If you believe there’s nothing a little fresh air can’t cure, then a property in Saranac Lake might just be the magic elixir you’re looking for. Saranac Lake is a favorite spot for those in search of clean air and natural beauty, not to mention some pretty fantastic recreation and a surprisingly sophisticated food scene.
Local History
In the early 1800s, wealthy New York City men began vacationing in Saranac Lake for its abundance of hunting and fishing. Among those early visitors was a physician named Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau. The doctor later fell ill with tuberculosis and returned to the region in 1873 in hopes that the fresh, dry, cold mountain air would heal him. With no antibiotics or medical treatment at the time, the disease was often fatal, but Trudeau miraculously recovered. And so, in 1884, he founded the Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium for TB Patients in Saranac Lake (later renamed the Trudeau Sanatorium).
By the 1920s, Saranac Lake had blossomed into a successful health resort, but local residents wanted to welcome tourists of all types and shake the stigma of a “sick town”. The plans involved opening a number of lodging houses, most notably the Hotel Saranac. The hotel, which opened in 1927, underwent extensive renovations and reopened in 2018. Today, tourism remains Saranac Lake’s chief source of income, and the iconic Hotel Saranac continues to offer guests vintage-inspired Art Deco accommodations.
Village of Saranac Lake
In the summer, the Village of Saranac Lake offers free concerts in Riverside Park on Lake Flower and Berkeley Green Park, but the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is where this Adirondack Village really shines. Spanning 10 days every February since 1897, the Carnival’s main events include an ice palace and annual parade, which delights young and old with its unique floats, marching bands, bagpipes, and famous Lawn Chair Ladies.
Shopping and Dining
Recently named to USA Today’s list of “10 Best Small Towns with Good Food”, Saranac Lake boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars, as well as art-related shops and galleries, and a year-round rotation of live music. “What’s for dinner?” has no easy answer in this town. With over 30 dining options to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down what delicious option to choose!
After your meal, make your way through Main Street and the rest of downtown to shop from local artisans and other area favorites. You’ll find many artists selling their work, so be sure to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts like pottery, glassware jewelry, and more from area crafters.
Saranac Lake Recreation
When you’ve had enough excitement, the peace and quiet of the wilderness abound. An outdoor enthusiast’s dream, Saranac Lake offers limitless camping, hiking, and hunting in the Adirondack Mountains, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in Upper Saranac Lake and Flower Lake, and snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling all winter long. Plus, there is always plenty of trout, bass, and pike fishing in Saranac’s lakes and streams.
Find Property In or Near Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is the perfect blend of a lively downtown and the quiet, uninterrupted peace you’d expect in the Adirondacks. Just a 20-minute drive from Lake Placid and Tupper Lake, there’s plenty to do in every direction, and the peace and quiet of the untouched wilderness all around.
If you’re thinking about buying acreage in the Adirondack Park, Adirondack MT Land has several plots of land for sale in the Saranac Lake region. Contact us online to learn more.
