Plattsburgh stands on the shores of Lake Champlain with the Adirondack Mountains as a backdrop. This was the site of the Battle of Plattsburgh on September 11, 1814, which marked an American victory over the British in the War of 1812. You can see artifacts of the battle in the Clinton County Historical Museum and the Kent-Delord House Museum. And if you walk through River Walk park, you'll be able to see the McDonough Monument, named for the commodore who orchestrated that British defeat.

But although it's the site of a famous battle, and the man who designed the Washington Monument designed its city hall, Plattsburgh isn't only about the past. Water sports are very popular here, as you might expect by the presence of Lake Champlain. Boating and fishing are particular favorites, and you can cruise the lake in the town's ferries. If you're an ice-fisherman, Lake Champlain is even more attractive in the winter.

Winter or summer, you can find Plattsburgh about 160 miles from Albany, just off of the Northway (I-87 N). For more information on Plattsburgh, refer to the left sidebar.