A Tale of Two Towns

We’d like to tell you a thing or “two”…give you our “two” cents…because we give “two” hoots about your stay in the Adirondacks. Vacationing can be a “two” way street, and with only 9.4 miles of street between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, you can have all the adventure of both, rolled up in one. Like “two” peas in a pod, these duo lake towns can offer you adventures in history, activity and unique experiences.

It’s not uncommon to have Lake Placid come up first in searches regarding the Adirondacks, its history includes a lot of Olympic attractions, but Saranac Lake has its fair amount of historical attractions as well. Once herald for its health restoration environment, Saranac Lake became a well sought after area for restorative rest and relaxation, with properties acquired by the wealthiest of families, like the Rockefellers and Guggenhiems. Visitors can also enjoy a self guided “Walk of Fame” through the town of Saranac Lake and gain some history of the prominent figures that once enjoyed the replenishing splendor of the area.

Both Lake Placid and Saranac Lake are perfect for boating and hiking, as well as winter events. While Lake Placid will offer a plethora of winter sports, invigorating and fun-filled, like skiing and sledding, Saranac Lake offers its visitors winter fun as well. A ten day event is held each year. The Winter Carnival boasts custom themed adventure, an ice palace built right from ice blocks out of the lake, fantastic food and fireworks making the Saranac Waterfront Lodge ideal to stay in since it is located right next to it.

Culture in art, writing and theatrics surfaces in both of these towns with ample experiences available. Both Lake Placid and Saranac Lake have public theaters, as well as theaters for films, available to the public. Each place also offers art centers, the Upper Jay Art Center in Lake Placid, and the ADK ArtRise in Saranac Lake. In the department of writing, visitors can find attractions such as; the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage, where the renowned author stayed to recover from illness and where he wrote A Winter’s Tale. Visitors can most likely find copies of this book and others by Stevenson in Lake Placid’s Bookstore Plus, offering books, as well as supplies for the future author or budding artist.

Don’t forget your souvenirs! What vacation would be complete without bringing something back to remember it by or share with those who could not come with you? You’ll find plenty of shops in both towns, with a slew of gift items and memorabilia to suit anyone’s taste. 

With only a short distance between both town’s, you won’t have to choose. You can have both the hustle and bustle of the Olympic based Lake Placid, while staying and reminiscing in the tranquil lifestyle of Saranac Lake. No matter how long your visit is to the region, both these two towns are worth a visit, and seeing both is a reasonable and attainable adventure.