Central New Yorkers will find that the stately beauty of the Adirondacks region, with its lush forests, rushing streams and spectacular mountain peaks, provides the perfect respite from the daily grind. It�s a haven for hikers, bicyclers, boaters and swimmers. You can also browse the quaint downtown shops, stroll through an Olympic village or enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Lake George. Discover an abundance of historical sites or hit the links on finely manicured golf courses. You�re invited to Expand your Horizons � in your own �backyard� in the great Adirondacks Region.

Day One: Tupper Lake or Saranac Lake

Getting there is half the fun. As you head east on Rt. 90, be sure to take in the breathtaking forest views as you enter the Adirondacks Region � it is truly magnificent. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to acquaint themselves with the park should head to Tupper Lake (Rt. 90 east, Rt. 28 north, Rt. 28N north, Rt. 30 north). Spend the day canoeing and kayaking with Raquette River Outfitters (www.raquetteriveroutfitters.com 518/359-3228). Or, hike Mt. Arab in nearby Conifer and take in a view of the mountains from the recently restored 1918 steel fire tower. Enjoy a night under the stars as you set up camp at Blue Jay Campground, (518/359-3720). Plan your trip ahead of time to ensure that you get a prime camping spot right on Tupper Lake itself.

For those seeking a more relaxing getaway, head to Saranac Lake (Rt. 90 east, Rt. 28 north, Rt. 28N north, Rt. 30 north, Rt. 3 east � www.saranaclake.com) for a day of shopping or golf. Saranac Lake has more than ten galleries displaying and selling artwork and crafts. Specialty shopping opportunities abound in the region�s small villages. Try the homemade candy at Croghan Candy Kitchen, (315/346-1591) in Croghan or stop by Scheefer�s Jewelry (518/891-2040) in Saranac Lake to browse antiques. Golfers will want to test their skills at the Saranac Inn & Country Club (518/891-1402, www.saranacinn.com), which was founded at the turn of the century and designed by renowned Scottish Pro and Architect Seymour Dunn. The pristinely manicured and challenging course received top rankings in Golf Digest�s 2004 Best Places to Play.

Enjoy some local hospitality and spend the night in a cozy bed and breakfast. Try Patriot House Bed And Breakfast (518/891-7314) in Saranac Lake, with welcoming rooms modeled in patriotic themes, offers �mountain climbing out the back door.� Mountain Shadows Bed and Breakfast (518/891-6925), also in Saranac Lake, is a charming, quiet home, with waterfront property, just a five minute walk from downtown that will leave you feeling as though you're in the country visiting friends.

Day Two: Lake Placid

Welcome to Lake Placid (Rt. 30 east to Rt. 86 east from Tupper Lake; Rt. 86 east from Saranac Lake), home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics! This town has something for everyone: hiking, camping, wine tasting and the Olympic grounds.

If you�re in the mood to hike, head to Mt. Van Hoevenberg (off of Rt. 73), where you�ll find a two mile climb to the top that follows the twists and turns of the new state-of-the-art combined bobsled/luge/skeleton track. On your way back down, take a moment to glance at the great views of the High Peaks and check out the lower portion of the original Olympic Bobsled run.

See the venues where the events actually happened in the 1980 Olympics. Tour the Lake Placid Olympic Facilities (1/800-462-6236) on Main St., including the main ice rink, the sight of the �Miracle on Ice,� where the United States upset the Soviet Union to advance to the Gold Medal Game in the hockey competition. While you�re there, be sure to stop by the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum and Hall of Fame (1/800-462-6236, ext 226) and explore the legacy of the 1932 and 1980 Games. Exhibits include video highlights, uniforms and equipment. Tour the Olympic Center, on Whiteface Memorial Highway, including the Olympic Jumping Complex and tower, bobsled and luge run, trolley tour and Whiteface Mt. chairlift skyride.

