Winter Olympic History at Lake Placid, NY

My brother, Mike had moved to Argyle, New York outside of Saratoga Springs, and my parents had planned a family vacation to visit him. On the road for 12 hours, we arrived at the charming dairy town, where my brother had been working with the Young Life organization. After a long day, we settled into Mike’s home, ordered a pizza from Squirt’s and turned in for the night.

Sleeping in after a long day of driving, we began our two hour drive towards Lake Placid located in the Adirondack region of New York. Known as the location of two winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid is best visited during the fall. We had arrived just in time to watch the changing of the leaves and the beautiful early fall sunsets.

What I remember most about Lake Placid was that it was the location where the United States hockey team took home the gold medal in 1980. I had a huge crush on goalie Jim Craig and sat on the edge of the couch as Eric Heiden took home five gold medals for speed skating. Visiting the location where it all took place was super exciting as it brought back such awesome childhood memories.

As we approached the Olympic grounds, we could see the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Compound where the 90 meter and 120 meter jumps towered over the simple country roads. Once home to the Lake Placid Club, this was the location of the area’s first ski jump built in 1920. With funds to improve the jump towers, the complex will be ready to host several major games over the next few years.

Another highlight of my day in Lake Placid was a stop at the Olympic Sports Complex. I was hoping to book the Bobsled Experience, but it was closed for the season. The track, close to a half mile long, races up to 55 miles per hour. In addition to the experience, thrill seekers will also receive a complimentary photo, a t-shirt and discount on an upcoming session.

We continued our exploration of Lake Placid by driving the country roads towards Saranac Lake. The fall colors were in their early stages of changing color and the air was crisp. It was the perfect day for checking out the Adirondacks.

Have you visited Lake Placid or have a favorite village in the Adirondacks? I would love to hear about your experience, recommendations or best of list if you would leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading about my amazing time in Lake Placid and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Lake Placid Olympic Center
2634 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY
Telephone: 518 523 1655

Where to Stay:

Adirondack Vacation Rentals
Telephone: 518 524 7335

Where to Eat:

Whiteface Lodge
7 Whiteface Lane
Lake Placid, NY 12946
Telephone: 518 523 0505

Check out Kanu for its exquisite dining overlooking the Adirondacks.

What to Eat and/or Drink:

- Adirondack Seltzer
- Beef on Weck Sandwich: Roast beef and grated horseradish on a kimmelweck roll (seasoned with caraway seeds and coarse salt)
- Boston Shake is a milkshake with a sundae on top
- Chicken Riggies: a dish made of rigatoni, chicken, hot and sweet peppers, covered in a tomato cream sauce
- Croghan Balogna: smoked beef links
- Garbage Plate: a combination of macaroni salad (or baked beans), fried potatoes, meat (such as beef, hot dogs, fried fish),
- Grape Pie (in the Finger Lakes region)
- Jell-O
- Aunt Rosie’s Loganberry or PJ’s Crystal Beach: non-carbonated and carbonated drinks
- Michigans: a hot dog smothered in meat sauce
- Peppermint Pigs
- Saratoga Chips
- Thousand Island Dressing