visitadirondacks.com

[Good morning from the Adirondacks!]

For all of the commotion, creativity, and culture that New York City affords its residents, the scale certainly isn’t even, tipping most definitely to the side of the urban jungle, when it comes to to the city versus nature balance. I think that is why us city slickers freak out (in a good way) so much when the first fall leaves start to fall, as a heavy hand of the season invades our line of vision, which is otherwise relatively blocked from enjoying a stretch of it, save for a stroll through Central Park. Don’t get me wrong, Central Park is a delightful refuge from the city streets, but sometimes a more immersive experience is needed.

[Shore side views at Elk Lake Lodge]

This fall I ventured north, gleefully leaving the subway behind and heading straight for the Adirondacks, about four hours from New York City for a three-day weekend getaway. Never having visited the area before, I had visions of lakes and lakes and lakes (Lake George, Lake Placid, Lake Paradox, Thirteenth Lake, Elk Lake, and about 700 more lakes and ponds are there), hyper-blue skies, the most gorgeous ombré leaves, breath taking mountain views, and a general sense of inner peace and calm overtaking my being.

Happiness! Yes, all of these hypotheses came true, and more; follow along for my guide of the expansive area that makes up the Adirondacks region for the memorable stops and shops I visited, places I stayed, and dining and drinking experiences.