Get a taste of adventure in the unspoiled wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains. Witness the ancient timberlands and deep lakes that have beguiled empresses and provided inspiration to poets, painters and authors. Spanning an astounding 6 million acres of public, constitutionally protected forest preserve, as well as privately owned land, the Adirondack Park is, in a word, epic. The Adirondacks beckon each generation to become part of an adventure story centuries in the making.
During your time in the "forever wild park," you’ll mine for garnets, get an eagle’s eye view at the Wild Walk, and hear the echo of cheers that erupted after the U.S. hockey team’s victory on ice. This Adirondack Adventure will soar to the top of your most memorable vacation list!
DETAILS
PACKAGE AVAILABLE:
Spring, Summer, Fall
TOUR LENGTH:
4 Days/3 Nights
DAY 1 -
Arrive in Alexandria Bay, located in the heart of the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River. The region offers unsurpassed vistas of the St. Lawrence River and its rocky islands. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the region became a popular summer resort, where wealthy residents built grand summer homes, stately hotels provided luxurious accommodations, and steamboats offered tours among the islands.
Board the ferry to Heart Island, named because of its shape and the romantic, but heartbreaking, love story behind Boldt Castle. George C. Boldt, proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, planned the Castle’s construction at the turn of the century. His intent was to build a full-size Rhineland castle, in Alexandria Bay to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise. No detail was overlooked, as the 300 workers fashioned the six-story, 120-room castle, complete with tunnels, a drawbridge and Italian gardens. However, when Louise died unexpectedly, George put a halt to the construction and the castle remained unfinished for more than 75 years.
Once the ferry returns to the mainland, continue your travels to Lake Placid, your home for the next three nights.
Late afternoon arrive at your Lake Placid resort set on the shores of Mirror Lake. Surrender yourself to the natural and untouched beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. Rejuvenate in the heated indoor pool, enjoy a beverage in the hotel's lounge or take a stroll on the resort's private beach.
This evening, gather for an included dinner in the resort's restaurant and enjoy casual dining with sweeping views of the Adirondack Mountains.
DAY 2 -
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel and then travel to The Wild Center in Tupper Lake. The 54,000-square-foot indoor space features multi-media shows, hands-on experiences and live exhibits, including river otters. Take a walk on the wild side at the Center’s Wild Walk, a trail across the treetops of the Adirondack Forest. You’ll see the forest from a new perspective, as you perch in an oversized bald eagle’s nest, hang out in a spider’s web, walk across swinging bridges and visit a four-story twig tree house.
Grab lunch to go at the Center’s on-site café, and then depart to discover “the gem of the Adirondacks.” At Barton Mines, the largest garnet mine in the world, you’ll learn about the history and geology of the mine and how to find your own garnet gemstones. Barton Mines is the oldest continuous mining operation in the state of New York, and it supplies about 90% of the world’s garnet. After a tour, you’ll have time to prospect and hunt for your own gemstones in the historic mines.
Travel to the Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Lake in Blue Mountain Lake. The Museum shares the stories of the Adirondacks — tales of work, play, creativity and community — through research, collections and classes. The first objects collected for display at the Museum included the Marion River Carry Railroad engine and passenger car, the steamboat Osprey, a stagecoach, several horse-drawn vehicles and a birch bark canoe. You’ll also see displays about community life, which include the farming gallery, peddler’s wagon and a complete blacksmith shop.
Return to the hotel to refresh before dinner.
Dinner this evening will be served at a locals' favorite restaurant.
DAY 3 -
After breakfast, meet your local guide and head out on a full day of immersion into the Olympics. It is often said that Lake Placid is where "miracles are made." It was at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, in 1980, that the US men's hockey team toppled the Soviet Union on its way to winning the gold medal. This is where 16-year-old figure skater, Sonja Henie, won an Olympic gold medal in 1932 and charmed the world. At the Olympic Museum, explore the legacy of the 1932 and 1980 Lake Placid Winter Games with many great exhibits, which include video highlights, athletes' uniforms and equipment, collections of Olympic Games' torches, mascots, medals including first gold medal ever awarded. During your visit, watch video of the "Miracle on Ice." Guests will also witness the Ski Jumping Complex, The Training Center, The Sports Complex (home of the luge track) and the site of the Olympic Flame Cauldron. During your time in Lake Placid, have lunch at one of the local eateries. Your guide will offer suggestions of places to eat.
Late afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery.
Return to the hotel to refresh and relax before your farewell dinner.
Gather for a farewell dinner and savor the flavors of New England fare.
DAY 4 -
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel and board the coach. Depart for home taking along magnificent memories of your Adirondack Adventure.
Your package includes:
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3 Nights’ Accommodations
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3 Breakfasts
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1 Lunch at Paul Smith’s College
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3 Dinners
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Ferry ride to Heart Island
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Admission to Boldt Castle
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Admission to the Wild Center and Wild Walk
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Tour of the Barton Garnet Mines
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Admission to the Adirondack Experience
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Olympic Pass to the sports venues and museums in Lake Placid
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Wine tasting at the Goose Watch Winery
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Baggage service for one piece of luggage per traveler
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Services of a local, step-on guide on Day 3
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Accommodations and breakfasts for the motor coach driver
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Taxes and gratuities (Note: Gratuities for the coach driver are not included and are at your discretion based on service.)