The Whiteface Region has it all. There are gorgeous views, peaks to climb, streams to fish, and even large attractions such as Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway and High Falls Gorge. You can party all night at the local hotspots or enjoy a romantic dinner next to the Ausable River at The Hungry Trout Restaurant. Events happening all summer long simply add to the daily experiences of the region and are centered around family fun, outdoor recreation, world-class athletes, and more. It is all in the Whiteface Region, and you can do it all this summer.
Five must-do events in the Whiteface Region
1. Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run
If this 10K race only offered whiskey tastings, that would be enough. But there is so much more, starting with the views of the impressive Whiteface Mountain and the world-famous Ausable River. Why is whiskey involved? Well, Wilmington provided good rye whiskey to American troops during the War of 1812's Battle of Plattsburgh. Then, 100 years later, Wilmington offered a safe haven for moonshiners during Prohibition. Wilmington is now home to U.S. Barrel, the oldest whiskey barrel cooperage in the Northeast. This event is a full day and the race is only the beginning. There is a Heritage Festival following the race, and if that weren't enough there is a speakeasy at Pourman's Tap House for your night cap. A day of whiskey tasting, food, barrel making, and a heritage festival is sure to please everyone, runners and non-runners.
2. Need something a little less "whiskey"? Try Christmas in July at Santa's Workshop!
Santa's Workshop is a great attraction to visit any time of year. But, can you imagine seeing Santa in his red suit walking in a parade on a sunny day? Or, can you imagine feeling the cold of the real North Pole while wearing your shorts and a T-shirt? Not that this could get any better, but Christmas in July is an event full of activities for everyone to enjoy. What is it so special, you ask? Well, arriving to the park at 5:30 p.m. to a reserved table with a gift from Santa waiting is pretty special. How about visiting the reindeer and getting to keep one of the reindeer shoes? You will meet some of Santa's friends and even do a wood project with his elf named Woody. Don't be sad when it's time to leave, you can come back and have breakfast with Santa in the morning and enjoy the amazing park full of fun rides, shops, and shows. Merry Christmas...in July!
3. Check out the Ironman race as it goes through Wilmington
Watch world-class athletes bike through Jay, Ausable Forks, and Wilmington on their mission to become Ironmen and women. This event is in its 21st year. There is a 2.7 mile swim and a 56 mile bike race followed by a full marathon. If you are looking to cheer on athletes and love helping people achieve their goals, this event is for you. You can watch and cheer as athletes race across bridges and peddle right in front of the famous Whiteface Mountain. The race starts in neighboring Lake Placid, but athletes bike right through the heart of some of the beautiful towns in the surrounding areas. Finish off your cheering with a milkshake from the A&W or an ice cream cone at the Whitebrook Dairy Bar — you have earned it.
4. Live music, park, beach, BBQ? Yes to all at the Wilmington Town Beach!
One of the most beautiful settings in Wilmington is the beach. This spot is a family's dream. A spot to barbecue, a park for the kids to run around and play in, and a beach to sit by and soak up the sun. There are rentals available so there is no need to worry if you forgot a float or someone decides they would like to take a canoe ride. There is a lifeguard on duty, which is a big bonus with little ones. Seems like it has it all, right? Well on Thursday nights all summer long, there is also live music. Just when you thought it couldn't get better. Oh, wait, it's also free! Bring your family any Thursday night and enjoy all that this great event has to offer. A night spent together with something for everyone to enjoy.
5. Wilmington Mountain Bike Fest
If you enjoy mountain biking, you do not want to miss this festival. This event is three days long and still seems to pass too quickly. There is a festival village that encourages a little relaxing between guided and self guided rides on the 25-plus miles of singletrack rides, which are chock full of gorgeous views. There is a beach nearby so you can quickly ride over and jump in the lake to cool off. The festival has on-site camping with live music, local food and beer, and everyone just enjoying time in the sun riding together. Do as little or as much as you'd like. There are bike demonstrations and tracks for all abilities. Bring your entire family to this event. There is a pump track for the kids to enjoy and even a kids mountain bike race. Enjoy three days of mountain biking in the most beautiful mountains, the Adirondacks.
With so much to do in this beautiful region to keep you and your family busy, make sure to relax a little too. There are great places to stay close with many lodging properties and campsites.
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