The Adirondack Book: A Complete Guide, Fifth Edition (A Great Destinations Guide)

Having spent much time in the Adirondacks, and with a child at school in Saratoga Springs, I was extermely disappointed with the scope of information in this "complete guide". While the historical, geographical and quasi-scientific narrative that Ms. Folwell has compiled is interesting, the information that a traveler/vacationer/tourist (especially one who's new to the area) would need is sorely lacking. The meager information that is available is unusually skewed toward what seems to be the author's limited personal taste in facilities, activities and likes.

Apparently, Ms. Folwell does not like hotels or resorts, since most of them (and there are several in the Adirondacks) were glaringly missing from this book. Also oddly missing were some of the best restaurants in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Saratoga Springs. (I concede that "best" is subjective, but there were just too many missing from her book.)

The Adirondacks are a haven for camping, yet...Read more

The Adirondack Book is an excellent guide to what to do, where to eat, etc., in the Adirondacks. The format is easy to follow, and the comments/recommendations are pretty much dead on. Not all of my personal favorites have found their way into these pages, but I've definitely been introduced to some new faves. Even if you own previous editions, I recommend buying the newest available--things change, and yesterday's hot spot may well have fizzled.

Whether you are first time or repeat visitor to the Adirondacks, this guide comes in handy on any visit to New York State's great preserve, forever wild.

The guide includes eight chapters. First is the park history, an important background for everyone. Second, comes a short guide on transportation to, from and through the wilderness area, including mileage and estimated traveling times. Third, you'll find an extensive 90-plus pages of accommodations, from the rawest of campsites to the most lavish inns and hotels. Personally, we're partial to the non-profit camp organizations, but there are plenty of choices to suit every taste.

A fourth 50-page chapter covers the theater, arts and museums in the Adirondacks, from Champlain Valley to Lake George. There are music festivals and the Six Indian Nations museum, for example, and the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake is not to be missed. One can also find storytelling sessions in high season.
And don't...Read more