Why it’s awesome: Schroon Lake, along with the town that shares its name, is an idyllic summer and winter vacation spot 4-5 hours north of New York City. The community of Schroon Lake, nestled along its pristine namesake lake, is a quaint village with shops, family-run restaurants, parks and cultural events. Cabins and charming hotels sit adjacent to the downtown area and the lake, making for easy evening walks along the shoreline or the main street area. There are plenty of hiking trails in the area, too.
What to do: The village of Schroon Lake has a beach in the Adirondacks and is just minutes from the downtown. Visit the long stretch of beach here and grab a picnic lunch from a local sandwich shop or walk along Main Street and have dinner in one of the restaurants downtown. Head to the marina to get out on the lake and go water skiing, fishing or sailing. There’s a big arts scene here, too. Seagle Festival, the oldest summer vocal training program in the country, offers live music. Visitors can see performers of all kinds at the Boathouse Theater and Schroon Lake Bandstand. There are events in the area all year, like craft fairs, a regatta, and a Harvest Celebration at Gore Mountain. In the summer, plan an afternoon to visit Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake where you’ll find more than 20 buildings and structures spanning 121 acres, plus plenty of outdoor activities. There’s a lot to do in the winter, too, like sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, alpine and cross-country skiing, hiking, tubing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Where to eat: Paradox Brewery, a veteran-owned craft brewery in North Hudson, offers a fun atmosphere, a huge selection of beers, specialty pizzas and sandwiches like House-Smoked Pork. Sticks & Stones Wood Fired Bistro & Bar is another popular option for lunch and dinner (try the Schroon Fisherman’s Platter or Cajun Pasta) and the beers here are local (from the Paradox Brewery!), too. For breakfast any time of the day, head to Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner at Blue Mountain Lake (and try the Blue Mountain Pancakes).
Where to stay: The Lodge at Schroon Lake is a 36-acre resort on the west shore of Schroon Lake that opened in summer 2023. The resort has a mix of 116 hotel rooms, standalone cabins and chalets, plus upscale glamping sites. The lodge has a restaurant and bar, mini golf, multipurpose sports courts and a guests-only private beach with docks and a deck. There’s also an indoor pool, a private marina, a game room and indoor and outdoor event spaces.