Allow me to introduce you to Glens Falls - where small-town charm meets big (okay, little) city living. Given the title Hometown, USA by Look Magazine in 1944, the editors described Glens Falls as the typical US hometown that "contained, in microcosm, every aspect of the American idea." And that heavy dose of history and Americana is what we love most about it.
We’ve called the city home for the past 7 years (or forever, since I grew up just over the river). No matter where we travel, we’re always happy to come back home. So, it’s high time we put together a travel guide for our own home town! If you ever find yourself in our neck of the woods, tucked between Lake George and Saratoga, come on by! When you do, here are a few of our favorites to get you started (and if you're here in the warmer months, view our summer guide here!).
W H E R E T O E A T
C o f f e e + B r e a k f a s t
Spektor: The perfect blend of cool and casual with locally roasted coffee from Kru Coffee
Roasters, you won’t be disappointed. Great breakfast + lunch options, but you'll usually find me with a cronut or maple scone, and Tom with a Bulletproof coffee.
Juicin Jar: Our favorite little spot for freshly pressed juice and fruit smoothies. The very freshest menu, best flavors, and lots of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, too! My favorite this week: the Very Berry Smoothie - too good.
Kelly's Roots: Friendly, fresh and local with a West-coast vibe. Kelly’s is the perfect place to grab
a quick coffee and bite to eat (which Tom does every day on the way to work), or linger over breakfast on the weekend (get the chocolate chip pancakes!).
Fresh ADK: Another downtown addition that has brought more clean-eating options to those
with a dietary restriction. Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and all taste great (plus, they’re expanding at the same location to offer a fresh and healthy market - can't wait!).
Spot Coffee: Another convenient option downtown to drop in, grab a coffee, or have a bite. Open every day until 10pm, they have live music, open mic, and other evening attractions on the menu periodically as well. Tom's fav: the mocha espresso (have you noticed yet that I don't drink coffee?!).
B r u n c h , L u n c h + D i n n e r
Morgan & Co.: Basically our version of Cheers, you’ll find us here having dinner at the bar at least once a week. The owners and staff are the sweetest, the food is the best, and the location (in a mansion once owned by one of the city’s lumber barons) can’t be beat. Their Sunday brunch is also a favorite – don’t leave without tasting the coffee cake! And I won’t tell you what my favorite dessert is – I want to be sure we’re guaranteed a slice ;)
Raul's: Our go-to for Mexican and Margaritas! A downtown staple with a location perfect for people watching, you can usually catch us by the windows polishing off chips and guac.
Davidson Brothers: Known for their craft beer and pub style menu, the Davidsons played a big role in bringing people back downtown when they opened their brewpub back in 1996. Fun fact: Tom and I went here for beers after offering on both of the houses we’ve purchased in the city, and both offers were accepted! Our own little good luck charm.
Downtown City Tavern: Tucked just off Glen Street, the Tavern is a favorite for their rotating craft beer selection and wood-fired pizza. Be sure to top things off with one of their boozy milkshakes if you visit!
Rock Hill Bakehouse: Every little city needs a great bakery. An easy walk down Exchange
Street brings you a plethora of hand-made and hearth-baked treats (and don't miss the sandwiches!). Great vegan and vegetarian options here as well!
Samantha's Cafe: Conveniently nestled into downtown, this is a great 'gram worthy spot to enjoy their made-to order menu. You must try their “melties” (you can thank us later), and don’t forget the amazing desserts!
Cooper's Cave: Pub, beer, and ice cream – the perfect trifecta. Located right on the Warren County Bikeway, it’s a favorite place to pedal to for a Chopped Salad and a cone come summer!
D r i n k s
Mean Max: Awesome craft beer, dart league, trivia, live music. Enough said :) Grab some take out from your favorite downtown spot and head to the tasting room. Success to these guys is simply being able to share their brews with their friends, family, and neighbors.
Common Roots: Just over the river in South Glens Falls, Common Roots is owned by a father-son duo (recently featured in the New York Times!). With a food truck often parked outside, it’s perfectly cozy inside during the winter and even better in the summer with an outdoor firepit and Adirondack chairs. I’m a big fan of their wild ales, and Tom goes for the Last Light IPA every time.
W H A T T O D O
Get Outside: We’re so lucky to have Crandall Park and Cole’s Woods in our backyard. Winter offers ice skating on idyllic Crandall Pond, sledding down the hill in Crandall Park, trails to walk the pups through the snowy woods (Murphy and Max’s favorite!) and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Cole’s Woods. West Mountain is just down the road for downhill skiing and tubing. If you’re up for a walk, wander the charming sidewalked neighborhoods adjacent to Crandall Park, or admire the architecture of the old lumber baron’s mansions lining the main streets downtown.
Stay Inside: If staying warm inside is more your thing, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Glens Falls is home to the exceptional Hyde Collection, which includes works by Rembrandt, Degas, Picasso, and Renoir to name a few. To learn a bit more about the history of Glens Falls, make a stop at the Chapman Museum downtown (and admire the Victorian architecture of the DeLong house while you’re there). If you’re in the market for a bit more action, Glens Falls is home to the Adirondack Thunder (an affiliate of the New Jersey Devils), and home games are played downtown at Cool Insuring Arena. Last but certainly not least, if you're in the mood for a show, check out the upcoming events at the Wood Theatre (and in the summer and fall, the Adirondack Theatre Festival and Adirondack Film Festival!).
W H E R E T O S H O P
Where to begin?! Visit Fountain Square Outfitters for Patagonia and outdoor gear, Minky Mink for favorite brands like Free People and Hunter Boots, and Lake George Olive Oil for the very best - you guessed it - olive oil and vinegar. Check out the Shirt Factory and LARAC Shop for the best works from local artists. If you're hunting for antiques, stop by a few of our favorites in the surrounding area: The Fox and the Chicken Coop, and Antiques Market Place.
W H E R E T O S T A Y
The Queensbury Hotel: Built in 1926, The Q is a member of Historic Hotels of America and is currently in the midst of a $6 million dollar restoration. We’ve loved seeing the character and charm of the hotel renewed with classic touches like marble floors and subway tile. There are two restaurants on site, Park 26 and Fenimore’s Neighborhood Pub, and we couldn’t be more excited about their future plans for a rooftop bar!
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We hope you have a chance to visit our little city, and love it as much as we do! Local friends, please share your favorites in the comments!
Stay tuned for the summer version of the city guide, coming this May!
For more Glens Falls charm, follow along on Instagram @glensfallsliving!