Things To Do In The Adirondacks: A Weekend Getaway
When it comes to the top things to do in the Adirondacks, we first have to take a second to remember that we’re still in New York. New York might be known for Times Square, Central Park & all that NYC tourist stuff; but the real hidden gems are the breathtaking mountains that will truly make your jaw drop. As we drive further north from NYC for approximately 4.3 hours, you’ll fall in love with the ADKS (Adirondacks) and I am about to tell you why with the top things to do in the Adirondacks.
No matter the time of year, the Adirondack Mountains are the perfect weekend upstate getaway. There’s something about the fresh air that makes me just want to snuggle up in my sweats and drink hot apple cider. I went to school up in SUNY New Paltz in the Catskill Mountain region and let me tell you, those hikes are HARD so imagine driving an additional hour up to an even bigger mountain range. Welcome to The Adirondacks, home to the tallest mountain in New York State (Mount Marcy). Even after going twice, this place is still on my bucket list. There are tons of adventures I would love to embark on here and with that said, here are the best things to do in the Adirondack Mountains.
Things To Do In The Adirondacks
Two days is ample time to enjoy the Adirondack Mountains. I have gone on a few weekend trips that have allowed me to get some great hikes in, relax & eat some great food as well. If two days aren’t enough, I hear you & even added a bonus hike to do for those looking to extend the trip. In addition, you can make it a 3-day trip if you add in a mini-day trip to New Paltz which I have done before. It’s a perfect way to split up the drive and get to see another great small town that I adore.
From New York City, it is a 4-hour and 45-minute drive, but by driving 1.5 hours to New Paltz, the 3-hour drive didn’t seem too bad! If you’re interested in doing the same, check out the best places to visit in the New Paltz area here, but to not waste any time, let’s get right into the top things to do in the Adirondacks!
What to Do in the Adirondack Mountains: Day 1
1. Hike Phelps Mountain
If you’re like me and love to hike and take in some fresh air in the mountains, then you have to visit this mountain. To preface, these are not easy hikes. If you are unsure of which hikes to do at your level, they have a guest center right by the parking lot where you can ask the workers and get their expert opinion.
It’s recommended to bring headlamps if you’re starting your hike late in the day and check for the weather since you might have to bring a rain jacket. We didn’t prep too much so thankfully we got some neat stuff at the store, but overall we did remember food and water which is the most important part! Staying hydrated and fed is key to surviving the long hikes.
Using All Trails To Help You Navigate
I’d recommend saving the hike you’d want to climb on All Trails, the hiking app that I swear by for getting recommendations and directions to the mountain. If you subscribe to their monthly service, you can download offline maps which could save you from getting lost. Another hack is to leave the window open so that even if you don’t have service the map still works! I’d do a test try before just to make sure, but it worked for me & saved us so much time.
While hiking, every mile felt like 5,000 so I mean it when I say bring lots of snacks & water. As anticipated, the views are to die for. Be careful of the cliffs. If you stand too close, you might slip and it’s not worth your life for an Instagram photo.
Based on our experience, we ended up starting our hike really late (around 1pm)- please do not do this! I almost had a heart attack hiking in *almost* pitch black (thanks to my handy headlamp) for AN HOUR!! I never walked that fast. Let’s just say getting home and taking a nice hot shower was so REWARDING!! Cannot express enough how much our clothes smelt from the rain, but hey, we have some crazy memories to add to the book!
2. Top Of The Park
After a hike, all you want to do is eat & this place has you covered. We stumbled across it because it was the only kitchen in town closed at 10! Everywhere else closed pretty early, but overall they did not disappoint. I would recommend getting the steak, charcuterie board & chicken wings! Portions are smaller, but the service & food was excellent. If you go during the day, I’d eat on the outdoor deck as there are magnificent views of the one and only Mirror Lake.
What to Do in the Adirondack Mountains: Day 2
1. The Breakfast Club
What better way to start your day than by having a nice hardy, fulfilling breakfast? Lake Placid has the cutest small town with lots of stores nearby, one of which is this gem! I love that we just walked in and didn’t need to wait long. The restaurant is huge so it accommodates crowds and big parties! Try to get a seat right by the windows for incredible views of Mirror Lake! Highly recommend getting eggs benedict, and blueberry pancakes. I wish I had room for pumpkin cheesecake so let me know how it is when you go!!
