8 Towns in the Adirondacks with the Best Downtown Areas for 2024
The Adirondack Mountains have been attracting visitors for years, averaging millions of visitors annually because of the gorgeous views and local attractions. The charming towns that border the exquisite mountain range exude small-town charm, natural scenery, and pedestrian-friendly roads that are fun to explore. Many charming small towns surround the Adirondack Mountain range, and most have exceptional downtown areas.
These small downtown areas offer great culinary experiences, lodging, and live events. Many of the towns are historical and display vintage architectural styles and sites. Though many visitors come because the towns are the gateway to the famous mountain range, they also offer attractions, historical sites, and attractions. Here are the eight best downtown areas in the Adirondack Mountains.
Saranac Lake
The majestic beauty of the Adirondacks surrounds downtown Saranac Lake, where outdoor adventures and shopping combine for a unique atmosphere. The town also has local restaurants and shops, such as High Peaks Wine and Spirits and Nori's Village Market. You can start a mountain hike from downtown or take a kayak down the Saranac River, which flows through the town.
The Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile nature trail connecting many small communities, is under construction, and parts of it will open in summer 2024. The trail is accessible through the downtown area, part of Saranac Lake's charm. Artists like Northwind Fine Arts and Mark Kurtz Photography are drawn to downtown because of the numerous galleries and photography studios. Whether outdoor adventure, art, or shopping, downtown Saranac Lake has it covered.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is one of the prettiest towns in the Adirondacks region, and Main Street is the bustling epicenter of this small town. It will take more than one day to experience the downtown area fully, but there are plenty of dining and lodging options on Main Street. You also do not have to walk far to see one of the Legacy Sites, a tribute to the Winter Olympics hosted here twice.
The Olympic Center on Main Street is where the American hockey team won the gold in 1980, and the arena hosts events throughout the year. There is also a museum with exhibits honoring Lake Placid's Olympic history. Family-friendly dining options include Eres Pizza and more refined fare at Generations. Downtown lodging options include bed and breakfast inns like the Stagecoach Inn.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is a historic hamlet with attractions like Fort Ticonderoga, The Hancock House, and the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum. Montcalm Street is the heart of the town, where many restaurants and shops are located. The Heritage Museum is a brick building built in 1888 and contains exhibits of Ticonderoga's industrial history and the evolution of International Paper and the Ticonderoga Pencil.
One of the more exciting attractions on Montcalm Street is the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour. The set has been meticulously recreated from the original blueprints from CBS Studios. There are many attractive dining options, including the famous Burleigh's Luncheonette. It is a brick corner building on Montcalm Street with a 1950s diner theme. The food scene, modern attractions, and historical landmarks make Ticonderoga one of the best downtown areas in the Adirondacks.
Lake George
The walkable Lake George Village centers around Beach Road and Canada Street and is one of the region's most picturesque downtowns. The Village Mall on Canada Street is only two blocks from Shepard Park, a perfect picnic spot after a morning of shopping. Beach Road has the famous Minne-Ha-Ha, a steamboat offering sightseeing tours. You can also opt for a Tiki Boat Tour to experience the fantastic lake scenery up close.
Many live events will occur in 2024, including the two-day living history event The Sound of 1776. Musical concerts and living history vignettes bring the events of 1776 to life in the middle of downtown and celebrate the Northern Continental Army. Another notable live event is the August Lake George Art and Craft Festival. Over 100 artists will be on site with their work, and there will be live music. This is a fun town to visit, especially in the summer when there are several events in the downtown area.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is a quaint village famous for thoroughbred horse racing. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame showcases this racing history through photos, trophies, and exhibits. The vibrant downtown is a major attraction and has numerous annual live events. One of the more popular events is the Victorian Street Walk, held every December.
Several other walking tours are available, including Haunting Ghost Tours, Saratoga Craft Beer Tours, and the Congress Park History and Water Tasting Tour. Congress Park is in the heart of downtown and provides a perfect picnic opportunity and long walks in the Spring. The culinary scene is eclectic, with offerings like Roosevelt 58 Bar and Grill and 9 Miles East Farm.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake, in the middle of Adirondack Park, is part of the Tri-Lakes region, including Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. The bustling downtown area uniquely blends historical architecture, fun dining experiences, and local shops. One such shop is The Washboard Donut Shop and Laundromat, which also has Shenandoah Indian Arts and Crafts. Timberjaxx Pass is a new restaurant that pays homage to the region's lumberjack past. The replica Adirondack Forest includes an 18-hole mini golf course and a nine-foot waterfall that is fun for the whole family.
Daily live events make Tupper Lake one of the best downtown destinations in 2024. Along with live music and the annual Tupper Lake Field Day, visitors should also see the Author's Night at The Wild Center. The event allows authors to showcase their work and mingle with the local community and visitors. Several inns and motels are available, including the Faust Inn on Main Street. The quaint inn is conveniently located downtown. Raquette River Brewing is next door, and the fine-dining Pine Grove is across the street.
Glens Falls
Just a short drive from Albany, Glens Falls has abundant natural beauty, museums, and shops. At less than four square miles, the heart of the town is easily accessible and has a vibrant Art District. The district includes The Hyde Collection Arts Museum, Chapman Museum, and the Parks Theatre, among many other cultural attractions. The World Awareness Children's Museum is a hands-on experience with over 8,000 exhibits from 140 countries celebrating cultural diversity.
Glens Falls has been an industrial powerhouse for over 150 years, and downtown's architectural styles reflect different periods from the 19th century to the present. Self-guided walking tours that follow different routes start at the Chapman Historical Museum and highlight 26 significant sites. After the tour, relax at the Glens Falls City Park downtown. The park has a pavilion and hosts live music and other events.
Old Forge
Known as the "Adirondack Base Camp," Old Forge is a historic hamlet in the small town of Webb. The brick buildings that line the downtown street include the Strand Theatre, a gorgeous 100-year-old Art Deco structure. Fun attractions include chair lifts on McCauley Mountain and WaterSafari, New York's largest water park. However, strolling through downtown is charming, and the quaint setting has an authentic small-town feel.
The 123-year-old Old Forge Hardware and Furniture Store and the rustic Walt's Diner are among the small-town amenities. The Goodsell Museum is an attractive cultural attraction in a late 19th-century Victorian house. The house contains six exhibit rooms packed with artifacts, exhibits, and photographs that tell the story of this charming hamlet. Lodging at The Lakes luxury cabins provides an authentic Adirondack experience with lake views close to downtown.
The Adirondack Mountain range is one of the prettiest areas in the northern US, and these eight towns embrace its spirit and charm. The charming downtowns are the heartbeat of these towns and offer many attractions and amenities. Towns like Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs have classic architectural styles, adding to their natural beauty.
Lake George downtown offers living history exhibits celebrating the nation's birth and authentic steamboat tours around the lake. Lake Placid has a legendary Olympic history, and several Heritage Sites allow visitors to explore this history. Whether outdoor adventures, dining, or history, these are the best downtown areas in 2024.
