Find romance in Lake Placid's winter wonderland

When it comes to romantic getaways, tropical destinations get an unfair share of attention. Sure, donning a swimsuit and lounging on the sand is nice, but let's be honest – you've been there and you've done that. It's time to find romance somewhere new. How about a winter escape to a quaint mountain town in New York's Adirondacks?

There are few scenes more romantic than winter in Lake Placid. Freshly fallen snow blankets everything in a sparkling coat of crisp white. Frozen lakes glitter under bluebird skies. Cozy lodges and rustic oases welcome you when your nose and fingers need warming, inviting you to curl up by crackling fires. The calmer pace of cold-weather living encourages you to slow down and be intentional about your time together, and there are tons of fun winter experiences to enjoy. A few relaxing winter days in Lake Placid is just what you and your partner need to reconnect and banish the winter blues. You don't need to stay long in this perfect winter wonderland to leave even more in love than when you arrived, though we doubt you'll ever want to leave! 

Balance fun and relaxation over 72 perfectly romantic hours in Lake Placid's winter wonderland, all while prioritizing moments that will bring you closer together.

Day 1: Glide into your getaway

First things first, make your way to Lake Placid. Travel doesn't count toward your 72 hours of romantic bliss, but the clock does start as soon as you check in at whichever luxurious accommodation you've chosen. It might be tempting to melt into the comfort of your room right away, but there will be plenty of time for that later. Get settled into your home away from home, then shake off the drowsiness of the drive by doing something fun. Ice skating is the perfect option – active, but still romantic. Look for a public skating session at the Olympic Center or check out the outdoor track at the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval, which offers evening skating under the lights.

Once your cheeks are rosy and your spirits are high, you'll probably also be hungry. Make your first meal in town a fun one. Many local restaurants host live music in the evenings, adding entertainment to a delicious meal. Check the Lake Placid events calendar and pick a place to eat where you can enjoy dinner and a show! When you're sufficiently sated, you could return to your lodging and rest up for the romantic days ahead. Or—and this is what we recommend—stay out a little longer and embrace the warm ambiance of a Lake Placid winter evening as you share a dessert, sip a nightcap, or cuddle up near a glowing fire.

Day 2: A snow globe day in Lake Placid

Lake Placid often looks like a scene from a snow globe in winter months, especially on frosty mornings. Immerse yourself in the sparkling winter landscape by taking a walk on or around Mirror Lake. Stroll hand-in-hand on the sidewalk, through downtown, and past luxurious lake homes that will have you daydreaming together about a future vacation retreat of your own. If the lake is fully frozen, walk or skate the two-mile ice track around the lake. This unique and romantic experience also offers a new perspective from which to take in the beautiful snow-covered scenery. Warm up after your walk by sipping a sweet latte, velvety mocha, or hot cocoa at a charming local coffee shop.

Once you're rewarmed, stroll downtown and browse the boutique shops and local art galleries that line Main Street. As you go, stop into cozy lakeside restaurants for delicious treats or slow things down and sip craft cocktails in quiet corners and by crackling fireplaces.

If you'd like to get a bird's eye view of the snowcapped peaks you admired on your morning walk, make your way to the Olympic Jumping Complex and take the Skyride. A gondola will take you from the lodge to the base of the ski jumps, and then you'll ride a glass elevator to the top of the tallest tower where an enclosed observation deck offers stunning panoramic views of New York's tallest mountains. As you gaze down the jumps, just think: this is what daring ski jumpers see before they fly down the ramp and soar through the air! 

To complete your first full day of romance, get dressed up and explore Lake Placid's fine dining. Treat each other to a luxurious, multi-course meal at a AAA four star restaurant or have fun exploring new flavors together at farm-to-table establishments that approach culinary art with creativity. Enjoy an intimate evening over a candlelit meal in an ornate lodge or lavish historic inn. An excellent dining experience pleases all the senses, and you'll find that Lake Placid's restaurants excel at cultivating romantic atmospheres that amplify their exquisite cuisine. 

Day 3: Adventure and relaxation in equal measure

As many Hallmark holiday movies have shown us, a ski trip can be incredibly romantic. If you and your sweetheart are avid skiers, a day on the slopes is an opportunity to share a hobby you both love. If you're not, then it's a chance to learn together and test some of those more important relationship skills (like patience and communication). Either way, rise and shine and head to the mountain! Whiteface Mountain, just minutes from Lake Placid, offers the region's best skiing and snowboarding, If you and your partner are seasoned lift buddies, you will absolutely love Whiteface's legendary runs and big vertical. If you're new to the sport, the Bear Den Learning Center will be perfect for you, and you can grow into the bigger routes as you gain confidence. 

Even if cramming into ski boots isn't for you, Whiteface still offers the option for mountaintop winter views. Take the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the top of Little Whiteface and enjoy snow-sparkling views from the observation deck. (Pro tip: This would be an epic place to propose!) Then ride the gondola back down to the base lodge for a drink in one of their onsite bars.

After (or instead of) carving tracks in freshly groomed snow, relax together with a spa experience. From full service spas to small boutiques offering specialty services, Lake Placid is full of places ready to pamper you and your loved one. Relaxing together is sure to bring you closer together, so book a couple's massage or other side-by-side treatment. Or, if you're more of a "absence makes the heart grow fonder" couple, opt for individual experiences that will leave you both feeling your best. With state-of-the-art facilities and unique offerings like salt rooms and IV therapies, Lake Placid is the perfect destination for a romantic wellness retreat. 

Once you've untied the knots in your back, take a scenic drive through the mountains to the heart of the High Peaks. The charming communities of Keene and Keene Valley, a short and beautiful drive from downtown Lake Placid, are home to trendy boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and authentic mountain town eateries where you can grab a sweet treat and a cup of coffee for your return trip. 

Make dinner an adventure with a unique dining experience. From heated ski gondolas at The Cottage to a partially-enclosed second story porch with lake and mountain views at Top of the Park, there are tons of way to make your meal memorable. You could even take a drive to the Lake Clear Lodge (about 30 minutes away), where horse-drawn sleigh rides by lamp light are also on the menu!

Day 4: Dilly dally your way home

It's the last day of your romantic retreat — don't rush it! Take your time waking up and packing up. Then, fuel up for your drive home with a hearty brunch. Without indulging too much, this is the perfect opportunity to toast each other with a sparking mimosa or toppings-laden Bloody Mary and recap the loving moments from this trip that you will remember for a lifetime.

On your way out of town, delay your return home as long as possible. Continue living in your romantic winter bubble by stopping in the quaint mountain towns that surround Lake Placid, like Saranac Lake, Wilmington, and Keene and Keene Valley!

Added touches of romance

Love is all about going above and beyond. In order to make a vacation romantic, you want it to be relaxing. But if you have more time to explore Lake Placid, you can add even more romance to your trip! If you're staying in one of the many hotels or lodges that offer ample amenities, such as hot tubs, movie theaters, and more, make sure you take time to relax and enjoy what's right outside your door. You booked a getaway to spend quality time together, and taking advantage of resort-style luxury is a great way to reconnect. Another way to ramp up the romance is taking a dog sled ride! When ice conditions allow, dog sled teams run on Mirror Lake. Glide across the ice, wind tickling your cheeks, while you cuddle together in the sleigh and take in the breathtaking sights. Still looking for more? Find more inspiration for winter date days in Lake Placid.

Don't let winter blues come between you and your honey this season. Discover how romantic winter can be when you spend it together in a perfect place like Lake Placid.