Like many, when we first started paddling we rented tandem 2-person canoes. My husband now jokingly refers to them as “divorce boats” because different paddling styles and techniques can sometimes (ahem) result in disputes. Once we tried paddling solo canoes, we never looked back. Here’s why you should try it and what you need to know.

The Idem sloop is a sailing boat designed in 1899 for the specific purpose of racing on the Upper St. Regis Lake. Many of these boats have been carefully maintained over the course of the last 100+ years and kept up for racing on the lake. In the summertime, they race roughly between Memorial Day and Labor Day, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It’s a sight! However, races depend on how many of the boat owners and their crew are in town on a given day, the weather conditions and if there’s enough wind to race. So there isn’t any guarantee you’ll get to watch a race.

The Olympic Ski Jumps in Lake Placid are iconic. When we’re driving into town from the south, up 73, our first glimpse of the structures high above the trees is a favorite landmark. You can also enjoy a prime view of the jumps from the John Brown farm, and a distant view from the top of Cobble Hill. But the best is to get up close to really appreciate the size and pitch. In the summertime, the jumps come alive with athletes training.

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.

When it comes to packing for your Lake Placid vacay, the biggest tip to remember is you’ll want to dress in layers. It can be warm in the sun, but cold at the top of the mountain, in the shade, and after dark. Avoid cotton clothes (more on that below). And be prepared for afternoon showers. Obviously, packing lists will vary depending on what activities you prefer and how long you plan to stay. Here are a few guidelines based on what we pack.

Looking to catch live music while visiting Lake Placid? It’s hard to beat sitting outside in the park or hanging out on a deck and jamming to great tunes. Here are a few spots to catch a band in the summertime.

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.

Three of our favorite hikes with less than 2,000 feet of elevation gain (but more than 1,500 feet of gain). These mountain hikes may not be as difficult as the 46 High Peaks, but they are plenty challenging for many hikers and offer great views. The designation of easy, moderate or hard is completely in the eye of the individual hiker. HYOH! Hike your own hike.

As anyone who visits the Adirondacks knows, soft serve ice cream is where it’s at in the summertime. Many of these little one-room walk-up houses of deliciousness are only open Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, with few exceptions. This makes them truly the taste of summer. I also love that they offer limited flavors that change frequently. Get the scoop on where we get our cones.

Farmers’ Markets are a summer staple. It’s a wonderful way to support local farmers and small batch businesses, and get some tasty treats like artisan cheeses, sausages, fresh yogurt and more. Here’s our list of Adirondack farmers’ markets near Lake Placid for summer 2022, as well as some of my favorite stalls.

For families traveling with little ones, sometimes a good park is all you need to get some energy out. We got you! Here’s our list of four parks and amusements for kids visiting Lake Placid.

When you hit a few days of cold, wet and rainy weather — it happens — and are on the verge of cabin fever, you can likely find a class, workshop or lecture to change your perspective. Even if it’s an outdoor class, at least you’re having fun while sporting your rain gear. There’s literally something for everyone. We sign up for several each year to break up the hiking/paddling days and meet new people. Here’s a list of activity calendars we check for classes.