The lakes are calling

Sometimes all it takes is a different view.

A few hours from the Hudson Valley, Lake George, Lake Placid and Lake Champlain each offer a different summer experience, from lively waterfront villages and Olympic history to mountain scenery and outdoor adventures. Visit one or make time for all three and you'll discover that some of the best summer adventures don't begin with a boarding pass, but with a full tank of gas and an open road.

Lake George is the closest of the three destinations, making it an easy choice for a spontaneous summer escape. Spend the afternoon on the lake with a boat rental, paddleboard or kayak, or take in the scenery aboard one of the historic sightseeing steamboats. The area also offers everything from cozy lakeside motels and cabins to luxury resorts, making it easy to tailor the getaway to your budget.

About an hour farther north, Lake Placid offers a more refined mountain-lake atmosphere. Best known as the two-time host of the Winter Olympics, the village beautifully blends history with outdoor recreation. Stroll the charming Main Street filled with boutiques, cafés and excellent restaurants before visiting the Olympic Center or other Lake Placid legacy sites. Mirror Lake, located in the heart of town, is perfect for kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding, while elegant lakeside lodges and mountain resorts make it an ideal destination for couples and families.

Continue east toward Lake Champlain and the vibrant city of Burlington, where the atmosphere shifts to an artsy, energetic waterfront community. The highlight for many visitors is cycling the famous Island Line Trail, a spectacular route that stretches across a former railroad causeway over Lake Champlain. Midway across the lake, cyclists and walkers board the seasonal Bike Ferry, which carries them over a 200-foot gap before continuing onto the Champlain Islands. It's an experience unlike any other in the Northeast. Stop for lunch, browse local shops, enjoy homemade ice cream, then simply retrace the route back to Burlington with lake and mountain views in every direction.

Some destinations are worth the drive, and these three prove that the journey is just the beginning. Scenic roads, fresh mountain air and a new adventure await long before you reach the shoreline.