As I stroll through the village of Saranac Lake, a virtual Norman Rockwell or Currier & Ives painting, I keep waiting for the horse-drawn sleigh to pass by — the passengers in stocking caps and mittens, colorful quilts piled on top of them. 

The horse-drawn sleigh never materializes, I shiver and zip up, and one word comes to mind — coffee.

Where The Warmth Is

The cafe, for me, is my home away from home, and when I take that first sip, my mind warms and a nostalgic sort of mini-memoir comes over me as I reflect on places and people that have touched me.

Luckily, Saranac Lake has several fabulous choices in which I can indulge my coffee cravings.

Next up is Origin Coffee, one of the numerous charming storefronts that downtown Saranac Lake provides to visitors. 

A true vintage coffee house experience, Origin’s upper deck dining area gives you a view of the winter you escaped. A dream-like haze encompasses the room.

Here, I capture an unsuspecting gentleman of leisure; contemplating, pondering, reminiscing — coffee breeds deep introspection. My mocha makes me enjoy thinking, and Origin’s pecan sticky buns sweeten up any day.

I walk up the street. "One must get cold to get warm here," at least that's what I tell myself.

Get Satisfied

The Blue Moon Cafe — tucked away to the left in the below picture — is cute, charming, and bursting with house-made goodness. Fulfillment is found here.

I try my hand at a self-blend and mix their Deep Woods Dark Roast with their Bavarian Chocolate coffees, the cream is added — lots of cream mind you - and, I must say, it is wonderful to be right. Full-flavored, creamy chocolate coffee. I add one of their fresh baked scones to my order. This tastes like home. Blue Moon Cafe has it all, does it all, from their own in-house bakery to their own coffee roasting brand, Cold River Coffee.

Nori’s Village Market specializes in local organic and natural provisions, and some of those provisions are —you guessed it — coffees and pastries. Let's repeat: from organic coffees and teas, to gluten-free, vegan, and gourmet baked goods, Nori’s has got you covered.

There are lots of cozy nooks in which to eat and drink and take advantage of the wifi. For those with a sweet tooth, we suggest the homemade ginger spice cake or raspberry Almond shortbread accompanied by a unique coffee flavor such as Bird Of Paradise, Midnight Sun, or Mind-Body-Soul. Nori’s has got you covered no matter your tastes, inclinations, or dietary needs.

Slightly off the beaten path

The snowy weather this week had me in a mood for a wintery scenic drive, so I veered off the flight path and found myself at the Lake Clear airport, but not for a flight, my destination was none other than the ADK Cavu Cafe — they have great coffee!

Homemade, thoughtfully prepared great things pass through that window from the kitchen to the dining area, it’s like a portal to yummy.

After adding cream to my hot coffee (again, lots of cream), and taking the first sip, I rave to my companion about the simplicity of coffee brewing. Just then, my dessert is set before me — pear blueberry crumble ala mode. Vanilla bean ice cream for breakfast, in winter time, in the Adirondacks, why not?

As I have experienced firsthand, warmth and sweetness, freshness and goodness, coziness and beauty, are all attainable and served up here in a cozy small village atmosphere. We're ready to make you feel right at home — in our Adirondack home.

Let the coziness continue with our lodging. Explore all of our dining. Browse our historic downtown. Now, what will you have?