Rise and Shine 

Few things are better than witnessing an Adirondack sunrise, and in Saranac Lake, pairing breakfast with a break-of-day adventure is one of the best experiences imaginable. Enjoy coffee or tea and a breakfast snack as you watch the sunrise on location, or follow up an early morning adventure with a more leisurely breakfast in town. Saranac Lake has breakfast options that will work perfectly for your morning, from sandwiches and fresh baked goods you can toss into your backpack to a full-on lumberjack breakfast. Mix and match from our list of sunrise viewing locations and morning meal options for an unforgettable start to your day.

Morning snacks

Saranac Lake has a wide range of choices for breakfast, so you'll be sure to find something that fits both your appetite and your sunrise adventure. You'll want to check in with your dining location of choice for operating hours (and be sure to ask ahead about food allergens, options that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, etc.)

• You'll find all of the coffee shop favorites, including pour-overs, espresso, cold brew, lattes, and more at Origin Coffee Co. Other tasty morning beverages such as matcha, smoothies, tea, chai, and hot chocolate are available, so no matter what you're in the mood for, Origin Coffee Co. has you covered. Smoothies are also here, as well as freshly baked muffins, cinnamon rolls, savory croissants, and so much more! With a menu featuring breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, paninis, and more, you can't go wrong.
• Blue Moon Cafe is a long-time favorite of both locals and visitors alike, offering a full-service coffee bar and grab-and-go baked goods, along with a full menu of hearty breakfast options that will curb any appetite. With everything from steel-cut oats to steak and eggs, this menu will have you coming back time and again. 
• At the corner of Church and Woodruff next to the Saranac River, Riverside Cafe at Nori's Village Market offers plenty of wholesome options, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free fare. Order from the plentiful options on the Smoothie and Espresso menus, or opt for a breakfast burrito. Muffins, cookies, and other baked goods are also available, along with a larger selection of grab-and-go items.

• If you think your day might begin well accompanied by a donut, danish, cruller, fritter, bun, scone, cookie, croissant, bagel, quiche, or something more (who wouldn't?), then you'll want to find yourself bright and early at Early Dawn Confections over on Woodruff Street. Everyone raves about the Dutch knuckle cheese buns and freshly baked bagels, along with just about everything else. The bakery offers dairy-free and gluten-free items as well as vegan options.
• Anne's Crepes is serving up a big flavor, both savory and sweet! Stop by this charming business and enjoy savory buckwheat crepes, filled with gruyere cheese and other options, like asparagus, mushrooms, and spinach, or select a sweet vanilla crepe, filled with jam, Adirondack maple syrup, or Nutella and bananas. 
• For a delicious treat that you'll want to savor, stop by Jamdots Baking Co. on Main Street and pick up fresh-baked items from the bakery case, or grab a sandwich to go! 
• Bitters & Bones is now serving breakfast! Whether you're pairing breakfast with an adventure large or small, this is a great option for a stick-to-your-ribs, Adirondack comfort food breakfast, and a breakfast you won't want to miss! Delicious morning fare with fun twists like the Potato Plate and a special weekend menu with some of the vintage classics (S. O. S. anyone?) make this a breakfast win no matter how you slice it.

Sunrise viewing

An Adirondack sunrise is an experience to remember. Here are a few can't-miss locations for adventures big and small.

• Take a beautiful sunrise walk along the water in Saranac Lake, experiencing the break of day from several different vantage points. Park at the Lake Flower Boat Launch and stroll approximately a quarter of a mile to Riverfront Park and then continue on another quarter of a mile to Riverside Park. From there, walk to your breakfast destination of choice. This lovely little walk is a great way to begin the day!
• For an unforgettable early morning adventure, climb Baker Mountain pre-dawn to view the sunrise from the peak. Due to extremely limited parking at the trailhead, hikers can park downtown and begin the hike at Berkley Green – from here it's a very do-able 1.3 miles to the peak by headlamp, and the effort is well worth it! After experiencing sunrise, it's a lovely hike back into town for breakfast.
• If you're looking for an early morning paddle for sunrise, you won't want to miss the sunrise on Oseetah Lake. Launch your canoe or kayak at Lake Flower Boat Launch, paddle across Lake Flower, then paddle through the narrows to reach Oseetah Lake. Enjoy the spectacular sunrise views on this beautiful body of water, and allow yourself plenty of time to explore the interesting shoreline, bays, and islands. Be sure to bring your binoculars for viewing the wildlife! 
• Located just outside of downtown, Lake Colby Beach and adjacent James A Latour Picnic & Recreation Area along Lake Colby is a favorite viewing spot for both sunrise and sunset, where reflections in the water and abundant wildlife make for both a memorable experience and great photos, so don't forget your camera! There is wonderful viewing on land, or launch your canoe or kayak at the public boat launch and enjoy a morning paddle (there is a motor restriction on this lake). 

Saranac Lake is a special place to visit during any season, and however you choose to experience this decidedly different little piece of the Adirondacks, we know that you'll find something spectacular to discover. As you plan your visit, you'll find lots of great options around the area for cozy lodging, and fun, unique, and memorable items in local shops to suit every taste and budget, don't forget to check out the schedule of fall events to round out your trip.

Stewardship

You're part of a community that enjoys spending time outdoors and who is 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!