Teach Me About Winter Vacation in the Adirondacks

My girlfriend is graduating with her PhD in December, and we're going to take some time off to celebrate. She's a native Michigander who spent the last 5 years in the sunbelt, so she's longing to experience some winter again. I hear that upstate NY gets some wintry conditions, and that the Adirondacks are gorgeous. Looks like the area is starting to get snow.

How is this area for a 3 - 4 day winter vacation? Small town vibe would be great, but I would like to stay somewhere with a few decent restaurants nearby. Does anyone have any good experiences with specific lodges or B&B's? Desired activities include eating, drinking warm things next to fires, and outdoor activities like hiking or snowshoeing. I'm a total wintersports noob, who attempted downhill skiing for the first time this year. I would totally like to try snowmobiling though.

We'll be taking the Miata shod with X-Ices; I didn't worry much about winter in NJ at the beginning of this year since I'm always close to civilization. What else do I need in my trunk when driving in rural upstate NY? Any routes I should steer clear of that are seasonally closed or don't get plowed?

I think Lake Placid would be the easy button for ADK winter activities, but any tourist town should have appropriate winter accommodations. Old Forge, Lake George, what have you.

As far as car prep, snows and knowing how to drive in snow will be enough unless you are going up to a remote location or driving through a snow storm.

Most every town has decent places to stay an eat.

If you want something a little quieter than Placid, Saranac is quiet. Tupper has nice motels and restaurants.

What are your intentions of doing ? Hiking can be dangerous if you are not properly equipped.

Seasonal roads are marked. Snow brush, shovel, tow strap, water and snacks. Cell phone service is spotty.

Have fun.

Oh, be sure to drive through Keen Valley on Rt. 73. Beautiful in winter.