Even though the Adirondacks are a destination for the outdoorsy types, there are still plenty of cultural arts to enjoy. If you’re ready for a dose of some science, art, music and history, here’s my pick of exhibits and performances to check out. One for each category.

Science: The Adirondack Sky Center in Tupper Lake is high on my list of places to visit this summer. The combination of low light pollution, low humidity and high altitude in the Adirondacks provide nearly ideal conditions for stargazing. The observatory is open for viewing on every clear Friday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day. And after Labor Day, it’s open for public viewing on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. Observing starts about ½ hour after sunset. You can also arrange a private viewing for $150. How cool would that be for a family outing?! It’s located about 32 miles or 45 minutes from Lake Placid.

Art: Saranac Lake plays host to the annual Adirondack Plein Air Festival that’s super fun. Artists from all over the country apply and 40 were selected to participate for the 2022 festival to be held in August. They have five days to paint, and you’ll see them outdoors with their easels painting all around town. It’s great to watch the artists in action, and chat with them. At the end of five days, the works are displayed at Town Hall in Saranac Lake. There’s a preview party that requires tickets ($20 each), and the main show and sale is free and open to the public.

Music: There’s a fair number of opportunities to listen to live music around Lake Placid, and I’ll spend more time of this in another post. But if you’re in town in the summer, don’t miss a chance to hear and see the Lake Placid Sinfonietta. It’s pretty unique with it’s history of a visiting sinfony ensemble dating back to 1917. These days, the chamber orchestra is made up of 20 musicians from across the country who spend their summer — July and August — performing in Lake Placid. They host free outdoor concerts in Mid’s Park (the amphitheater on the shore of Mirror Lake) on Wednesdays. Community concerts in neighboring towns and villages on Thursdays. And their series concerts, which require paid tickets, are held in the Lake Placid Center for the Arts theatre (indoors) on Sundays. Our favorite are the Wednesday park concerts, which are very casual, kid friendly and don’t require tickets. Dancing is encouraged! Bring a picnic blanket to sit on the grass and enjoy the evening. Another option for kids is the morning children’s concert held once a summer in the St. Agnes School gymnasium where kids can interact with the musicians and instruments. Check their website for more details.

History: The Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown is about 28 miles or 40 minutes from Lake Placid, and they offer exhibits, films and lectures for the history buff or nature enthusiast. Check out lectures like Adirondack Fire Towers, or catch a film screenings of “Winged Migration.” They’re open Memorial Day weekend in May through Columbus Day weekend in October. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for students and kids 6 and younger are free.