December 14, 2016

Everyone knows Lake Placid is a great place to do your holiday shopping, right? I recently learned there's more to put you in the holiday spirit than just the beautifully decorated stores and the twinkling lights that adorn Main Street. Our lodging properties go all out this time of year, and it's the perfect opportunity to visit them. I started my tour just north of the village, where Whiteface Mountain dominates the horizon, and worked my way into downtown lobby by lobby. 

Lake Placid Lodge

The most out-of-the-way locale on this list, Lake Placid Lodge is worth the trip, if not for the property's stunning views of Whiteface Mountain, then for the atmosphere of its perfectly holiday bedecked restaurant.

A moose bust oversees one of the most delightful dining rooms in the region.
A moose bust oversees one of the most delightful dining rooms in the region.

There's also a lounge area, complete with a bar and plenty of '70s furniture.

That's a great couch.
That's a great couch.

As you enjoy the beautiful building, keep a lookout for all of the lodge's decorative details. And don't miss the mountain views!

Hoooo's up for a view of Whiteface Mountain?
Hoooo's up for a view of Whiteface Mountain?

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

A long, wreath-lined corridor leads to the front doors of Whiteface Lodge, where a holiday wonderland awaits. The first thing you'll notice is miniature Christmas town, which is encircled by a toy train track.

The perfect little holiday town.
The perfect little holiday town.

Just past that, you'll see a large Christmas tree guarding a pile of presents. Needless to say, resisting temptation isn't always my forte.

Don't try this at home.
Don't try this at home.

There's plenty more to see here; just take a look around!

High Peaks Resort

Heading into downtown, High Peaks Resort is on the right. The impressive lobby is tastefully decked out with Christmas trees and lights. Even though they're not holiday specific, my favorite decoration is the canoes. Nothing says "Adirondacks" quite like them.

How cool would it be to see this thing floating in a lake at night?
How cool would it be to see this thing floating in a lake at night?

There's also a lounge area that screams "holiday in the mountains."

Who's up for a fire and a book?
Who's up for a fire and a book?

Seriously, check out that fireplace.

A book by a roaring fire, anyone?
A book by a roaring fire, anyone?

Lake House

The Lake House doesn't quite have the all-out approach to holiday decor of the other hotels I visited, but it does have a great atmosphere. It's right at the end of downtown, making it ideal for a post-shopping pint or burger, which are best enjoyed facing the magnificent view of Mirror Lake and the surrounding mountains.

It reminds me of my living room, but with a better view.
It reminds me of my living room, but with a better view.

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

If you like your holiday decor in full-throttle mode, then you have to check out Mirror Lake Inn. Room after room is tastefully stuffed with ornaments, trees, wreaths, and all sorts of surprises, like the bison head donning Santa's cap. There are also several creative trees, like the poinsettia tree and the everything is fine wine-themed tree.


As long as there's wine, the holidays will be fine.
As long as there's wine, the holidays will be fine.


The classic.
The classic.


Poinsettias can do incredible things when they put their minds to it.
Poinsettias can do incredible things when they put their minds to it.

Grand Adirondack Hotel

Can't wait until you get to the end of downtown for that burger and beer? No problem! Make a pit-stop at Hotel North Woods and fortify yourself for the rest of the long trek. This time of year, the restaurant has holiday flair interspersed with its everyday Adirondack faire. I've always wanted to know what it feels like to sit on Santa's throne, and I got my chance during my visit.

A humble throne for a humble king.
A humble throne for a humble king.

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

The trees in the Golden Arrow's lobby are enormous — like, right from an Adirondack forest enormous — and they're decked out in holiday splendor. While you're there, take a minute to enjoy the big-window view of Mirror Lake.

Dan and Glenn are dwarfed by the Golden Arrow's gigantic tree.
Dan and Glenn are dwarfed by the Golden Arrow's gigantic tree.


It truly is a world of wonder.
It truly is a world of wonder.

Turn your holiday shopping trip to Lake Placid into a perfect weekend adventure, and don't forget to eat!

This week in related ADK holiday news:

The gift of discovery

A win-win

Tap into this

Get treed

Country warmth

From the heart

It's a wrap

A moose bust oversees one of the most delightful dining rooms in the region.
A moose bust oversees one of the most delightful dining rooms in the region.
That's a great couch.
That's a great couch.
Hoooo's up for a view of Whiteface Mountain?
Hoooo's up for a view of Whiteface Mountain?
The perfect little holiday town.
The perfect little holiday town.
Don't try this at home.
Don't try this at home.
How cool would it be to see this thing floating in a lake at night?
How cool would it be to see this thing floating in a lake at night?
Who's up for a fire and a book?
Who's up for a fire and a book?
A book by a roaring fire, anyone?
A book by a roaring fire, anyone?
It reminds me of my living room, but with a better view.
It reminds me of my living room, but with a better view.
As long as there's wine, the holidays will be fine.
As long as there's wine, the holidays will be fine.
The classic.
The classic.
Poinsettias can do incredible things when they put their minds to it.
Poinsettias can do incredible things when they put their minds to it.
A humble throne for a humble king.
A humble throne for a humble king.
Dan and Glenn are dwarfed by the Golden Arrow's gigantic tree.
Dan and Glenn are dwarfed by the Golden Arrow's gigantic tree.
It truly is a world of wonder.
It truly is a world of wonder.

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