6 of the Most Hospitable Small Towns in The Adirondack Mountains
Nestled within the scenic beauty of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, there are towns that go beyond breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures – they are hospitality goldmines. From warm smiles to genuine community, these towns have carved a niche for themselves in the harsh climate that surrounds them. Whether you are making this your set-off point for a wider exploration, or this is your final destination, the Adirondacks will have you feeling as if you have stepped into another time and a whole other world. For a vacation that is truly different, steeped in nature, and has adventure around every corner, look no further!
Old Forge
Known as the “Base Camp” of the Adirondacks, Old Forge is the perfect set-out point for future adventures in the region, or a one-stop shop for the famous "Adirondack Feeling." This charming hamlet of less than 1,000 is a close-knit community of warmth and serenity. With history etched into its Bavarian-style architecture, as well as its restored historical buildings, a stay at Old Forge is like stepping back in time.
You can take in a movie at The Strand Theatre, a fully restored Art Deco theater with a free film history museum inside, or perhaps, if you are tighter on time, a ride on the Adirondack Railroad, which will offer round trips around the region, allowing you to observe pristine woods and wildlife all around the Adirondacks, and be back for dinner! If you want to do as the locals do, they encourage you to drop in at the Old Forge Library every Wednesday for a community crafting workshop, filling your day with laughs and warm stories.
Lake Placid
Hosting the Olympics in 1932 and 1980, this hamlet is known for its many outdoor activities, sure to please every family member. Whether it is a day hike to an open summit, a canoe trip across Mirror Lake, or a wintery snowshoe around a historical site, Lake Placid can provide. This hamlet is more than just rugged exploration; it offers fine dining at establishments like Kanu, where you can enjoy American cuisine in a spectacular, great room beside a roaring fireplace.
Proud of being an Olympic site, Lake Placid also offers year-round access to both the 1932 and the 1980 Olympic facilities – complete with carefully curated museums and even the longest mountain coaster in the United States for a little bit of adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a town unlike any other, combining history (both old and new) and the locale of a mountain vacation – you can enjoy time in a decidedly different way. The village’s history is proudly displayed in the Saranac Laboratory Museum, where visitors can learn about Saranac Lake’s history as a tuberculosis cure center. With year-round live music and galleries showcasing some of the most outstanding local talent, Saranac Lake is a destination in all seasons. That being said, it does come alive in a different way in the winter, with cross-country ski routes, and intense snowmobiling treks across frozen lakes; there is adventure in every stitch of this hamlet.
When you want to wind down, ice fishing allows you to take in the sights in a more calming way, or perhaps take in a meal at the locally-renowned Blue Moon Cafe, which has breakfast, lunch, and a gourmet dinner menu along with local craft beer and spirits.
Keene Valley
With the greatest number of high peaks in one region, Keene Valley is known as “The Home of the High Peaks”. The views in Keene Valley are unlike any others, truly feeling like it is separate from the rest of the world. The surrounding mountains are honeycombed with hiking trails for all skill levels and interests, as well as rock climbing routes such as "Frosted Mug" and "Seven Ounces." Keene Valley also offers pulse-pounding experiences like rafting through the Ausable Chasm, taking in mother nature’s beauty from a vantage point rarely seen.
If your interests are firmly on the ground, The Snow Goose has your well-being in mind. A charming bed and breakfast with over 100 years of lodging history, it will let you enjoy the healing power of nature in comfort as you relax with a book in a hammock or have a glass of wine by a roaring fire.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake is a town where nature is never far, even in the heart of downtown! With rolling hills and mountains, and endless forests surrounding you, Tupper Lake wraps you in the serenity of the best the Adirondacks have to offer. Featuring hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, the gem is the Tupper Lake Triad, which includes a fire tower peak offering an unparalleled view of the Adirondacks.
When night falls, you will be under a blanket of sparkling stars, as Tupper Lake has some of the darkest skies in the Northeast. If you can’t tell the Big Dipper from Orien’s Belt, the Adirondack Sky Center is here for you, a stargazing observatory for kids of all ages. Whether you are enjoying a craft beer at Raquette River Brewing, or enjoying live music, Tupper Lake will always have a stool waiting for you.
North Creek
The birthplace of New York skiing in the 1930s, North Creek carries on that pedigree and tradition and offers a variety of activities for all four seasons.
In the warm months, the newest attraction to North Creek shines: Revolution Rail. It is a self-guided excursion activity that allows riders to travel the decommissioned railroad on a specially designed "Railbike," under their own power. This scenic tour has two routes, so you’ll never have to look at the same vista twice. If you want a bit more adrenaline, there are several mountain biking routes, as well as whitewater raft trips on the nearby Upper Hudson, frequently described as the best single-day raft trip in the East! In the colder months, enjoy what brought North Creek to fame! With downhill skiing on Gore Mountain or backcountry skiing or snowshoeing options, the choice is yours! Or visit the North Creek Mosaic Project, or the nearby H’ART Studio. However your trip looks, North Creek encourages you to stay!
In the beating heart of the Adirondack Mountains, these towns lie as warm reminders of civilization in all seasons. You will find more than just stunning vistas and beauty. More than just nature and culture. You will find fine, warm, and genuine people who welcome you to their towns with open arms. You will find the sense of community, camaraderie, and American spirit that encouraged settlement in the Adirondacks in the first place, alive and well. This is more than just a destination for adventure, but rather a tapestry of the welcoming American way. So, if you ever find yourself in the mountains, know that a warm hearth is never too far.
