Cheers to Local Beer
The start of September means the start of fall in the Adirondacks. Temperatures will start to dip and sweater weather will be here before we know it. While many people start to think of PSLs and hot apple cider, let’s not forget about another classic fall beverage: beer! September is traditionally when Oktoberfest in Munich begins, and while the 2021 festival is canceled due to the pandemic, there are still several local breweries in Lake Placid where you can grab a draft and celebrate Oktoberfest Adirondack style!
If you’re short on time and can only make it to one brewery, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery should be your stop.
The Lake Placid Pub & Brewery is about a five-minute walk from the Golden Arrow, which means you can enjoy one of their 10 hand-crafted drafts without worrying about driving. The Pub’s first-floor bar PJ’s, which was recently renovated, is a great place to hang out, grab a drink and dinner, and watch the game. They have a variety of rotating beers on tap, from sours and Gose to wheats, IPAs, and stouts. They even have prosecco and their own hard seltzer on tap!Â
The Pub also has its own Oktoberfest celebration during the fall (October 2, 2021.) Their event features specialty food like bratwurst & German potato salad, live music, and a 5k run. They also have special beers on tap like Kolsch and Extoberfest (a play on an Oktoberfest style but named after the owner). They also serve a pumpkin-flavored beer out of a pumpkin and Randall (which means they can add even more flavor and spices!)
If you’re not short on time, there are a number of other local breweries that are worth checking out.Â
Great Adirondack Brewing Company, formally Great Adirondack Steak & Seafood, has been run by the Kane family for over 30 years. Although the name has changed, they continue to serve steak and seafood, as well as other tasty comfort foods that pair well with their wide range of ales and lagers. Also within walking distance of the Golden Arrow, we suggest joining them for a delicious Sunday brunch, complete with mimosas and bloody marys! It’s also a great spot to grab an afternoon drink outside and take in the views of Mirror Lake.
Big Slide Brewery & Public House, is not within walking distance but is just a five-minute drive from the Golden Arrow. Big Slide is the sister restaurant of The Pub but features a completely different menu and vibe. Big Slide features a semi-open kitchen, open dining space, and dog-friendly patio. Like The Pub, they have a variety of rotating beers on tap, with little to no overlap. Big Slide also offers a tasty Sunday brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and baked goods from their in-house bakery!Â
If you want to venture outside of Lake Placid and see what the whole Tri-Lakes region has to offer, we suggest visiting one of these three breweries…
Just outside of Lake Placid, on your way to Saranac Lake, you’ll find Ray Brook Brewhouse. Ray Brook opened in June 2019 and prides itself on offering innovative brews and cuisine at affordable prices for all. Their inviting dining room features a stone fireplace, perfect for those cold Adirondack winter days, and their outdoor deck is great for taking in the sunshine and views during the warmer months.
Hex & Hop, located just outside Saranac Lake in Bloomingdale, opened in July 2019. They are a fusion of brewery and meadery, meaning they use local honey in their drinks! Grab a drink and food inside and sit at the bar, or head outside and sit at one of their pet-friendly picnic tables. They also have the occasional live music performance.
In August 2020, Hex & Hop opened a second location in Saranac Lake known as the Farm Co-op. Located on Broadway, this convenient spot has flexible bar seating so you can grab a drink or do some tasting. They also sell goods like produce, meat, honey, and soap from local producers.
The last on our list of Tri-Lakes breweries worth checking out is Raquette River Brewing in Tupper Lake. Raquette River chooses to brew on a small scale for the opportunity to experiment and innovate with a variety of ingredients. This gives them results like the local favorite, Mango Wheat. They also feature a New York favorite, 1911 ciders on tap, and have two permanent on-site food trucks. Raquette River offers a fun atmosphere with multiple indoor and outdoor seating options (check out the variety of board games inside!)
No getaway at our lakefront resort is complete without visiting at least one of these Tri-Lakes breweries. Looking for other ways to fuel your wanderlust this fall? The Adirondacks is not short on fall fun activities for the whole family, from hiking and biking, to leaf peeping and pumpkin picking. Start planning your getaway today! We have accommodations for everyone ranging from deluxe rooms to romantic specialty rooms and family suites.Â
If you’re looking for German-inspired food & drinks, visit the Golden Arrow’s onsite restaurant Generations Tap & Grill. With favorites like the Firetower (a giant Bavarian pretzel served with Bitburger mustard and beer cheese) or German Dip sandwich, you can celebrate Oktoberfest year-round!Â
