Street Smart: Lake Placid’s Main Street
(Above) © Bill Badzo
This one-mile stretch offers everything from boutiques carrying independent designers and food artisans, brand-name outlets, and Olympic attractions galore.
Hugging the western edge of Mirror Lake for just about a mile, Lake Placid’s Main Street combines the charm of anAdirondack alpine village with pedestrian-friendly shopping that offers both name-brand outlets and boutiques carrying hard-to-find labels. Not to mention, there’s plenty to check out in the way of Olympic heritage – owed to the fact that the town hosted both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games.
Palace Theater [2430 Main Street]
A locally owned institution that has been around since 1926, this vintage theater feels like it was plucked from the past. We’re talking $7 ticket prices (cash only), owners (the Clark family) that greet you in the lobby, and an old-fashioned marquee. The only indication giving away that you are, in fact, still in the modern day? First-run movies shown in the four snug theaters.
Pine & Seek [2420 Main Street]
This small shop is far from your kitschy souvenir store. Inside, you find a curated collection of upscale Adirondack items, including mason jar cocktail shakers, creative stationery and greeting cards, gorgeous mugs and barware, as well a whole apothecary section dedicated to showcasing local scents.
Saratoga Olive Oil [2439 Main Street]
A satellite location for the flagship store located in Saratoga Springs, this storefront specializes in more than 75 flavors of high-quality olive oils and vinegars – all of which can be tasted in the store. If you have a sweet tooth, we suggest their Meyer lemon–infused oil. Like spice? There’s a red cayenne chili oil. Not to mention, there an equally expansive variety if balsamics, which range from white and dark fruit to pepper to coffee flavored.
Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum [2634 Main Street]
Expect more than a museum dedicated to the Olympic Games that were held in Lake Placid in 1932 and 1980, but the home of the Herb Brooks Arena, where the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” occurred (the US Hockey team, made up of mostly amateur players, won the gold medal over the reigning champs, the Soviet Union). You’ll not only gain access to the arena but the museum’s special exhibit designed specifically for this game with actual footage and artifacts, including the gold medal and net that goalie Jim Craig minded.
The Pickled Pig [2639 Main Street]
This casual BBQ joint is known as much for its giant outdoor seating area (which doubles the restaurant’s capacity in the warmer months) as it is for its flavorful pork (which you can find in their pulled pork sandwich or the Cuban pig sandwich). But the best part of this restaurant is its hours: The kitchen is open and pumping out smoked-in-house brisket and ribs until 3 a.m.
Bliss and Vinegar [2669 Main Street]
This simple and holistic cafe offers more than what meets the eye. Behind the vintage bar, there isn’t a collection of liquors but herbs meticulously jarred and labeled that go into making the flavorful and fresh teas they are known for. Along with their loose-leaf creations, they offer kombucha on tap, locally roasted coffee, and sandwiches made right in-house on sourdough that is fermented for over 24hours to make sure each bite is as tangy and flavorful as possible.
Where to Stay Lake Placid Lodge