Break away from downtown and whet your whistle at the Swedish Hill Winery (315/549-8326, www.swedishhill.com). Family-owned and operated, Swedish Hill has been recognized as one of the top award-winning wineries in New York State, having won state, national and international acclaim for their product. Sample their wines in the gift shop. The Chardonnay, Blush, Rieslings and Cabernets are sure to satisfy. And, if you time your visit just right, you�ll catch the Limited Release Wine Tasting and Art Festival on Saturday, August 14. Be the first to sample their limited release wines and enjoy great food, arts and crafts vendors and many wine specials. Continue your stay in Lake Placid camping at the Adirondack Loj and Wilderness Campground (518/523-3441) or at the Whispering Pines Campsites (518/523-9322). Spend your night by the campfire reminiscing the day�s adventures and planning for those that are yet to come. Left your camping gear at home? Spend the night in a local Bed and Breakfast, Brooks� Sunshine Cottage (518/523-3661, www.brookssunshine.com) or The Highland Cottage (1/800-342-8101, www.thehighlandcottage.com). Both offer fantastic rooms at reasonable rates and are close to downtown Lake Placid. Visit www.lake-placid.ny.us for more general information as well as a list of accommodations in the area.

Day Three: Lake George

Head south to Lake George Village (Rt. 73 east, Rt. 86 south) where you�ll find that the lake cruises, horseback riding and the �Million Dollar Beach� have made this an Adirondack town like no other.

It�s time to mount up at Saddle Up Stables (518/668-4801, www.ridingstables.com). Open to riders of all ability levels, and no need for reservations, riders can enjoy a day on scenic trails with spectacular views while accompanied by an experienced guide. But before you go, try a hardy breakfast at the Tamarac Inn on Rt. 9N in the Village, widely known for their strawberry and blueberry pancakes.

Feeling adventurous? Head lakeside and rent a motorboat or waverunner. For those without a fear of heights, view the Adirondacks from the air as you parasail! Or let someone else do the driving as you take a lunch or dinner cruise on the Lac du Saint Sacrement (1/800-553-BOAT), a narrated historical tour on the Adirondack (1/888-LG-BOATS) or a moonlight cruise on the Minne-Ha-Ha (1/800-553-BOAT).

For more relaxation, look no further than the Lake George Beach State Park, where you can sun yourself on the Million Dollar Beach, ride along the bicycle trail or picnic on the battlefield, sight of both French and Indian War and Revolutionary War battles. If you feel like roughing it, camp out at the Adirondack Camping Village (518/668-5226) or the Adirondack Adventure Resort (1/800-340-CAMP, www.adirondackadventureresorts.com) in nearby Diamond Point, located along one mile of riverfront on the Schroon River. For comfort in a style more close to home, book your stay in the Georgian Resort (518/668-5401, www.georgianresort.com) or Whispering Pines Cottages (518/668-3905, www.cottageslakegeorge.com), both with spectacular views and down-home accommodations.

For more information on places to stay or things to do while in Lake George, log on to the Lake George Chamber of Commerce web site at www.lakegeorgechamber.com.

Traveler�s Tip: Heading Home

Before heading back to Central New York, spend a day in Saratoga Springs (Rt. 86 south). Try your luck on the horses at the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway (518/584-2110, ext. 212) for live harness racing. Also at the raceway are 1,300 state-of-the-are video gaming machines, new in 2004. Late July through early September is Thoroughbred Racing Season at the Saratoga Racecourse (518/584-6200). Races such as the Whitney Handicap, the Breeders Cup and the Travers draw the best of the best here each summer. Keep your eyes open and you might even spot one of the many widely known celebrities that vacation in Saratoga.

Not feeling lucky? Then check out the stores in downtown Saratoga Springs. From specialty boutiques along tree-lined streets, and more than 50 antique dealers, to nationally-known clothing retailers and discounters, you�re sure to find a great deal that will convince you that your luck has changed for the better!

Saratoga Springs also offers an outstanding nightlife with dozens of bars, pubs and restaurants all in a wonderfully small town atmosphere.

For information about other travel opportunities in any one of New York�s 11 vacation regions, call toll-free at 1-800 CALL-NYS or visit www.iloveny.com.

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Media Contact: Scott Flaherty +1 (518) 292-5131 sflaherty@empire.state.ny.us