Most vacations are strictly seasonal. Think of your family’s summer beach vacation or your friend group’s winter ski trip. Anytime you plan a vacation, you’ll have to take the weather into account, especially if you’re outdoorsy and plan to spend most of the trip soaking up the elements. Most places are off limits during certain seasons, whether it be to avoid distasteful weather or because there’s simply nothing to do in the “off-season.” However, one charming New York town boasts year-round activities and gorgeous weather all year long.
Speculator, New York, is a charming small town that sits on the edge of Lake Pleasant. The town proudly names itself an “all-season vacationland,” offering year-round fun for visitors. The friendly small-town community and outdoorsy mountain spirit make for an energizing retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle. New York City dwellers can trade their 8.4 million neighbors for Speculator’s small community of 400 residents. Located in the Adirondack Mountains, Speculator has the best of both worlds, with summertime beaches and snowy mountaintops.
Read more: The Best East Coast Lakes For Swimming
Year-round family fun in Speculator
A “Welcome to Speculator” sign on the roadside – KMarsh/Shutterstock
When the residents of Speculator say that it’s an “all-season vacationland,” they mean all seasons. In the warmer spring and summer months, families and visitors can enjoy the lakeside beaches of Lake Pleasant and Moffitt Beach. Boating, paddle boarding, and kayaking are just part of life in Speculator. Travelers can set sail on the stunning Kunjamuk River from the Route 8 Beach Launch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the Kunjamuk Cave, which is just a mile’s hike along the Speculator Loop hiking and mountain biking trail.
When fall settles in and the leaves start to change, the hike up Speculator Mountain becomes a masterpiece of natural leaf colors. Keep in mind that the hike on this mountain is off-trail, so only embark if you are an experienced off-trail hiker and know how to operate a GPS, map, and compass. In the winter, visitors have the option to roam 750 miles of snowmobile trails or stop at the Oak Mountain ski resort that hosts affordable skiing and snowboarding lessons for all ages and skill levels.
In addition to Speculator’s wide selection of outdoor activities, there’s also an array of shops and restaurants to immerse yourself in the local scene. For outdoor essentials, drop by Camptstore! to stock up. Grab a drink and chat with the locals at Lemon Tree Brewery, or settle in for a hearty dinner at Logan’s Bar & Grill.
Planning your trip to Speculator
A view of kayakers on a lake in the Adirondack Mountains – danf0505/Shutterstock
Now that you’ve added this beautiful Northeast gem to your bucket list, it’s time to get planning your trip. Speculator is nestled within the town of Lake Pleasant, earning itself the title of the “only incorporated village in the county.” This small community is unreachable by public transportation, so you’ll have to make the trip via car. It’s a pleasant road trip for people living in the Northeastern American states. For reference, the drive from New York City is about 4.5 hours, and is sure to have some tranquil Adirondack mountain views along the way. For folks choosing to fly, Speculator is just under two hours away from the Albany International Airport.
For the price of $7.25, visitors can embrace the outdoorsy atmosphere of Speculator by reserving a campsite at the Moffitt Beach Campground. Most of the sites at this cozy New York campground are pet-friendly and sit right along the waters of Sacandaga Lake. Guests can camp through the months of May and October, with the peak seasons being the late summer months from July to September.
For people preferring to stay cozy inside, Speculator is home to several charming local inns with rooms starting at around $150 a night, such as the Lake Pleasant Lodge and the Cedarhurst Motor Lodge. Airbnb offers larger accommodations for big groups and families, plus the added bonus of staying in a lakeside cabin.
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Read the original article on Explore.