Spend a day in Keene & Keene Valley One of...
Read MoreSpend a day in Keene & Keene Valley
One of the great things about staying in Lake Placid is how close you are to other towns and villages in the Adirondacks. While we love Lake Placid, there are so many special things these other locations offer.
One of our favorite locations to visit is the area of Keene. “Known for its stunning mountain vistas and outdoor adventures,” Keene is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy everything from kayaking, swimming, and hiking to ice climbing and snowshoeing. So come with us as we spend a day in Keene and Keene Valley.
Noon Mark Diner
“Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Noon Mark Diner began as a humble roadside stand founded by Lola Porter in 1981. What started with a passion for homemade pies and hearty meals quickly grew into a beloved gathering place for locals, hikers, and travelers alike. Still family-operated, the diner continues to serve fresh, locally sourced comfort food, including our world-famous pies made with apples from New York orchards.
With its warm hospitality and deep roots in the community, Noon Mark Diner remains a true Adirondack tradition, welcoming guests with every bite”
If you’re going to spend a day in Keene and Keene Valley, a go-to must is Noon Mark Diner. The Noon Mark Diner in Keene Valley is your classic diner with booth and countertop seating. While known for their delicious pies, they also offer all-day breakfast, which was my reason for visiting. They also have other delicious baked goods, including gluten-free options. I opted for a box of their gluten-free lemon-blueberry muffins. They are kept in their to-go cooler and come in a box of 6. My server highly recommended them and even offered to warm one up for me to eat then. They did not disappoint. I also opted for some of their homemade hash with a side of gluten-free toast. Noonmark diner is great for all diners, whether you’re a family with kids, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a solo explorer. After fueling up, I set off on my next adventure – right next door!
The Birch Store
The Birch Store is located in a historic building that has been around since 1890. The shopping is a little different today, and visitors can find a collection of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, glassware, and pet supplies on the first floor. [Carefully] head upstairs (the steps are narrow) and check out the children’s room featuring toys, books, and clothing. You can also find pillows, linens, and rugs on the second floor.
I often find a lot of things I want while visiting the Birch Store, but I left empty-handed today, as things can be a bit pricey.
Roostercomb Mountain
I didn’t hike today, but this would be a great thing to add in you have the time!
If you’re looking for a fun hike with panoramic views while you spend a day in Keene and Keene Valley, check out Roostercomb Mountain. The trailhead is located just down the road from Noonmark Diner (.2 miles to be exact). This 5-mile round-trip hike has an elevation gain of 1,770 feet and is great for beginners.
Note: the parking area is not very big, so plan accordingly!
Point Park
On my way back to Keene, I passed a park I hadn’t noticed before called Point Park. I decided to stop and take a look around. It’s not a very big park, only consisting of a small path that leads to some benches overlooking the Ausable River. While small, Point Park still offers a charming view and is worth a stop, if nothing more than for a photo op.
The Mountaineer
After leaving Point Park, I stopped in next door to check out the Mountaineer. In all the times I’ve gone to Keene Valely in the past, I’ve never actually stopped into the store. The Mountaineer is “an iconic outdoor specialty store that has been a purveyor of fine mountaineering and outdoor equipment since 1975.” While I’m not a rock or ice climber, I still wanted to see what the store was all about. They actually have a large selection of outdoor clothing, great for hikers (or anyone who wants to stay warm on those cool Adirondack nights). They also have a large book selection, as well as patches, maps, and other random gifts.
Marcy Field Baignade
As I left Keene Valley to head towards Keene, my next stop was the Marcy Field Baignade. The Baignade, or swimming hole, sits across the street from the Marcy Field. Part of the Ausable River, this location is great for kids or anyone who just wants to wade (or cool down after a hike!)
RT 73/9N Pull-Off
Between Keene Valley and Keene, you will pass the intersection to Highway 9N. Here you will find a small pull-off with parking for eight cars. There is also a small platform lookout where you can take in the scenic views. Mountains you can see here include Cascade (36th Highest High Peak) and Owl’s Head (not a High Peak). If you turn to face 9N, you can also see Hurricane Mountain, a popular hike that is part of the Fire Tower Challenge.
