The Adirondacks have always held a special place in my heart. When I was in high school, my family spent summers at my uncle’s cabin not far from Lake Placid. Those visits became some of my fondest memories, including swimming in cool lakes, wandering through quiet forests, and gazing up at night skies filled with more stars than I had ever seen.
Years later, when one of my closest friends announced her wedding in western Massachusetts, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to return. Victor had never been to the Adirondacks, and I wanted to share with him the magic of this corner of upstate New York. We decided to make it a family affair, with my parents and brothers joining us at my uncle’s cabin. What followed was a trip full of minor travel hiccups, plenty of exploration, and moments that reminded me why this place has always felt like a second home.
The Cabin
My uncle and aunt have a wonderful cabin in the Whiteface region of the Adirondacks. Our road trip began early, although not as early as we had hoped. We stayed overnight along the way and arrived in Bloomingdale, New York, on Saturday morning. The fresh Adirondack air was incredible. Even in the height of summer, I felt cool in just shorts and a t-shirt. There is also a distinct stillness here, as if there is not a single person for miles, and sometimes, that is actually true.
One evening, we had our annual bonfire with hot dogs (and veggie dogs), potato salad, macaroni and cheese, beer, and wine. We actually end all our trips to the Adirondacks this way. It’s always a lot of fun, and I enjoy being outside while the sun sets. It’s just another magical way to experience the Adirondacks.
Lake Placid
One afternoon, we drove to Lake Placid. I love wandering through the town’s unique shops, many filled with Adirondack-themed furniture and décor. My mom and I have to remind ourselves that this style only works in its natural habitat, as our house is furniture-free of that rustic charm.
We also had the treat of dining at the Whiteface Lodge, a beautiful spot we could never afford on our own. The dining room, KANU, is steeped in Adirondack tradition. I ordered scallops, enjoying the fresh, perfectly cooked food, even though the portions were modest.
Fly Fishing
Sunday morning brought our fly fishing adventure. It was my third attempt, but improvement remains elusive. I am not particularly sporty, so it is not surprising. Still, gearing up and wading into a cold river is fun in its own right.
When I first heard about fly fishing, I imagined fish leaping from the water or somehow hovering in midair to be caught. My uncle had gifted my brothers and me fly fishing rods, and we also received lessons from a guide. The rods came in surprisingly small cases, which only added to my confusion at first. Our guide met us early in the morning, and after suiting up in waders—a brand new word for me—we learned how to assemble the rods and thread the neon green fishing line through the tiny hooks along the rod. It was a delicate process, requiring both patience and focus, especially when trying not to tangle the line or get it caught in a tree behind us.
Once we made it to the river, the real challenge began. Fly fishing requires standing in cold, fast-moving water, keeping your balance on slippery rocks, and casting the line with precision. I quickly realised that it is as much an art as it is a sport. My brothers and I spent over three hours trying to catch a fish, and although we did not have any success, the experience was still incredibly satisfying. My poor brother sat on a rock in the middle of the river, looking both bored and amused, while I flailed around trying to perfect my cast.
There were moments of hilarity, too. At one point, the line snapped and nearly smacked me in the face, and another time, I accidentally sent my lure flying toward a tree. Our guide was endlessly patient, offering tips and gentle corrections, which made the process even more enjoyable. Despite the lack of fish, we felt a sense of accomplishment simply from mastering the motions and spending time immersed in nature.
A small mishap occurred before we even started. We showed up at the fly shop at 6:00 am, only to find no one there. After waiting an hour, our guide finally arrived, explaining that a power outage had left him without an alarm clock. We all had a good laugh, and it made the morning feel even more memorable. By the end of the day, although our nets were empty, we had plenty of laughs, beautiful scenery, and photos to remember the experience. Fly fishing may not be about catching fish for us, but it is about being outside, trying something new, and enjoying time with family.
Little Whiteface Mountain
The next day, my uncle treated us to a gondola ride up Little Whiteface Mountain. I had not ridden a gondola in years, and soaring above the mountains was breathtaking. The view from the top reminded me of why the Adirondacks feel like home, with a mix of rugged beauty and peaceful solitude.
We spent the afternoon hiking along scenic trails, enjoying quiet moments by alpine lakes, and snapping photos that would last a lifetime. As the sun began to set, painting the mountains in gold and pink, I felt that familiar sense of wonder that has drawn me to the Adirondacks for so many years.
Reflections
Returning to the Adirondacks reminded me how special this place truly is. From lazy afternoons at the cabin to adventures in Lake Placid, fly fishing mishaps, and breathtaking mountain views, every moment felt meaningful. Sharing it with family and friends made it even more memorable.
There is something timeless about the Adirondacks, a place that refreshes your spirit, slows down time, and leaves you wanting more. No matter how many years pass, it will always hold a special corner in my heart.
Have you ever visited the Adirondacks or found a place that feels like a second home to you?
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