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Plan both Relaxation and Recreation at Saranac Lake

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2019-08-02 08:41:00

Saranac Lake is home to some of the more gorgeous scenery in the Adirondacks, and summer is the ideal time to take it all in. If you’re looking for a place to relax and recharge this season, look no further than a trip to the Saranac Lake area.

One of the greatest draws of the Adirondacks is the opportunity to get outdoors, and this area is no exception. Saranac Lake is just down the road from Lake Placid, and the surrounding High Peaks area is known for its excellent hiking and climbing. You may have heard of the Adirondack 46ers- people who have climbed all 46 High Peaks—but if that seems like a daunting number, there’s an alternative option. The six peaks that surround Saranac Lake-- McKenzie, Ampersand, Scarface, Haystack, St. Regis, and Baker—make up the “Saranac 6”, and if you climb all six of them, you get to join the Saranac 6ers club.


Plenty of mountain biking can also be found in the area. Meanwhile, the waterways in the northern Adirondacks offer some truly breathtaking experiences as well. From expansive lakes to small ponds and rushing streams, there are enough places to go paddling just within a few miles of the town of Saranac Lake that you could spend summer after summer exploring them and always discover something new.


As one of the larger towns in the Adirondacks, Saranac Lake is full of amenities. Restaurants range from Mexican to Japanese to Italian to good old fashioned barbecue, burgers and hot dogs. Brewpubs and breweries have popped up here in recent years, too. In downtown Saranac Lake, the streets are lined with locally-owned shops, boutiques and art galleries filled with handmade treasures and unique souvenirs, so there’s always something new to find.


Whatever else you choose to do, don’t miss out on the flavor of the day at Donnelly’s Soft Ice Cream stand, just a few miles outside the village. Their slogan—“The Best in the Adirondacks Since 1953”—is to be taken seriously; it would be hard to find better than their signature soft-serve inside or outside the park. Made with fresh milk and cream from the on-site farm, the ice cream stand features one flavor per day, so all you need to decide on is the size, but once you get a taste you’ll likely be asking for a large. Enjoy it while taking in the mountain views that surround this roadside stand.


When it comes to finding a place to lay your head after all those adventures, there are plenty of options to choose from. Looking for a rustic, yet luxurious experience? Rent a cabin or townhouse overlooking Lower Saranac Lake at Ampersand Bay Resort—they even have dog-friendly townhomes available, so your four-legged friend doesn’t have to miss out on the fun. Or choose from a variety of other hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals in the area. If sleeping under the stars is more your speed, choose from the six different campgrounds in the area. One of those is Saranac Lake Islands State Campground, where you can boat or paddle to your destination and spend the night close to nature and far from distractions.


However you choose to spend your time—, tackling an expedition to a mountaintop, spending the day in and on the water, exploring around town, or just relaxing and listening to the loons—make sure to add Saranac Lake to your summer must-visit list this year!


Photos:
Loon photo credit Helena Jacoba
View of Middle Saranac from mountaintop credit mwanner
Kayaking on Lower Saranac Lake photo credit Margaret Farrell
Donnelly's Ice Cream with a view photo credit Teresa Farrell
Ampersand Bay aerial view credit Ampersand Bay Resort

 

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