Saranac Lake is not the usual shopping. It's a real Adirondack browsing paradise. Instead of big, bustling, and impersonal, we are small, quiet, and very friendly. We offer some items which can be found nowhere else, because they are handcrafted by our own Adirondack artists and artisans.

Many of our shopping opportunities are found in our scenic, walkable, historic downtown. Bounded on the north and east by the Adirondack Carousel, and on the south and west by the Town Hall, our shops are interspersed with great places to enjoy homemade treats, fresh coffee, and delightful meals.

Take a break by enjoying a stroll along our Riverwalk, a 1.5 mile paved path along the Saranac River, with benches, information boards, and access at various points behind Main Street and across the bridges.

What to wear

One of our proudest town accomplishments was the creation of the Village Mercantile, formerly the Community Store. Over a period of five years, residents bought shares until there was enough to rent, renovate, and stock this large and lovely store, the first community store in New York state.

• open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Black Friday!

On a recent visit, I found a wide selection of clothing for the chilly season, and a new display of handcrafted jewelry. They also have an extraordinary selection of yarns. They are a great place to find Adirondack-themed housewares and linens, along with practical items like boots and mittens. It's right across from the Hotel Saranac.

Pink is a lovely boutique along Broadway, with snazzy items such as the hats pictured below. My weakness. Well, I have a few weaknesses, but pretty hats are certainly in the top ten.

Eco Living, also along Broadway, specializes in Fair Trade, Organic, and US-made products. They have some new Alpaca blankets in, at a great price. The store staff said they would be glad to roll up & ribbon the blanket of anyone's choice, ready to pop into a gift bag for easy wrapping. 

TF Finnigan is a great place for stylish outdoor wear, with several sale racks throughout the store.

WHAT TO LIE UPON

Piece by Piece Studio is the place to go for everything quilted. Some of the items on display are for sale, and some are simply to be admired. There are kits and notions for any quilter on the gift list.

If we are in the market for something with much more heft, the furniture stores in Saranac Lake are all about the holiday weekend:

• Rice Furniture - 10% off furniture/appliances for Small Business Saturday

Casier Furniture at the corner of Broadway and Bloomingdale Avenue offers custom packages from their complete line of everything for the home.

• St. Regis Canoe Outfitters will be offering discounts on their used gear during both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

This is a great way to be ready for the warm season, or check out what they have for the cool season. Blue Line Sports is another fine outfitter to browse in.

what to enjoy

Toys and games are wonderful presents, but they are also essential items when we have a houseful with a wide range of ages and interests. Everybody can sit around the table and play classic board games or simple card games. Ask their knowledgeable staff about the best choices for your expected guests.

• Goody Goody's is planning different specials throughout the month. Drop by & see!

what to admire

I love wearing rocks. Real rocks! 

The Twin Crystal Rock Shop offers lovely jewelry, and these less-celebrated rocks are a real bargain. A particular attraction is the Herkimer diamond collection, from right here in New York State.

Adirondack Trading Company has so many interesting Adirondack-themed items there's sections; the maple syrup section, the Christmas nook, and the shelves that are all about the bears.

For the ones on our list who are interested in cultural items, two great places are side-by-side downtown. The Adirondack Artists' Guild features the works of fifteen local members, mostly visual - but also works in jewelry and pottery. Always a fun, ever-changing, place.

• unframed prints are available in the flip file in front of each display

Ampersound is our downtown music store, and is a treasure trove of musical instruments, from mouth harps and ukuleles to the guitars and banjos in the back room. There's always an interesting CD or three in the racks, and there's plenty of local talent featured, too.

• check the bargain bin of lightly used and discount CDs

While not in downtown, there's also great gift shopping in the extensive housewares section of Coakley High Peaks Ace Hardware. Adirondacks Lakes and Trails Outfitters has holiday kayak packages. Of course, there's Moody Tree Farm for everything holiday related!

If you've been dreading going shopping for the holiday season, stop. Combine a fun getaway with some easy gift-giving, and enjoy yourself.

After the shopping, get a great dinner. Find just the right lodging.