2. The Medbery Inn & Spa
After a long hike knowing what we went through, this spa day was nothing short of necessary and relaxing. I was attracted to this place above the others because it’s affordable and the service was excellent. The woman greeted us with a warm, welcoming, and soothing presence, and don’t forget the glass of wine!
She then educated us on the minerals that we were about to soak in. The town used to be a natural spring and there are tunnels of caves and water flowing through underneath the streets. The minerals are fresh from the ground & actually, all they need to do is turn on the faucet and the bathtubs pump the water from the natural ground. She mentioned that the colder the water, the more minerals you get! After trying not to shower for 48 hours is the move so that you get the full effects and nutrients in your body I would also note that the rooms are smaller than expected so it’s a super intimate setting for who you are going with and perfect for a solo trip as well.
3. Pizza Works
Three words…BRUSCHETTA & BUFFALO CHICKEN. Those two pizza slices were so scrumptious. The food was tasty, fresh & affordable. Coming from a Brooklynite where NYC pizza is superior, this place hit the nail on the head!
Bonus Hike: Indian Head
If you’re in the market to stay an extra day, then you have to try this hike. It’s one of those bucket list excursions that’ll really make you have such a great appreciation for the outdoors & nature. In true Brooklynite Abroad fashion, we started the hike a little later than expected & it turned out to be amazing since we got to see the views just before sundown. The reservation system was all booked up but we still managed to get in thanks to a couple who were members of the ADK mountain club. The hike wasn’t too hard. I’d just be careful that you don’t get lost since the tree markings aren’t always super visible.
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Where to Stay In The Adirondacks
So we went over the top things to do in the Adirondacks, but now where are you guys going to stay? This is a highly-debated question since just about every place here is the epitome of that upstate fall experience; however, these two places did it for me and I can’t wait to share it with you. I have one Airbnb option (which is my favorite way to book stays) and another lodge which was THE BEST. I can’t choose my favorite out of the two in terms of service, but I loved the aesthetic of the tiny home, so I’m going to have to go with that for my ultimate #1 spot.
1. Town House Lodge
Starting with the runner-up, this place had AMAZING SERVICE! I mean it blew me away and can’t thank them enough for everything they did to accommodate us. I used to sleep on a twin-size mattress, so in the king-size bed, I was living my best life!! It’s right in the main town and so easy to get around from one place to another. Additionally, the water pressure was so nice. After our long hike, we seriously needed to feel like we were in that spa and it did just that. It was a nice touch that it came with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel! The aesthetic of the place gave a nice towny vibe and had beautiful views of the lake. You felt like you were taken care of which was a great feeling.
2. Airbnb TINY HOME
I have never stayed in a tiny home, so you already know that this took the cake! This is a top recommendation for things to do in the Adirondacks and here is exactly why! This Airbnb was super affordable (I mean only $50/night)- WHAT A STEAL! This place is right off one of the main roads so it’s super simple to get to! For someone that’s low maintenance, that is all we needed!
Once you walk inside, you feel like you’re the main character. The front section has a desk with a cute book for all of the guests to sign in, outlets, and the heater. Taking the stairs up, you have the cute and cozy full-size bed awaiting your slumber! The host was so communicative and offered to warm some tea up upon arrival! There isn’t a shower in the place (although she did mention there being a nearby hostel to shower for a small fee). In terms of using the bathroom, you use the main house which was just enough. I would recommend staying here for 2 nights to get the whole experience.
At nighttime, when you look up, you will be amazed at the stars in the sky. Light pollution doesn’t affect the area so you see hundreds upon thousands of stars throughout the night. Overall, we had an amazing experience and we were so glad we got to stay here. Would love to come here on a future trip!
So There You Go
So that wraps up the trip with the top things to do in the Adirondacks! What did you think? Are you ready for some hiking & outdoorsy adventures coming your way? Once you get a taste of upstate living, you’ll want to visit more. The best part is that you don’t only have to visit in the fall for the iconic fall foliage. The Adirondack Mountains are beautiful all year round and are perfect for every adventure! Hope you enjoy and don’t forget to tell me what you think and share your favorite places as well! Bye guys!
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