This fall we’re excited to host two groups of friends coming to visit Lake Placid. One couple will be here for a week in early September and another couple comes in late September. None of them have ever been to upstate New York or the Adirondacks, so I’ve started a menu of activity options for visitors to consider.

September is my favorite month in the Adirondacks because of the brisk weather and fewer crowds. The place starts to really clear out after Labor Day. To give you a sense of what to expect in terms of weather, the first week of September sees an average high temp of 71 degrees, and an average low of 47 degrees. By the last week of September it’s down to an average high of 60 degrees and average low of 40. Obviously, record breaking temperatures in either direction are possible. October can be a little more of a dice roll … many years we’ve had great paddling into early October with the right layers, but we’ve also seen snow flurries the first week of October (although that’s rare!).

1. Drive to the top of Whiteface Mountain: Whether or not you plan to do some hiking on your trip, the Veterans Memorial Highway is an easy way to experience the “high” and orient yourself. In fact, this is probably my No. 1 suggestion for first-time visitors. The views are spectacular in nice weather. Whiteface is the 5th tallest mountain in NY. To drive up, the toll booth fee is $20/person. And this is highly accessible with an elevator from the parking lot to the summit, or an option to walk the 250 feet of elevation gain.

2. Walking/Hiking: Options range from relatively flat walks through the woods and around lakes, to all levels of elevation gain and distance. If you'd like to get out on the trail, start easy and work your way up. Adirondack peaks are no joke. (For family, friends and guests staying at our cottage: Just let us know what's appealing and what type of footwear you have, and we'll suggest a suitable trail.)

3. Canoeing: If you'd like to go canoeing, you can rent a boat and gear (lifevest, etc.) for about $65-$75/day for a 2-person canoe, or rent two solo canoes for $55-$85/day each. If you’re staying with us or a guest at our cottage, we're happy to suggest a paddle route that's tailored to your experience and comfort level. You'll just need to have some sort of footwear that can get wet and go through some mud (not flip flops). Another canoe option is joining a beginner paddling group at Paul Smith's visitor center with a naturalist guide. No experience needed. If you've never been canoeing -- or if it's been a very long time -- this might be a good option to consider. And even if you’re experienced, it’s probably cool to go out with a Naturalist as your guide. It's $25/person and includes equipment. Deal.

4. Lake Placid boat tour: This is a fun boat tour around Lake Placid, and the guides are usually entertaining (but a bit corny!). It’s especially good for families with kids along. If the weather is good, this boat trip could be combined with the Whiteface Mountain drive, so you get to see Lake Placid from the top of the mountain, and then on the lake you look up at the mountain. Cool perspectives. Tickets are $20/person.

5. Brewery tour/Farm tour/Farmer's Markets: We could easily spend a day visiting local breweries, farms and farmer's markets. There are tons of small, award-winning micro-breweries in the area. Local farms where they make and sell artisan cheeses, yogurt and raw milk. Farms and orchards where you can pick your own vegetables, apples, flowers, etc. Forests where they collect, make and sell small-batch pure maple syrup. We've visited many of these farms and breweries and can easily put together a fun itinerary for friends, family or cottage guests based on your preferences.

6. Spa Day: The Whiteface Lodge has a very nice spa. When you book a massage or other services it includes use of their facilities for the day. They have indoor and outdoor swimming pools, outdoor hot tub, steam rooms, etc. A 50-minute massage is $140/person.

7. Cliffside coaster ride: This isn't a scary roller coaster, it's more of a scenic coaster. It uses the old bobsled track from the 1980 Olympic games, and the views are sure to be great. Tickets are $55/person.

8. Bobsled Experience: Ride in a bobsled down the summer practice track. Definitely a unique opportunity. Tickers are $125/person.

9. Ski Jump tour with athlete ambassadors: I don't know if they'll still be offering this in September, but we just did one of these tours and the two ski jump athletes were so impressive. You get to go up to the top of the jumping platform and stand on the judges platform for a demonstration on their summer training track. Tickets are $20/person.

10. Zip Line tour: We haven't tried this, but see their sign between Lake Placid and Keene. I bet a zip line tour in the fall would be breathtaking — both literally and figuratively! Tickets are $70/person.

11. Scenic flights: We haven't done this either, but assume it's somewhat similar to the Cape Air flight we've taken from Boston. Beautiful scenery from the air. I follow their Instagram it looks fun. Flights are $75/person.

12. Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory: The stargazing schedule for the observatory may not align with your visit. However, if this is something that interests you, they schedule private viewing sessions at the observatory for $150 for up to 20 people. Approx. 45-minute drive.

13. Adirondack Experience museum: This is a neat place with outdoor exhibits and walking trails. We've been to the museum twice before and enjoy it. Lots of cool architectural history with classic ADK buildings on the property. In the summer you can borrow classic boats and take them out on the lake, but that ends in August. Tickets for the museum are $20/person. Approx. 75-minute drive and beautiful area.

14. Great Camp Santanoni: We toured this special Great Camp with AARCH last fall when the leaves were near peak fall foliage. It was a highlight. They have daily tour guides in the summer, but that ends after Labor Day. Still, check the events page and there might be a special tour that you can join. Or you can go self-guided and just enjoy the mystique of this old camp on the water. The road to get from the gate house to the camp is just under 5 miles, and cars aren’t allowed. The time we went we took the horse-drawn wagon ($25/person), but you can also walk or bike, and rent bikes from nearby. Approx. 90-minute drive.

15. Fort Ticonderoga: The time we went to Fort Ticonderoga they had a live battle reenactment that was very cool. Even if there aren't any reenactments scheduled the week you'll be in town, it's still interesting to walk around if you enjoy military history. Tickets are $25/person. Approx. 90-minute drive.

In addition to the above list, there's also fly fishing, golfing, stand-up paddle-boarding, biking, yoga, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, museums, concerts, art ... the list goes on and on, and you can rent equipment and get beginner instruction for just about everything. If there's a favorite activity or something you've always wanted to try, we can probably find it in the Adirondacks.