20 Jul Classic Summer Vacation Experiences in the Heart of the Adirondacks
Visitors to the Adirondack region of upstate New York can experience adventures in the wilderness, along with small town charm and comfort in the Hamilton County region. Recent storms caused some temporary flooding and brief closures of some attractions and properties, depending on their location. In most cases, simple repairs have been made; hotel properties continue to welcome guests and attractions are busy hosting summer visitors.
According to Alex Roalsvig, Town of Long Lake director of parks, recreation and tourism, the region continues to bustle with activity. “The Long Lake community is bouncing back after the storm, and despite some considerable damage to some private homes and property we will continue to work together and rebuild,” she said. “Our business community is 100 percent open and determined to make our community stronger than ever before. Truly, it’s ‘business as usual’ for the vast majority of the area – restaurants are busy, hotels are full and we welcome everyone, our doors are open.”
Hamilton County is in the center of the six million acre Adirondack Park in upstate New York. More than one million acres (95 percent) of Hamilton County is public land, accessible to everyone. Charming villages are scattered throughout the county, making it the perfect mix of wilderness adventure and comfort.
The communities of Blue Mountain Lake, Long Lake, Raquette Lake and other surrounding towns and hamlets provide places to explore, relax and learn about the region’s history, with wilderness adventure right at the doorstep.
Blue Mountain Lake is one of the Adirondacks’ most beautiful towns. The community boasts a number of natural and man-made attractions, including The Adirondack Experience – the Museum at Blue Mountain Lake, boat tours of Blue Mountain Lake, charming local restaurants such as Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner, and local arts centers, all providing visitors with the opportunity to become immersed in the local region and its history. Local shops offer an interesting mix of locally made products and items crafted by local artisans.
Blue Mountain itself is one of the most popular mountains to climb in the Adirondacks; many trails in the region are family-friendly with beautiful views, while providing an opportunity to become immersed in the Adirondack wilderness. According to Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Hamilton County Regional Manager Katie LaLonde, those hoping to hike in the area should ensure that trails are dry. “Since we are in mid-summer, it’s likely that they will be in good shape fairly quickly,” she said. “This also offers an opportunity to remind people about taking care of this beautiful region. LoveYourADK.org offers practical tips and important information for those venturing out onto trails that may have experienced some damage. We encourage everyone to visit that site before planning a hike.”
Long Lake is another charming village, just a few miles from Blue Mountain Lake. It boasts a beautiful beach, mountain bike and hiking trails, and paddling opportunities – Long Lake is also home to Helms Aero Service, offering seaplane charters for those wishing to experience a bird’s eye view. The Adirondack Hotel, one of the region’s oldest properties built in the 1850s, continues to welcome visitors – its new owners continue the hotel’s long tradition of providing both comfortable accommodations and delicious dinners. Other properties in the area include cabins and cottages nestled in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle, along with lakefront hotel options that offer quiet beauty and waterfront activities.
The Long Lake town beach is one of the most beautiful in the area. Each Friday evening during the summer, the town hosts its Music By The Lake concert series, providing entertainment for visitors and local residents.
Raquette Lake, another community within a few miles of Blue Mountain Lake, is a delightful little village that’s filled with old world, small-town charm. Raquette Lake is the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks with more than 100 miles of shoreline. The lake is home to the W.W. Druant, offering both sightseeing and dinner excursions with a peek into the region’s history. Nearby is Great Camp Sagamore where visitors can either spend the day or stay overnight. Hiking and paddling along the area’s trails and waterways provide a true wilderness retreat, close to cozy cabins and vacation properties that dot the roadways and shorelines.
Visitors to Hamilton County traveling from the east should note that Route 28 between Newcomb and Long Lake did experience some damage. The road may be closed for a couple of weeks; travelers should visit 511ny.org for the most current updates.
Contact:
Jane Hooper, communications manager
Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)
jane@roostadk.com
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