While you’ve probably heard a lot about Lake Placid, you may not know as much about Saranac Lake, NY. Often described as the quieter, more laid back sister of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake is equally scenic with access to the same outdoor recreation and a charming downtown, but with its only rich history and attractions.
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Saranac Lake below. For additional questions, or to make a reservation at Moreno’s Cottages and cabins near Saranac Lake, please call (518) 265-5370 or send us a message.
What is Saranac Lake famous for?
Saranac Lake, NY gained international recognition as a tuberculosis treatment and research center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When physician Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau visited Saranac Lake, while ill with tuberculosis in the late 1870s, he noticed that his health improved markedly due to the fresh Adirondack air. He began treating patients here, and Saranac Lake became known as a place where people could come to “take the cure”, which involved exposing patients to fresh air and rest at the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium. You can learn more about the village’s history as a tuberculosis cure center at the Saranac Laboratory Museum.
What kind of outdoor recreation is available in Saranac Lake?
Canoeing, hiking, kayaking and cycling are just some of the outdoor activities available in Saranac Lake. The area is also home to two golf courses, Saranac Lake Golf Club and Saranac Inn Golf Club. In the winter, visitors enjoy downhill skiing at Mount Pisagh and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Dewey Mountain Recreation Center, both of which offer mountain biking in the off-season.
Besides outdoor recreation, what is there to do in Saranac Lake?
Take a ride on the Adirondack Carousel, follow the Riverwalk brick path as it winds through town along the Saranac River, or see a show at the Pendragon Theatre, the only year-round professional repertory in the Adirondacks. You’ll also find virtual events and contemporary art shows at Bluseed Studios and a wide variety of live music at the Waterhole music lounge.
What’s downtown Saranac Lake like?
Saranac Lake features a small, walkable downtown with restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries. There are a number of canoe and trail outfitters to help you gear up for any adventure, as well as unique, locally-owned shops selling everything from books and board games to paintings and pottery.
Are there places to eat in Saranac Lake?
Yes, you’ll find several restaurants in Saranac Lake, including The Belvedere and Red Fox, Bitters & Bones pub, Boathouse Saranac Lake Pub, the Blue Line Brewery, and local cafes, like Blue Moon Cafe and Origin Coffee Co.
What is the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival?
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival has been a tradition since 1897, and is one of the oldest winter carnivals in the United States. The week-long event, held annually in late January or early February, features a variety of winter activities, fireworks and the famous Ice Palace, which is made out of ice blocks and free to visit. The Carnival concludes each year with the Gala Parade. Watch as the streets of Broadway come alive with colorful floats, local organizations, and entertainment, celebrating the spirit of the season.
Where is the best place to stay in Saranac Lake?
In an authentic Adirondack cabin! Choose from one-bedroom and two-bedroom cabins, pet-friendly cabins and year-round cabins, or stay at Studio 7 or the Lake Colby House. Moreno’s Cottages is conveniently located between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, in a peaceful forest setting near world-class hiking and biking trails, as well as all of the area’s best attractions. Book online or give us a call at (518) 265-5370.