Plattsburgh Travel Guide
Check out our comprehensive Plattsburgh travel guide for an all-inclusive tour of the city. Discover all the top attractions, things to do, and places to stay in Plattsburgh.
- Introduction to Plattsburgh
- List of Places to Visit in Plattsburgh
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Plattsburgh
- Best Things to Do in Plattsburgh: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Plattsburgh
- Food and Drink Scene of Plattsburgh
- Where to Stay in Plattsburgh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Best Western Plus The Inn at Smithfield
- La Quinta Inn & Suites
- What to Buy in Plattsburgh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Lake Champlain Chocolates
- Plattsburgh Map
- Local Culture and Customs of Plattsburgh
- Best Time to Visit Plattsburgh
- Do’s and Don’ts of Plattsburgh
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Plattsburgh: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Plattsburgh
- Where to Go Next from Plattsburgh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Lake George
- Montreal, Canada
- Conclusion
Introduction to Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh is a small city located in the North Country region of New York. It is a vibrant town that sits on the western bank of Lake Champlain, with the Adirondack Mountains to the west. Plattsburgh is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities available. Visitors can take advantage of recreational opportunities, tourist attractions, historical landmarks, or shop at charming boutiques and local markets.
List of Places to Visit in Plattsburgh
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Plattsburgh Airforce Base Museum
Plattsburgh Airforce Base Museum is a facility that offers a glimpse into the rich aviation history of the region. The museum boasts a collection of military and civil aircraft, as well as other interesting artifacts.
Kent Delord House Museum
Kent Delord House Museum is a genuinely historic house located in downtown Plattsburgh. The museum has five galleries exhibiting historical collections of antiques, paintings, and textiles.
Natural Attractions of Plattsburgh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Crab Island State Park
Crab Island State Park is a newly created park, located in the southern part of Lake Champlain. Visitors of the park can find several amenities, including a boat launch ramp, dock space, and a picnic area.
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm is an impressive and unique sandstone gorge, located a little less than 30 minutes outside of Plattsburgh. Ausable Chasm offers visitors an unforgettable, one-mile walk through the canyon, with many beautiful rock formations and a stunning waterfall.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Plattsburgh
Saranac River Trail
The Saranac River Trail is a magnificent trek that traverses several villages across the Champlain Valley. Visitors of the trail can explore the natural beauty of the Saranac River, waterfalls, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
The North-South Trail
The North-South Trail is a scenic trail that covers a distance of 34 kilometers. The trail goes through amazing landscapes, rivers, lakes, and mountain views, making it an ideal destination for hikers and bikers.
Best Things to Do in Plattsburgh: Activities and Tours
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is an excellent recreational destination that offers various activities, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Explore the natural beauty of the lush green mountains, as well as the surrounding islands on the lake.
Adirondack Coast Wine Trail
Adirondack Coast Wine Trail is a truly unique experience that takes visitors on a journey through the beautiful orchards and vineyards of the region. Visitors can taste and sample some of the region’s excellent wines, cheese, and local produce.
Week-Long Itinerary for Plattsburgh
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Ausable Chasm |
| Day 2 | Tour the Plattsburgh Airforce Base Museum |
| Day 3 | Take a bike ride through the Saranac River Trail |
| Day 4 | Explore the shelves and boutiques in Historic Downtown |
| Day 5 | Take a drive along the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail |
| Day 6 | Visit the Kent Delord House Museum |
| Day 7 | Take a boat ride on Lake Champlain and enjoy the scenic beauty |
Food and Drink Scene of Plattsburgh
Must-Try Dishes
Plattsburgh-style Michigan
A unique and savory hot dog served on a bun topped with chili sauce, fresh onions, and mustard. Plattsburgh-style Michigan is well known in the region and is the perfect food during a day out in town.
Apple Cider Donuts
The traditional-style cake donut is a light and airy delight that pairs perfectly with the region’s fresh apples. Apple Cider Donuts are one of the region’s best-known local products.
