Back in the late 19th century, affluent families such as the Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts got a break from city life by retreating to the Adirondack Mountains in northeastern New York. They built magnificent seasonal getaways known as “Great Camps.” Over time, Adirondack Park evolved into the largest publicly preserved area in the Lower 48, encompassing a vast six million acres, including the charming Lake Placid.
A Tranquil Retreat
Today, the charming village of Lake Placid serves as the ideal gateway, boasting a rich history, having hosted not one but two Olympic Winter Games in 1932 and 1980. Recently, several new hotels have made their debut in the area. The stylish Eastwind Lake Placid is a cozy retreat nestled along the tranquil Chubb River.
With 21 rooms and eight cabins reflecting a Scandinavian-chic aesthetic, the property exudes a nostalgic charm with vintage touches. The resort’s amenities include a sauna, a pool, a fire pit and barbecue area, a private dining cabin, and a bar and lounge to unwind after a day of exploration.
A Sporting Wonderland
Lake Placid has also invested in upgrading its historic sporting facilities. First is the newly renovated Lake Placid Olympic Museum, along with two revamped ice arenas and a speed-skating oval.
For adrenaline junkies, the Olympic Jumping Complex and Mount Van Hoevenberg offer winter sports like bobsledding and cross-country skiing — not to mention, indoor climbing and biking options. Thrill-seekers can even take on the Cliffside Coaster, North America’s longest mountain roller coaster.
A Hiking Haven
Lake Placid also offers an array of hiking opportunities. Just a short drive outside of town, you can go on a 16-mile hike along the highest peak in New York State known as Mount Marcy.
For a milder adventure, the 5.8-mile trail to the summit of Hurricane Mountain provides an unforgettable experience. At the top, hikers can climb the fire tower and marvel at the breathtaking 360-degree views of the untouched wilderness.
Japan Offers a Range of Uniquely Authentic Kit Kat Flavors
Japan has beaten all the countries by a long shot with its unique range of Kit Kat flavors. The Kit Kat chocolate shops and convenience stores in Japan offer a vast variety of flavors. From international to indigenous to seasonally exclusive, there are more than 400 flavors of Kit Kat there, making the Japanese versions of the sweet treat a must-have among the candy-lover community across the world. In fact, almost every region here has its distinct flavor of Kit Kat. This country knows how to go crazy over Kit Kats! So, next time you’re in Japan, don’t forget to take a Kit Kat tour!
The Regional Collection
The regional flavors are undoubtedly the highlights of Japanese Kit Kats. According to the Tsunagu Japan guide, the bases of all these flavors are carefully chosen local delicacies or ingredients, representing the very essence of those particular regions. For example, flavors like Itokyuemon Matcha of Kyoto, Momiji Manju or maple leaf-shaped steamed cake of Hiroshima, Beni-Imo or purple sweet potato of Okinawa, Azuki Bean Sandwich of Nagoya, etc., all use those specific ingredients and flavors from their source regions.
The Limited Edition Collection
Limited edition flavors of Kit Kat are also highly popular in Japan and generally come and go each year. There are flavors like pudding and even seasonal wonders like sakura mochi. As per Tsunagu Japan, Nestle Japan has come up with cough drop, edamame, and baked potato-flavored Kit Kat bars. It’s not an overstatement that Japanese Kit Kat has revolutionized the idea of sweet candies, by pushing every possible limit of creation in its flavors. Also, unlike any other global chocolate, many of the constantly changing flavors of Japanese Kit Kat have become esoteric, with tailor-made tastes suitable only for the Japanese palate.