The quaint metropolis of Plattsburgh, New York sits on the northwestern shore of Lake Champlain, close to the Adirondack Mountains. It’s most well-known for the Battle of Plattsburgh fought in the course of the Warfare of 1812.
Nevertheless, Plattsburgh additionally has a rising artwork scene, enjoyable native retailers, and sights the place you may benefit from the outside. As an added bonus, there are unbelievable issues to do close to Plattsburgh, New York which provides much more to your expertise throughout your go to.
Carry on studying to find all of the spots and sights to take a look at on this charming metropolis within the state of New York.
Issues to do in Plattsburgh, New York
Nook Stone Bookshop
Among the many finest gems in Plattsburgh, New York is the Nook Stone Bookshop. This secondhand bookstore has been round since 1975 and has three flooring of greater than 80,000 titles spanning quite a lot of genres.
Whether or not you wish to leisurely browse, or are in search of a selected e book or style, that is the place to return. The collections of books right here embody artwork, horror fiction, memoirs, Shakespeare, youngsters’s science, Adirondack life and lore, African American research, plus many extra.
Nook Stone has a well-worn, cozy bookstore feeling, and nearly feels such as you’ve been transported again to easier instances. Think about shelf after shelf of books, pretty previous picket staircases, and little nooks and crannies to plop down and browse.
Situated downtown on Margaret Avenue, search for the inexperienced awning with the title of the store in daring, capitalized letters. Downtown has little eating places and cafes, in addition to native retailers, and an excellent exercise is grabbing a cup of espresso and perhaps a pastry both earlier than or after visiting Nook Stone.
The store is closed on Mondays, and is in any other case open from 12:00 – 7:00 Tuesdays by means of Saturdays, and 12:00 – 5:00 on Sundays. In case you have nostalgia for shopping books in a bookstore, visiting Nook Stone Bookshop is likely one of the finest issues to do in Plattsburgh.
Vintage Buying
Thrift and vintage consumers, rejoice, as a result of Plattsburgh, New York has some wonderful vintage buying and was certainly one of our favourite issues to do whereas on the town!
The Vintage & Selection Mall has a few areas on Margaret Avenue and Cornelia Avenue. Housed in a big constructing, you may anticipate finding absolutely anything and all the pieces right here. That is the sort of place the place you may simply stroll the aisles for hours, simply shopping all of the choices.
Jam Classic carries a wonderful number of clothes objects like sweatshirts, jackets, and shirts. If you’re somebody who likes thrifted clothes, you will need to cease in at Jam Classic to see what’s in inventory. They’re open Thursdays by means of Sundays.
The City & Nation Vintage Store has been open for almost 5 a long time. Situated a couple of miles north of Plattsburgh, take State Route 22 and you’ll come throughout this spot. They’ve American antiques, and many furnishings. City & Nation Vintage Store is usually open Wednesdays by means of Saturdays.
Warfare of 1812 Museum
Plattsburgh has a good quantity of navy historical past, having been the positioning the place the Battle at Plattsburgh was fought in the course of the Warfare of 1812.
Actually, the Battles at Plattsburgh introduced the Warfare of 1812 to an finish. To study extra about this occasion, be sure you make your manner over to the Warfare of 1812 Museum, which fits in depth in regards to the Warfare of 1812, in addition to the Battle of Plattsburgh.
There’s a modest theater, interpretive heart, artwork gallery, house for displays, and a museum store. The displays embody the Allan S. Everest Interpretive Heart, which particulars the timeline of the battles and occasions main as much as them, in addition to an interactive diorama of the battlefield.
It is suggested to present your self an hour to discover the museum’s displays and digest the knowledge. It’s owned and operated by the Battle of Plattsburgh Affiliation, and volunteers hold this place operating. There is no such thing as a payment to go to, days to go to are Wednesday by means of Saturday, and it’s usually open in the summertime and fall.
Elfs Farm Vineyard & Cider Home
After a busy morning exploring the town, an excellent factor to do in Plattsburgh is take pleasure in an grownup beverage as you’re taking within the stunning surroundings. Elfs Farm Vineyard & Cider Home is a family-owned New York State Farm Vineyard that serves ADK Onerous Cider in addition to its personal wines.
