New York
Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Charming Small Town In New York Where You Can Still Experience An Old-Fashioned Christmas

Lake Placid in New York offers a magical old-fashioned Christmas experience with festive decorations and numerous winter activities.

Published Nov 30, 2022

Written by 

Christy Articola

If you're looking for a town that celebrates an old-fashioned Christmas in New York, then look no further than Lake Placid. This small town in the Adirondacks was home to the 1980 Winter Olympics, but today it's known for so much more. Not only does the town decorate beautifully for the holiday, but there are a vast number of winter activities to enjoy there, and the annual Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll is one of the best Christmastime events anywhere in the state. Read on to learn more! Plan a December trip to Lake Placid today.

Lake Placid is a winter wonderland and it's a small town in New York that really gets into the Christmas spirit.

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First of all, this town really goes all out when it comes to holiday decorating. There are lights and trees everywhere for residents and visitors to enjoy.

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Most of the town's small businesses get in on the action, too.

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You can walk around town window shopping or stepping into Lake Placid's many charming shops.

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There's also a large Christmas tree in the center of town. The annual tree lighting is a popular event.

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Of course, you can go ice skating with friends and family at one of Lake Placid's large sports facilities left over from the Olympics.

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And you can go skiing at nearby Whiteface Mountain. The mountain has an annual event for skiing Santas every year. If you wear a full Santa outfit, you ski for free!

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The town's annual Maker's Mart celebrates local stores and craftspeople.

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You can even mail a letter directly to Santa at the North Pole using this special mailbox.

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There are a number of very fun holiday events that happen during the annual Holiday Visit Stroll. It happens in mid-December every year. You can attend a story time that the whole family will enjoy.

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Or, you can participate in the Jingle Bell Run. It's 2.5 miles long and it goes all the way around Mirror Lake.

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There are musical events during this fun weekend as well.

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The Village Holiday Stroll Weekend wraps up with Santa's Fire Truck Parade. Santa loves to see all the decorations and wave to all the good boys and girls!

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Everything about Christmas in Lake Placid is magical and wonderful. You'll feel like a local when you visit this northern small town during this very special time of year.

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Lake Placid is lovely at any time of year but it's especially inviting during the Christmas season. Plan a visit to Lake Placid today! You'll be glad that you did. There's no better place to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas in New York!

Are you looking for more great Christmas destinations in New York? Check out this list: The Magical Road Trip Will Take You Through New York’s Most Charming Christmas Towns

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

The Small Town In New York That Will Make You Feel Like a Character in “The Facts Of Life”

For fans of the classic sitcom "The Facts of Life", there are so many great things to do in Peekskill, New York where it all began.

Published Sep 16, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

I was born a little too late to watch "The Facts of Life", the iconic boarding school sitcom that gave Mrs. Garrett a new calling and introduced us to the tight-knit group of Jo, Tootie, Blair, and Natalie. But even as a late-comer, the iconic theme song is still ringing in my head! This is a show that's stood the test of time, and it still has many fans today who might be interested in visiting where it all began - the town of Peekskill in Westchester, just a short day trip from the city. There are a lot of amazing things to do in Peekskill, New York, and this charming small city of around 25,000 has become a key spot in the area for dining and hiking. Come with us and discover "the facts" of why Peekskill! should be your next small-town getaway!

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A passenger train heads north from Peekskill, New York, on the Hudson River

Peekskill is one of those cities I like to call "Goldilocks Cities" in that they're just right. They're large enough to have a great selection of shops, restaurants, and spots to visit, but they're small enough that they maintain that charming small-town feel and are surrounded by stunning nature. You can get to Peekskill from the city via Metro-North railroad, so it's an ideal day trip.

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The town is flanked by mountains and has some amazing historic architecture scattered throughout. Formerly a center of industry, it's now a great place to live with a thriving main street. While the school in "The Facts of Life" was fictional, many of the educational institutions here might look a little familiar.

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Autumn in the Hudson Valley.Picturesque autumn scenery of the Hudson River and the Bear Mountain Bridge.The Bear Mountain Bridge is a toll suspension bridge in New York State, carrying U.S. Highways 202 and 6 across the Hudson River between Rockland and Westchester counties.

Peekskill is also an amazing spot for hikers to visit, thanks to the nearby Blue Mountain Reservation. This natural wonder has been part of the NY parks system since 1926 and is home to a large collection of hiking trails ranging from simple to challenging, as well as a target range, a lodge, and some amazing waterfalls.

When you're done exploring, it's the perfect time to get a bite to eat. Peekskill has an amazing dining scene no matter when you're hungry - you can start your day with a pastry or crepe and some of the area's best coffee at Peekskill Coffee House, which is often called "Peekskill's Living Room". For dinner, the town is known as a hub of craft breweries and delicious comfort food.

Have you visited Peekskill before? Let us know your favorite things to do in Peekskill, New York - and sure, tell us your favorite Facts of Life memories too! If you're thinking that one day might not be enough time to explore Peekskill - and we don't blame you - consider booking a stay at The Abbey Inn & Spa, a spectacular luxury hotel built in a truly one-of-a-kind locale.

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Trip Ideas|Small Towns

This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town In New York Is So Worth Exploring

Published Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Eastern New York is one of those areas of the Empire State that really doesn't get much attention - it's pretty far from the city, but also a good drive away from the upstate cities. That makes it a perfect place to visit when you want to experience a side of New York that's rarely seen - and we found the perfect example in the tiny town of Pine Plains, New York. An incredibly peaceful and beautiful town flanked by the stunning Stissing Mountain, Pine Plains is a hamlet with under 1,200 people about two hours north of New York City. But despite its tiny size, it's developed a bit of a reputation as a little slice of heaven on Earth. This is the perfect place to visit when you want to go sightseeing and hiking, but also has some great shopping and dining destinations within a few minutes drive. Come with us and discover why you definitely shouldn't drive right by Pine Plains on your next road trip!

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Surrounded by mountains and lakes, Pine Plains might be the most underrated town in New York.

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This charming hamlet embraces rural life and has a lot of incredible historic buildings - including The Pines, a historic home built in 1878.

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The backdrop of Pine Plains and its most famous feature is definitely Stissing Mountain, one of the best hiking spots in the state.

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Its most famous feature is probably the Stissing Mountain Fire Tower - and yes, you can climb all the way up to the top!

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While most fire towers in the area top out at 60 feet, this one hits 90 feet and is the most stunning view in the region.

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Once you're back on solid ground, why not head to Hammertown Barn? This antiques and furniture spot is a vintage lover's dream.

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Not only are there some great pieces of vintage furniture here, but the store has some unique knickknacks on the shelves too.

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Pine Plains only has a few restaurants in the small town, but they tend to really stand out from the pack - like the Stissing House, a unique New American restaurant.

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Housed in a converted building dating all the way back to 1782, the seafood-forward menu is ideal for a date night or special occasion.

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Have you visited Pine Plains, New York before? Let us know what your favorite things to see and do in this small town are in the comments section! You can find out more on the Pine Plains website, and check out the websites of Hammertown Barn and Stissing House for more details on these local destinations. There are also some great places to stay in the area - from this gorgeous island Airbnb to the acclaimed Inn at Pine Plains, one of the region's best independent hotels.

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