Small but mighty, Tupper Lake is rather wonderful. It has amazing scenery, incredible donuts, and breathtaking starry skies. One of the things that many of us love best — aside from the donuts, anyway — is that it is a great basecamp for adventure. From Tupper Lake, a number of activities, attractions, and can't-miss sights are within an easy drive on pretty, foliage-lined roads. Whatever your interest, we're sure that you'll find that a few days in Tupper Lake are ideal for discovering memorable fall fun.

For the history buff

If there is something that the Adirondacks has an abundance of (besides colorful leaves), it's history. From Tupper Lake, explore the amazing true stories that make up this extraordinary part of the world.

In Tupper Lake, explore the Crossroads of the Adirondacks trail, perfect for a fall bike ride or a leisurely walk. This paved path — also great for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers! — travels through town and features displays of photos and historic information about the town's past, including the vital logging industry, railroads, and the role the town has played in the surrounding wilderness. The trail is a wonderful way to spend time in the fresh fall air, and learn about this wonderful small town.

Head south to Blue Mountain Lake, home of the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake to take in the big, big picture of the Adirondacks. From logging camps to miners, ultra-wealthy tourists "vacating" the city in the summer to folk artists past and present, there is an exceptional amount of fun to be had and history to be learned here. Learn what it took to be an Adirondack guide in the early 1900s or how the Adirondack Park came to be. Meet contemporary artists and climb a real fire tower!

Heading east, don't miss stopping in Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. In Saranac Lake, try a self-guided walking tour of downtown, or visit the Saranac Laboratory Museum. The museum tells the amazing story of how Saranac Lake became a world-renowned center for tuberculosis care and research. Learn about some of the fascinating people who were led to the village and contributed to the village's unique history.

For the golfer

If you're a golfer, or you know one, you know that fall golf is something truly special. Yes, summer is lovely, but the views on Adirondack golf courses, surrounded by stunning fall foliage, are unbeatable.

The Tupper Lake Golf Club offers 18 holes of rolling terrain, cleverly placed bunkers — the great Donald Ross designed the course — and expansive views. The blazing colors of red, yellow, and orange leaves in fall are bright and help make a great round extra memorable. A meal or flavorful snack in the clubhouse after your round offers its own fun, too!

Just a short drive from Tupper Lake, the Saranac Inn Golf & Country Club is nestled alongside spacious Upper Saranac Lake and quieter, scenic Hoel Pond. Fast greens and plenty of scenery — don't take your eye off the ball! — are just two reasons why the course has been acclaimed by Golf Digest, golfers on 18Birdies.com, and more.

Think you can fit in both courses in one day? Maybe this is the time for you to find out!

For the foodie

In the Adirondacks, and in Tupper Lake in particular, we pride ourselves on great flavor. You won't find many chain restaurants here; instead, locally-owned and chef-operated restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and delis abound. You can dip into fine dining or share a hearty pizza with the family.

Just around the corner, Amado has become one of the area's most interesting places to eat, featuring a charming courtyard and a menu inspired by Chef Cory Rohrbach's world travels. We're kind of obsessed with the classy tater tots — really! — that are tossed in white truffle oil and fresh parmesan, while the entrees are all so good it is impossible to decide. Hint: share with your friends! Between the Brazilian feijoada and the pot pie floater, sides of risotto and salad with ahi tuna, you'll face tough choices. But you know what? They're delicious and it is worth it!!

If a bit of a foliage drive feels like a great appetizer, you have a few great options: take Route 30 north past Fish Creek and Saranac Inn to Lake Clear, where The 1892 Bar and Grill is family-friendly and offers hearty pub food made with locally produced and grown ingredients. For foliage and lake views, take Route 30 south out of Tupper Lake and enjoy the rolling hills on your way to Long Lake. The Long View Lodge offers relaxed dining overlooking Long Lake, with a menu that includes steak, vegetarian-friendly options, and buttery whipped potatoes.

Are you hungry for a trip to the Tupper Lake area yet?

For the adventurer

Just a glance or two around you in Tupper Lake tells you that there is a lot of wilderness here. No matter where you are, you'll see mountains, hills, lakes, rivers, and perhaps even some wildlife. Outdoor adventures in the area abound; the hard part is choosing just what to do!

You can't go wrong with hiking, especially in the fall. Not only is the foliage wonderfully beautiful, but falling leaves also mean better views while you're on the trail. The Tupper Lake Triad is a family-friendly experience that incorporates three mountains and earns you a patch at the end! Some people do them all in one weekend or midweek break, or make it an excuse to come back to finish.

Experienced hikers and those willing to put in some miles all rave about Seymour Mountain, part of the Seward Range, which is only a short drive from Tupper. The trail gets steep on the upper part of the mountain, but those big, wide views of the Adirondacks? Amazing. Another excellent challenge is McKenzie Mountain, located between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. McKenzie isn't quite tall enough to be considered one of the 46 High Peaks, but it's a good challenge nonetheless, and the wilderness views and adventure are memorable.

For those who aren't in the mood for a hike, paddling is another excellent option and there is plenty of water to do it in! Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent from a local outfitter; either way, you'll find winding rivers, serene ponds, and big lakes that all provide excellent flatwater paddling. This is a great way to watch for wildlife, such as moose, Common loon, deer, and many other birds. Don't forget your binoculars!

Fall in Tupper Lake is always a special time. It has great Adirondack small town charm, plenty of activities, and is a great place to make your home base. Stay in a classic motel or roadside cottage; browse locally-owned shops featuring antiques, handcrafted art, and more; and above all, savor your time in the Adirondacks. We love it, and hope you will too.