Lake Placid has been a summer vacation destination for more than a century, long before skiing came to the region, and the area comes alive with music and theatrical performances in summer. The Lake Placid Center for the Arts, (518-523-2512; http://www.lakeplacidarts.org), Saranac Ave., Lake Placid is open year-round. Summer hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; weekends from 1-5 p.m.

The Lake Placid Sinfonietta (518-523-2051; http://lakeplacidsinfonietta.org) is an 18-member professional orchestra, presenting a six-week season of concerts during July and August.

The Pendragon Theatre (518-891-1854; http://www.pendragontheatre.org) in Saranac Lake presents three plays each summer and produces many special events year-round. Call the box office or visit their website for schedule and ticket information.

The Ticonderoga Festival Guild (518-585-6716; http://ticonderogafestivalguild.org) in Ticonderoga, produces performances under a large festival tent from the second week in July until the second week in August.