been making the drive to the Adirondacks for years, and many vacationers are repeat visitors, who return year after year, to enjoy all that this summer paradise has to offer.
Plan Early
Planning is key to a summer vacation in the Adirondacks. July and August are the most popular months to visit the Adirondacks, with lower crowds in June and early September. Many summer events in the Adirondack region attract additional weekend visitors, so occupancy tends to be higher on summer weekends. There are many websites that can check for availability on hotels in the Adirondack region, such as www.travelocity.com and www.expedia.com, to aid in planning. Other vacationers prefer private rentals, such as cabins and chalets from private owners. Local real estate agencies in the Adirondacks can often provide rental information for properties. Vacation Rentals by Owner (www.vrbo.com) is another website that may be helpful with planning accomodations for an Adirondack summer vacation.
The Adirondack region encompasses many towns and villages that are only a short drive away from each other. The many clear mountain lakes offer a beach town at nearly every exit off the Adirondack Northway (I-87),and many visitors take advantage of the ability to take day trips while vacationing in the Adirondacks. The Great Escape Amusement Park is located in Lake George, while Lake Placid is located further north. Visitors to teh Adirondack region can often visit many of the nearby attractions in less than an hour’s drive from where they are staying.
Consider Early/Late Summer Vacations to Save Money
Traveling to the Adirondack region during high season will cost more than visiting at the beginning or the summer or after Labor Day. Rates drop significantly during September, and pre-summer weekend packages are often available during the month of June. The weather is generally warm from June through September in the Adirondacks, with cooler evening temperatures. The other benefit of visiting before high season, or just after toursits have gone home in September, is the lower crowd levels. Hotels and rental properties will have more availability and generally lower rates.
Adirondack Attractions
The natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains is an attraction in itself, and many visitors enjoy the many outdoor activities that are ideal to do in the Adirondack region. In addition to swimming, hiking, camping, boating, and taking scenic drives in the Adirondacks, there are many attractions to visit. From the excitement of August in Saratoga with the racing season, to the thrill of a roller coaster ride at Lake George’s Great Escape Amusement Park, visitors to the Adirondack region during the summer months, will have many opportunities for adventure and family fun.
The historic town of Saratoga Springs, New York, is a summer playground for horseracing enthusiasts. Saratoga Springs is located about thirty minutes south of Lake George, just down 1-87. A visit to the Saratoga Racetrack can be the perfect escape for couples or those who enjoy a day at the track. The many outdoor restaurants and shops in the town of Saratoga Springs are a draw for visitors who enjoy the small town feel of this historic town.
Lake Placid offers many different activities for Olympic fans and adventurers, as well as families. Many events are scheduled daily during the summer and visitors have the chance to try many of the Olympic sports that took place in Lake Placid during the 1980 Winter Olympics. Accomodations are available in town for overnight guests and vacationers, but Lake Placid also makes a nice day trip for visitors staying outside of town.
Montreal
Montreal is located just over the Canadian border, not far from Plattsburg, New York. Adirondack visitors can reach Montreal from the Adirondack Northway (I-87) in just a few hours from many towns in the Adirondacks. Montreal offers both historic and big city adventures.
Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga sits at the border of Lake Champlain and Vermont, providing vistors with one of the most scenic vistas between New York and Vermont. A visit to the historic fort can be a great idea for families who want to share a history lesson while on vacation. Fort William Henry is located in the heart of Lake George, but Fort Ticonderoga sits in a more unique setting, without the commerical stores and hotels to distract visitors.
Lake George is the ideal setting for a cruise on one of the many Lake George Cruises offered to visitors. The Mine-Ha-Ha is just one of the popular boats offering short day cruises on Lake George. Dinner cruises and boat tours of Lake George are both popular with tourists. Prices for cruises on Lake George vary, but there are often discounts available.
The Great Escape
Many years ago, The Great Escape was a smaller amusement park called Storytown. Since that time, in the 1970’s, The Great Escape has managed to keep some of the original charm of Storytown, with its many amusements for younger children, while developing into one of the best thrill parks in New York. A water park area provides cooling off in the summer heat for guests at The Great Escape, while the number of thrill rides offer excitement. Tickets are available at the gate for last minute plans.
There are many places to stay while visiting the Adirondacks during the summer. Some people prefer to be right in the heart of Lake George, while others enjoy more remote locations, or private summer lake home rentals. The first thing to decide when planning a summer vacation to the Adirondacks, is where to stay. There are many affordable places to stay just outside of Lake George, many on Route 9, that will save a few dollars, compared to those located right in Lake George. Other Adirondack towns located on one of the many Adirondack lakes, have a variety of rentals available for summer vacations. Camping is popular for some families, while couples may want something more upscale, such as the grand Sagamore Lodge in Lake George.
Wherever you plan to stay on your summer vacation in the Adirondacks, plan early and pack a swimsuit. The summer months in the Adirondacks are perfect for watersports, boating, hiking, and enjoying the pine-scented fresh air and a late night campfire.
