10 Romantic Small Towns In The Adirondack Mountains For A 3-Day Weekend
Few regions of the United States can compete with the natural scenery of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. Between the thin, crisp air, the lush, rolling terrain, and the abundance of sprawling, crystal-clear lakes, the Adirondacks is certainly an ideal choice for a romantic weekend. Couples can take peaceful walks through the forests of Keene, swim through revitalizing waters in Old Forge, or enjoy breathtaking views from the top of a mountain in Elizabethtown. Also, the easily walkable downtown centers in established destinations like Lake Placid and Glens Falls are full of intriguing shops and restaurants, and nothing says romance like a sunset cruise on the incomparable Lake George. Here are 10 small towns in the Adirondacks that are particularly welcoming for couples looking for a relaxing 3-day weekend.
Lake Placid
Surrounded by the awe-inspiring High Peaks, Lake Placid's main strip provides every component for a romantic evening. You can enjoy a delicious lakefront dinner at The View, a AAA Four-Diamond fine dining restaurant, before grabbing a scoop of Maple Creme ice cream at Emma's Lake Placid Creamery and sitting down right beside Mirror Lake at Mid's Park.
If you stay at the spacious Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, you'll have direct access to Mirror Lake, meaning you can step outside of your room and wade into some of the purest water you've ever encountered. Mid's Park even hosts free concerts on Tuesdays throughout July, providing several hours of live music and dancing under the stars.
Keeseville
Keeseville offers an immersive escape into nature and an easygoing vibe fueled by the famously friendly hiking community. People come from all over the world to hike the Ausable Chasm, a.k.a. "The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks." Feast your eyes on a 500 million year-old sandstone gorge while walking through two miles of geological wonders and multiple waterfalls overlooking the Ausable River, a popular site for rafting and tubing for the more adventurous visitors.
After a long day of hiking, kick back with a craft beer at Ausable Brewing Company, specializing in IPAs, porters, wheat beers, and amber ales. Though lodging options are sparse in Keeseville, the Shamrock Inn is a quaint but pristine hotel in nearby Peru, and it's been a welcoming respite for outdoor enthusiasts since 1933.
Glens Falls
For an ideal blend of natural beauty and big city conveniences, look no further than Glens Falls. The 9-mile Warren County Bike Trail provides a gentle walk through the woods, passing through numerous parks and around the soothing Glen Lake. If you prefer to spend the afternoon indoors, The Hyde Collection is a renowned art museum in downtown Glens Falls containing notable works by Picasso, Rembrandt, Degas, Renoir, and more in an Italian Renaissance-style home.
When dinnertime strikes, Park & Elm features a diverse menu of steak, pasta, and seafood in an intimate setting. Just a few minutes away lies The Queensbury Hotel, a one-of-a-kind historic hotel built in the 1920s with 123 newly renovated guest rooms and a variety of luxurious amenities, including two on-site restaurants.
Elizabethtown
Hikers and history buffs come together at Elizabethtown, situated between the High Peaks and the Champlain Valley. With just a short hike up the Giant Lookout path in the Blueberry Hill Trail System, visitors can access stunning views of Giant Mountain, the 12th-highest mountain in the Adirondacks. Alternatively, Split Rock Falls drops roughly 45 feet in tiers into the Boquet River, and it's just 100 feet or so to the top of the falls.
Elizabethtown is also home to the Adirondack History Museum, featuring more than 6,000 artifacts and pieces of art chronicling the history of the mountain range and its relationship with human beings. Your trip through time continues at The Deer's Head Inn, the oldest tavern in the Adirondacks, open since 1808 and still a beloved spot for seasonal fare. For a timelessly elegant lodging experience, stay at Stoneleigh Bed and Breakfast, a castle-like stone estate with antique furniture and a magnificent grand hall that will instantly whisk you back to the 1800s.
Saranac Lake
Appropriately nicknamed "The Capital of the Adirondacks," Saranac Lake's downtown center is anchored by a thriving arts and dining scene. Visitors can browse fine art from fifteen local artists at the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery, pick up a stimulating card game to play at Goody Goody's Toys and Games, and then party the night away at one of Saranac Lake's many acclaimed breweries, like RiverTrail Beerworks.
Additionally, RiverTrail Beerworks is located right along the Saranac Lake River Walk, a 1-mile brick-paved path beside the serene Saranac River. There's no shortage of attractive places to stay in Saranac Lake, though Franklin Manor stands out because of its Queen Anne-style architecture, huge, airy rooms, and expansive porch, where guests can often be seen sipping their morning coffee.
