One family from Long Island with 12 and 14 year old, meeting with another family from Ontario with a 14 and 15 year old (all girls). We want to rent a big house/cottage on a lake for one week next summer. Any suggestions of a nice place where the girls can do some swimming, shopping etc. And where the adults can lay back and relax (and do some shopping too!!)? Either the F.L. or Adir. would be about half way for each family. Just not sure which place would be most suitable for our bunch. Any suggestions of places? Thanks.

a vote for the Adir's. Lots more to do for the kids with easy day trips-Lake Placid, VT, etc..

Adirondacks is not a shopping mecca. The only towns where you might find shopping are Lake Placid (can easily be covered in half day) or Lake George (IMHO not very "Adirondacky" - although some people love it - there's a bad outlet mall and tons of strip malls, mini-golf, amusement park, and stuff). Personally, I love the Adirondacks, but I think you have to really want to do outdoorsy activities (hiking, kayaking, fishing, lake swimming).

Finger Lakes - I'm not sure.

I live near the Finger Lakes, so I'm more familiar with the area. I think it has more of what you are looking for. The Adirondacks are certainly more physically beautiful, but the Finger Lakes has shopping for the teenagers (Waterloo Outlet Mall), restaurants and wineries for the adults, and some very pretty lakes. I'd look on Cayuga or Seneca Lake, or perhaps Keuka Lake.

Both areas have a lot to offer, but I would prefer the Adirondacks for the great scenery and outdoor activities. I would recommend the Lake Placid/Saranac Lake areas, which will then give you a nice village (Lake Placid) with restaurants and shops to walk around in. There's also some stuff in Saranac Lake area. I really despise the Lake George town area ... way too touristy, overbuilt, crowded, and not what I think of when I think of going to the Adirondacks ..Although it will be full of all kinds of shopping, outlet centers, etc. ... I suppose some people love it cause it's usually packed. Lake Placid is much more charming and is worth the extra drive ... something for everyone and right near the most scenic High Peaks area. There's even a road that goes up to the top of Whiteface mountain for some great views.

Well I like both areas. Lake Placid is definetaly a good recommendation for the Adirondacks along with Saranac Lake. I would also like to mention Old Forge. It is a little more touristy but not too much so. Not like Lake George. Old Forge has a lot of nice shops and restaurants. Enchanted Forest is fun for the kids - great water park! I don't think the girls are too old for this yet Also Old Forge is close to Thendera where you can take a nice train ride through the park. I have not done it yet but I know it's popular and I've heard nice things about it. It's not a real long ride and it's inexpensive. However shopping in Old Forge is not cheap! A lot of nice things to buys. A lot of unique things Adirondack style - but expensive. In other words it's not for bargain hunters.

Fingerlakes is also nice. Ithaca area might be a nice location for you. It's a beautiful town and there are shops and restaurants. Not sure how many but it's a big enough town it should have what you are looking for. I believe it would be cheaper to shop in this area. Ithaca would be close to the wineries and I believe it would also be close to Watkins Glen. Watkins Glen has one of the most beautiful gorge walks I've ever seen! Not real sure where you would be able to rent a place on the water here though.
Good luck! You can't go wrong either way.