They make cold-climate grape wines, fruit wines, and laborious cider. Their contemporary apple cider is made on-site utilizing a fabric hydraulic apple press and vintage rack. Elfs Farm has wine tastings and self-guided excursions of the winery, and so they placed on occasions just like the Friday Night time Wine Down. Or, you may simply come right here to seize a drink! You should definitely head out to the patio as you sip in your beverage.
Valcour Brewing
If breweries are extra your velocity, try Valcour Brewing for a neighborhood brew and meal for those who’re hungry. What makes Valcour distinctive is its location in Plattsburgh’s Outdated Stone Barracks. The barracks had been constructed within the 1800s, as a response to the insufficient lodging that troopers had been utilizing. The Outdated Stone Barracks had been positioned on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations in 1971, and Valcour Brewing Firm purchased the barracks in 2014.
Native supplies had been used to assemble the brewery, giving it a particular really feel. The bar prime was constructed from a tree situated on the What Knot Sawmill in Harkness, New York. So, what are you able to get right here? The beer is made in-house, and the meals choices embody appetizers, salads, wraps, flatbreads, sandwiches, and burgers.
Valcour Brewing has a handful of flagship brews, and nearer to 10 rotating seasonal brews. You may as well get New York State wine, spirits, and laborious ciders. Along with the brewery, there’s additionally an occasion house and inn, and so they placed on weekly occasions like trivia evening and completely satisfied hour.
Koffee Kat
Mix an espresso bar, clubhouse, and venue, and the love of cats and you’ve got Koffee Kat! This comfortably chaotic spot is the place to return for espresso drinks and pastries, browse and purchase native artisan items, and attend every kind of occasions.
Koffee Kat got here below new possession in late 2022, when the earlier proprietor, who was additionally the founder, made the choice to retire. The brand new house owners have made Koffee Kat their very own by means of modifications in decor, the menu, and occasions. The very first thing you’ll discover upon coming into the store is the hodgepodge of colours, patterns, and different visible parts associated to kitty cats!
Regionally made artisan items are bought right here, and so they lease out wall house by the month to native artists.
So far as drinks go, Koffee Kat provides espresso, tea, milkshakes, and smoothies. And for meals, they’ve cookies, scones, and muffins, plus extra.
Koffee Kat places on occasions like tarot readings, album launch events, and open mics nights known as ‘The Kat After Darkish’. They’re open every weekday from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, and is definitely one of many extra distinctive issues to do in Plattsburgh.
Bluff Level Lighthouse
With Plattsburgh’s location on Lake Champlain, it ought to come as no shock that one of many native sights is the Bluff Level Lighthouse on Valcour Island.
Constructed in 1874, its goal was to escort boats between the shore and the west facet of the island. It remained lively till 1930 when a brand new metal tower was constructed and the sunshine was moved from the previous tower to the brand new metal tower.
Bluff Level Lighthouse doesn’t seem like a conventional lighthouse tower. It has the looks of extra of a square-shaped home, with the highest and backside parts horizontally separated by the vivid crimson paint that marks the highest portion.
Moreover, there are white framed home windows all through, and the construction for the sunshine sits atop the home. The lighthouse is surrounded by a swath of dense bushes overlooking the deep blue waters.
Valcour Island can solely be accessed by boat, making visiting this attraction considerably tough. Throughout the summer time, the Clinton County Historic Affiliation arranges transportation to the lighthouse throughout particular dates, in addition to ensures the lighthouse is staffed and tour guides are current.
Examine Out All of the Murals
Plattsburgh, New York is definitely a relatively creative metropolis. Outdoors Artwork, referred to as OA, is a group group that’s working to create public artwork round city. Based in 2016, OA is the concept of artists Julia Devine and Amy Guglielmo, and so they have a giant hand in creating the murals which can be scattered by means of the town.
To this point, there are 17 murals round city, however that quantity is rising. With names just like the Woods and Wild Issues Mural, Music Mural, and Plucky Rooster Mural, you’ll want to try these attention-grabbing items of artwork.
One standout is the Jean Arthur Mural. Created in 2019, this mural celebrates Hollywood actress Jean Arthur, who hailed from Plattsburgh. You will see that the Jean Arthur Mural on Brinkerhoff Avenue.
The Attain for the Stars! The Michael Anderson Mural pays homage to NASA astronaut Michael Anderson, who was born in Plattsburgh. The mural depicts him smiling whereas in his astronaut gear. The Michael Anderson Mural was created in 2020 and is situated on Durkee Avenue.
