. Welcome to Upstate New York!
“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can ever learn from books.” – John Lubbock.
Well, I think I found the above and more.
My Go North adventure started in Corning, upstate New York, where we drove for around 5 hours to stay the first night at a gorgeous lodge situated on Long Lake. The Long View lodge is run by a couple of brothers who happen to own a boutique hotel in San Francisco and boy oh boy, the food and the newly renovated rooms were amazing – probably the best food and service I’ve had in all my travels throughout the US!
The next day we drove to Lake Placid, where we stayed the night at the lovely High Peaks Resort. Then the next day it was onto Plattsburgh, followed by a night at the luxurious Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls. Our final night was spent in Saratoga Springs.
My friends at Go North (see link below) have put together a nice 8 day itinerary summarised below. Themes along the lines of hike, eat, learn, play and shop.
Day 1 and 2: Saratoga County
Saratoga County is a short drive from Albany or around 3 hours if travelling from New York City. The Saratoga region is home to 300 years of history, being at the centre of Americas’s story and every major movement had a moment here. Visit historic homes, battlefields and museums; enjoy eclectic galleries, unique shops, top-rated restaurants and lodging.
Travellers seek out Saratoga for the world class thoroughbred racing, renowned arts and culture offerings and a multitude of wellness activities. Inspiring natural adventures and experiences are minutes from the award-winning downtown of Saratoga Springs.
Hot tips
- Take a guided walk of Saratoga Springs downtown – check in with the visitor centre.
- Hike Saratoga Spa State Park and while you’re there, take a hot mineral bath at the Roosevelt Baths and Spa.
- Dine at Hattie’s Restaurant – great southern soul food. While there, check out Caffe Lena next door where Don McLean is rumoured to have wrote the words to American Pie.
- Grab an ice cream of your choice at Ben and Jerry’s – iconic Vermont based ice cream parlour.
- Check out the famous Saratoga Horse Racing Track and see the horses training at the Oklahoma Training Track close by.
- While there, take a tour of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
- Visit a retired thoroughbred farm at Old Friends at Cabin Creek.
Day 3 and 4: Lake George Area
Just a half hour’s drive north from Saratoga Springs you will discover the Lake George Area, home to the ‘Queen of American Lakes’, 32 mile (51.4km) long, Lake George. Positioned at the gateway to the Adirondacks, or as the locals call them ‘the Dacks’, the area is a collaboration of vibrant city streets, quaint villages, rolling mountains and sparking lakes, ponds, rivers and streams surrounded by deep forests.
Discover outdoor adventure, natural scenic beauty, fun and affordable activities for families, couples and singles, fascinating history and one-of-a kind events.
Hot tips
- Hike up Prospect Mountain.
- Take a two hour cruise on Lake George.
- Stay at the lovely restored and historic Queensbury Hotel located in the charming downtown city of Glens Falls. The Queensbury Hotel is highly regarded as the town’s centrepiece, with its gorgeous Victorian architecture, grand lobby, heated indoor pool, restaurant, longe and meeting space.
- Glens Falls is being transformed into a vibrant and technology savvy town.
Day 5 and 6: Tupper Lake and Lake Placid
After visiting Lake George and its surrounding area, head into the centre of the Adirondack Park and visit the Wild Centre in Tupper Lake, on your way to Lake Placid, the site of two Winter Olympics. The beautiful Adirondacks is one of the largest protected areas in the continental U.S. Pass hundreds of lakes, thousands of miles of rivers and streams and beautiful mountains.
The area’s proximity to great food, Olympic history and luxurious spas make it possible to have a thrilling outdoor adventure and pamper yourself, all in the same day.
Hot tips
- Check into the Wild Centre at Tupper Lake. Explore the ‘wild walk’ suspended amongst the tree tops, interactive displays or simply canoe the Raquette River.
- Stay at the charming High Peaks Resort of Lake Placid.
- Take a walk down the main street of Lake Placid and check out the various ice cream parlours, cafes or boutique shops and grab yourself a souvenir.
- While in Lake Placid, take a tour of the Olympic Museum.
- Drive up Whiteface Mountain (4,867ft/1,483m) – a famed Adirondack 46er (so called because of the 46 peaks over 4,000ft), with great views on a clear day spanning hundreds of miles across Upstate New York stretching to the Adirondack High Peaks, Green and White Mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire and the Laurentian Mountains of Canada.
Day 7 and 8: The Adirondack Coast
Stretching across the western shores of Lake Champlain in the shadow of New York’s Adirondack Mountains and just an hour drive from Lake Placid, the Adirondack Coast offers unprecedented views, endless recreation and a central location. Lakeside villages, charming hamlets and the historic city of Plattsburgh dot the landscape.
Soak up the rich history of a young American nation, or in the deep waters of Lake Champlain. Lose yourself in the open spaces of the Adirondacks or the quite confines of an Adirondacks Chair. Discover amazing treasures in a chasm millions of years old, or a unique shop on the quaint streets of downtown.
Hot tips
- Undertake the Via Ferrata at Ausable Chasm or just take a casual walk and check out the waterfalls and amazing history.
- Pick some apples in the fall or berries in the summer at Rulfs Orchard. They may even let you make an apple pie from the apples you pick.
- Be spooked by a ghost tour in downtown Plattsburgh and while there, check out the history of Lake Champlain and the famous naval battle that took place.
- Check out Valcour Brewing Co., and sample a glass of craft beer or two. Or stay in the historic army barracks.
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
Insights
- Best time to visit Upstate New York is around September during Fall and after US schools go back and when the leaves on the trees start changing colour.
- If driving, you may want to avoid the winter months as these areas receive lots of snow and roads may be impassable, but if you’re into skiing or back country hiking then go for it.
- A little known fact about the Adirondack State Park – it’s the same size as the State of Vermont and combined, you could fit both Yellowstone and Yosemite into the State Park. Yes, the State Park is huge!
- Note: If you’re driving from Buffalo or any of the Northern States, then you could do this trip in reverse order.
- For further information, check out the website – Go North.
