Lake Placid is one of the oldest vacation destinations in the U.S. In fact, some believe the term “vacation” may have even originated here, when wealthy individuals began “vacating” the summer heat of the cities to enjoy the cool Adirondack air in the late 1800’s.
Of course, if you’ve never been, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. To help familiarize you with this beloved Adirondack town, we’ve rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions about Lake Placid, and provided our expert answers below.
What is so special about Lake Placid?
Lake Placid, NY is beloved for its picturesque outdoor recreation and access to the Adirondack Mountains and lakes. It’s also internationally known for its Olympic history. The Winter Olympics were held here in 1932 and again in 1980. You can even check out many of the Olympic attractions while you’re here, including the Olympic Center and site of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice”, the Lake Placid Speed Skating Oval, the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex, and Mt Van Hoevenberg, where you can experience bob sledding, skeleton sledding and luge.
When is the best time to visit Lake Placid?
All year long! It just depends on what you’d like to do. Winter (December-February) offers a winter wonderland with frozen lakes and snowcapped mountains, ideal for winter sports, like ice skating, skiing and snowshoeing. Summer (June-August) ushers in warmer temperatures, perfect for hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and paddling. Fall (September-November) is peak season for leaf peeping and trout fishing, and offers milder temperatures for hiking and biking. Spring (March-May), although sometimes muddy, is less crowded and good for hiking before peak season.
What is there to do in Lake Placid?
In addition to visiting the many Olympic sites, and experiencing limitless outdoor recreation, Lake Placid is a charming mountain town with shops and restaurants, live music, seasonal events and attractions. Stroll the walkable Main Street or take the 2.7-mile loop around Mirror Lake, where you can spot Lake Placid along the way. During the warmer months, there’s a summer concert series in Mid Park’s bandshell on Tuesday evenings, and a beach with lifeguards on Mirror Lake, as well a spot to launch your kayak, canoe or paddleboard. In the winter, Mirror Lake hosts dog sledding and a toboggan chute, as well as free ice skating and pickup hockey games.
Where should I stay in Lake Placid?
Lake Placid, NY features dozens of lodges, resorts and vacation home rentals for visitors, including The Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid Lodge, Crowne Plaza Lake Placid, Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Placid, Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, High Peaks Resort, and Lake Placid Inn.
Is Lake Placid a good place to live?
If you’re like us, and you’ve fallen in love with life in the Adirondacks, you may be thinking about moving here, or purchasing land for a second home. More than a vacation destination, Lake Placid is a great place to live, work and play. In addition to the breathtaking scenery and abundant recreation, crime is low, the schools are above average, and business opportunities are plentiful due to the tourism.
If you’re thinking about making your love for the area permanent, we encourage you to explore our available land for sale near Lake Placid, or contact us for help with your search.