Hover for peaks
East Branch Organics
Just before you hit the center of Keene, you’ll come across East Branch Organics (located behind Stewart’s Shops). East Branch Organics is a garden center that features an extensive collection of annual and perennial flowers, as well as plants, trees, vegetables, and more. They also offer a small assortment of wine, spirits, and craft beers – the reason for my stop today! Their assortment includes varieties of IPAs, Pilsners, dark beers, and my personal favorite – sours! They offer room-temp 4-packs or cold singles, which is nice when you want to try a mixture of drinks. They usually have a variety of Prairie Artisan Ales, one of my picks for the day, as well as local favorites from Fiddlehead, Common Roots, Hex & Hop, and Rivertrail, just to name a few.
Cedar Run Bakery
One of the things I was looking forward to most was stopping at Cedar Run Bakery (just down the road from East Branch Organics). I’ve driven by so many times, but have never stopped in. Part of that may be due to their limited hours; they are only open Friday – Monday. But I planned my trip accordingly and went on a Friday! The bakery isn’t large, but it is packed full of goodness. They offer a selection of bakery, deli, and take & bake items, all made from scratch. They also have market staples like crackers, drinks, cheeses, and household items. I try to eat gluten-free as much as possible, and was able to pick up one of their gluten-free blackberry-pear scones. They had a number of other baked goods that looked delicious, like banana bread, whoopie pies, croissants, and cupcakes. My goal for the day was to grab some things that were picnic-worthy. They had some pre-made sandwiches and salads, but I went with deli chicken salad and crackers.
Owls Head Rustics
If you’re looking for Adirondack-themed furniture, it’s worth stopping at Owls Head Rustics. Located just outside of Keene, before you hit the Cascades, Owls Head Rustics offer an assortment of tables and chairs, rugs, curtains, storage items, and accessories like pack baskets, frames, and Adirondack knick-knacks. They also have a large selection of Adirondack candles and soaps. I sadly cannot smell much (if anything), but I could get a small whiff of a lemon-Eucalyptus soap bar! One of my favorite things about Owls Head Rustics is their large assortment of Adirondack chairs. They have every color you can think of, from the classic red to pink, purple, and bright blue! They also have different styles, again from the classic version to rockers, high-tops, and loungers.
Cascade Lakes (Day Use Area)
When I grabbed picnic-style food at Cedar Run Bakery, it was with the intention of stopping at the Cascade Lakes day use area to eat. This small pull-off between Upper and Lower Cascade Lake is just off Route 73. There is parking for around 10 cars, maybe a few more depending on how people park. There are a few picnic tables, as well as grassy areas to sit or lounge. You can access both Upper and Lower Cascade Lakes from here. There were more people there than I was expecting, but I was able to grab a picnic table and eat my lunch with views of Upper Cascade (the smaller of the two lakes). This is one of my favorite spots in the Lake Placid area as it offers incredible views year-round. The lakes are framed by cliffs, giving you views wherever you look. Fall foliage here is absolutely stunning. After eating, I ventured over to take a look at Lower Cascade. There were more people in the water at Lower Cascade, but you can swim, paddle, and fish in both lakes. I’ve also skated Lower Cascade in the winter, and the views are just as stunning!
Adirondack Loj Road
On the way back to Lake Placid, I stopped on Adirondack Loj Road for a quick mountain photo op. From Adirondack Loj Road, the mountains you can see include popular peaks such as Mount Colden (11th Highest High Peak), Mount Jo (not a High Peak, still a great hike!), Algonquin (2nd Highest High Peak), and Mount Marshall (25th Highest High Peak). This is a very popular photo op location. We actually have a lot of couples who get married at the Golden Arrow go over here for their first look.
Hover for peaks
What a beautiful day for a summer adventure! We hope you’ll consider visiting during your next stay!
You should also spend a day in Keene & Keene Valley during the fall. The foliage between Lake Placid and Keene Valley is truly spectacular!
“Whether you’re after adventure or a peaceful escape, Keene captures the spirit of the Adirondacks in every season.” – LakePlacid.com
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