Keene
Keene is a rural gem located just outside Lake Placid. While the latter is more family-friendly, the former caters to an older audience. You won't have to worry about noisy crowds when you're making your way up Baxter Mountain Trailhead, a short but rocky hike culminating in sweeping views of the High Peaks to the west, Hurricane Mountain to the north, and the Ausable River Valley below. On a hot day, go for a refreshing swim in Chapel Pond, situated right in front of a towering mountain ridge.
When you've hiked up an appetite, head to Forty Six for a rustic farm-to-table experience centered around dishes like venison, tuna steak, and their signature "Just Climbed a Mountain Burger." Romantic retreats call for cozy accommodations, and that's exactly what you'll get at the Rooster Comb Inn, renowned for its creative wooden furniture and inviting public seating space, which includes a classic wood stove.
Lake George
An international tourist attraction for hundreds of years, Lake George makes it very easy for visitors to have fun and relax. If you're in the mood for some light exercise, you could take the 1.1-mile Blue Trail to Bradley's Lookout and gaze into spectacular elevated views of the lake. You could also take a sunset cruise on the Lac du Saint Sacrement, which winds around several smaller islands, including Dome Island and Speaker Heck Island, where Bald Eagles have been known to reside.
Meanwhile, couples have myriad waterfront dining options such as The Boathouse Restaurant, an upscale steak and seafood spot inside the former boathouse of banker and philanthropist George Foster Peabody. You'll find similarly glowing reviews for the Waters Edge Lodge, just up the street on Lake Shore Drive. Guests have direct access to Lake George thanks to the hotel's private beach, so feel free to rent a kayak and explore!
Inlet
Inlet was famously crowned "The Adirondacks' Best-Kept Secret" by Travel + Leisure magazine because it's not as well-known as Lake George or Lake Placid, but its scenery and lakeside activities stack up to the very best in the region. The town is situated on the Fulton Chain of Lakes, and Arrowhead Park allows visitors to swim in the refreshing waters of Fourth Lake. Birders tend to gravitate towards Ferd's Bog, a 0.6-mile hike to a boardwalk that extends into a tranquil bog within the Pigeon Lake Wilderness.
For a lively night in town, head to Screamen Eagle/Matt's Draft House, a classic sports bar lovingly known as "Inlet's Living Room" with more than 50 beers on tap. The vibe is more peaceful at The Woods Inn, originally constructed in 1894 and restored in 2004. Each room is uniquely furnished and decorated, and the lavish dining room overlooks Fourth Lake, setting the stage for a picture-perfect evening.
Wells
Outdoor adventures are abound at Wells, the gateway to Lake Algonquin. Swimming or kayaking in this shimmering lake is a cinch thanks to Wells Town Beach, featuring a swimming dock with a diving board. Auger Falls is one of the most popular trails in the area because it's a short but rewarding walk through a dense forest leading to a picturesque series of waterfalls, with numerous places to sit and listen to the rushing Sacandaga River below.
In fact, the Sacandaga River is the backdrop of the John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer Sculpture Studios, Gallery, and Garden, an outdoor collection of abstract art installations. If comfort is your main priority when it comes to lodging, the Lake Pleasant Lodge is located in nearby Speculator, and it features updated rooms along with a vast backyard area complete with a private beach, a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, and a romantic gazebo.
Old Forge
Another rural paradise on the Fulton Chain of Lakes, Old Forge is located about 11 miles southwest of Inlet, so it lies on First Lake. Admission is free at Old Forge Public Beach, a major swimming hub enveloped by lush foliage. Old Forge Pond is technically called a pond, but it looks more like a lake, and there's a boardwalk-style dock that runs along its western shore, giving couples a great choice for an afternoon stroll.
Back in civilization, Fulton Chain Craft Brewery is a premier local hangout thanks to its selection of handcrafted beers and cocktails, as well as its bustling taproom and beer garden. If you plan on spending your visit in the water and the mountains, stay at the Great Pines Resort, housing an award-winning restaurant and bar.
Follow Your Heart into the Adirondacks
The gorgeous scenery of the Adirondack Mountains carries an indescribable warmth that flows through these 10 towns. Whether you're drawn to the hilly landscapes, the jaw-dropping lakes, or the welcoming small town atmosphere, the Adirondacks present a much-needed escape from the chaos of urban life. Romance simply comes naturally in the region, where you can sit down to a waterfront dinner in a gourmet restaurant in Lake George, hike to the tallest mountain in the state in Keene, or marvel at geological masterpieces in Keeseville, with unbelievable mountain views at every turn. So, when you're mulling over potential destinations for a stress-free but invigorating weekend, these 10 towns will not disappoint.
