Weekenders, head to Saranac Lake this spring!

After a long, cold winter, filled with frigid morning commutes and days spent cooped up indoors, you’re in need of a vacation. Luckily, spring has arrived in Saranac Lake, and with the season comes a breath of exciting events, outdoor adventures, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting spring memories! While town never quite "settles down" in any season, a burst of activity flourishes through town with the first signs of budding trees and greening mountain tops around us. Be the first to know when restaurant patios open up, what the local shops are serving, and what trails are best to explore this season!

Friday night

Dinner at Sofia's 

Kick off your weekend in Saranac Lake with a fun and delicious Friday night at Sofia’s, Saranac Lake’s new restaurant bringing Mexican cuisine to town. Opened just in time for spring, the restaurant has already been busy making a name for herself, vetted by locals and visitors alike. The dishes are colorful, the margaritas are crafted to perfection, and the staff is friendly; what more could you ask for? 

Party on the Patio 

After dinner, keep the energy going with Party on the Patio at the Waterhole, where live music spills into the evening air and locals and visitors alike gather to dance, mingle, and celebrate the start of the weekend. It’s the perfect one-two punch: great food followed by great music. By the end of the night, you’ll be crawling back to your lodging.

Saturday 

Blue Moon Café

Ease into Saturday morning in Saranac Lake with a visit to Blue Moon Café, a local favorite known for its cozy atmosphere and creative, comfort-forward breakfast dishes. Whether you’re fueling up with a hearty plate of eggs and home fries or opting for something sweet and satisfying, it’s the kind of spot that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. The pastries are made fresh daily by Tricia (one of the co-owners) and don’t forget about the coffee! The specialty blends you’ll find are crafted by Cold River Coffee Company, also owned and operated by the owners of Blue Moon Cafe! With the buzz of locals chatting over coffee and the charm of downtown just outside the door, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the pace of town. 

Origin Coffee Co. 

Looking for a quick breakfast fix before you head out on the trails? Just a few doors down, Origin Coffee brings an expansive menu of handcrafted espresso beverages, single-origin coffees, chef-driven food offerings, friendly service, and a modern welcoming vibe all wrapped up in a charming cafe atmosphere. The dining room runs deep, and you can find all kinds of cozy spots to settle in for a quick bite, from quiet corners perfect for getting work done, or a spot right by the window as you watch town begin to wake up. 

Nature walks 

This is the season of rushing water, overflowing lakes, and budding trees that cling to rivers and trails, making it one of the most fantastic times of the year to get in on a nature walk. Watch the region wake up from its long winter slumber with low elevation hikes and groomed trails, perfect for easing into outdoor recreation. Take a stroll on the Bloomingdale Bog trail following an old railroad corridor on a wide, level, and mostly straight path. Smooth enough for strollers with big tires, this trail is an excellent way for families to get out into nature, and witness different ecosystems, from marshland and bogs, to thick forests brimming with Adirondack critters. 

The Adirondack Rail Trail 

Looking to connect with Saranac Lake’s neighbors? The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile recreational trail open year-round, offering an adventurous way to traverse the stunning forests surrounding us. The trail never surpasses a 2% grade, and with a mix of gravel and pavement, makes the journey seamless as you travel from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid. 

Paddling 

There are plenty of ways to get on the water here. After all, Saranac Lake doesn’t just offer one lake, there are several! Including rivers, marshland, and everything in between. For a paddle that boasts backcountry views without actually getting into the backcountry, put-in on the Saranac River and head downstream. If you prefer the feel of bigger water, you can start at the Lake Flower boat launch and head to Oseetah Lake, where views of the surrounding mountains dominate the horizon and make for breathtaking photo ops. If you’re in for it, From Oseetah, it’s possible to go all the way to Middle Saranac Lake. 

Saturday evening

After a day filled with excitement, it's time to unwind with a river walk. Soak up the sunset with a leisurely stroll along the scenic Saranac Lake Riverwalk, where the gentle flow of the water and golden hour light create the perfect backdrop for unwinding after all that exploring. As the sun sets, make your way to RiverTrail Beerworks to cap off the night with a locally crafted brew in hand. Settle in at the bar, the outdoor firepit, or, if you haven’t had your fill of fun, bring your golf clubs for a turn with their golf simulator. With its relaxed, community-driven atmosphere and rotating selection of beers, it’s an ideal spot to swap stories from the day and settle into the easygoing rhythm of the weekend.

Sunday morning

It’s been a busy weekend! To cap it off, you’ll need plenty of pampering before you make the journey home. Luckily, Saranac Lake is a beacon for wellness in the Adirondacks, filled with spas, salons, and gyms to get you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. 

Start off the day with a yoga session by the lake, then head to Ampersand Spa and Salon for a resort-level spa experience. Whether you’re booking a facial or a full-body treatment, this is your  one-stop for pampering, from the fluffy robes to the bubbling refreshments. Reset your body and mind from a weekend of Adirondack fun. 

Coffee and pastries from Early Dawn Confections

After a slow morning, settle in for one of Saranac Lake’s best-kept gems, Early Dawn Confections. A small "scratch-based" traditional bakery offering a variety of breakfast pastries (croissants, cinnamon buns, scones, and muffins are just the tip of the iceberg). You’ll also find cookies, cakes, gluten free, dairy free, and vegan options, as well as a line of savory pastries for those looking for some eggs and bacon on their plate. Pair any of these with their craft coffee, and tuck into the porch seating for a perfect Sunday morning. 

Your spring weekend getaway is in Saranac Lake

The surrounding peaks and valleys are waking up from their long winter nap, and Saranac Lake is ready to get back to the action! With patio parties to attend, nature walks to explore, and massage appointments to make, you’ll find yourself booked and busy when you step into town this spring.