Essex (New York) Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, hike, eat, stay, and more in Essex (New York)! Check out our week-long itinerary and do's and don'ts for a safe and enjoyable trip!


Introduction to Essex (New York)

Essex, a small town located in the Adirondacks, is a hidden gem in New York State that offers an abundance of natural wonders, culture, and history. It was founded in 1799 and is well-known for its picturesque landscape, mountains, lakes, ponds, garden, and nature trails.

Essex is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, skiing, boating, fishing, and biking. With its perfect blend of nature and culture, Essex offers an unforgettable experience to its tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Essex (New York)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

1. Adirondack History Center Museum

Adirondack History Center Museum is a vital cultural destination of Essex. It features exhibits on the natural history of the Adirondacks, tourism, social history, architecture, music, and art.

2. Reber Rock Farm

Reber Rock Farm is a 600-acre grass-fed beef and lamb farm that offers guided farm tours, interactive workshops, and farm-to-table meals.

3. Deer’s Head Inn

Deer’s Head Inn is a historic bar and restaurant that offers live music and art shows. It was the meeting place of influential figures such as Teddy Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Thomas Mann.

Natural Attractions of Essex (New York): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

1. Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is a large freshwater lake with numerous bays, and peninsulas. It is located at the east of the Adirondack Mountains and west of Green Mountains. It offers boating, swimming, hiking, and fishing opportunities.

2. Ausable River

Ausable River is a 94-mile river, ideal for kayaking, fishing, tubing, and swimming. It has picturesque waterfalls, gorges, and rapids.

3. Gooley Club Preserve Trail

Gooley Club Preserve Trail is a 7.4 miles hike trail located near Newcomb, Essex. It features a waterfall, wildlife, and wildflowers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Essex (New York)

Essex is a hiking and biking paradise, offering some of the best trails in the world. Here is a list of some of the must-visit trails:

  1. The Dix Mountain Wilderness Trails
  2. The Giant Mountain Ridge Trail
  3. The Ausable River Trail
  4. The Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower Trail

Best Things to Do in Essex (New York): Activities and Tours

Essex offers a variety of fun activities and tours for tourists of all ages.

1. Northway Brewing Company Tour

Northway Brewing Company Tour offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewery’s production and distribution process, complete with beer tastings.

2. Lake Champlain Ferry

The Lake Champlain Ferry is a scenic cruise on Lake Champlain, offering stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains and the Green Mountains.

3. Adirondack Wildlife Refuge Tour

The Adirondack Wildlife Refuge Tour is a guided tour that provides tourists with an opportunity to see the wildlife found in the Adirondacks, such as black bears, wolves, eagles, and hawks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Essex (New York)

Day 1: Visit the Adirondack History Center Museum

Day 2: Kayak on Lake Champlain

Day 3: Go hiking on the Hurricane Mountain Fire Tower Trail

Day 4: Take a tour of the Northway Brewing Company

Day 5: Visit the Deer’s Head Inn for live music and drinks.

Day 6: Go camping and stargazing at Ausable Point State Park.

Day 7: Take a scenic boat tour on Lake Champlain.

Food and Drink Scene of Essex (New York)

When it comes to food and drink, Essex has a lot to offer. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Steak Tips
  2. Lobster Bisque
  3. Maple Sausage

Local Beverages

  1. Lake Champlain Chocolates Hot Cocoa
  2. Adirondack Winery’s Blue Twilight
  3. Brookside Bees Farm’s Honey Bourbon

Where to Stay in Essex (New York): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Essex Inn

The Essex Inn is a historic inn, built-in 1810, which provides comfortable lodging and dining facilities to tourists.

Lakeside Bunkhouse

Lakeside Bunkhouse is located near Adirondack Park, which offers a rustic retreat to tourists. It is perfect for those who want to experience camping without the hassles of setting up a tent.

What to Buy in Essex (New York): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Adirondack Winery’s Blue Twilight

Adirondack Winery’s Blue Twilight is a blueberry fruit infused wine that is ideal for a romantic evening at home.

Lake Champlain Chocolates Hot Cocoa Mix

The Lake Champlain Chocolates Hot Cocoa Mix is a classic chocolate treat that is perfect for cold winter nights.

Local Culture and Customs of Essex (New York)

Essex is a small town that celebrates its history and culture with pride. The locals are friendly, and they welcome tourists with open arms. It is customary to say hello and thank you to people, no matter where you are.

Best Time to Visit Essex (New York)

The best time to visit Essex is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the town offers a wide range of outdoor activities for tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Essex (New York)

Do:

  1. Respect nature
  2. Follow the rules and regulations of the park
  3. Greet people with a smile

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the environment
  2. Take any wildlife home with you
  3. Trespass private property

Safety and Health

Safety in Essex (New York)

Essex is a safe town, but tourists should be aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and lock their doors and windows.

Health in Essex (New York)

Essex has a hospital and a few clinics for emergencies. It is advised to carry personal medication and consult a physician before traveling.

Getting to Essex (New York): Transportation Options and Logistics

Essex is accessible by air, train, bus, and car.

Airports Near Essex (New York)

  • Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG)
  • Burlington International Airport (BTV)

Bus Stations Near Essex (New York)

  • Greyhound bus station
  • Adirondack Trailways bus station

Other Options

  • Car rental services
  • Taxi and limousine services

How to Get Around in Essex (New York)

Tourists can rent a car, bike, or a kayak to get around. It is also recommended to explore the town on foot.

Where to Go Next from Essex (New York): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tourists can head to Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, which offer skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating opportunities.

Conclusion

Essex is a perfect destination for those who crave both adventure and comfort. It has something for everyone, from hiking to museum-hopping to enjoying local cuisine. It’s a unique destination that will make for an unforgettable trip.