How to Spend a Day in Glens Falls

The great thing about Glens Falls is everything is within walking distance! Park your car at one of the many free parking areas, ride your bike in using the well maintained Feeder Canal trail, or in the summer you can pick up the Trolley and it will bring you to Downtown Glens Falls.

And then it is up to you! What sort of day are you interested in?

Glens Falls has a number of places to visit if you are looking for Arts & Culture. Start at the Crandall Library, which houses a Teen Center, a Children’s Library with daily activities, a public gallery of local artists, and a Folklife Center which offers programs and exhibits related to cultural traditions of the region. Check online for their free film series, live music, and lectures.  Within walking distance from the Library are two art galleries which are free and open to the public; North Country Art’s 2nd Floor Gallery at City Hall and LARAC which is the historic yellow building situated between City Hall and the Library offer art exhibits that change bi-monthly. Head north of the Library to tour the Chapman Museum, with quality exhibits on the history of the Adirondack region. And of course the “hidden jewel of Glens Falls” is the Hyde Collection, with its world class permanent collection and world renowned exhibits. And one of the most fun and interesting trips to Glens Falls should definitely include the Shirt Factory; with more than 70 studios services including working artist studios, retail shops, galleries, and the healing arts. If you are having a kid friendly day then make sure to check out the World Awareness Children’s Museum with its permanent collection and excellent relevant exhibits!

After this you may need a break; Glens Falls has great places have a snack and take a break! For a healthier choice try the Juicin’ Jar on South Street. Glen Street has many great choices for coffee shops including Spektor Coffee Roasters. Enjoy your drink and snap inside or take a seat on a city bench and take in the breathtaking historical buildings.

Maybe you are looking for a day of shopping instead! Start on Glen Street for many great opportunities. The Lake George Olive Oil Co. will provide you with many samples to try and knowledge of different ways to use their products. Glen Street is home to two well established jewelers, Scoville Jewelers and Achenbach’s- perfect for small and large purchases or if you are just in the mood to window shop! And make sure to give all of the side streets a try; here you will find outstanding local gift shops, consignment stores with one of a kind finds, and much more!

And after all of this you are going to need to eat! Glens Falls has numerous restaurants- something for everyone! If you are looking for an elegant meal that you will be talking about for days you should go to Ridge Street where you will find Morgan and Co. For a family friendly meal Glen Street may be the place for you with Davidson Brothers or Gourmet Café. Maybe the people in your party all want different foods? Then everyone can order out and meet in City Park for a picnic or Mean Max Brewery which welcomes customers to bring their food!

Once you fall in love with Glens Falls make sure you come back to enjoy on of the many downtown celebrations by the Glens Falls Collaborative. And don’t worry- we don’t expect you to take it all in at once. Come back many times and enjoy Glens Falls!

Blog Post Written by Candice Frye

Candice is the Executive Director for LARAC. She also is a coordinator for the Glens Falls Farmers' Market and is actively involved with the Glens Falls Collaborative and Kiwanis of Glens Falls. When she's not working she loves to spend time with her family, friends, and two best dogs in the world Ace and Lulu!