Embrace the beauty of late fall in Lake Placid

Late fall is perhaps the most underrated time of year in the Adirondacks. Often called "Stick Season" (yes, like the Noah Kahan song) or "Shoulder Season," it encompasses the time between peak fall foliage and when snow really sets in for winter. Crunchy orange leaves coat the trails. The air is cool and crisp. Forests have a rich, earthy aroma and the sweet smell of woodsmoke wafts from fireplace-warmed homes. If the scent of late fall could be bottled, it would be everyone's favorite candle and cologne. Don't be discouraged by the lack of foliage. The mountains, many of which are covered in an emerald blanket of evergreens all year round, don't need leaves to look amazing. On the lakes, mist rises as mornings warm, giving way to glassy surfaces that shimmer in the mid-day sun. When golden hour sunsets hit, the water reflects a blaze of color. Late fall in Lake Placid is a symphony for the senses, and the perfect time for a relaxing getaway.

With the proper plan in place, you can experience a lot of Lake Placid's beauty in just a few days. From cozy accommodations to indulgent dining, inspiring arts, and spa services to soothe your stress, Lake Placid packs a lot of luxury into a peaceful mountain town. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking an escape or a couple looking to kindle romance, this 72-hour itinerary is the perfect way to maximize the moment. Immerse yourself in this exquisite landscape and feel the tension of your everyday life melt away. 

Day 1: Arrival and cozy beginnings

Ease into your Lake Placid getaway by exploring other picturesque Adirondack communities en route. If you’re traveling from the south or east, make a stop in Keene and Keene Valley. You might be eager to get to Lake Placid, but a visit to these charming mountain towns will encourage you to slow down and start taking it all in. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or savor a slice of homemade pie at the famous Noon Mark Diner. Browse rustic antique shops for luxe decor and stylish boutiques for the perfect sweater. At Keene Arts, an old church turned gallery and event space, get a feel for the incredible local talent. If you’re coming from the west, neighboring Saranac Lake offers a vibrant mountain town atmosphere perfect for adventure seekers and a quaint downtown lined with dining and shopping. To the north, the communities of the Whiteface Region are an artists' paradise and the Jay Covered Bridge offers an Insta-worthy photo op that is equal parts moody and refined. 

When you do arrive in Lake Placid, check into your lodging and lean into relaxation. Among Lake Placid's wide selection of luxurious lodgings you are sure to find the perfect place to suit both your aesthetic and your budget. There are lakeside hotels with vast picture window views and tons of onsite amenities; historic inns with rustic interiors and cozy, romantic atmospheres; sophisticated lodges with onsite restaurants and spas; and tons of unique boutique hotels that will have you reimagining your own home decor. Pro tip: before you book, check out the latest lodging packages to see how you can enhance your stay. Wherever you land, take some time to unpack and unwind after your drive so you can be fully present for the evening ahead.

Once you're settled in, head out! Awaken your senses to their fall surroundings with an expertly crafted dinner that centers harvest-season flavors. Despite its remote mountain setting, Lake Placid values farm fresh food, and many local chefs put in the extra effort to source ingredients from nearby farms. Get a taste for the Adirondacks and enjoy a warm, inviting dining atmosphere at places like Interlaken, Salt of the Earth, The Cottage, and, in neighboring Keene, Forty-Six.

Day 2: Take in the views, let out the stress

Start your day curled up with a steaming cup of coffee in an Adirondack chair by the lake. As the mist lifts, take a moment to bask in the stunning reflections of mountain scenery on the crystal-clear Adirondack waters. Immerse yourself even further in the moment by paddling out onto the tranquil waters. Many lakeside lodging offer complimentary boats, but if yours doesn't there are plenty of places to rent a canoe or kayak. Make sure to bundle up and wear your life jacket – the water is cold this time of year and PFDs are required to be worn starting November 1. If outdoor recreation doesn't fit into your idea of a luxurious getaway, enjoy the spectacular views Lake Placid is known for from manmade heights. Head to the top of the Olympic Ski Jumps for a bird's eye view or book a scenic flight with Adirondack Flying Service and soar over the stunning High Peaks for a perspective of the Adirondacks you've never seen before!

Nothing is quite as relaxing as a day at the spa. Self care is vital to our overall wellness, and a day of pampering might be just what you need to relieve stress and and reset yourself as the seasons change. At the very least, it can't hurt! From full service spas with specialty Adirondack-inspired treatments to foot sanctuaries, skilled masseuses, yoga classes, and even IV therapies, Lake Placid's robust wellness community offers everything you need to balance your body and soothe your mind. Whether you take this wellness journey solo or with a partner, you are sure to end the day feeling more grounded, better connected, and thoroughly relaxed. 

As daylight dwindles, take this as your cue to head to dinner and unwind with craft cocktails and a delicious meal. Lake Placid excels at providing fine dining experiences in sophisticated yet comfortable, laid back settings. Top of the Park offers an exceptionally creative menu of small plates and even customized cocktails accompanied by stunning views over Mirror Lake. In the colder months, they enclose and heat their second floor deck so you can continue enjoying views of the mountains over the water. Kanu at the luxurious Whiteface Lodge serves exquisite dishes that emphasize seasonal ingredients in a cozy lodge setting with crackling fireplaces and authentic Adirondack decor. Marcy Restaurant & Bar in the Grand Adirondack Hotel takes a more modern approach, calling on the Gilded Age of Adirondack luxury with a vibrant ambiance and trendy cocktails paired with farm-to-table inspired dishes.

 

Day 3: Downtown and farewell

Start your final day in Lake Placid with a leisurely stroll along Main Street. Boutique shops offer everything from chic clothing with a mountain flair to specialty foods, kids' toys, souvenirs, antiques, art, and more! Grab a coffee or cocoa and relax in Mid's Park, a scenic lakeside green space in the middle of downtown with views of Whiteface Mountain. Look closely at Whiteface – if it's covered in snow, that means it's time to pan your ski trip to Lake Placid! 

When you're done shopping, head to the Olympic Center and learn all about the local Olympic history. Did you know this tiny mountain town hosted the Winter Olympic Games in both 1932 and 1980? Visit the Olympic Museum for stories of fame and glory, including the tale of the Miracle On Ice. Once you have the back story, head upstairs and tour the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena where Team USA defeated the Soviets and the 1932 Jack Shea Arena where figure skating legends have taken home the gold. Between the two rinks, stop by Roamers Café & Bar and enjoy picturesque views of the Olympic Speed Skating Oval, downtown Lake Placid, and the towering High Peaks from their deck.

Sadly, eventually, you will need to head home, but don't travel back on an empty stomach. Before you depart, enjoy a hearty lunch in a lively atmosphere at Generations, grab a quick and tasty lunch at Simply Gourmet, or cap off your getaway with a stop at one of Lake Placid's local breweries. There is a growing craft beer scene in Lake Placid that is well worth diving into. Big Slide Brewery & Public House and Lake Placid Pub & Brew both offer robust food menus as well as tap lists. If you're just looking for a sample, Raquette River Brewing, Prison City Brewing, and The Boat have tasting rooms where you can get a feel for the local flavor. 

As fall slowly transitions to winter, there is a sense of quiet and calm that falls over the Adirondacks. Soon, the lakes will ice over and the mountains will be covered in a blanket of snow. It can be tempting to hold your breath and live in a state of anticipation, but there is so much to discover and enjoy when you embrace the change of seasons and immerse yourself in the unique beauty of late fall in Lake Placid. The moment you book your late fall getaway, you take the first step toward relaxation. And once you get here, your days will be nothing short of perfect.