7 Awesomely Great Places in the Adirondacks ...

Most of the places in the Adirondacks are just perfect for outdoorsy vacationers, and Saranac Lake is just one of those great options. A 15-minute drive from the lively town of Lake Placid will take you to this lake, which serves as the perfect escape for activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and more. The combination of unique shops with a laid-back attitude of the mountains, local diners, and awesome scenery makes Saranac Lake one of the most idyllic tourist destinations in upstate New York.

Welcome to the "Key to the Continent", Fort Ticonderoga, which serves as a living museum with demonstrations such as musket firings and cannon drills – you will enjoy fife-and-drum performances if you visit in July and August. This official national landmark hosts daily demonstrations and guided tours – you can even meet 'the staff' dressed in period garb and ask them to pose with you for a photograph. Don't forget to spend some time appreciating the panoramic views of Lake Champlain, one of the great attractions of the Adirondacks.

A half-day to full-day tour to this area will make boating and wildlife enthusiasts feel like it's heaven. You will have in front of you a collection of rivers and ponds with numerous campgrounds. It is easy to find kayak and canoe rental shops around to buy life vests, paddles, and canoe portage gear. Be ready to carry your equipment from one pond to another because not all bodies of water are interconnected.

Right off of route 28, in the southwest corner of Adirondack Park, there is a beautiful, little hamlet, called Old Forge. It's one of the best places in the Adirondacks to enjoy canoeing in summer. In Old Forge, you will find a popular canoe route that also connects you to Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake. Campers will have a great time too, but do keep in mind that the area has a large black bear population, so lock down your food and stuff in boxes or canisters before the sunset.

Yet another interesting place in the Adirondacks for sightseeing and skiing. This 5th highest mountain in the whole region has the largest vertical drop anywhere on the Eastern seaboard with 11 ski lifts and as many as 80 trails that make it a great tourist destination in every season. Scenic gondola rides are one of the best offerings in the summer though – they offer an outstanding vantage point to enjoy the stunning view of the neighboring peaks. Hiking is fun too and you can decide to hike up the trail and even consider driving part of the way up – an elevator lift can also take you to the top.

Let the Bombay Blaster chutes and the Black River waterslide take you through darkness or enjoy taking some of the more traditional amusement rides if you're visiting with kids. Witness thrilling and exciting circus shows twice a day or have fun in a tidal-wave pool to cool off the heat.

Originally opened in 1954, this small museum brilliantly preserves the culture of the Iroquois Confederacy. This family-owned and operated museum serves as a perfect pit stop and keeps you entertained when you want a little break from the larger tourist towns. Enjoy the exhibition of more than 3,000 American Indian artifacts including canoes, baskets, beadwork, paintings, and much more. Truly, it's one of the best places in the Adirondacks to spend a couple of hours appreciating the Native American Indian history.

I’m definitely in love with The Adirondacks now. I must visit one day. Have you been or do you live in the mountains? Is it grand?