Adirondacks: Stargazing Parties, Holiday Events

Adirondacks: Stargazing Parties, Holiday Events, Whiteface Gearing Up

(AP)  LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) - If the Adirondacks fall off of your vacation radar once summer ends and autumn's foliage fades, you might be surprised to hear that hotels, lodges and attractions stay open year-round in places like Lake George, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.

Stargazing is a popular activity in the region, thanks to clear night skies unaffected by city lights. The Adirondack Loj in Lake Placid is planning a Meteor Mania event starting at 10 p.m. Nov. 17, when experts are forecasting a meteor shower will take place. The Loj will also have a telescope available for viewing Jupiter.

On Nov. 28, Lake George will host a "Lite Up the Village" party with caroling, a visit from Santa and tree-lighting in Shepard Park. Melody Lodge in the village of Speculator hosts the Great Adirondack Snowdance Dec. 5 beginning at 5 p.m. with a bonfire, buffet, fireworks and family fun.

In Lake Placid, the Holiday Village Stroll takes place Dec. 11-13 with a free ice skating party at the Olympic Center, Santa's arrival by fire truck, free classic holiday movies playing at the local theater, shopping promotions, strolling carolers and a tree-lighting. Several hotels are offering Village Stroll packages, including the High Peaks Resort, the Golden Arrow, The Pines Hotel and The Mirror Lake Inn. For skiers and snowboarders, Whiteface Mountain is tentatively scheduled to open Nov. 27.

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