The Ultimate get-away for the fuel-efficient summer traveler

Make your mileage count, take a train, attend a free event and enjoy your summer without breaking the bank

ADIRONDACK PARK, NY - With the cost of gas keeping many an intrepid traveler closer to home with tightened purse strings this summer, families are getting more creative about where they spend their vacation and how they spend their money. Fortunately, there are plenty of events and activities in the Adirondack Park going on all summer that are either free or affordable for everyone.

Take in a free concert performance, travel on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, get around using public transportation, rediscover your leg muscles and bicycle or plan a day hike in the High Peaks.

Or, out on the lake and discover why Lake Champlain was recently named one of America's Top Boating Spots by Discover Boating, a national public awareness campaign on behalf of the recreational boating industry. Go cruising on the lake and visit Fort Ticonderoga June 27 through July 8 for the Grand Encampment of the Seven Years Way where more than 2,000 re-enactors will relive the 250- year-old conflict.

Or visit Lake George, also noted as one of the top spots in America for water sports by Discover Boating. On July 12, the Lake George Wakeboard and Wakeskate Open and everyone is invited to participate.

There's plenty to do all summer long.

Visiting the six-million-acre Adirondack Park in the summertime is a beautiful adventure in and of itself. Add to that the number of fun events and festivals that take place this summer! The following is a partial list of some of these unique events. Click on VisitAdirondacks.com for a complete listing and to plan your trip.

Grand Encampment of the Seven Years War June 27 - July 8 Fort Ticonderoga Fort Rd Ticonderoga, NY 12883 518/585-2821 Website: fort-ticonderoga.org 2,000 re-enactors relive the conflict of 250 years ago.

I Love NY Horse Show July 1 - 6 North Elba Horse Show Grounds 5514 Cascade Rd Lake Placid, NY 12946 518/523-9625 Website: lakeplacidhorseshow.com Prestigious horse jumping competition surrounded by scenic high peaks.

Painted Pony Championship Rodeo July 4 - August 30 Painted Pony Ranch 703 Howe Rd Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 518/696-2421 Website: paintedponyrodeo.com every Wed, Fri, Sat. 6PM Professional rodeo sanctioned by I.P.R.A. & A.P.R.A. Texas- style BBQ every Rodeo night. Country western dancing in the Longhorn Saloon following rodeo.

Annual Heart of the Park Antique Show & Sale July 10 - 12 Long Lake Central School Route 30 Long Lake, NY 12847 518/624-3077 Website: longlake-ny.com Thu-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm "Adirondackania" items including stemware, dishes, jewelry, postcards, furniture, framed prints and lithographs.

Lake George Wakeboard & Wakeskate Open July 12 - 13 Village Docks Beach Rd Lake George, NY 12845 518/743-8433 Website: .castawaymarina.com Hang out & learn! All abilities welcome to participate in tournament.

Woodsmen's Field Days July 12 - 13 Municipal Park Tupper Lake, NY 12986 518/359-9444 Website: woodsmendays.com

Located in the heart of the Adirondacks, this exciting event attracts thousands of spectators and hundreds of competitors for a weekend of parades, axe throwing, skidder and loader driving, and team greased pole climbing.

Concert in Cranberry Lake July 19 Fire Hall RT 3 Cranberry Lake NY 12927 35thparallel.com Described by Showcase Magazine as one of New England's most innovative ensembles, the 35th Parallel takes listeners on a musical trail through the Middle East, North India, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.

Ironman USA Lake Placid 2008 July 20 Village of Lake Placid Main St Lake Placid, NY 12946 518/523-2665 Website: ironmanusa.com International Triathlon competition, one of the most grueling and inspiring events in the world of sport. A 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike and complete marathon (26.2 miles) all in succession. Athletes have 17 hours to complete the event (from the 7 a.m. start until midnight).

Stony Creek Mountain Festival August 1 - 3 Green Meadows Recreational Park Harrisburg & Lanfear Rds Stony Creek, NY 12878 518/696-3575 Website: stonycreekchamber.com Fri, music & dancing; Sat, Farmers' Market Lane, crafters, 1800's re-enactors, blacksmithing, Native American storyteller, townwide garage sale, treasure hunt, music, pig roast & chicken BBQ; Sun, antique auction, music, re- enactors, pulled pork, and more.

Dog Days of Summer August 2 Adirondack Museum Rte 30 Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812 518/352-7311 Website: adirondackmuseum.org 10am - 5pm A special day for everyone's best friend! Enjoy an outing to the museum with your dog. Explore the history of working dogs in the Adirondacks while your pet cruises through a fun agility course and joins a pooch parade.

Franklin County Fair August 2 - 10 Franklin County Fairgrounds East Main St Malone, NY 12953 518/483-0720 Website: frcofair.com Known as 'The Little State Fair.' Big name entertainment, cattle and horse shows, poultry barn, flower and vegetable hall, antiques, food stands and large midway with rides and games.

Adirondack Wildlife Festival August 10 Visitors Interpretive Ctr Rte 30 Paul Smiths, NY 12970 518/327-3000 Website: adkvic.org Children's activities, food, wildlife presentations, musical performances, vendors, bird sculpture demonstrations, wildlife exhibits and theatrical performances.

American Mountain Men August 15 - 16 Adirondack Museum Rte 30 Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812 518/352-7311 Website: adirondackmuseum.org 10am - 5pm Encampment of Mountain Men. Enjoy demonstrations of shooting with period firearms, tomahawk and knife throwing, fire starting, hands-on family activities, primitive camping and cooking.

Lake George Family Festival~35th Annual August 15 - 17 Shepard Park Canada St Lake George, NY 12845 518/668-2688 Website: lakegeorgevillage.com Lake George Volunteer Fire Department, games, rides, live music.

1000 Acres Ranch Resort Labor Day Rodeo August 29 - September 1 1000 Acres Ranch Resort 465 Warrensburg Rd Stony Creek, NY 12878 518/696-2444 Website: 1000acres.com World class roping events including Calf Roping, Team Roping and Barrel Racing.

8th Annual LCI Lake Champlain Bass Open August 31 Mallets Bay State Boat Launch Website: goadirondack.com A two-person team tournament, weighing your six best bass.

Labor Day Celebration August 31 Old Forge Lakefront Lakeview Ave Old Forge, NY 13420 315/369-6983 877/653-3674 Website: oldforgeny.com Band concert, fireworks and automobile raffle. Great event to be enjoyed on the waterfront or off-shore by boat.

Fabulous Folk Festival August 31 Rogers' Memorial Park 4928 Lake Shore Dr Bolton Landing, NY 12814 518/644-3831 Website: boltonchamber.com.

An Adirondack musical experience with fireworks at 8pm. Revolutionary War Encampment September 6 - 7 Fort Ticonderoga Fort Rd Ticonderoga, NY 12883 518/585-2821 Website: fort-ticonderoga.org Sat-Sun, 9am - 5pm; Battle reenactments each day beginning at 2:00 pm with over 500 re-enactors depicting British, German, Continental and Native forces during the war for (and against) American Independence.

For a complete listing of events please go online to visitadironadacks.com and start planning your trip today!

About the Adirondack Region

The Adirondack Park, named for the Adirondack Mountains that lie within its boundaries, offers some of the best opportunities in the United States for outdoor recreation in a superb natural setting. The wilderness lands of the Adirondack Park are an outdoor-lover's paradise and vacation packages offer a wonderful opportunity for visitors to sample all that there is to see and do in the region.

The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council can provide information about planning a vacation in the Adirondack region. Call 800-487-6867 or log onto VisitAdirondacks.com for package listings, events, activities, restaurants, lodging and maps.