9 Standout Main Streets In The Adirondack Mountains
Although the landscape in the Adirondacks can set any heart aflame, especially with all the craggy hills and crystal-clear alpine lakes, step back a bit and explore the many small, charming towns that dot the stretch. Some of these small towns have awesome Main Streets with color and character; spaces where the mind is constantly put in a grinning mode. Starting with Lake Placid, discover 9 stand-out Main Streets in the Adirondacks. You only need to travel light and pack an incredibly decent camera.
Lake Placid
With a name that carries connotations of a soft, soothing landscape, Lake Placid is a place that will draw both the curious and your regular seasoned adventurer. You will be blown away by a quaint alpine village unsmudged by glitzy shopping malls and big box chain stores. The town's historic Main Street, which runs parallel to the crystal-clear waters of Mirror Lake, is always a delightful space to wander about. You will find cozy bakeries serving yummy treats (check out Alpine Mall's Coffee Bar), entertainment spots with fun dance floors and great music (such as Roomers), a decent number of sidewalk restaurants, and charming local shops selling everything from antiques and artisan furniture to Adirondack chocolates and one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Don't forget to sample local art at Gallery 46, which keeps an excellent selection of high-end traditional artwork, or explore the well-curated Olympic Museum, a cool place to learn about the historic 1980 US Winter Olympics men's ice hockey team.
Saratoga Springs
A mid-morning stroll along Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs reveals a space that Norman Rockwell would have loved to paint. From how the sun glints off the glass storefronts, casting reflections of colorful awnings and beautiful flower boxes, to the soft jazz spilling from nearby diners, there's just a lot to love about Saratoga Springs's inner core. Take note that Saratoga is known as the Queen of the Spas, and you just have to spend some time ambling through Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark with classical architecture and a long list of recreational opportunities. From the nationally-famous Saratoga Performing Arts Center, an iconic venue that has hosted celebrity artists like Harry Belafonte, to Roosevelt Baths & Spa, the go-to spot for ultimate relaxation, to Geyser Trail, a scenic path along a creek with a geyser and numerous water springs, this Adirondack jewel is a show-stopper.
Saranac Lake
With a downtown area backdropped by the austere grandeur of the Adirondack Mountains and the shimmering allure of Lake Flower, Saranac Lake is among the most unforgettable places in the United States. It boasts a walkable inner core with vibrant art, and with the Saranac River tumbling through, ample waterfront views. With its rustic walls and balcony, Waterhole Music Lounge is a fantastic entertainment spot with lots of character and awesome beer selection, while Blue Moon Café, just across the street, is a cozy diner known for whipping up delicious pancakes and chicken quesadillas. If you are tagging your little angels, Adirondack Carousel features artisan-carved animals native to the Adirondacks and a must-ride carousel. Meanwhile, the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery is a great place to chat with talented local artists while browsing stunning paintings and photography.
Lake George
There is a reason the area around Lake George is known as the “Original Vacation Destination.” Slide into your flip flops (if the weather is nice and warm), and explore the sandy attractions in the area, including Usher and Shepard parks, or amble through the main village strip, where sidewalks yield interesting souvenirs, delicious food, and various kinds of apparel for both young and old. You can start your adventure at the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum, a spooky attraction combining wax and animatronic figures with scary special effects, and then slide next door to Capri, an adorable local hangout that has been serving basic Italian dishes since 1972. Meanwhile, the Lake George Historical Association Museum is conveniently located on Canada Street and offers a nice change of pace from some of the other tourist sites in the area. You will see interesting exhibits like an Iroquois canoe, some Native American arrowheads, a cannonball from the French and Indian War, and jail cells going back to the 1840s.
