Here’s where to eat, sleep, and play in the Adirondacks.

Tanya Nikolic/Travel + Leisure

The Adirondacks.

Even among New Yorkers, the word can bear confusion.

Fall foliage covering the Adirondack mountains.

Credit:Tanya Nikolic/Travel + Leisure

Answer: all of the above.

Both the park and the mountain group are considered New Yorks Adirondacks region.

And its all free to explore no national parks-style fees or passes required.

A tranquil scene at Heart Lake in the Adirondacks during the Fall.

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Consider this guide a springboard for an awesome, nature-immersed Adirondacks getaway.

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First-timers, take note: The village of Lake Placid is actually on Mirror Lake.

ThelakeLake Placid is a few miles to the north.

View of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, New York, on a sunny autumn day

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Each of the 131 rooms at the family-ownedMirror Lake Innhas a view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

The ever-popularHigh Peaks Resortand the midcentury gemLake Housealso offer spectacular lake views.

For the hipster crowd, a1950s motor innon the Chubb River has been reborn asEastwind Lake Placid.

Peanut Stew at Salt of the Earth Bistro, Lake Placid

Courtesy of Salt of the Earth Bistro

Its origin story goes all the way back to 1897, when it opened as the Northwoods Inn.

The revamped hotel recalls the Adirondack Great Camps the luxurious and rambling 19th-century compounds favored by the super rich.

In the summer, conquer the mountain via hiking trails or the Whiteface Veterans' Memorial Highway.

Guest room at Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Courtesy of Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Whiteface is one of the Adirondacks High Peaks mountains ranging from 3,820 to 5,344 feet.

The Rivermede Farm Market is a cant-miss stop for baked goods and produce from its 115-year-old farm.

Asgaard Farm & Dairys 1930sEmerson House(bookable on Vrbo or Airbnb) can sleep four soundly.

Main Street, Lake Placid, New York

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Our friend the Hungry Trout restaurant is part of a traditional family-owned motor lodge of the same name.

Seasoned hikers can try the 6er hiking challenge trekking the six Adirondack peaks that surround the lake.

Youll even find campsites on Saranac Lakes islands, accessible only by boat and bookable through ReserveAmerica.com.

Whiteface Mountain with Lake Placid in foreground

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The palatialSagamore Resortdates back to the early 1880s (i.e.

the dawn of tourism in Lake George).

Tupper Lake

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Dont let Tupper Lakes small size and rustic charm fool you.

Roasted duck breast at Forty Six, Whiteface and High Peaks Region of New York

Courtesy of Forty Six

), brewed with local milk sugar and maple syrup.

Where to Stay in Tupper Lake

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Motor lodgesare having a moment.

For a good North Country home base, consider the towns of Essex, Peru, and Keeseville.

Whiteface Mountain at the end of the Ausable River

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From its front porch, behold Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and Vermonts Green Mountains.

A mirror like reflection of Saranac Lake shoreline in the Adirondacks in New York

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Dish at Fiddlehead Bistro in Saranac Lake

Courtesy of Fiddlehead Bistro

Aerial view of Saranac Waterfront Lodge

Courtesy of Saranac Waterfront Lodge

Marina with boats on beautiful Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains

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Exterior of High Peaks Distilling in Lake George

Courtesy of High Peaks Distilling

Swimming pool at Stone Gate Resort

Courtesy of Stone Gate Resort

Autumn on Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks

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Flight of beer at Raquette River Brewing in Tupper Lake

Courtesy of Raquette River Brewing

An aerial view of the town of Tupper Lake

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Adirondack chairs facing Lake Champlain and the Adriondack Mountains

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Exterior of Ausable Brewing Company in Lake Champlain

Courtsy of Ausable Brewing Company