Explore The Adirondacks
At Bliss Vacation Properties, we want every guest to experience the Adirondacks the way we do, as a place full of beauty, adventure, and connection in every season. Whether you’re staying at our North Creek home near Gore Mountain or our Garnet Lake retreat in North Johnsburg, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore. From outdoor adventures and scenic trails to cozy restaurants and cultural events, each season brings its own magic. Here are our personal suggestions to help you make the most of your stay.
Go Hiking
Hiking Trails:
Hiking in the Adirondacks is an experience like no other, from gentle woodland walks to challenging mountain summits, every trail offers its own reward. Wander through quiet forests filled with birdsong, follow rivers that lead to cascading waterfalls, or climb to overlooks with sweeping views of lakes and peaks. Whether you’re a casual stroller or an avid adventurer, the Adirondacks’ vast trail network invites you to explore, reconnect with nature, and discover the beauty of the mountains at your own pace.
We personally love using All Trails when going hiking, it is the best hiking App! Download it HERE.
Our top favorite hiking trails are:
Gore Mountain via Schaefer Trail
Find other trails and information to visit here.
Go Sightseeing
From charming lakeside towns to captivating museums and scenic viewpoints, the Adirondacks offer a delightful blend of nature, culture, and history. Whether you're staying at Deer Trail Lodge in North Creek or at Birch Hill Lodge in Johnsburg, these local gems are perfect for day trips, relaxed outings, or artistic discoveries, each offering a personal glimpse into this special region we love to share.
North Creek Village
Tucked into the southern Adirondacks, North Creek Village is a charming hamlet that perfectly blends history, culture, and small-town hospitality. Once a bustling hub for the region’s railroad, the village still celebrates its heritage at the North Creek Depot Museum, while also embracing a creative spirit with projects like the colorful community Mosaic Wall. Visitors can stroll along Main Street to browse boutique shops, outdoor outfitters, and antique treasures, or stop into cozy cafés and family-owned restaurants for a taste of local flavor. Seasonal events and farmers’ markets bring the community to life, while nearby Gore Mountain ensures year-round activity, from skiing in the winter to gondola rides and festivals in the summer. Whether you’re here to sip coffee at a sidewalk café, shop for Adirondack-inspired gifts, North Creek offers a welcoming gateway to the mountains.
photo credit: visitnorthcreek.org
Warrensburg
Famous for its annual fall World’s Largest Garage Sale, Known as the “Gateway to the Adirondacks,” Warrensburg is a charming town drawing treasure hunters and visitors from all over the region. Beyond this iconic event, the town is a hub for antique lovers, with numerous shops and markets offering one-of-a-kind finds. Warrensburg also boasts local dining gems, cozy cafés, and access to the scenic Schroon River for fishing, kayaking, and tubing. With its blend of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and unique shopping, Warrensburg makes for a delightful stop during your Adirondack stay.
photo credit: warrensburgheritagetrail.org
Fort Ticonderoga
Perched above the southern end of Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga is one of America’s most important Revolutionary War landmarks. This nationally recognized historic site offers immersive tours, costumed reenactments, and live demonstrations that bring history to life. Visitors can explore beautiful gardens, wander through restored barracks, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding lake and mountains. Seasonal boat tours on Lake Champlain and special events, like battle reenactments and heritage festivals, make Fort Ticonderoga a must-see for history buffs and families alike.
photo credit: iloveny.com
Fort William Henry Museum
Located at the southern tip of Lake George, the Fort William Henry Museum is a reconstructed 18th-century British fort where visitors can step back into colonial history. Explore interactive exhibits, watch weapon demonstrations, and join guided tours led by costumed interpreters who share the dramatic stories of the French and Indian War. The fort also hosts seasonal events and reenactments, making it an engaging experience for both adults and children. With stunning lake views as a backdrop, it’s a perfect mix of history and scenery.
photo credit: adktaste.com
Lake George
Known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George stretches 32 miles through the Adirondacks and is one of the region’s most beloved destinations. Along its shoreline, you’ll find sandy beaches, charming villages, outlet shopping, and plenty of restaurants ranging from casual cafés to lakeside fine dining. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat cruises, water sports, fishing, and hiking trails with spectacular lake views. In summer, fireworks light up the sky over the water, while autumn brings brilliant foliage reflections across the lake. Whether you come for a relaxing day at the beach, a shopping trip, or an evening cruise, Lake George offers something memorable for everyone.
photo credit: visitlakegeorge.com
Lake George Steamboat Cruises
For a classic Adirondack experience, board a Lake George Steamboat Cruise and take in the region’s beauty from the water. Operating for over 200 years, these cruises range from short sightseeing trips to themed dinner cruises with live entertainment. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Adirondack Mountains, historic mansions along the shore, and the pristine waters of Lake George. It’s a relaxing and memorable way to experience the lake whether at sunset, under a sky of fireworks, or on a leisurely afternoon voyage.
