These Towns in the Adirondack Mountains Have The Best Main Streets
The Adirondack Mountains are just a few hours from New York City, decorated with forests, peaks, and valleys, where endless opportunity for outdoor adventure awaits. The Adirondack Mountain region covers approximately 24,300 km2 of the northeastern parts of New York, running from the Saint Lawrence River Valley to the Mohawk River Valley. The area consists of over 2,000 miles of hiking trails of all different difficulty levels, 3,000 pristine lakes and ponds, and 1,200 miles of glistening rivers.
There are several charming towns situated in the Adirondack Mountains, home to picturesque views, outdoor adventures, and some of the world's most beautiful lakes, not to mention charming main streets.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is a small town, situated near a lake of the same name, and is a popular spot for snow sports, having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, though it is an attractive location year-round. The town sits on both Lake Placid and Mirror Lake, offering beautiful water views, lakeside restaurants, and plenty of swimming and water sports activities, including boating and fishing.
Alongside its enchanting scenery, Lake Placid boasts a beautiful and welcoming main street, featuring snow-covered rooftops and holiday decorations during the winter months and weekly concerts in the summer. Visitors will find an abundance of enticing souvenir shops and restaurants. The town also has a thriving arts scene, hosting the Lake Placid Film Festival in the Main Street's Palace Theatre.
Saratoga Springs
One of the cutest small towns in New York, Saratoga Springs is well known for its horse races, housing the Saratoga Race Course and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Music is another popular attraction as the town is home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, a beautiful outdoor venue in Saratoga Springs State Park. As its name suggests, the area also features relaxing hot springs, ideal for a revitalizing vacation or health and wellness retreat.
For some good eats, a refreshing beverage, or exciting nightlife, wander your way through the town's main street. The downtown area also features a unique art scene with numerous galleries, including Living Resources 70 Beekman Street Gallery, Saratoga Arts, and Crafters Gallery. Don't forget to stop by Congress Park, ideal for picnicking, strolling, and even snowshoeing.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is the perfect spot for outdoor adventure, a quaint village with a serene atmosphere and scenic landscapes. Strap on your hiking boots and take a trek through one of the many hiking trails, grab a kayak and hop in the Saranac River, or enjoy a stroll through the downtown streets.
The main street is a great spot to end your day of adventure, housing unique eateries, art galleries, and year-round live music. The downtown area also shares entry to the RiverWalk, a brick path along the Saranac River that leads to the picturesque Riverside Park. Delve into the town's history at Saranac Laboratory Museum or hop on the Adirondack Carousel for a family-friendly ride.
Tupper Lake
Alongside Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake makes up the Tri-Lakes region. The underrated town is home to the scenic Tupper Lake, perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing. It is a great place to reconnect with nature, yourself, and loved ones, with beautiful mountains, fresh air, and sparkling lakes to explore. Biking, ice fishing, and bird watching are only a few of the activities popular in the area.
Just a short jaunt from nature you will find the beautiful downtown area, where local shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants line the streets. Find a beautiful painting to take home in one of the many galleries, discover the town's history at the Tupper Lake Heritage Museum, or listen to live music in one of the performance centers.
Glens Falls
One of the coolest small towns in New York for a summer vacation, Glens Falls sits on the Hudson River and is home to Cooper's Cave, a historical landmark from the Underground Railroad. Walk along the treetops at the Adirondack Adventure Center just outside of town or catch a show at the Park Theater for some fun memories of your visit.
The downtown area is the heart of the town, boasting an abundance of shopping spots, tasteful restaurants, a farmer's market every Saturday, and a unique arts scene, which you can discover at the Hyde Collection Art Museum. Stroll the streets and enjoy the 18th-century architecture or explore the City Park, featuring a beautiful gazebo for picnicking and family fun.
Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh is known as one of the best places to retire to in New York, home to modern amenities and plenty of beautiful scenery. Near the town you will find beautiful Lake Champlain, where you can swim, boat, kayak, and more. The Salmon River Falls are another beautiful spot to hike to, boasting postcard-worthy views. The Plattsburgh Heritage Trail and Riverwalk Park also share a glimpse into the town's history and beauty.
The downtown district is chock full of restaurants, boutiques, and a rich arts and culture scene, ideal for an afternoon spent exploring the town's charm. The Strand Center for the Arts and Art Museum are two great art spots, while Monopole Bar & Lounge is a wonderful place to discover new music.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga is a historic town and one of the most picturesque towns in the Adirondack Mountains. Fort Ticonderoga shares a glimpse into a unique past, revealing the history of the American Revolutionary War, as well as 18th-century architecture. You can watch live reenactments in the area, enjoy museum tours, and go for a nice stroll.
Alongside hosting a great spot for history-lovers, Ticonderoga is a romantic area for actual lovers. Take a hike to the Kissing Bridge, which is near the picturesque Falls of Carillon, and enjoy a smooch and some beautiful views of the Ticonderoga Creek. Don't forget to explore the town's main street, visiting antique stores, specialty and gift shops such as the Sugar & Spice Country Shoppe, or the Heritage Museum and History Center.
Lake George
Home to one of the most beautiful lakes in Upstate New York of the same name, Lake George also earns the nickname "The Queen of American Lakes." The shoreline itself is beautiful, but the trees and mountain range that act as its backdrop add to the jaw-dropping atmosphere.
For a taste of history, pay a visit to Fort William Henry Museum & Restoration, a restored British Fort from the 1700s. Shepard Park, Million Dollar Beach, and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf are some of the best family-friendly spots for fun and adventure. The downtown area shares a glimpse into the town's culture, with numerous arts events and festivals throughout the year, as well as the Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic House, and an abundance of restaurants and shops.
Old Forge
Old Forge is one of the best small towns to chill out, situated on the shores of First Lake, where you can enjoy fishing, camping, and pure relaxation. The annual 90-mile Adirondack Canoe Classic is an exciting event for pro-paddlers, though it is also fun to watch.
Lining the main street you will discover an eclectic collection of locally owned boutiques and restaurants. The Front Door Diner (The Back Door Bar), Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill, and Slickers Adirondack Tavern each offer unique bites to eat and drinks, while Strand Theater is an interesting place to enjoy the arts and culture, and Fulton Chain Craft Brewery is the best place for refreshments. Extend your stay at the Villages Cottages, which share the town's charm and are just a short walk from the main street.
Visit the Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains boast endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, housing an abundance of waterways, forests, and scenic views. If you are in search of all the beauty the area has to offer, but also want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon strolling the main street, grabbing a bite to eat, or spending a little time discovering the charm of the state, these mountain towns are the place to be.
