Postcard from Ellicottville, New York

I've never been a beach bunny. No matter how worn out or in need of a vegetative vacation I feel, sitting on the sand with a book never lasts more than a couple hours, tops. The same goes for the rest of my fam – husband Matt, nine-year-old Bronwyn and five-year-old Isobel. They’re doers, not dawdlers. So when we heard that Ellicottville, NY, had been named one of National Geographic’s 100 best American adventure destinations, we paid attention. Not far from Lake Placid – site of the 1980 Winter Olympics – Ellicottville is becoming as sought-after for summer biking, hiking and zip lining as it is for winter skiing and snowboarding. It’s not called “the Aspen of the East” for nothing! Could a sleepy town of 1,800 souls possibly impress my tough customers?

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Shoot down the mountain in a one- or two-person sled on rails. You can curb your speed with dual handbrakes – but why? (Isobel kept shouting, “Faster, faster!”) It’s open to kids three and up, as long as they ride with an adult ($8 per ride or $42 for an all-day pass). Kids seven and up can clamber across log bridges and zip line through the trees at the Aerial Park ($45 and up).




 

At this time of year, you might still be able to grab a little late-season skiing or snowboarding. Peak-time lift tickets at Holiday Valley feel like a steal at $59/day for adults; $45/day for kids six to 11; kids five and under free. 

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The beauty of a ski town: eateries are all super casual! Check out the brew kettles while you wait for your nosh at Ellicottville Brewing Company (ellicottvillebrewing.com).

Crash at one of Ellicottvillas’ luxury townhomes (ellicottvillas.com). A full kitchen (complete with Sub-Zero fridge – *drool*) means you can prepare meals yourself.

If you’re into premium denim brands like Hudson, you’ll love the prices at Ellicottville Jeans Company (evljeans.com).

Hike to the top of Holiday Valley! Hill walking is allowed, as long as you stay clear of the trails.

Drive three hours from Toronto or one hour from the airport in Buffalo, NY.

·      Ellicottville’s nicknames include: “EVL” (watch for it on bumper stickers) and “E-ville.”
·      Many of the buildings in town date back to E-ville’s early-19th-century origins.
·      The town’s main streets are named after US presidents: Washington, Monroe, Jefferson.
·      There’s a 20-acre man-made lake at the top of HoliMont (holimont.com) that you can swim in and that’s also used for triathlons.