photo credit: lakegeorgesteamboat.com
Lake Placid
World-renowned as a two-time Winter Olympic host, Lake Placid is a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Sports enthusiasts can explore the Olympic Museum, tour the famous ski jump complex, or even skate on the historic Olympic Oval. Beyond its Olympic legacy, Lake Placid offers boutique shops, cozy cafés, and fine dining along its bustling Main Street. Outdoor activities abound year-round — from hiking the nearby High Peaks and paddling Mirror Lake in summer, to skiing and ice climbing in winter. It’s a destination where history, sport, and natural beauty meet.
photo credit: lakeplacid.com
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a vibrant Adirondack town known for its creative energy and year-round festivals. Its downtown is filled with galleries, coffee shops, and locally owned boutiques that reflect the community’s strong arts scene. Surrounded by pristine lakes and scenic trails, the area is ideal for paddling, hiking, and fishing. Winter brings the famous Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, complete with the iconic Ice Palace, parades, and family-friendly fun. With its welcoming atmosphere and cultural spirit, Saranac Lake offers a lively balance of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
photo credit: adirondackfrontier.com
Long Lake
Nestled in the central Adirondacks, Long Lake is a peaceful lakeside town that captures the quiet beauty of the region. The lake itself stretches for 14 miles, providing endless opportunities for paddling, boating, and fishing against a backdrop of rolling mountains. Visitors can relax on the town beach, enjoy picnic areas, or launch a kayak for a sunrise paddle. Long Lake is also a gateway to nearby hiking trails and scenic drives, making it an ideal stop for travelers looking to slow down and savor the Adirondacks’ natural splendor.
photo credit: experienceouradirondacks.com
Go Have an Adirondack Adventure
The Adirondacks are built for adventure. Whether you’re chasing whitewater rapids, soaring through treetops, carving down ski slopes, or enjoying a horseback ride in the mountains, there’s no shortage of ways to get your heart pumping. From year-round resorts like Gore and Whiteface to unique experiences like rail biking, rafting, and zip-lining, the region is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Here are a few of our guests favorite activities:
Adirondack Adventures
Ride the rapids on the Hudson River with guided whitewater rafting trips that range from family-friendly floats to thrilling adventures.
photo credit: Adirondack Adventures
Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course
Challenge yourself on one of the original treetop adventure parks in the U.S., featuring zip lines, rope swings, and obstacle courses high in the pines.
photo credit: Adirondack Extreme
Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort
Famous for its Olympic history, Whiteface offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast, plus year-round gondola rides with incredible mountain views.
photo credit: White Face
Gore Mountain Ski Resort
Just minutes from North Creek, Gore boasts the most skiable terrain in New York State, with slopes for all skill levels and scenic gondola rides in summer and fall.
photo credit: Gore Mountain Ski Resort
Horseback Riding at Circle B Ranch
Saddle up for guided horseback rides through forests, meadows, and mountain trails, perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned riders alike.
photo credit: Circle B Ranch
Wild Waters Outdoor Center
Experience the Adirondacks from the water with whitewater rafting, kayaking, and tubing trips led by expert local guides.
photo credit: Wild Waters Outdoor Center
Go Shopping & Antiquing
From designer outlets to hidden antique treasures, the Adirondacks offer plenty of ways to shop while you explore. Just a short drive from our properties, the Factory Outlets of Lake George feature brand-name favorites at great savings, while local antique shops invite you to browse unique finds, rustic décor, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Whether you’re looking for stylish bargains or timeless collectibles, shopping here is an experience all its own.
The Factory Outlets of Lake George:
A premier shopping destination offering unbeatable savings and designer brands—all set against the Adirondack backdrop. Whether you're handy hunting, refreshing your wardrobe, or searching for perfect gifts to take home, this stretch of outlet centers has something for everyone in the family.
photo credit: visitlakegeorge.com
Antiquing in the Adirondacks:
Photo credit: glenwoodmanorantiques.com
Below are some standout shops within driving distance from your Bliss Vacation Properties:
Antiques Market Place (Lake George): A vibrant multi-dealer space featuring everything from Adirondack-style décor to quilts, fishing gear, books, and collectibles—great for eclectic finds.
Glenwood Manor Antiques & More (Queensbury): Set in a grand Georgian-style mansion, this expansive shop offers rooms filled with vintage furniture, décor, and collectibles—a treasure trove since 1983.
Millers' On Main (Warrensburg): Located in the heart of Warrensburg, this welcoming shop presents an expertly curated collection of vintage furniture, home décor, and collectibles.
Foothills of the Adirondacks (North Creek): A delightful mix of vintage, gently-used, and artisanal items from furnishings and décor to gifts and rustic home accents—open year-round.