A local perspective of the Whiteface Region

The Whiteface Region is always a spectacular place to be, and probably high on your list of places that you'd like to get to know a little better. Settle in for a few nights or longer, take the time to check out some of the area's best kept secrets, and embrace the chance to live like a local! Here are a few of our favorites to help you get a sense of the heart and soul of the region.

Home away from home

Settle into the cozy comfort of a private cabin or cottage for a true taste of local living. With your own space to relax and recharge, you'll experience the warmth and comfort of a home away from home. So whether you are heading in to unwind after a day full of outdoor adventure or you just want to stay in for some much needed downtime, these accommodations offer the perfect retreat.

• Spacious Josie's Retreat has everything you could want in a home way from home getaway, including a gas fireplace, Jacuzzi tub, and an outdoor grill so you can BBQ!

• Private, luxurious and rustic, Adirondack Cottage in the Woods is a delightful retreat that you won't want to leave. With a wood-burning fireplace, spectacular kitchen, delightful 4-season porch and on-site laundry, you'll feel right at home and probably want to extend your stay!

• Come home to the modern mid-century rustic ADK Aframe, located on a quiet road in Jay, and spend your time living a local life in this beautiful area.

Missing that unmistakable feeling of home that only your four-legged companions can provide? Fear not! Round up your furry friends and treat yourself to a delightful stay at one of the pet-friendly accommodations in the area. Embrace the joy of exploring new places together, knowing that you can always return to the comfort and familiarity of a pet-friendly haven at the end of the day. So grab your pets and make some tail wagging memories together!

• Located directly across from Whiteface Mountain, the whole family will enjoy Ledge Rock at Whiteface where there are wonderful trails for hiking, exploring, and sniffing.

• Tuck in for a classic B&B stay complete with a restful night's sleep and a delicious home-cooked breakfast at Whiteface Farm Bed & Breakfast.

• Situated in a choice spot along the banks of the Ausable River and close to all of the best adventures, the ADK Trail Inn welcomes everyone in the family to a cozy, comfortable stay.

Grab a bite

Mountain living builds up an appetite! The Whiteface Region has great options for everything from a steaming hot cup of grab-and-go coffee to filling meals that will stick to your ribs and refuel your body after a long day of adventuring. No matter what time of day it is, or what you're in the mood for, you'll find just what you need. Here are a few of our favorites:

Breakfast

For a tasty breakfast and great start to your day, you'll want to find yourself Up A Creek in Wilmington, or ground yourself at Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe in Upper Jay. Both places serve up a mouthwatering breakfast and, if you're lucky, you might find someone willing to dish up fun town gossip, like who produced the most maple syrup this spring or who has the most overdue library books (it's pretty standard around here that the best town gossip is told over coffee and eggs, not over evening beers!) Make note that both of these local eateries serve a fantastic lunch as well!

Lunch

The Little Supermarket in Wilmington is a great little one-stop-shop where you can pick up a low-key lunch from the deli counter or shop for all of the fixings to make your own. Down the way in Au Sable Forks, Black Brook General Store has its own deli counter with homemade soup and even Michigans (if you don't know what a Michigan is or haven't tried one, add this to your list!)

Dinner

Local favorites for dinner include a fun, relaxing meal at Twisted Raven, serving up craft brews and burgers, dogs, BBQ, and some of the best wings you'll find anywhere, and the Tavern at the Hungry Trout, an old fashioned pub with a relaxed atmosphere and a great menu full of some creative and classy twists on the old favorites alongside an impressive selection of ales and craft brews. Another fun option is to grab a pizza from Fratelli Pizza Restaurant to eat in or take back to your home-away-from-home.

Brews

When you're just looking to hit the local scene and enjoy a brew, head on over to NewVida Craft Bar in Jay and choose from the drink menu that includes local beers and wines and creative cocktails. On select evenings, NewVida has live music and other special events like dancing and paint & sips. Adjacent to the bar is a billiards room with ping pong tables and a TV nook – perfect for mingling and having some fun with the locals. You're also sure to find friendly faces and fun times at 20 Main in Au Sable Forks, known as the "friendly neighborhood pub"! Featuring live music on the weekends and darts, billiards, shuffleboard, and other fun games, 20 Main is a great choice to both unwind and get a feel for the local culture. With a laid-back vibe and low-key atmosphere, you'll not only feel welcome here, but like you're one of the regulars.

Activities list

Living in the Whiteface Region means you're surrounded by endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. The local culture of the region centers around a love of the outdoors, so bring your bike, your binoculars, and your hiking boots and get outside! The Whiteface Region is loaded with great biking, hiking, and birding. If you just want to enjoy a drive, there are loads of opportunities for sightseeing. For a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure, hire a fly fishing guide and learn the waters of the Ausable from a local guide who knows the area better than anyone. If you're looking for something a little more structured, or that you don't have to plan yourself, consider attending one of the many scheduled local events. There's alway something interesting going on – lectures by naturalists or out-of-the-box offerings at local libraries, like Vinyl Listening Parties, trivia, and more! Other opportunities to get a view of the local scene are as simple as attending a yoga class at Riverstone Wellness or dropping into a dance class at Tahawus Culture Center. 

It's a great time of year to get close to the Whiteface Region! Spend some extra time exploring the area to get a glimpse of the heart and soul of the region, local-style, and get an idea of what it feels like to live here!

Stewardship

Whether you're a visitor spending a short amount of time in the area or you're here to stay, you are part of a community that enjoys spending time outdoors. Be mindful of behaving in a way that ensures an enjoyable experience for everyone! By following Leave No Trace ethics and practicing ways to Love Your ADK, you can participate in the stewardship of the Adirondacks, helping to ensure the health and well-being of our beloved outdoor spaces for years to come. Be respectful, come prepared, and have some fun out there!