Come to the Adirondacks and enjoy an Old Fashioned, Holiday shopping experience

Don't fight the crowds

ADIRONDACK REGION, NY - It's a scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting and it's played out across more than 100 North Country villages in New York every year - an old fashioned holiday shopping trip down Main Street and memory lane.

High spirits, carolers, the excitement as palpable softly falling snow - this is the way shopping should be during the Holidays: no rush, no crowds, just fun. Even planning your trip to this six-million-acre wilderness is easy: just by logging onto VisitAdirondacks.com you can find directions, lodging packages, video clips, image galleries and an interactive trip planning map locating scenic byways, hiking trails and ski areas.

In spite of Wall Street, shopkeepers and innkeepers all across the Adirondack Region are gearing up for the Holiday shopping season.

"There's nothing like boutique and specialty gift shopping during the holiday season," said Kate Johnson, director of the Warren County Tourism Department. "From beautiful and unique one-of-a-kind crafts, rustic furniture, factory outlet finds and art, shopping can become a cherished event."

The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council announces its Top 10 List of Holiday Shopping specials and events. From Tree lighting festivals to special Ladies and Gentleman nights, the Adirondacks are where you want to be when crossing names off that list. From handcrafted furniture to unique jewelry - rediscover the joys of Holiday shopping.

The Top 10 List of Holiday Happenings:

1.In Warren County, businesses, museums and art galleries open their exquisitely decorate doors for themed shopping events. On Nov. 19, the Hyde Collection Museum in Glens Falls will host its 7th annual Ladies Noel Night. Enjoy live music, door prizes and holiday refreshments from 5- 7 p.m. as you tour the current Wood Gallery exhibit.

2.On Dec. 11 Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, will host Ladies' Christmas night in Downtown Glens Falls. LARAC Sterling & Co., Redfox Books and Scoville Jewelers will offer discounts, refreshments and entertainment from 4-8 pm. Men get their special night a month later on Dec. 17 when Downtown Glens Falls opens its doors for the Men's Holiday Night. Refreshments, entertainment and much more will be going on from 4-8 p.m. Sponsored by LARAC the event promises to be fun.

3.Hand deliver your letter to Santa Claus at his home, the North Pole in Wilmington. This magical place for children and adults alike features rides, holiday shows with lovable characters, shops, crafts and real reindeer. Special Yule Tide Family Weekend packages are available and included lodging, meals and entertainment through Dec. 21.

4.On Dec. 5-7, the Village of Lake Placid will host its first ever Holiday Village Stroll Weekend. Games, in-store discounts, carolers, wine tastings and food samplings, a parade and special events for the whole family make this a must-visit weekend.

5.Celebrate the holidays with one of America's best loved literary families at the Almanzo Wilder Christmas Celebration Dec. 6 in Burke. Enjoy shopping, free gift wrapping, refreshments and readings of the Christmas chapter from Farmer Boy in the Wilder family parlor.

6.Starting Nov. 28, the Wild Center in Tupper Lake will begin its Holiday Shopping Event from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. daily. This season-long event features live music, movies, refreshments, children's art project, cooking demonstrations and free gift wrapping. A 10 percent discount is offered store wide - 20 percent if you're a member.

7.Enjoy the quaint village of Old Forge during the Adirondack Christmas on Main Street Nov. 11-30. Enjoy horse drawn wagon rides will ferry visitors from shop to shop, in-store specials, refreshments, a light parade, caroling and live reindeer.

8.At 5:30 [.m. Nov. 22, the caroling beings. Enjoy refreshments and the festivities as the Inlet Tree Lighting Ceremony gets underway just in time for the holidays.

9.The 25th Annual Holiday Gala: A Silver Celebration and Salute to the Galas at the Frederic Remington Art Museum in Ogdensburg 7-11 pm., Dec. 13. Enjoy hors d'oeuvre, a cash bar and music by the John Michael Band, and Joe Ramsey and Ken LaRock Duo amid the spectacular holiday decorations.

10.The Great Adirondack Snow Dance. When you're finished with your day of shopping, don your Adirondack Tux and head to Speculator for this fun family event. From 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. On Dec. 6, kids can enjoy visits from Bingo the Clown, Santa Claus, Percy Penguin, hot cocoa and toys. A ceremonial bonfire and dance will begin at dusk. Enjoy the buffet dinner, fireworks and live entertainment.