Local Beverages
Amazing Grace Vineyard and Winery
Amazing Grace Vineyard and Winery offers some of the best wines produced in the North Country region. The winery sits in a beautiful landscape with breathtaking views, and visitors can taste some of their variety of wines and enjoy the surroundings.
Plattsburgh Brewing Company
Plattsburgh Brewing Company is known for its excellent locally brewed beer. The brewery offers a vast array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, all crafted with care in their Plattsburgh taproom.
Where to Stay in Plattsburgh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Best Western Plus The Inn at Smithfield
Best Western Plus The Inn at Smithfield is a beautiful hotel that offers comfortable accommodation with excellent amenities. The hotel provides guests with a complimentary continental breakfast and free access to the indoor swimming pool and a fitness center.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
La Quinta Inn & Suites is an exceptional hotel that offers accommodation with the latest amenities. The hotel is located close to the Plattsburgh International Airport and features outdoor pool access, complimentary breakfast, and excellent customer service.
What to Buy in Plattsburgh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Lake Champlain Chocolates produces a wide range of chocolates, made with premium chocolate filled with the region’s rich it indigenous flavors.
Plattsburgh Map
Take home a map of Plattsburgh, which showcases the lush natural beauty of the region, marking the various points of interest in town.
Local Culture and Customs of Plattsburgh
Beautifully crafted textiles, wooden products, and pottery products indicate the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Traditional folk music, art exhibits, and festivals of the region showcase the rich and diverse arts and culture of the region.
Best Time to Visit Plattsburgh
The best time to visit Plattsburgh is between June and September when the weather is comfortable, and the air is brimful with blooming flowers. The season is also the peak tourist season, which means you can expect the roads and attractions to be crowded.
Do’s and Don’ts of Plattsburgh
Do:
- Check out the local restaurants and try traditional Plattsburgh-style Michigan hot dogs.
- Take advantage of the various outdoor activities, lakes, and beautiful hiking trails.
- Respect the culture and rich history of the region.
Don’t:
- Litter- Keep the surroundings clean and tidy
- Get into unsafe areas or undertake outdoor activities without taking proper safety precautions and guidance from professionals.
- Disrespect local customs or culture.
Safety and Health
Safety in Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, like many small towns, is safe but always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure when you’re out and about. Take precautions against pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas or markets.
Health in Plattsburgh
Visitors to Plattsburgh should be up to date with routine vaccinations, as well as getting a flu shot, just as if visiting any other location for travel. In case of an emergency, one can find several urgent clinics and medical centers in the city.
Getting to Plattsburgh: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Plattsburgh
The primary airport that serves Plattsburgh is the Plattsburgh International Airport, which is approximately six kilometers from the city. The airport serves several major cities in the United States and internationally.
Bus Stations Near Plattsburgh
The nearest bus station is Plattsburgh Bus Station, located in New York. It provides bus services to nearby cities.
Other Options
Visitors can also travel to Plattsburgh by car, taxi, or shuttle bus. These are all convenient transportation options, making it easy to explore the region at your own pace.
How to Get Around in Plattsburgh
Many of the tourist destinations are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also rent bikes to explore the town. For other destinations around the city, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car.
Where to Go Next from Plattsburgh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Lake George
Lake George is an iconic destination located about an hour’s drive from Plattsburgh. Many tourists visit Lake George for its stunning natural beauty and excellent recreational opportunities.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal is a beautiful city located two hours’ drive from Plattsburgh. Explore the rich culture and cuisine of the city, soak in the atmosphere, and marvel at the stunning architecture.
Conclusion
Plattsburgh is a charming and beautiful city that offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities, scenic views, historical landmarks, regional cuisine, and local products. The city’s prime location, with easy access to nearby destinations and excursions, makes it an excellent destination for first-time visitors and regular travelers alike.
