KathyK

Looking for advice on where to go. We are 2 families with a combined 5 teens looking to meet somewhere between Buffalo and Connecticut for a long weekend this coming August. Would like nice accomodations in a hotel or resort. Looking for a location offering shopping, golf, restaurants, spas. A nice pool or lake would be a plus. Ideas anyone? Specific hotels or resort ideas welcomed. Thanks for your help.

kakalena

I'd go for the Sagamore at Lake George if you can get a good rate. Lovely place and lots to do. Town of Lake Placid and Saratoga closeby if you want to explore a bit. I'd stay in a lodge with a family, not the hotel. Plenty of space. Adirondack museum and old NY family hunting camps to visit. Lots of lakes besides Lake George for canoeing and fishing. There is a golf course but I didn't use it.

Another nice resort is Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Sort of quiet for teens though. Again may be pricey if you don't get a good rate. Gorgeous place.

If these are too expensive at high season in August maybe a less expensive resort in the Lake George area might work for you.

weenie57

I think you'll have a lot more fun in the Adirondacks than in the Finger Lakes (just my personal opinion). A lot more public access in Adk. If you are indeed interested in shopping, the only town I'd consider is Lake Placed (which only takes about one day to shop...). Lake George is quirky, but the shopping is basically outlet mall bad stuff. Not interesting (to me anyway!). I believe THE place to stay in Lake Placid is the Mirror Lake Inn. Perhaps your teens will enjoy the great hiking and kayaking the region offers? Warning - the Adirondacks is really an "outdoorsy" place. If you love hiking, fishing, kayaking and beautiful scenery you can't beat it. Don't know about golf as I don't participate. Good luck!

Cher

I highly recommend Lake Placid with teenagers ... It offers a great variety of activities with something for everyone. Since there are two families I would recommend looking into the Mirror Lake Inn, but specifically inquire about the "White House" which is a house type accomodation across the street from the main Inn, with rooms for rent. It's right on the water (Mirror Lake) and there's lots of room right there to just hang out outside with Adirondack chairs scattered around. There's even a small swimming area right there. You can use all the amenities in the main part of the Inn including both indoor and outdoor pools and spa. You will be right within walking distance to the center of town for shopping and restaurants. I think there's even a movie theater within walking distance. There are the Olympic facilties that can be toured and you are a short drive away (10 min) from the High Peaks area ... one of the most scenic areas in NY State. There's lots of hiking opportunites. The Inn can provide you with a list of hiking trails that describe the time needed for the hike and skill level. You can take a drive to the top of Whiteface Mountain for some great views. There are water activities available on both Mirror Lake (right in the village of Lake Placid) and Lake Placid itself (right outside the village).

kakalena

Sounds like the Mirror Lake Inn might work for you. I've never stayed there but could vouch for Lake Placid for teens. Sagamore and Mohonk are more remote. Have fun!

rbs360

Ditto for Lake Placid!
Another good hotel choice is the BW Golden Arrow. Heart of town, right on Mirror Lake with its own little beach.

You can mt bike down Whiteface, walk the High Falls Gorge, take the gondola to the top of Whiteface, hike, boat, fish, go to the top of the skijumps, etc.

bd

I agree that Lake Placid is a great town, but I don't think I'd recommend it for some someone looking for "shopping, golf, restaurants, and spas." I would look into the Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles. The town has some great restaurants, nice shops, and a beautiful lake. It's near the Fingerlakes Mall and Carousel Mall. In August they have a festival with outdoor concerts. There are many golf courses in the Finger Lakes area. And if you're lucky (or not-depending on your point of view) you may run into Bill and Hillary who have been known to vacation there.

BTilke

If you take the Skaneateles option (which is a wonderful place to visit in summer), your teens might enjoy having a few hours themselves to wander the Marshall Street (nicknamed "M Street") area around Syracuse University in Syracuse. You could drop them off and arrange to pick them up later. Although the university won't be in full swing in August, there will be plenty of summer students, etc., around. They might enjoy the university "vibe" for a while.