Each year Mother Nature makes up for all the storms she dumped on us by providing a fall foliage color show like no other. Obviously, you need to be where the trees are to get in on this action. Why not go to an entire region that is exploding with color? That would be the Adirondacks mountain range in upstate New York. The best spot for the foliage parade could be John Boyd Thacher State Park. This national park is located along the Helderberg Escarpment. If you’re not interested in staying over, then you have a choice of a 100 towns and villages along the Adirondacks. Here are some of the most popular Adirondacks spots for a fall vacation getaway.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid holds the distinction of hosting two Olympic Winter Games (1932 and 1980). Clearly, when it comes to skiing and all things snow related, this is the place to be. However, before the snow falls those leaves need to come down. You can take in the scenery with a hike around Mirror Lake. If you get hungry, then you’ll find plenty of bistros along the shoreline. The best option is to do the hike, check out the menus along the way and on your way back pick the restaurant of your choice. Lake Placid also has a vibrant local art scene. Nothing like commemorating a trip to a new town then by bringing back a piece of local art.
Old Forge
Old Forge is a hamlet that used to be a village. Those are the kinds of wonky classifications that don’t really matter. What you’ll find here is a quaint little town that knows how to pull on a fall festival. Although the Enchanted Forest Water Safari is the largest water park in the state, it won’t be much fun in the fall. Like Lake Placid, Old Forge has its den of local artists who not only put their works up for sale but they offer workshops to unleash your inner artist. Take a hike and then throw some clay on a wheel. That’s a good weekend.
Lake George
Lake George is another terrific Adirondacks summer vacation spot but there is just as much to do in the fall. It’s a perfect destination for the family to enjoy thanks to all the putt-putt gold courses, go-kart tracks and arcades. For the fall show, you might want to go up in a hot air balloon or a gondola over the mountain range. Seeing the leaves from the air is a one-of-a-kind perspective.
Of course, another plan for checking out the Adirondacks is to have no plan at all. Rent a car, head north and see where the road takes you. You won’t get lost because you’ll never be far from another town or village. You might just discover something wonderful on the road less traveled. Will you be heading to the Adirondacks this fall?
