World Atlas Raves: New York Village’s Downtown Not To Be Missed
Vibrant and picturesque downtown areas are a draw for any community. Of course we all know of the incredible downtowns in Manhattan and Chicago, but be sure to explore central spots in far smaller towns.
The
World Atlas
, a website that publishes content about resources surrounding travel and other topics, listed the nation’s top small towns with “the best downtown area.”
Of the dozen communities listed, only one is in New York – Lake Placid. The Adirondack village is one of three on the list located within the northeast. The other two include
Bar Harbor, Maine
– on Mount Desert Island by Acadia National Park; and the second is Vermont’s capital city
Montpelier
– within the Green Mountains.
Here’s more about New York state’s exceptional urban center.
Key things you should be aware of regarding Lake Placid, New York
This village in the Adirondacks has hosted the Winter Olympics two times and acts as a hub for various sports activities ranging from skiing to
triathlons
, ranging from ice-skating to mountain hiking. Nestled on the south shore of its namesake lake within Essex County, Lake Placid encompasses both this larger body of water as well as the nearby, more petite Mirror Lake. The town offers numerous woodland trekking opportunities starting directly from village trails, and it’s celebrated for an abundance of charming boutiques and eateries. During autumn, the vibrant display of fall colors is absolutely breathtaking.
Downtown
Main Street in Lake Placid stands out uniquely. It boasts charming cafes, boutique stores, and art galleries galore. You can find accommodations, eateries ranging from laid-back to gourmet, along with plenty of pubs.
One distinguishing feature of Main Street is how it follows the edge of Mirror Lake. During wintertime, this becomes particularly captivating as snow covers the landscape, turning the frozen lake into a picturesque scene framed by snowy mountains, which lends an enchanted quality to the place.
Olympics
Lake Placid boasts a rich history as it has hosted the Winter Olympics two times—once in 1932 and again in 1980. Today, this location remains a focal point for winter activities, with numerous Olympic sites still utilized for both training sessions and competitive events.
You can explore numerous sites around Lake Placid.
Olympic sites
, featuring the well-known Lake Placid Olympic Center located directly on Main Street — site of the historic moment when the U.S. men’s hockey team defeated the Soviet Union in 1980 en route to winning the gold medal, an event famously known as “The Miracle on Ice.” The area also houses the Lake Placid Olympic Museum within the same complex. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy skating at this location.
Olympic Oval
, an open-air skating rink steeped in history situated on Main Street. Enjoy ice skating during the colder months or opt for rollerblading when the temperature rises. This location is another essential stop.
Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex
, although it’s not located downtown. This facility includes various recreational and training amenities such as rock climbing, hiking trails, mountain biking routes, a cliffside coaster, and tours of the premises, along with many additional events and activities.
Activities to Enjoy Close to Lake Placid, New York
There is plenty more to explore outdoors in the Lake Placid area beyond the Olympic venues. Below are some of the best choices:
-
Hiking paths in the Adirondacks
– Without a doubt the top choice for visitors, you have access to numerous trails that stretch across vast distances.
hiking trails
close to Lake Placid and the High Peaks. -
Paddle on Mirror Lake
– Utilize a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard to navigate through ponds, rivers, or lakes. You have the option to fish from the water or just relish the physical activity and views.
Whitewater rafting
is even an option. -
Winter sports on the mountain
– go skiing or snowboarding down
Whiteface Mountain
Or go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing along miles of scenic trails. -
Drive
Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
– The 5-mile toll route leads travelers to the pinnacle of New York’s fifth-highest mountain standing at 4,867 feet above sea level. From this vantage point, breathtaking panoramas of the Adirondack range unfold before your eyes. For those inclined to climb further, an alpine natural path near the endpoint allows access to the full summit of Whiteface Mountain.
The article initially appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
The World Atlas mentions that this New York village boasts a must-visit downtown area.