Bev

I was intrigued by an article I read about the beautiful sights to see on a particular Amtrak run from New York City to the Adirondacks. Got me to thinking about that as a nice destination for our summer vacation (husband, me, 14 year old son). We like trains rather than flying and plus we could make NYC a couple of day visit at either end of the trip (we live in DC). Any experience with places to stay -- lodges, hotels -- and the kinds of activities there are to do? (We're not campers by the way.) I don't know anything about the Adirondacks and plan to do my research, but thought you experienced posters might have info to share.

marj

Try searching on Lake George on the internet. That area probably has the best selection of places to stay and things to do. Check the Amtrak website, I'm sure trains should run up there from NYC. In the warm months there's lots going on in Saratoga (race track, outdoor performing arts center, spa). In recent years I've gone skiing up the the adirondacks but that's about it. Many years ago I've been to Saratoga and Lake George. It's a beautiful part of New York State and much of it is undeveloped.

xyz

Do a search of Lake Placid. Probably the best destination in the Adirondacks for a family with a 14 year old. Lake George and the surrounding mountains are beautiful, but very quiet and laid back unless you stay in Lake George Village, which is a tourist trap. You'll need a car no matter where you stay in the Adirondacks. I'm sure you're son will love Lake Placid and there are other things to do just a short drive away. You can drive up Whiteface mountain and then hike the rest of the way (or take an elevator) to the top. The view is magnificent. Visit lower falls gorge. Check out the Olympic sites. My brother always stays at the Mirror Lake Inn and raves about it. Have fun.

lisa

I'm with XYZ...Lake George Village is a major tourist trap and you'll spend a lot of your time in traffic... The surrounding area is beautiful. I haven't been to Lake Placid but have friends who think it's great.

cdf

Hi Bev,we were just in the Adirondacks this past October.We drove from NYC to Montreal.It is a lovely drive/ride, and on the way back we stopped at the Sagamore for an overnight stay.It is a very beautiful old building, looks like a grand old home, and it is on it's own little island in Lake George..which is very tourist trappish in the summer,but in the fall it is very quiet, since the summer places close up for the winter.It is very beautiful there, look it up online,I know they have lodges where families can stay, with small kitchens and fireplaces.Good luck~C