Submitted by guest blogger, Eileen Mowrey

Saranac Lake is cultural balance at its best. Enjoy all the pleasure and charm of a small mountain town – a local coffee shop, friendly faces, beautiful scenery – and all the music, food, and fun of a small city. Because both are equally important, right? Imagine spending your day hiking in the remote, rugged mountains and the night dancing your tired feet right off at a live show. Take your special someone for a romantic paddle on one of the area’s pristine lakes, then doll yourselves up and head out on the town for a delicious dinner and a show. It’s the best of both worlds, and we have just the right combination for any occasion.

1. Fun with friends

If you’re looking for a fun night out with your friends, look no further than Party on the Patio at The Waterhole. Hosted Thursdays through the summer and fall, this outdoor concert series is completely free, and the three-tiered patio gives you the option of getting front and center or hanging out in the back with a refreshment in hand. A local’s hot spot, this weekly event is great for getting an authentic feel for the community. The musical style varies from week to week, as acts comes from all over New York and Vermont to play, but one thing is guaranteed – your toe will be tapping! Additional concerts are held year-round in the Waterhole's Upstairs Music Lounge, and the venue brings in some well-known artists, so keep your eye on the upcoming schedule!

2. A casual night out

If you’re looking for a little more substance, head to Bitters & Bones, a full service bar and restaurant with inventive food and a down-to-earth atmosphere. The creative food and drinks would be entertainment enough, but they often have live music as well! Smaller acts can be enjoyed during dinner hours in the main dining room, and an upstairs event space hosts larger groups. Whether you’re with a group of friends, your family, or a significant other, it’s just the right amount of fun.

3. A cultural experience

Class the night up by grabbing drinks at Hotel Saranac before hitting a show at Pendragon Theater. The recently re-opened Hotel Saranac offers multiple venues for enjoying a tasty cocktail, and even a meal, before you head out for the evening’s entertainment. Keep things casual at the Campfire Adirondack Grill & Bar, get a little Gatsby in their stunning Great Hall Bar, or cozy up by a fireplace on their expansive outdoor terrace which overlooks downtown. If you can pull yourself out of the roaring 20s trance, make your way down the road to Pendragon Theater. This small community theater puts on a wide variety of plays and musicals, and welcomes a variety of artists and musical guests. Offerings are constantly changing, and shows frequently sell out, so be sure to check schedules in advance and get your tickets ahead of time!

4. Move with the music

Why just listen to the music when you could move to it, too?! The Dance Sanctuary on Main Street in Saranac Lake offers private and group adult dance classes for couples who want to shake things up a bit. Try your hand (or feet) at Swing, Salsa, Ballroom, Country and more! Celebrate your new skills with dinner at Fiddlehead Bistro. Or, if you’re nervous, stop in at Grizle T’s for a drink ahead of time and loosen up those dancing legs. Looking for a truly unique experience? Special dinner and dancing events are held seasonally in partnership with local restaurants. Learn how to Rhumba and then head to a participating restaurant to enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine at a discount. Listen up gentlemen, it’s a date night she’ll be talking about for months afterward!

Immersing yourself in the beauty of the Adirondacks doesn’t have to be all loon calls and crackling fires. Turn up the beat with these exciting nightlife experiences in Saranac Lake. Whether you’re here to tear up the town with your best friends, or looking to spend some quality time as a couple, you’ll make lasting memories with these music and nightlife combinations in Saranac Lake. 

Start planning your trip today!