I recently received a call from a writer for a big New York metropolitan area newspaper who was researching information about destinations for frugal travelers. He asked me if it was possible for a car-free person from New York City to come to the Adirondacks for a bargain-priced ski trip. (And his deadline was the next day, of course.)
Elizabeth of WestportI told him that yes, it was indeed possible. Although the Adirondack region is largely a drive-to destination, AMTRAK does have a train out of Penn Station in New York to Westport on Lake Champlain, with an option to buy the ticket with a built-in shuttle to Lake Placid.
In addition, whether the visitor stays in Lake Placid or at the foot of Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, there is a free, regularly scheduled shuttle between the two which is convenient for skiers - and taxis are available for off-schedule local travel.
I also provided him with a link to lodging ski packages and specials in both the Whiteface Region and Lake Placid for his story, and promised to follow up with more details on the AMTRAK connection, as I just happened to be going to the Westport train station that very night.
Why? Well, this particular station is also on the National Register of Historic Places, and home to an equity theatre and an art gallery. I was headed to the Depot Theatre for an opening reception at the gallery that evening, so I figured I'd pick up some train information while there.
The Depot Theatre gallery is located in the lobby of the station, and features the works of local and regional artists, plus permanent exhibits depicting the 1876 train station. One might think that the warm, wood paneled walls of the rail station would distract from the art on display, but they actually serve as a wonderful backdrop in what has become a locally popular gallery - especially for this seasonal show of local artisans. The show is called the Women of Westport, an annual holiday display of art by, well, women who live in Westport, New York.
Artwork and crafts on display in this year's show are by Dee Carroll, Kathryn Cramer, Carolyn Vanderhoof, Ellen Few Anderson, Stephanie Ames, Sheri Amsel, Meredith Johnston, Linda Smyth, Cheryl Raywood and more, including three paintings by 8-year old Elizabeth Hartwell.
That's a lot of talent for one little town, and if you missed the opening reception, it's not too late! The WoW Show will be on display through January 6, 2011, 10am-4pm M-F, and 1pm-3pm on weekends.
There are quite a few galleries scattered throughout the region. No wonder, really, as artists and musicians have been inspired by, and attracted to live in the Adirondacks for centuries.
Many of these local gems are open in the winter for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. Check out this list of the year round galleries that our visitor service staff compiled (and let me know if we've left any out)!
