PLENTY TO SEE AND DO IN LAKE PLACID
BY CHRISTIE SAUSA
Welcome to Lake Placid! The region offers history, natural beauty and unique recreational opportunities you can only enjoy here. Here are five things you won’t want to miss during your visit. 1. VISIT THE NEWLY RENOVATED OLYMPIC SITES Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 Olympic Winter Games, and is one of the few former Olympic sites that fully maintains, updates and utilizes its Olympic venues. You can experience Mt. Van Hoeven- berg’s bobsled, luge and skeleton track, (which still hosts World events), or take a tour of the ski jumps at the Olympic Jump- ing Complex. Even if you’re not interested in skiing, you can ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola to Little Whiteface and take in some stunning views. All venues have benefitted from multi-million dollar renovations over the past two years, so if you haven’t been here in a while, you will be pleasantly surprised by the improvements. Also be sure to visit the Olympic Flame Cauldron, located at the Lake Placid Horse Show Grounds, and see where the Olympic flame was lit in 1980. 2. EXPLORE HISTORY The new Lake Placid Olympic Muse- um is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Winter Olympics. Located in the Olympic Center, the mu- seum features newly curated exhibits on both the 1932 and 1980 Games, including a dedicated figure skating section. John Brown’s Farm is also worth the visit. The homestead belonging to the
Some of the greatest sports moments are preserved in the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.
famous abolitionist is open year round, Wednesday through Sunday, and there are hiking trails on the property with unique views of the nearby ski jumps. The Lake Placid Historical Society Museum at the former Lake Placid Train Station focuses on the history of the town and its people, and boasts an impressive collection of vintage photographs, histori- cal artifacts and more. 3. GO FOR A HIKE (OR A WALK) The Adirondack Mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking. If you are a veteran hiker, you can start conquering the High Peaks, a series of 46 peaks over 4,000 feet. If that’s too daunting, begin with the Lake Placid 9, a series of peaks under 4,000 feet in the Lake Placid region. Just make sure you are prepared with ap- propriate clothing, winter traction devices and an understanding of winter hiking
etiquette — even in the spring, conditions can still be wintry at higher elevations. If a walk in the woods is more your speed, a local favorite are the Brewster Peninsula Trails, where you can glimpse panoramic views of the lake for which Lake Placid is named. 4. EXPLORE MAIN STREET A trip to Lake Placid isn’t complete without a stroll on Main Street. The charming, newly designed shop- ping district boasts restaurants and unique shopping experiences, as well as stunning glimpses of Mirror Lake. If you have a little extra time, you can walk the 2.7 miles around the lake and enjoy more views along the way. 5. EXPERIENCE THE ARTS Lake Placid may be best known for its sports culture, but it has standing in the arts world as well, hosting a film festival annually and boasting its own Sinfonietta. For movie fans, the historic Palace Theatre on Main Street screens a selection of current films. If you’re feeling creative, The Lake Placid Center for the Arts offers classes, workshops and events year-round, and several businesses on Main Street offer creative experiences, from paint and sip to candle-making. All in all, there is plenty for everyone to do here, and you might find that a return trip is needed. For more information on these destinations, visit the Lake Placid Visitors Bureau alongside the 1932 arena building, or visit www.lakeplacid.com.
The beauty of downtown Lake Placid is showcased in this aerial view.
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