The places that don't make you apologize for the kids. Restaurants with crayons that aren't an afterthought, parks with shade and bathrooms, the ice-cream stop with the line on a hot Tuesday.
A High Peaks institution on NY-73 in Keene Valley since 1981, forty minutes from the lake and the last real meal before the Cascade or Giant trailheads. Homemade pies in the case by the register, an Adirondack Trailways stop out front. Open 7 AM to 3:30 PM only — no dinner service.
The main gateway to the High Peaks Wilderness, 4.7 miles up Adirondack Loj Road from NY-73 — a parking booth, the Adirondack Mountain Club's historic lodge, and Heart Lake for a pre-hike swim. $10 nonmember parking, $5 after 1 PM. Fills by 7 AM on a clear August Saturday; the overflow lot is a mile back down the road.
Between Wilmington and the village on Route 86, a flat 1.5-mile walk to a swimming hole with Whiteface's summit reflected across the water. Less commitment than a High Peak, more scenery than a village walk. Parking at both ends of a short connector trail; the northern lot fills first.