6 Towns in The Adirondack Mountains With Thriving Local Businesses
The Adirondack Mountains are located in the state of New York, stretching from near Albany, across much of the northern part of the state and to the border between the US and Canada. Known for its immense beauty, magnificent forests, and mountain lakes, the Adirondacks are great for outdoor enthusiasts looking to ski, backpack, hike, and camp. Scattered throughout the mountains are dozens of adorable small towns, which make the perfect base camp, and feature a thriving local business scene with local cafes, shops, restaurants, and more.
Lake Placid
Jump straight into the local scene as soon as you pull into Lake Placid. If it's the morning and you are craving breakfast, check out Soulshine Bagel, where you can pick from plenty of options, including rainbow bagels, and have them customized with different spreads and toppings. At the Coffee Bar, enjoy the cozy atmosphere while taking in the magnificent views of Mirror Lake with its outdoor seating. And with Bluesberry Bakery, pick up mini pies, scones, cake pops, and more.
Shop local at Adirondack Chocolates, where you can pick up delightful truffles and other chocolate-based items, as well as gift sets. At There and Back Again, find a gift for everyone on your list with their array of souvenirs, clothing, socks, and more. At Pure Placid, pick up handmade candles as well as bath and body items like soaps and bath bombs.
Grab the essentials as well as unique, imported items at Mini EuroMart, and shop organic at Green Goddess Foods, with their local produce, frozen section, espresso bar, and catering options.
Old Forge
Old Forge, famous for its Water Safari, is also home to thriving local businesses. At Ozzie's Coffee Bar, enjoy freshly made paninis, homemade soup, and lots of espresso drink options. Blue Line Coffee House has a cute cabin interior and an on-site gift shop. Pied Piper serves up ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes, and lunch options at its walk-up location.
Find the best vintage and retro items at Dragonfly Cottage, an adorable antique store. Candy Cottage will help you find your inner child with its dozens of options, both current and throwback. And Rainbow Zen has unique clothing, gifts, accessories, and spiritual items.
Shop the essentials while supporting local at DiOrio's Supermarket, which offers a produce section, bakery, deli, and meat department. Oil Well is perfect for finding gourmet olive oils, vinegar, honey, mustard, and gift sets.
Wilmington
Experience coffee on top of a mountain at Castle Cafe, which is located inside a castle and run by the Whiteface Ski Resort. At Country Bear, settle down for a hot breakfast, including delicious French toast options, as well as baked goods. Just outside of town, Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe serves up their local, freshly brewed beans, and sells them in take-home bags as well. They also have lunch options and an on-site gift shop.
For those wanting to fish or explore the outdoors, stop in at Hungry Trout Fly Shop, which has all the fishing essentials as well as outdoor gear. Unicorn Square is a metaphysical shop selling crystals, books, jewelry, and more. Riverside Thrift Store is the best place to find new threads while giving back to the community and helping save the planet.
All the essentials can be found at Little Supermarket, which also has convenience items as well as a gas station. Black Brook General Store is another nearby stop that has all the grocery items as well as a deli and liquor store and is based inside an old church.
Saranac Lake
Situated on Lake Flower and full of riverside charm with the Saranac River running through the town, there are also many local businesses to explore in Saranac Lake. Riverside Cafe at Nori's Village Market not only serves up hot espresso drinks and delicious baked goods but is also located on the river, with amazing seating and views. Noris Village Market also features bulk foods, organic options, and allergy-friendly groceries such as gluten-free and nut-free options. Blue Moon Cafe is great for breakfast and also offers lunch options, craft beer, and yummy dessert items. Early Dawn Confections is your one-stop-shop for baked goods like muffins, donuts, and cookies as well as pre-order items for your upcoming event.
The Book Nook is the place to find your new favorite read, whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction. They also sell Dungeons and Dragons books, Magic the Gathering collectibles, trading cards, and more. Scotts Florist has you covered if you are looking for the perfect bouquet to go in that vase you just bought, or if you need a great company to assist you in decorating your wedding or other big event. And Riverside Pet Supplies is a local spot where you can pick up healthy food options, long-lasting toys, and tasty treats for your furry family members.
Fusion Market has craft liquor, a fully stocked deli, and lots of imported Indian food items for those looking to try something new or find something that reminds them of home.
Malone
In the far northern reaches of New York and the Adirondack Mountains, find Malone, a small town in Franklin County. At Cafe Nouveau, sit amongst the many plants and decorative greenery while admiring the brick interior and enjoying delicious breakfast and lunch. Linda and Mike's Ice Cream Stand has tons of flavors the whole family will enjoy. As We Like It Cafe not only has baked goods and coffee but also fresh lunch items and homemade soups.
At Meir's Artisan Cheese, shop cheese curds, beer cheese, parmesan, yogurt, and more. Fountains Enchanted Florist and Gift Shop has the best decor items, and bouquets, and is ready to help with any event you may have coming up. Downtown Artist Cellar is a collaborative area for local artists, and hosts art shows, as well as displays dozens of art pieces for sale.
Find just what you are looking for at the Malone Farmer's Market, where vendors sell everything from produce to meat, baked goods, plants, and so much more. Adirondack Growers is an outdoor greenhouse with freshly harvested produce and a nursery ideal for finding the missing pieces for your garden.
Ticonderoga
Known for Fort Ticonderoga, this little town is located right near the border of New York and Vermont.
Enjoy delicious coffee at Champ Cafe, where you can also buy a bag of local coffee beans produced by the owners. When visiting Fort Ticonderoga, stop in at America's Fort Cafe for a quick recharge before you continue exploring history. At Hot Biscuit Diner, not only can you enjoy a hot cup of joe and yummy baked goods, but they also serve fantastic comfort food in an adorable location.
Shop local at Sugar and Spice Country Shoppe, which offers home decor and vintage furniture. Fox and Fern Adirondack Mercantile is the place to pick up a souvenir or browse the local goods they have on display. Nadeau's Farm and Garden Market has aisles of fresh flowers ready to be planted, as well as produce and locally made goods for sale.
Get your grocery shopping done at Ticonderoga Natural Foods Co-Op, which offers produce, seafood, dairy, and more. Marinelli's Meats and Italian Market will make you feel like you have traveled to Italy, where you can visit their deli for fresh cuts.
No matter where you are traveling to in the Adirondack Mountains, you are sure to stumble upon a magnificent small town with fantastic locally-owned businesses. Enjoy amazing customer services and friendly conversations, and feel good knowing you support family-owned restaurants, shops, and supermarkets. Whether looking for the perfect caramel latte, a gift for your loved ones back home, or just grocery essentials you ran out of, you will find it in these thriving local businesses in New York.
