Extra Exploring in Every Direction!
Let's start with a quiz:
Question: How many different towns, villages and hamlets are contained within the Adirondack region of New York State?
- A. 12
- B. 6
- C. 74
- D. 102
Thinking.
Thinking..
Thinking...
Answer: If you answered D, you are correct.
Nestled within the Adirondack mountains you will find 102 unique communities each offering their own distinct culture, attractions, eateries, and more. Tupper Lake is not only lucky enough to say we are one of these towns, but we are also centrally located in a way that makes us a great base camp for exploring all that the Adirondacks has to offer. So while you are planning your trip to Tupper Lake, I'd suggest booking an extra day to get out and discover some of the other nearby communities and attractions that make the Adirondacks such a special vacation destination. (This is where the music chimes in and I hear the voices of the very wise children in that one more day of vacation credit card commercial: “We’ve heard that over four-hundred million vacation days go unused every year. That’s the stupidest thing I've ever heard. They’re paid vacation days...")
Top 10 Things To Do
(Within a one-hour drive or less)
1. Adirondack Museum
Located in Blue Mountain Lake (approx. 30 miles from Tupper Lake) the Adirondack Museum features a beautiful campus made up of 22 modern galleries and historic buildings all sharing a part of the history of the people who have lived, worked, and played in the Adirondacks since the early 19th century. Open 7-days a week from Memorial Day to Columbus Day as well as special Cabin Fever Sunday programming in the winter, the Adirondack Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and those with a passion for the Adirondacks.
2. Bobsled Ride
Being so close to Lake Placid, NY (approx. 35 miles from Tupper Lake) it would be a shame to not spend an extra day creating your own perfect day. Start with a half-mile bobsled ride at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, where a professional driver will have you reaching speeds of up to 50mph as you slide through turns known around the world. Afterwards, enjoy lunch and shopping on iconic Main Street, Lake Placid.
3. Whitewater Rafting
While there are plenty of awesome opportunities right in Tupper Lake to get out and enjoy the water, there are few experiences that are quite like taking a whitewater rafting trip down the Adirondack's Hudson River Gorge. Starting in Indian Lake, NY (approx. 40 miles from Tupper Lake) rafters will enjoy an exhilarating 16-mile ride through some of the most remote and scenic sections of the Indian & Hudson Rivers. From the big water in the spring, to family trips in the summer, and fall foliage tours in the autumn, if you have an extra day - whitewater just might be the way to pack in a little more fun.
4. Paul Smith's VIC
Paul Smith's Visitor Interpretive Center (approx. 27 miles north of Tupper Lake) is a place "where outdoor recreation, interpretive education and the arts come together naturally." The 3,000-acre campus features 25-miles of trails that weave through woodland, marshland, ponds, brooks, and bogs. In addition to trails, the VIC offers a variety of interpretive programs both in their main building and throughout the campus, as well as a really intriguing native species butterfly house, and more.
5. Childwold
One of the best ways to get a real feel for what the Adirondack's are all about is simply spending a little time exploring some of the smaller communities. Childwold (approx. 15 miles west of Tupper Lake) is just one great example. Take a scenic drive to the charming little community and check out these three must-see stops.
6. Akwesasne Mohawk Casino
Feeling lucky? Heck, you have an extra day to play - if that isn't luck, then I don't know what is! Why not try to test that luck at Akwesasne Mohawk Casino (approx. 75 miles north of Tupper Lake) where you'll find 130,000-square feet of exciting casino games, 1,800 of the newest slot machines, restaurants, spa, and more.
7. Veteran's Memorial Highway
So you have probably always thought that taking in the view from one of New York's highest peaks could only be accomplished through hiking (or possibly taking a chair lift), am I correct? What if I were to say that you could drive to the top and then take an elevator to the peak? The Veteran's Memorial Highway on Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington (approx. 40 miles from Tupper Lake) offers just that. After an eight-mile climb on wheels, and either an invigorating hike or a ride up the in-mountain elevator you will achieve a 360-degree view of the Adirondack's High Peak region.
8. The Saranac Lake Art Scene
One of the coolest growing arts scene in the Adirondacks is located just a short drive to the east (approx. 20 miles from Tupper Lake). If you enjoy art, make sure to plan an extra day to tour some of Saranac Lake's galleries, working studios, educational workshops, live music, performing arts theatre, and more.
9. Seaplane Rides
Want to get an even better view of the 'Dacks? Take a scenic seaplane ride in nearby Long Lake and get a bird's eye view. Helm's Aero Service located adjacent to the Long Lake Beach (approx. 20 miles from Tupper Lake) offers a unique perspective of the magnitude of the Adirondacks backcountry. Afterword, make sure to pop into Hoss's Country Corner for a one-of-a-kind Adirondack shopping experience.
10. Dine & Cruise
From Long Lake, head a little farther south to Raquette Lake and climb aboard Raquette Lake Navigation's W.W. Durant. This historic steamboat replica will tour you around the Adirondack's largest lake as you enjoy fine dining, cocktails, and intriguing narration.
How will you spend your extra day?
And the fun is just beginning... the question is how will you spend your extra day in the Adirondacks? With so many great communities and attractions to visit throughout the mountains, take advantage of Tupper Lake's prime location at the crossroads and plan to explore in one or many of the directions that will lead you to even more adventures. Then, after a day on the road visiting the sites, retreat back to town and relax with dinner, drinks, and a cozy place to rest your weary head.
In related ADK extra day news:
A microspike hike with a view.