Level Au Roche State Park
With the town’s scenic setting in upstate New York, one of many issues to do in Plattsburgh is get outside and take a look at the Level Au Roche State Park. Not solely are the views nice right here, however there’s a lot to do!
Actions right here embody boating, biking, canoeing and kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country snowboarding, volleyball, and softball. There’s additionally fishing, in addition to ice fishing within the winter if that’s your factor. The realm open to the general public has a superbly sandy seaside with a selected place for swimming, in addition to spots for picnics and grilling. Should you take pleasure in mountaineering, you might be in luck. There are numerous mountaineering, biking, and nature trails to take a look at. These paths take you thru a various number of environments, from swaths of thick bushes, to wetlands, and the shore.
The Nature Heart has all various kinds of packages, and is accessible to the general public year-round. And when you’re right here, be sure you try the La Roche Reef, the place you will notice a buoy that marks the place the Level Au Roche Lighthouse as soon as stood.
Bare Turtle
For certainly one of your meals in Plattsburgh, make sure that to hit up the Bare Turtle. This waterfront restaurant sits on the shore of Lake Champlain, subsequent to the marina. The Bare Turtle is a great spot to hit up for lunch or dinner, and the menu contains soup, salad, burgers, and sandwiches that includes native and contemporary substances.
At their bar, you may choose from beer, wine, frozen drinks, and cocktails. And it doesn’t matter what you order, you will need to sit exterior on the deck, as a result of the views are spectacular. The scenic setting is likely one of the highlights of this institution. The Bare Turtle is open seasonally, and so they have occasions sometimes, so be sure you try the happenings right here while you cease by!
Plattsburgh Metropolis Seaside
A bustling space in Plattsburgh in the course of the hotter months is the Plattsburgh Metropolis Seaside. Open roughly from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this is likely one of the nation’s greatest freshwater seashores. The views listed below are pretty, with surroundings of Lake Champlain and the mountains, particularly the Inexperienced Mountains in Vermont.
With a mile and 1 / 4 of shoreline, you may go swimming, or lease a kayak and get out on the water. Moreover, you may go for a hike on the character path, or take pleasure in a meal on the picnic and grilling areas.
One distinctive characteristic right here is the stage on the seaside, the place you may catch a efficiency! There’s a seaside bar right here, known as the Cabana Seaside Bar, that serves alcoholic drinks, soft-serve ice cream, snacks, and smooth drinks. The Cabana Seaside Bar is open 11:00 – 9:00, so long as the climate is agreeable.
Should you like meals vehicles, there are designated spots for meals vehicles to return and arrange, so make sure that to scope out who’s right here while you go to.
Nation Goals Farm
In case you have youngsters with you, take into account heading over to the Nation Goals Farm to work together with some lovable animals. This native spot has pygmy goats, fainting goats, chickens, and potbelly pigs that you would be able to pet and feed.
Moreover, they provide seasonal actions, so be sure you try what’s taking place while you go to. In September and October, there’s a corn maze, wagon rides, and a pumpkin patch!
Additionally, you may store farm contemporary merchandise like numerous forms of domestically grown and seasonal produce, eggs, and pick-your-own flowers when you’re right here. There’s a reward store and children play space on website.
Nation Goals Farm is open to the general public from Might by means of October and is a superb family-friendly factor to do in Plattsburgh.
Strand Heart for the Arts
A complement to the town’s artwork scene is the Strand Heart for the Arts, which is a theatre and humanities heart courting again about 100 years. It was the Vaudeville Theatre when it was constructed within the Twenties, and it’s on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
Just lately, it has undergone renovations in extra of three million {dollars} and has a regal, traditional really feel. The inside has wealthy, crimson velvet trimmings, and grand arches, and has an Outdated Hollywood vibe.
Within the theatre, you may view unbiased movies, see concert events and different music reveals, catch performances by actors and dancers, watch comedy reveals, and attend movie festivals. On the Arts Heart, there are gallery occasions, artisan markets, courses, and a group studio.
The Strand Heart for the Arts is situated downtown, and is open Wednesday by means of Saturday.
