Lake Placid: Over the Hills and Far Away

If you’re looking for a winter getaway, consider Lake Placid and its collection of interesting attractions and c-stores.

Back in 1932, in the depths of the Great Depression, the United States was awarded the Winter Olympics. It was the first time the event—then often referred to as the “Nordic Games”—was held outside of Europe.

C-store fans might also be interested to know that the 1932 Winter Olympics were the start of Coca-Cola’s long and storied history of being the “official drink of the Olympics,” corporate sponsorship before its time. The competition also managed to produce one multi-media star, before there was even a term for it.

The 1932 Winter Olympics also did wonders for the site at which the competition was held, Lake Placid, New York. Until then a little-known hamlet for vacationing New Yorkers, a sudden rush of newspaper accounts, radio broadcasts, and movie newsreels featuring the Olympics made it impossible to miss a beautiful location with vacation potential and recreation options.

We bring Lake Placid up because we’re on the verge of winter, and though the road trip is primarily associated with summer days and summer nights, the joys of winter can be pretty compelling for those willing to climb into their four-wheelers to get away for a little wintertime fun. All of that and more are available in Lake Placid.

Nestled in the highest peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid’s vibe is definitely more village-like than the U.S.’s larger and more populous winter recreation areas, a good place if you are looking to escape big town hustle and bustle.

As for details of what awaits the winter traveler when they arrive, there’s a lot from which to choose. Besides braving the elements and ice-fishing, mountains offer excellent hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing options. The staggering beauty of the surroundings, featuring verdant forests and sweeping mountain panoramas, make it a veritable haven for nature lovers. One can also step back in time at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which includes displays on the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. hockey team, the second time the Winter Olympics were awarded to Lake Placid.

The most popular roadways providing access run from the south via I-87, or from the east/west using Route 3 or Route 86. Depending on your point of entry, you’ll pass through larger towns like Saranac Lake, Ticonderoga, and Plattsburgh, all of which have their own charms, and often historical significance, that will add to the color of your road trip. C-stores abound in the area, including Sunoco, a handful of Stewart’s Shops (ice cream is good any time of year!) Interesting regional brands like Tops, Brighton Mini-Mart, Fusion Market, Maplefields, and Cumberland Bay Market add to the individualistic allure of the area.

That shouldn’t be surprising. There’s little question that c-stores can be an integral part of the vacationers’ experience, and we’ve touted their value for road trips in the past.

Winter gear like scarves, gloves, and beanies; small shovels and ice scrapers; tire chains, road salt, blankets, flashlights, and fireplace supplies tend to be native to stores in the Lake Placid area. These operations understand their markets. And as a road-tripper, you’ll probably become quite familiar with them along the way.

So don’t let naysayers discourage you. Road trips are for winter, too. Especially in a beautiful place like the Adirondacks that has a fair share of c-stores if you need the warmth of good food and good service!