16 Fun Old Forge, Adirondacks Activities To Do On Your Trip

Nicolette Muro

5 years ago

Authorized use of photo by Hazel Ozturk via Unsplash

I visit Old Forge, New York, with my family every summer as a tradition. Old Forge is located in the Adirondacks close to Utica and Buffalo, and it’s a quaint, peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Picture a town from a Hallmark movie, and you’ll understand what I mean! You’ll find local coffee shops, diners, bed and breakfasts, and more. Check out 16 Fun Old Forge, Adirondacks Activities to Do On Your Trip.

Where To Eat

Harper’s

Harpers is a bar/restaurant known for its pizza, wings, and seafood. I usually order a grilled chicken sandwich from here, and it’s so good! My brother enjoys the wings more than any other restaurant in the area.

The Lean-To

It’s a restaurant located in a quaint bed and breakfast, and it serves food both inside and outside. I prefer to sit outside by the water to take in the view. I always order fish tacos here because they’re delicious! The menu is small, but the sandwich options are delicious.

The Woods Inn

It’s another quaint bed and breakfast located in a giant yellow house. The breakfast room has a view of the lake and makes for the perfect brunch spot. They have a full breakfast buffet in the morning and a tasty lunch and dinner menu. There’s a long dock that leads out to the water and ends with a gazebo for beautiful views of the Adirondacks.

Frankie’s

Frankie’s is a popular Italian restaurant here. It’s family-owned and operated, and the food is fresh and delicious! I usually order a baked Haddock dish, and it’s light and tasty. My family loves to eat here, and we come at least once every trip to the Adirondacks. The restaurant serves a variety of authentic Italian dishes.

Billy’s

Another popular Italian restaurant to dine at in Old Forge, Adirondacks. This one is my favorite, and I order a pasta and broccoli dish every time I come. The food and service are both excellent.

Big Moose Inn

You can eat right by the water, and the views of the Adirondacks are beautiful. The food is delicious and gives a homemade vibe.

Daikers

Daiker’s is another restaurant located by the water, and it serves bar food. I always order a wrap when I’m here, and the Mexican chicken wrap is the best. I love how rustic the restaurant is, and it has a firepit and memorabilia from a variety of different time periods and industries. There’s also a game room with a pool table, ping pong table, and arcade. This is another popular spot to order wings!

Walt’s Diner

One of the only diners in town, Walt’s is a classic spot to visit while you’re here. It serves diner classics such as pancake breakfasts, soups, and sandwiches.

Where To Shop

Souvenir Village

Souvenir Village is perfect for kids and adults alike. It sells everything from toys to t-shirts, and they have a huge candy selection to choose from.

Old Forge Hardware

You have to visit Old Forge Hardware while you’re in town. They have several floors of merchandise, from books to knick-knacks to china.

Candy Cottage

Your one-stop shop for all things savory and sweet! Check out the Candy Cottage for a huge variety of chocolates, sweets, and baked goods.

Life is Good

Pick up some Life is Good merchandise while you’re here! There’s a store located in Old Forge that sells a selection of t-shirts, water bottles, backpacks, and more.

Cedar Mountain Mercantile

Check out Cedar Mountain for hand-made wood carvings, flags, home decor, and a basement full of antiques!

Ace Hardware

It may be a hardware store, but Ace also sells a variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, postcards, home decor, and more to pick up on your trip!

Lake View T’s

Pick up a custom-made t-shirt or piece of clothing from Lake View! This store is filled with a selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, and more.

What To Do

Relax By a Lake

Spend some time by one of the beautiful lakes located in Old Forge. Most of the motels and lodges are located right on the water, or you can visit the public lake in the downtown area. Sit by the waterfront in the morning or around sunset, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

Antique Shop

Old Forge and the Adirondacks, in general, have a slew of antique stores to choose from. The drive up to Old Forge has several locations on the main highway, and there are several other ones to visit in town as well. If you’re looking for vintage pieces or hand-carved decor, these are the shops to visit.

Scenic Boat Ride

During the spring and summer, go on a scenic boat ride through Old Forge. Take in the breathtaking views of the lake, mountains, and rustic properties located in the area.

Scenic Train Ride

Take a scenic ride on a local train out of Old Forge and ride around town. You’ll see beautiful views of nature and the town.

Adirondack Experience Museum

Visit the ADK Experience Museum to learn about the history and culture of the area. There are interactive exhibits for kids and plenty of exhibits to walk through.

View Center for Arts and Culture

Check out The View to experience art exhibits, performances, and take classes.

Visit Inlet

Take a 30-minute trip to Inlet, a neighboring town with more beautiful lake views, restaurants, swimming, and quaint shops.

Kayak

The current is very calm, and you can take a route as short as thirty minutes if you don’t feel like kayaking long. I went for about an hour, and it’s a good arm workout, but the beautiful lake is peaceful, and you can see wildlife such as deer and turtles.

Hike and Walk

There are several local hiking and walking trails to experience during your stay in Old Forge, Adirondacks. Take in the beautiful scenery, be one with nature, and exercise.

Mini Golf

Head to the Nutty Putty for a round of mini golf with your family and grab an ice cream cone on your way out from the neighboring ice cream shop.

Watch a Movie

Check out the historic Strand Theatre for new movie releases and tasty snacks.

Visit a Winery

During the summer and fall, head to a local winery to taste and sample various wines of the area with your friends.

Visit the Water Safari

Kids and adults alike will enjoy a day spent at the water park. It has giant waterslides and pools for everyone to experience.

Ski, Snowboard, and Tube

During the winter, check out the local trails to ski, snowboard, and tube down. This is one of the most popular attractions here besides snowmobiling.

Ice Skate

Check out one of the outdoor ice skating rinks in town or brave skating on a lake if the weather and temperature permit.

Rent a Snowmobile

Take a ride on a snowmobile during the winter for a scenic ride around town. There are trails all over Old Forge that will take you where you need to go, and it’s quite the rush.

Thanks so much for reading! Don’t forget to check out my YouTube video to learn more. 🙂