Looking for nature, culture and gourmet discoveries? Embark on a three-day roadtrip to the Adirondacks, with Plattsburgh as your ideal base for exploring the region.
On the agenda: the impressive Ausable Chasm park, a vineyard, microbreweries and great food, museums, and a kayaking adventure.
Explore Ausable Chasm, the jewel of the Adirondacks
Ausable Chasm, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” is the must-see attraction of the region.
Comparisons with the Grand Canyon may make you smile, but the fact remains that Ausable Chasm is very impressive, with its waterfall and canyon formed by glacial activity over 500 million years ago.
Founded in 1870, just 5 years after the end of the Civil War, Ausable Chasm is also one of the first and oldest attractions in the United States.
Follow the trails along the gorge for breathtaking views of the cliffs and the famous Elephant’s head. For those in search of a little more adrenalin, via ferrata and rock climbing are just the thing.
Rafting and tubing allow you to admire the landscape from another angle. While rafting is suitable for people of all ages, those looking for a little more thrill and a chance to get wet can do the same in a tube.
You can picnic or eat at the on-site café, which serves paninis, burgers and salads. Lodging options are also available. Allow between two and four hours to fully enjoy the site.
- Ausable Chasm: 2144 US-9, Ausable Chasm, NY
North Star Underground Railroad Museum
Located right next to Ausable Chasm, the North Star Underground Railroad Museum tells the inspiring stories of those connected with this underground network to freedom.
This small, informative museum offers a moving look at a pivotal period in American history.
I learned a lot about the escape of slaves from plantations to Canada, and the historically rich atmosphere left a strong impression on me.
Also mentioned are the complex routes taken and the terrifying living conditions of those fleeing, always on the alert and pursued by slave hunters. You’ll also learn more about Solomon Northup, who told his story in 12 Years a Slave.
- North Star Underground Railroad Museum: 1131 Mace Chasm Rd, Ausable Chasm, NY
Tasting at Highlands Vineyards
To end the day, head to Highlands Vineyards, located just a few minutes from Ausable Chasm. With its stunning views of Lake Champlain and Vermont’s green mountains, this family-run vineyard offers local wines to enjoy in a charming setting.
The first vines were planted in 2012, and for the past two years, the wines have been produced exclusively with grapes from the estate. The house specialty is the demi-sec maple wine, made with their own syrup and a true reflection of the region’s terroir.
- Highlands Vineyards: 1092 Highlands Road, Keeseville, NY
Heading to the Adirondacks soon?
Kayaking along the Ausable River
The next day, start with a kayak trip along the Ausable River to Lake Champlain. Adirondack River Rentals offers kayak and paddle board rentals from June to September, with the option of transporting your boat to other sites in the region.
Paddling in this natural setting, with the forest lining the shores and mountains as a backdrop, is a rejuvenating experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Adirondacks.
- Adirondack River Rentals: 2656 U.S. 9 Peru, NY
Gourmet break at Rulfs Orchard
After this adventure, a tasty stop at Rulfs Orchard was a must. This orchard, open year-round, offers seasonal activities such as berry picking in the summer, apple picking in the fall, and a sunflower maze.
On site, sample their famous apple donuts and explore the local produce store. The apple cake alone is worth the detour.
- Rulfs Orchard: 531 Bear Swamp Road, Peru, NY
Discovering Plattsburgh
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Plattsburgh is not only an ideal base for exploring the Adirondacks, it’s also a city rich in history.
The Oval Historic District, located on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, is home to buildings dating back to the 19th century, rehabilitated as museums, microbreweries and offices. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this fine example of restoration takes its name from the oval-shaped central park at its heart.
Old Base Museum Campus
Among these buildings, the Old Base Museum Campus is made up of three free museums that trace the history of both the region and the base through a series of well-crafted exhibits. Be sure to check opening hours, as they close early.
- Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum: This museum focuses on the forty-year presence of the U.S. Air Force in Plattsburgh. You’ll find a collection of donated items, including uniforms and pilot coats. The on-site volunteers, some of whom speak French, have all worked on this base at one time or another, making the visit particularly interesting and convivial.
