Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge

Olympic Stadium in Lake Placid, New York & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #287

Last weekend we took a family day trip to Burlington, Vermont, and we stopped in Lake Placid, New York, on the way home to visit Olympic Stadium, the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. We also explored the shops near the stadium and visited John Brown Farm, which was a very powerful experience that I will share in a later post. This post is dedicated to the joy of friendly competition that the Olympic Games inspire.

But first, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast in our hotel in Plattsburgh, New York.

Lake Placid New York, Shelbee on the Edge

Then we visited John Brown Farm first as it was on the way to Olympic Stadium. You can see the back of the Olympic ski jumps from the farm so we knew it was only a short drive once we left there.

Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
A view of the ski jump from John Brown Farm.

We drove down to the entrance of the ski jump where you can take a sky ride tour of the ski jumping complex. They also have an elevator ride to the top of the ski jumps as well as a ziplining experience. Since I am utterly terrified of heights and everyone was getting kind of hungry for lunch, we skipped the ski jump complex completely. But we did get a photo from the parking lot.

Then we headed into the downtown area of Lake Placid for some food and shopping before we visited the Olympic Complex.

Lake Placid New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Lake Placid New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Lake Placid New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Lake Placid New York, Shelbee on the Edge

We had lunch at Cocoa & Dough which is the cutest little donut and hot dog shop that deserves a special mention. Actually, the boys had lunch and Jeff and I had donuts. By the way, did you know that donuts are one of my top 5 favorite things on earth and in life?

Doco’s Donuts, Shelbee on the Edge
Doco’s Donuts, Shelbee on the Edge
Doco’s Donuts, Shelbee on the Edge
Doco’s Donuts, Shelbee on the Edge
Doco’s Donuts, Shelbee on the Edge
Doco’s Donuts, Shelbee on the Edge
Doco’s Donuts, Shelbee on the Edge
Doco’s Donuts, Shelbee on the Edge

Ralph had the Classic Dog with just ketchup, Archie had soft pretzels with cheese dip, Jeff had the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Donut, and I had the Adirondacker Donut which had maple frosting topped with crispy bacon and maple syrup drizzle. OMG. If you ever visit Lake Placid, definitely pop into Cocoa & Dough for a sweet treat! Here’s a closer look at the delicious donut menu.

After eating and shopping a bit, we headed to Olympic Stadium to complete our visit in Lake Placid. Unfortunately, the official Olympic Center Museum and the ice rink from the 1980 Winter Olympics were closed for renovations. However, the Temporary Olympic Museum Exhibit Gallery is set up at the site of the 1932 Olympic Games. As soon as you walk into the ice rink, there is a very powerful sense of heightened and excited energy despite the fact that we were the only people in there. I was a really digging the feeling of so much positive energy.

Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge

As you walk through the facility to the ice rink, there are a few rooms dedicated to the temporary museum exhibit. Each display is rich with fascinating history about the various sports represented in the Winter Olympic games.

For example, in the 1932 Games, only 4 teams competed in ice hockey, the United States, Canada, Germany, and Poland, with Canada ultimately winning the gold medal.

Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge

All the different ice skating events and equipment were really interesting to see. My particular favorite is the stilt skates.

Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge

The Olympic podium was first used in the 1932 Winter Olympic Games and U.S. Olympic speed skater Jack Shea was the first athlete to stand on top of that podium. My kids had fun standing on the podium and wanted a million pictures changing positions in each one.

Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge

The 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid was the site of Miracle on Ice when a team of amateur young players from the United States defeated a heavily favored and undefeated team of stronger, faster, professional players from the Soviet Union. I literally tear up every time I even think about that hockey game. It is definitely one of the most powerful moments in sports history for any person who has poured their heart and soul into their sport. It is evidence that passion and teamwork can beat the odds.

Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_on_Ice
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_on_Ice
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
Olympic Stadium, Lake Placid, New York, Shelbee on the Edge
This is my favorite photo from the entire weekend!

And that is all I’ve got for today. I spent a long weekend in Lake Placid a few years ago but never made it the Olympic Complex so I am really glad that I had the opportunity to see it this time. If you have ever visit Lake Placid, I would love to hear your experiences!

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Shelbee

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I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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