Ticonderoga
Although it has been fairly quiet and languid for a while, Montcalm Street has recently been buzzing back to life, with new shops popping up amid sustained revitalisation efforts. The Adirondack Trading Post is a cute store with a great selection of artisanal crafts, unique gifts, and several other interesting knick-knacks. Across the street is Maddens Pub, the go-to watering hole in the area that also serves some of the most decadent cheese steaks in the world. You will enjoy tap brews from the region, and a clean, nicely decorated environment. Meanwhile, bibliophiles will find awesome thrillers at Black Watch Memorial Library, a comfortable place with helpful staff, while Star Trek fans will get a blast at the nationally famous Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, where they will enjoy full recreations based on original blueprints. It is housed inside a former Safeway and is the brainchild of James Cawley, Elvis Presley tribute artist and actor.
Tupper Lake
Another Adirondack jewel with a stand-out Main Street is Tupper Lake, where a charming mix of historic architecture, artisan shops, and lumberjack dining presents a continuously yummy feast to the senses. It doesn't matter that locals call it “uptown.” You can kickstart your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Reandeau's Swiss Kitchen, a small-town diner that serves amazingly huge burgers and delicious homemade breads. While here, you can try their sugar-free chocolate pies as well, or their incredibly well-done omelettes.
There is the Tupper Lake Municipal Park, which is romantically positioned on the shores of Tupper Lake, the water body. It has a gazebo to cuddle in and wonderful vantage points for stunning photos. Alternatively, you can catch a show at the Adirondack State Theater, or browse the huge collection of mind-rousing knick-knacks at the 5-star-rated Adirondack Store & Gallery.
Wilmington
With a tasty backdrop that features the heart-stirring grandeur of Whiteface Mountain, site of the 1980 Olympic downhill ski races, Wilmington’s main hub is an incredible visual treat. Keep in mind that the summit of Whiteface is accessible only by the Whiteface Memorial Highway, which fortunately springs from downtown Wilmington. Also, the town is in the valley of the West Branch of the AuSable River, and you can imagine the countryside allure such a setting evokes. The best part is that 62% of the town is State Forest Preserve. Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau is a good place for inside information about the area, and should precede a hearty meal at highly rated Country Bear, known for serving delicious French toast made with homemade bread. Bridge Park Town of Wilmington is a favourite spot for sunset views, while Wilmington Recreation Park is a cool place to rest or people-watch.
Glens Falls
Tucked away at the southern edge of Adirondack Park in the Hudson River’s “Big Bend,” Glens Falls has long been known as “Hometown, USA.” The downtown area is charming and walkable and features lots of colorful attractions to keep you in a grinning mode. There is the Crandall Public Library and Folklife Center, a cool place to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, and SPoT Coffee, which serves flavorful strawberry banana smoothies in a friendly atmosphere with fun artworks. The windows are also well-placed for optimum people-watching on Glen Street. Pass by Chapman Museum, especially if you enjoy interesting stories on local events and a feeling of being on a time machine journey. Movie lovers have the iconic Charles R Wood Theater, an affordable venue with regular mood-lifting shows.
Speculator
You can’t fault Speculator for billing itself as “an all-season vacationland,” especially with its many peaceful lakes for paddling and boating, and the towering presence of Oak Mountain, an outdoor wonder that offers epic skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The town’s main street is a storybook appeal with a rustic relics shop, a beautiful park with a riverwalk, and an old-school grocery store that feels like stepping back in time. Tracy's Rustic Relics is an awesome little shop with sweet-smelling candles, lots of local preserves, jam, pickles, and syrups. At the same time, Sacandaga Park is a swoon-worthy space with easy-to-access walking trails with informative markers highlighting the plants, animals, and regional history of the area. If you have a sweet tooth, pass by King of the Frosties, then spend a quiet evening at the Speculator Public Beach, which features a big lake and beautiful views.
So, if you have a vacation lined up and you are thinking of finally exploring the Adirondacks, don’t limit yourself to the many outdoor beauties that draw thousands from every nook of the country. The hills and lakes deserve their flowers, but the small towns that dot the region also have Main Streets that can stop you mid-step. You will find charm-soaked streets with indie bookstores and interesting galleries, as well as waterfront attractions with scintillating backdrops.
