6 Of The Friendliest Towns In The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York have produced a real reputation for hospitality across their communities. Lake Placid is the best-known of them, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice and absorbed the visitor traffic that comes with it. Speculator runs a steady stream of seasonal events along Lake Pleasant. Wilmington has Whiteface Mountain and the Ausable River right at its edges. The six towns ahead each take a different angle on welcoming people in.
Keene
Keene is a beautiful town of just over 1,100 people in central Essex County. Located in Adirondack Park, the town contains 15 of the mountain range's High Peaks, including the tallest mountain in New York, Mount Marcy. Keene welcomes many visitors drawn to its wild scenery and wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. Those visiting in summer enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and climbing, while winter visitors enjoy cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and snowshoeing.
Aside from outdoor activities, Keene has an active arts scene. Keene Arts, a community arts center housed in an old Methodist church, hosts art exhibits, summer concert series, workshops, and other events. While in town, visitors are encouraged to stop in at one of the local restaurants, such as Cedar Run Bakery and Market, which provides delicious coffee, fresh baked goods, and tasty meals.
Lake Placid
As a two-time Olympic Games host city, Lake Placid is possibly one of the best-known towns in the Adirondack Mountains. It keeps the Olympic spirit alive and well through its Lake Placid Legacy Sites, preserved venues from both the 1932 and 1980 Games. Visitors can learn more about the town's Olympic history at the Olympic Museum. The mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests still play host to lots of outdoor sports and activities year-round. Winter brings skiing, climbing, and ice fishing, while summer opens up camping, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.
Lake Placid is home to many events that bring visitors and locals together. The Empire State Winter Games is an Olympic-style sporting event featuring an array of winter sports, while Ironman Lake Placid is a summer event that combines swimming, cycling, and marathon racing. The Holiday Village Stroll is a more relaxing, family-oriented event featuring a scavenger hunt and holiday decorating contest. Fourth of July at Lake Placid lets locals and visitors enjoy a day of food, fireworks, live music, and special events like a horse show and parade.
Schroon Lake
Schroon Lake, another Adirondack Park town, sits on the shores of its namesake body of water. A town of about 1,880 full-time residents, Schroon Lake is a popular summer destination thanks to its beautiful scenery and friendly reputation. It has a long history of welcoming visitors looking for a peaceful summer retreat or an escape from busy city life. It strives to maintain that hospitable image by offering many lodging options, recreational activities, and events.
Town Beach is a thriving waterfront that provides opportunities for swimming and picnicking in the summer and ice skating in the winter. The Schroon Lake Farmers Market is a community hub where shoppers can buy locally grown produce and handcrafted goods. A few of the many ongoing events the town hosts include Monday Night Jam Sessions for music lovers, the Word of Life Ranch Rodeo held every week in July and August, and the Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival for those who want to test their distance racing skills.
Speculator
The village of Speculator is a remote mountain village in Hamilton County, situated on the north side of Lake Pleasant. It is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the small community for activities like snowmobiling, paddling, and birding. The outdoor recreational options are practically endless, and easy trails throughout the town lead outward into the mountains where so many great opportunities await. The public beach provides summertime fun like swimming and picnicking right inside the village.
In Speculator, visitors will find a close-knit community eager to provide a friendly welcome. There are plenty of shopping, dining, and lodging options to accommodate all needs and tastes. Events throughout the year bring people together for food and fun. Popular events include the family-friendly Apple Fest, centered around apple cider and featuring fun games, and the Speculator Bear and Wine Festival, combining beverage tasting opportunities with wildlife awareness.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake is a pretty waterfront village sandwiched between Raquette Pond and Little Wolf Pond. It is known for its dark skies, perfect for stargazing from the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory. It also features the Tupper Lake trailhead of the Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile walking trail connecting several small towns in the mountains. This well-maintained trail is highly accessible, making it a great option for hikers and bikers of various skill levels.
Those interested in outdoor recreation can come together for fun challenges known as the Tupper Lake Triads. These events give participants opportunities to earn badges by completing sets of three hiking or paddling routes. For those more interested in art or history, the Tupper Lake History Museum or the Adirondack State Theater are great places to visit. The museum gives visitors a look into the town's past, while the theater is a popular center for watching movies or attending local events. Tupper Arts is an art center that provides galleries for local artists and lessons for children.
Wilmington
The Ausable River passes through the heart of Wilmington, a pretty little town known for being the home of Whiteface Mountain. This mountain features the largest vertical drop in the eastern part of the US, providing wide views and plenty of recreational opportunities. The Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is a popular destination in the winter.
The friendly town welcomes visitors who come for the outdoor activities as well as those seeking a slower pace. Heritage Park and the Wilmington Community Garden both provide relaxing spaces for fishing, gardening, and picnicking. The Wilmington Bike Park is a great place for visitors to test their mountain biking skills. Lake Everest Beach offers swimming, boating, picnicking, and playground equipment. Santa's Workshop is a Christmas-themed park open year-round that provides fun for the whole family.
Visit Friendly Adirondack Towns
The Adirondacks provide a notable setting for outdoor recreation and nature viewing, and there are many towns that encourage visitors to make the town their home during their stay. Some towns, like Lake Placid, have a lot to offer in terms of both recreation and local history. Others, like Schroon Lake and Wilmington, offer swim beaches and other top destinations for fun in town. All of these friendly towns offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere that is certain to help visitors make great memories.
