Located just 9 miles northwest of the bustling tourist town of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake is the perfect escape from the high prices that accompany Lake Placid's Olympics attractions. Filled with shops, hotels and local diners, Saranac Lake is considered one of the most idyllic villages in upstate New York.

Recent travelers characterized the area as a lesser-known gem of the Adirondacks. Whether you visit when the leaves are changing, in February for winter carnival or once the snow has melted, Saranac Lake offers plenty of stunning scenery without hoards of tourists. Canoeing, hiking and kayaking are especially popular here.

Saranac Lake is free to visit. Keep in mind, though, that some activities, such as boating and biking, will cost extra if equipment needs to be rented. To get to Saranac Lake, travelers can fly into Adirondack Regional Airport, which sits about 7 miles northwest of town and offers direct flights to and from Boston's Logan International Airport. Additionally, the Trailways of New York provide rail service to the region from various parts of the state.