- War of 1812 Museum: This museum recounts the importance of the Battle of Plattsburgh in the War of 1812.
- Clinton County Historical Museum: This museum features two floors of local history exhibits. The permanent collection includes over 50,000 objects, textiles, documents, photographs and paintings, offering a rich overview of the region’s past.
- Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum: 31 Washington Road, Plattsburgh, NY
- War of 1812 Museum: 31 Washington Road, Plattsburgh, NY
- Clinton County Historical Museum: 98 Ohio Rd Old Base, Plattsburgh, NY
Microbreweries in the Oval Historic District
The Oval district isn’t just about museums; it’s also home to two excellent microbreweries, perfect for ending the day on a high note.
Photo: Marie-Noël Ouimet
Valcour Brewing Company, housed in a 200-year-old former barracks, offers a cozy atmosphere with craft beers and comforting dishes. The setting is beautiful, with long covered porches where you can enjoy a beer outside. During our visit, we tasted the biggest (and delicious) chicken wings we’ve ever seen, along with a decadent mac and cheese with pulled pork. Their beers are also excellent.
- Valcour Brewing Company: 49 Ohio Ave, Plattsburgh, NY
Oval Craft Brewing: Located in a building that originally housed horse-drawn fire wagons, this brewery, opened in 2016, offers beers brewed on-site. The quality of the beers, especially the Not Ron and the Cherry, reflects the owner’s passion, and the friendly atmosphere adds to the charm of the place.
- Oval Craft Brewing: 111 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh, NY
Downtown Plattsburgh: gourmet options and entertainment
Downtown Plattsburgh also offers great options for grabbing a bite to eat while having fun. For nostalgic arcade fans, head to the 1 Up Arcade and Pub where you’ll find several iconic machines from our childhood, such as Frogger, Tetris, Super Hang-On, and Out Run.
An on-site terrace is open in summer, ideal for an outdoor drink while enjoying the games. The menu offers snack-style dishes, such as chicken wings and fries, perfect for a gaming session.
If you’re looking for another option, Twisted Carrot is an excellent spot discovered during a previous visit to the area. This restaurant offers a great selection of salads and sandwiches for lunch, as well as meat and fish dishes for dinner.
- 1Up Arcade and Pub: 22 Brinkerhoff St, Plattsburgh, NY
- Twisted Carrot: 82 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh NY
Final discoveries on the way home
Lake Alice Wildlife Management Area
On the way back, don’t miss a stop at Lake Alice in Chazy for a nature break. This lake, entirely man-made to supply electricity to William H. Miner’s farm, is now a Lake Alice Wildlife Management Area, where you can hike and picnic.
I found it a peaceful spot, perfect for a last stop before hitting the road again. Please note: no services are available on site.
- Lake Alice Wildlife Management Area: MacAdam Rd and Ridge Rd, Chazy, NY
Alice T. Miner Museum
Finally, stop by the Alice T. Miner Museum, also in Chazy, for a journey back in time through collections of antique objects. It’s a place you wouldn’t expect to find in the middle of the countryside.
What began as a collection of ceramics and vintage objects became a full-fledged museum project and led the Miner couple to acquire the building that houses the museum to display the pieces collected by Alice.
The collection spans three floors and fifteen rooms, and much of the museum remains as Alice left it, representing not only her personal tastes, but also the Colonial Revival movement.
Is it haunted? During my visit, I must say I felt a special atmosphere in the house, especially in a room filled with dolls and period objects. A glass door even opened by itself, adding to the experience.
- Alice T. Miner Museum: 9618 US-9, Chazy, NY
Rouses Point
Before heading back to the border, stop off at Rouses Point, a charming village on the shores of Lake Champlain. Not only is Rouses Point a gateway to Canada, it also offers breathtaking views of the lake and a pleasant detour.
Feeling hungry? Stop by Sandy’s Deli, a small, old-fashioned eatery serving pizzas, subs and sandwiches.
- Sandy’s Deli: 133 Lake St, Rouses Point, NY
This article is sponsored by Adirondack Coast. While the travel expenses were covered, the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
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