Lisa

I have been racking my brain trying to think of a short getaway trip during the week after Christmas for my 2 sons 16 & 18, my husband, and myself. I would like it to be within an 8 hour drive from New York City. Usually we go away for the whole week to a warm weather destination, so this will be a change for us.

I would appreciate any ideas you can share.

Thank You

ldsant

Here are some suggestions:

Skiing in Vermont (Killington/Woodstock)
Lake Placid
Montreal (sorry, I'm not sure if that's 8 hours or not)
Quebec City

Geno

Lake Placid, NY is an ideal destinationfor you and your sons. Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoewing, great accommodations in any price range, beautiful setting. Check some websites for Lake Placid and the Adirondacks. It is 6 hours drive from Manhattan. Dress warmly and have a great time. We will be there too. My husband, myself, and two daughters 14 and 18.

sharon

If you haven't been to Lake Placid, you should definitely go. There is plenty to do and see, but it will certainly not be warm. There may even be Olympic trials during your visit. It is a gorgeous setting in winter with lots of great shops, restaurants and winter fun. Your sons will love it there.

Cheryl

How about Niagara Falls? Remember, your American dollar will go much further in Canada. It will be VERY cold, but it is beautiful in the winter. The Canadian side will be lit up for Christmas until after the new year. Stay on the Canadian side, but definitely visit the American side. There are a lot of things to do besides seeing the Falls. Maybe check out Old Fort Niagara on the American side - about a 10 minute drive. It's a wonderful piece of American history. Come up river 14 miles to Buffalo. Stay downtown, check out our beautiful architecture, take the boys to a Sabres game. You can eat at the Anchor Bar where "Buffalo wings" were invented. We don't call them Buffalo wings here....we just call them chicken wings or wings. Have fun.

Dean

We love Lake Placid during a winter season. There is so much to do for young people. Definietly L.P. will be a place we strongly recommend and it is under 6 hours from the City.

Erin

Portland, Maine. There is a train to Sunday River ski area, and if you get tired of skiing (or the weather prohibits it), you aren't far from shopping in Freeport, exploring the coast (which I think is beautiful even in winter), Portland Head lighthouse, the Portland Museum of Art (excellent), the Old Port, Casco Bay--all in and around a vibrant small city.

noname

woodloch pines in Pennsylvania,

or smugglers notch in VT...both family oriented full service year round resorts

Lisa

Thanks to everyone for your great ideas. I was thinking, possibly, of the Sagamore in Bolton Landing, NY. I am concerned, though, that there might not be much to do for my sons if nature doesn't supply the snow for skiing and sleding.

Lake Placid might be a good alternative. I will do more research on this suggestion.

If anyone has info on great Lake Placid accomodations, or on the Sagamore, I would love it if you would share.

Thanks again!

Lisa

Bobbie

I think that you are right about Sagamore.
My husband and I have some suggestions about accommodations in Lake Placid but we need your help. What are looking for and at what price range? We always stay in Mirror Lake Inn which is right in the village. With two boys 16 and 18 staying in town should be the best place to be. Mirror Lake Inn is on the Lake and is an ideal place for people like us who travel with two teenagers 14 and 18. There are many activities in Lake Placid and we like to spend at least 4 days.

Chaz

I would like to suggest Skytop Lodge in the Poconos. It is a wonderful, family oriented old world hotel on a beautiful lake. They have skiing (pretty much beginner level), iceskating, indoor pool. It is full American plan and the rates are quite high, but we found it a wonderful destination for our family. I would say it's approximately 2 hours from NYC. The lodge is beautifully decorated at Christmas time and always seems to attract families. We live in NJ and have been there twice during the period you are talking about.

Lisa

Bobbie

Thank you for your suggestion regarding Mirror Lake Inn at Lake Placid. We are not a skiing family but we do enjoy other winter sports. You mentioned that Mirror Lake is right in the village. What interests YOUR family in and around the village? We are looking for a place that is a bit upscale, which is the reason we were considering the Sagamore, so price is not too much of a concern. You said that you thought I was right about the Sagamore being a bit low key fot teenage boys. Have you ever stayed at the Sagamore?

Bobbie, thank you again for your advice. I will be looking forward to your reply.

Lisa

Bobbie

Lisa
My husband is a skier, my kids love snowboarding and we all enjoy bobsleding, dogsleding, winter horse riding, luge, x-country skiing, sitting in front of the fire in Mirror Lake Inn and there is always some kind of competition like ski jumps or free style skiing or racing. It is an upscale accommodation right in the village. Call Lake Placid Travel Bureau or find a web site (I think www.lakeplacid.com) to get an idea about other activities that may be interest to you. Try to take a lesson for beginners at Whiteface where you will find also some easy trails for beginners and I bet your boys would love to try snowboarding.
As to accommodation I think that Mirror Lake Inn is a perfect and an upscale place for a family to stay. Why won't you call the owner of this place, her name is also Lisa and she is a great person to get a first hand information from. She and her husband do a wonderful job to keep this place in a top shape. Ask about a spa. I like to relax there and staff is very professional.
Yes, we visited Sagamore but only on a day trip. I am having a hard time to imagine what to do there for longer than a day especially with two teenagers.
Let me know if you would like any other information. There are other upscale places to stay like The Point (we never stayed there) but it is in a very isolated spot and it is about $1500 per night whereas Mirror Lake Inn around $300 with all activities near by. Wherever you decide to stay I hope you will have a great time

mary

visit the hamptons and relax with luxury

Brian Kilgore

Come to Toronto. Take the advice somewhere up above and go to Niagara Falls, then continue on to Toronto for a couple of days. Then drive east from Toronto to Kingston, across the Ivy Lea bridge, and then more or less straight south back to New York City.

Lots to do for big boys in Toronto, huysbands included. And you won't be bored, either.

BAK

lisa

I just got back from Woodstock, VT. There is golf, tennis, shops, beautiful fall foliage, glassblowing, etc. It was great!

Linda

We just returned from Lake Placid. There is golf, tennis, kayaking, rafting. mountain biking, walking around Mirror Lake, scenic boat ride, hiking of every level, gondola to the top of the mountain, road to the top of the mountain, ski jumping into the pool, horseback riding. And foliage was amazing!!!!!!! People there told us that winter is more busy than summer and fall.

Sarah

skiing Okemo, Franconia New Hamphshire, sight and shopping BOSTON

Lisa

Hi Bobbie

Thanks for the info! I'd like to know which roome you reserve for about $300/night. I called the Mirror Lake Inn and the only room available that would comfortably sleep the 4 of us will be $470 + 80 = $555/night + tax and gratuity. This is a little steep considering it does not include any meals. I have heard alot of great things about Lake Placid, though, since you recommended it.

Would you mind emailing me directly? I included my email address in this post. This way I can "speak" with you in more detail about the resort. I know that you said that your family loves it!

Thank you again and I hope to hear from you soon.

Lisa

Lisa

Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions!