Last week, Tom and I packed up our snowshoes and headed north to Lake Placid for a couple of days of adventure in partnership with Golden Arrow Resort. Snow (and lots of it!) was in the forecast, and we were so excited to spend a couple of nights in the winter wonderland. We’d been to Lake Placid before to grab a quick bite after hiking, but this was our first time staying in town, and it definitely won’t be our last. We both agreed as we were packing up to head home that we could’ve used an extra day or two to fit everything in! If you’re headed to Lake Placid this winter, here are some of our favorites from this trip.
What to See and Do
Snowshoeing at Mt Van Hoevenberg This was the perfect first stop before we checked into our hotel. It had just started snowing lightly, and we had the trails to ourselves. Peaceful, and so, so beautiful. There are a few different snowshoe trails - we chose the yellow trail since it took us right by Josie’s Cabin, an adorable little woodland retreat. We warmed up at the Cabin over hot chocolate and bowls of chili. (Also pretty tempting - the s’mores kits - perfect for the fire they had burning outside!)
Toboggan Slide We passed the Toboggan Slide on the way to our hotel, so we couldn’t not try it. It’s a 30 ft high icy slide, which sends you out onto the frozen lake on your wooden toboggan. So, so fun, but a definite reminder that this tailbone of mine is not as young as it used to be ;)
Ice Skating (or walking!) on Mirror Lake One of my favorite parts of staying at the Golden Arrow was its location right on the lake, which meant you could skate right off the snowy beach! Rent skates at Lake Placid Skate Rentals, or just take a walk around the path that is plowed on the lake. It was so much fun checking out the lake houses and boat houses from that perspective. Copper, the resident pup at the Golden Arrow, was so much fun to play with out on the ice: she loved it!
Strolls around town There is no shortage of cute shops and scenic views in this town. We loved ducking in and out of the shops to get out of the snow (and ducking into bars to grab a drink and take in the view, too!).
Cloudsplitter Gondola Fun fact: I live in upstate New York and have never skied. I know, I know. I had said this was my year to learn, but since that hasn’t happened yet, we went for the Cloudsplitter Gondola ride at Whiteface Mountain. A 15 minute ride to the top, and the most gorgeous view. If that doesn’t make me want to ski, what will?!
High Falls Gorge We spent our last morning exploring the waterfalls at High Falls Gorge, which is a gorgeous privately owned park with four waterfalls. They provide you with Yaktrax for traction on your boots as you explore the waterfalls on the trails, bridges, and platforms. It was so stunning with the snow and ice, and we can't wait to check it out in the summer as well. And to top it off, they had a fire with marshmallows and toasting sticks waiting at the end of the trail!
The view from our room at Golden Arrow Last but not least, this view. We’d been socked in with (beautiful!) snow on the first 2 days of our trip, but on our last morning I jumped out of bed to the most beautiful sunrise and clear skies over the frozen lake. We got our first views of the mountains (you can see Whiteface from the balcony!), and sipped some hot chocolate while we watched the early morning ice skaters below.
Where to Eat We got so many great recommendations, but these were the few we had time for this trip!
Smoke Signals This was recommended by a couple of you for dinner, and it did not disappoint. Yummy barbecue and a cool atmosphere. Still thinking about those ADK BBQ tacos…and the mac and cheese.
Breakfast Club Perfect views of the lake and yummy breakfast skillets. And pancakes for the table, of course.
Generations A great spot for a casual meal after a busy day! Had a delicious burger and loved their focus on sustainable dining.
Where to Stay
Golden Arrow Resort We so enjoyed our stay here. Everyone we met was SO friendly, including our pup pal Copper! The location was perfect (that view!), and the resort itself is very family friendly with access to lots of activities. I especially loved their green initiatives, including solar panels, and a green roof!
We’re already thinking about a summer trip for some hiking and canoeing (and to try out all the restaurants we missed this trip!). Would love to hear any recommendations you have!
Until next time, Lake Placid!
Thank you to the Golden Arrow for providing our accommodations!