1980 USA Hockey. Probably the greatest moment in American sports history, Mike Eruzione scoring the 3rd period goadl that put the US over the hated Russians, and eventually to an gold medal when the team was not even expected to earn a medal. And it happened in a NY tourist location, Lake Placid. You can go back to where the magic happened and take in a really beautiful city while you are at it. Here are some tips.
First is to consider your accommodations. In Lake Placid directly, they can tend to be pricey. Consider staying just outside Lake Placid in Saranac Lake. It is only a 10 minute drive to Lake Placid, and there are terrific hotels. My husband and I have stayed, and are staying again, at the Sara-Placid Motor Inn. Very affordable. It does mean you will have to drive into Lake Placid, as opposed to being able to walk from your hotel to the sites, but you will save money on your stay.
Secondly, and goes hand in hand, is that you want to make sure you start your day early. The one downside in Lake Placid is that there is not a
great deal of parking available. Once you get your car into a spot you can leave it all day, but the trick is being able to get a spot. There are a couple of public
parking lots, but once those are filled, good luck to you. The secret is to remember that the lots fill up quickly. If you are planning to spend your day in Lake Placid itself seeing the sites, make sure you start early so you have a place to leave your car.
There is so much to see in Lake Placid, and each site has an entry that you must pay. Unless you know this tip. When you get to Lake Placid, make sure you stop by the main arena. When you do, you go and request a Passport. What you will be getting looks like a regular passport, but for $20, you will receive either free admission or tours in several of the sites, such as the ski jump, bob sled, and many others. Going to the top of the ski jump is quite a sight to see, as is the bob sled, and all other olympic sites. Paying one fee to cover several sites is a great way to see everything for a low fee.
Finally, make sure you take the Adirondack Scenic Tours. This is not for the squeamish, but if you can handle it, it is worth it. For a nominal fee, you fly in a 3 person airplane to take an approximately 20 minute tour of the Adirondack mountains. My husband and I took this tour the last time we were up there, and let me tell you, the views are absolutely breathtaking. To fly by these beautiful peaks from just above them will make memories for you that will last a lifetime. You do not want to miss it.
Lake Placid is a beautiful place to visit. Whether you are a sports nut, or just a fan of great scenery, you will have a great time. Enjoy.
