Lake Placid & Cooperstown

Day 1

Fly to Albany via Chicago, departing at 7am, arriving at 5:30pm (current schedule). Enjoy dinner before retiring for the evening. Hampton Inn Downtown (D)

Day 2

It's roughly a 3-hour drive north to Lake Placid. Along the way is Lake George, home of historic Fort William Henry. A morning tour fills you in on the story of events that happened 250 years ago. Originally built in 1755, this legendary British for was featured in "The Last of the Mohicans."

They say there is no better way to see the autumn leaves than from the lake. All aboard the Saint Sacrament Steamboat for the scenic luncheon cruise. After a short break in town after your cruise, it's on to Lake Placid, arriving late afternoon. Your accommodations are the finest, at the Grand Adirondack Hotel. A welcome reception is scheduled, and a buffet dinner is included this evening.

Arrive at your accommodations in Lake Placid in mid-afternoon. A private reception welcomes you, outdoors with a view if the weather permits. You will be joined by a former Olympic athlete, who will lead a Q & A session and perhaps have a medal or two to show off. A visit to the dining room for dinner is a true experience! Grand Adirondack Hotel - 3 nights (ECB, L, D) 

Day 3

An included buffet breakfast starts the day right. Your guide takes you to the summit of Whiteface Mountain where skiing events were held during the 1980 Olympics. You will experience breathtaking views from the top. 

From Whiteface Mountain, head to the Ski Jumping Complex, where today's Olympic hopefuls train year-round in hopes of going for the gold. Ride up the SkyRide Gondola to the base of the ski jumps, then take the glass elevator to the observation deck to experience more jaw-dropping views of the Adirondacks and town.

The day's final stop is at the Olympic Center where the "Miracle on Ice" occurred in 1980 (as well as Eric Heiden's record breaking 5 gold medals on the speed skating track). We just might have something planned which could bring some extra goosebumps to the memories of that night in February 1980 when the miracle occurred.

The rest of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure. There are many restaurants, shops, and even a movie theater within a short walk of your hotel. (FB,L)

Day 4

Come with us to The Wild Center, about 45 minutes away at Tupper Lake. Celebrating and showing us how to protect the Adirondacks rare ecosystem is their mission. From their "Wild Walk" with the river otters to the aquariums filled with native New York fish, there is always something to see and explore. 

We gather together for dinner this evening before saying goodbye to Lake Placid. (FB, D)

Day 5

Once again, we're off through the magnificent Adirondacks on the way to Cooperstown. Our featured stop today is Great Camp Sagamore, built in 1897. Once owned by Alfred Vanderbilt, this was a getaway for the country's richest families. Your visit offers a historic tour of the buildings and grounds, hidden away on the shore of a remote lake, along with lunch. 

Continue on to Cooperstown, arriving about 4:30pm. Your home is the Otesaga for 2 nights, a classic lakeside accommodation. Daily breakfast and dinner are included during your stay.

Day 6

There are two "tracks" today. For those who wish to honor America's Pastime, will want to head to the Hall of Fame. In addition to browsing the museum, we offer a private program where you will see and learn about artifacts not on display. The amount of time you spend here is yours to decide.

Optionally, the Fenimore Art Museum is world-class, featuring landscape paintings, Native American artifacts, folk art & more in a 1930s neo-Georgian mansion. Nearby is the carousel, featuring 25 meticulously hand-carved animals and iconic symbols representing the state's agricultural and natural resources. (A hybrid itinerary is also possible, with short visits to both The Hall of Fame and the Fenimore.)

Your hotel is right on the lake, so you might like to "reserve" part of the afternoon for the hotel's back porch. The shops in town are worth a look if browsing is your thing. (FB,D)

Day 7

Return to Albany where there’s time to visit the New York State Museum and Capitol before heading to the airport. Fly home from Albany at 4:30 pm, with an 8:45 pm arrival in Sacramento. (FB, L)