Issues to do Close to Plattsburgh
Ausable Chasm
Certainly one of our absolute favourite locations to go to within the Adirondacks in Ausable Chasm, which can also be among the finest issues to do close to Plattsburgh, New York. Ausable Chasm is a reasonably distinctive and attention-grabbing attraction that definitely falls into the “pure magnificence” class. Actually, it’s certainly one of our favourite pure wonders of New York!
It was established in 1870, and it’s among the many first sights in america. To place that into perspective, that was 5 years after the Civil Warfare!
Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” Ausable Chasm is a canyon with vertical partitions, made out of sandstone that’s half a billion years previous.
So, what are you able to do right here? You’ll be able to join the Journey Path, the place guides take you to the higher chasm for some mountaineering and mountain climbing.
Should you join the Raft Float Excursions, seize the household and hit the water for a reasonably calm expertise on the water. Lantern Excursions are a enjoyable nighttime exercise the place you discover the canyon by gentle.
There are extra excursions to select from, from journey packages to in a single day packages. Moreover, there are strolling and mountaineering trails which can be good for just about any age, in addition to rappelling and mountain climbing.
Excursions run from Might to October, climate and situations allowing. There are charges for lots of the excursions provided, and the charges differ relying on the tour.
Oh, and a few of the trails are open within the winter making it among the finest issues to do within the Adirondacks in winter too!
So far as lodging, there’s a campground, cabins that you would be able to lease, or you may try close by spots for lodging. Ausable Chasm is open year-round, and may positively be in your listing of issues to do close to Plattsburgh, New York.
Grand Isle, Vermont
Crossing the state border into Vermont, a unbelievable factor to do close to Plattsburgh, New York is exploring Grand Isle. It’s a part of the Lake Champlain Islands, and Grand Isle is the most important island of the Lake Champlain Islands in Vermont.
It’s also referred to as South Hero Island, and is 14 miles lengthy and three miles large. Grand Isle State Park is a well-liked tenting vacation spot the place you may go swimming, biking, shore fishing, kayaking, play volleyball, or embark on a nature stroll.
The Hyde Log Cabin is likely one of the oldest log cabins within the nation, and is price a fast cease when you’re on the island. Hackett’s Orchard is a enjoyable place to take a look at, and if the time is correct, you may go apple choosing.
Additionally, you may head to the northern a part of the island to hit up Hero’s Welcome. It is a common retailer with every kind of knick knacks and trinkets to browse.
From Plattsburgh, you may make your option to Grand Isle through automobile on the ferry. This Lake Champlain ferry goes between Plattsburgh and Grand Isle, and takes fifteen minutes in complete to get from one place to the opposite.
Burlington, Vermont
One other terrific vacation spot with plenty of nice issues to do close to Plattsburgh, New York is the town of Burlington, Vermont. Sitting on Lake Champlain’s jap shore, Burlington is likely one of the extra bustling cities within the state.
Should you take the ferry talked about within the Grand Isle part, you may drive from Grand Isle to Burlington in simply over half-hour.
When you attain Burlington, head over to Church Avenue Market. It’s 4 blocks of retailers and eating places, lots of that are situated in historic buildings which have gotten Church Avenue Market on the Nationwide Historic Register.
ECHO, Leahy Heart for Lake Champlain is a extremely cool place to take a look at. Science is the main focus right here, particularly marine biology, with many hands-on displays. ArtsRiot is an eclectic arts institution with stay music, artwork, and meals.
The Fleming Museum of Artwork is an artwork and anthropology museum, with nearly 30,000 items within the everlasting assortment.
There are such a lot of cool issues to do in Burlington, it actually makes an excellent day journey throughout your go to to Plattsburgh, New York!
Plattsburgh, New York is understood for its historical past tied to the Warfare of 1812 and is a superb vacation spot in northeast New York as it’s on Lake Champlain and within the Adirondacks which provides many outside actions and pure magnificence.
Downtown Plattsburgh, New York could be very walkable! Though to actually discover the fantastic thing about the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain space, you’ll desire a care to discover past downtown.
Every season provides one thing totally different for those who’re in search of when one of the best time of the yr to go to Plattsburgh. January is the coldest month, however there are many winter actions within the space from ice fishing, mountaineering, to close by snowboarding. In the summertime and fall you may benefit from the many actions on Lake Champlain in addition to go to Valcour Island and go mountaineering close by.
