Things to do

Top 12 Things To Do In Plattsburgh NY This Weekend

The City of Plattsburgh has tons of attractions for tourists and locals.
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Things to do in Plattsburgh NY include enjoying the views from the beaches and going vintage shopping. This historic area also has a vibrant art scene.

This beautiful and quaint city is where the Battle of Plattsburgh was fought during the War of 1812. It is on the northwestern shore of Lake Champlain, close to the Adirondack Mountains.

Today, the city has a growing art scene, outdoor attractions, and tons of fun local shops.

Be it summer or winter; this bustling town offers many attractions for a fun vacation or even a weekend away.

Keep on reading to find out our favorite things to do when in Plattsburgh New York. 

1. Spend Some Outdoor Time At Point Au Roche State Park

Things to do in Plattsburgh New York have to include outdoor activities at Point Au Roches State Park. It is a combination of open and forested areas.

Well, the views here are absolutely breathtaking and so are the outdoor adventures. The public area of this site has sandy beaches, places for swimming, and areas for picnics and grilling.

Some of the popular activities here include boating, canoeing, kayaking, biking, cross-country skiing, volleyball, softball, and snowshoeing. You can also go fishing here, and there is ice fishing in the winter.

People who love hiking will find this park fascinating. There are a number of biking, hiking, and nature trails here. You will also spot a number of wildlife such as turtles, frogs, bald eagles, and herons.

Location: 19 Camp Red Cloud Rd, Plattsburgh

The beautiful Point Au Roche State Park. (Photo By: Jamie Blaise)
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2. Go Antique Shopping

One of the best parts about traveling is shopping in that place. You can find all sorts of unique, handmade, and antiques at Plattsburg.

People who love thrift and antique shopping will love this place as it has some of the best shops in the town.

Here is where you should go:

Jam Vintage: They have an excellent collection of clothing items such as jackets, sweatshirts, and shirts. Their selection of high-quality vintage items is admirable. 

  • Location: 12 Brinkerhoff St
  • Hours: They are open from Thursday to Sunday 11 AM to 7 PM.

The Antique & Variety Mall: They have a couple of locations on Cornelia Street and Margaret Street. You can find anything here and stroll the aisles for hours browsing through the items.

  • Location: 12 Margaret St And 315 Cornelia St
  • Hours: They are open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Find just about anything and everything at The Antique & Variety Mall.
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3. Experience World Class Fishery With Lake Champlain Angler Fishing Charter

Outdoor activities near NYC, Lake Champlain Angler Fishing Charter's fishery is a top choice for many tourists.

They provide excellent and well-priced charters on their twin 21-foot Outlander multi-species vessels. The boats have quite 115-horsepower four-stroke outboards with advanced trolling motors, riggers, and electronics.

The guides here are equipped to cast, troll, and jig, and the company will provide premium reels and rods. The boats can accommodate four people. However, the company only suggests three or fewer people.

The prices are $375 for an eight-hour trip. They also have lesser pricier four-hour and six-hour trips. Group rates are also available here.

If you want to gift these trips to your loved ones, this fishing charter service also has gift certificates for Father's Day, birthdays, Christmas, and several other occasions.

You can also bring your furry friend along in the fishing trip.
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4. Admire Art At Strand Center Theatre

A performance art center, Strand Center Theatre, is a culturally and historically significant landmark. It has been a pivotal place for developing arts education and learning for presentations.

You can see the artwork from local artists here. If you are looking to learn something new, you can enroll in their workshops and classes such as glass art and printmaking.

It has partnered with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for a long-time. Strand Center Theatre offers many youth scholarships so that they can engage in programs such as ArtQuest programming.

They also collaborate with other local groups in order to help the North Country economy. This organization has a great partnership with the United Way and has been providing additional access to disadvantaged kids.

Location: 23 Brinkerhoff St

Art at Strand Center Theatre.
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5. Look At The Murals In The City

Looking for something fun and innovative to do in Plattsburgh? An already artistic city, Plattsburgh is filled with amazing murals that have been scattered throughout. 

There is a community group called Outside Art, aka OA that is working towards creating public art in the town. It was founded by artists Amy Guglielmo and Julia Devine in 2016.

There are about 17 murals at the moment, but that number is sure to keep growing. The arts are quite exciting and have names such as Plucky Rooster Mural, Music Mural, and Woods and Wild Things Mural.

Jean Arthur Mural, which was created in 2019, celebrates Hollywood actress Jean Arthur, who was actually from Plattsburgh. It is located in Brinkerhoff Street.

Another well-known mural here is of NASA astronaut Michael Anderson, who was also from Plattsburgh. It is called The Reach for the Stars! The Michael Anderson Mural was created in 2020. It is located on Durkee Street.

The mural of actress Jean Arthur.
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6. Enjoy The Views From Plattsburgh City Beach

Best beaches in New York has to include Plattsburgh City Beach. This is one of the biggest freshwater beaches in the country.

The views here are absolutely beautiful, with the panorama of Lake Champlain, the mountains, and the Green Mountains in Vermont.

This beach has a mile and a quarter of shoreline, where you can go swimming, get out on the water, and even rent a kayak.

There is a nature trail for hiking, and when you get hungry, enjoy a meal at the grilling and picnic areas. You can also get food from the food trucks here.

Also, a beach bar called Cabana Beach Bar is a must-visit here. They serve many things, such as snacks, soft-serve ice cream, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks.

This bustling area is open roughly from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

Location: 4 Beach Road, Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh City Beach is a great place to spend the evenings.
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7. Taste A Pint At Oval Craft Brewing

If you are looking for a great place to chill and have a good pint of beer, Oval Craft Brewing is the place to go.

It is housed in a historic location circa the 1890s, which the army used as a carriage house. The owner here, Jessy Jolicoeur has been honing his homebrewing craft since 1997.

You can find anything here, from the New England IPAs to the Oatmeal Strouts on tap. They also have stunning and noteworthy beers for those new to craft beers.

They create balanced beers that are easy to drink and a wide variety of flavors for people who have unique tastes.

Location: 111 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh

Beer on tap at Oval Craft Brewing.
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8. Picnics At Cumberland Bay State Park

Fun things to do in Plattsburgh include outdoor activities at Cumberland Bay State Park. This 350-acre state park is open from mid-May to Columbus Day.

Cross-country skiing is a popular winter activity here. This park is also pet friendly and popular with families. This park is also a great destination for couples on their honeymoon who want some outdoor adventure.

Cumberland Bay is a popular destination for scenic picnics on the shore of Lake Champlain and beach swimming.

Some of the park features include:

  • Swimming
  • Beach
  • Playing fields
  • Picnic Areas and grills
  • Campsites
  • Pavilions
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Concession stand

Location: 152 Cumberland Head Rd, Plattsburgh

The waterfalls at Cumberland Bay State Park. (Photo By: Josh Kuykendall)
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9. Taste Wine At Elfs Farm Winery and Cider Mill

Looking for a good vineyard or winery in Plattsburgh? Elfs Farm Winery and Cider Mill is a family-owned and operated wine and hider cider company. This winery was started by the Frey family in 2004.

Visitors can go and taste wines as well as hard ciders with food from their kitchen. If you are visiting the Adirondack Coast, this is a must-visit place.

Every Friday brings live music at Friday Night Wine Down whereas Sundays are Open Mic along with Brunch and Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar.

They offer wine tasting and tours daily except Monday. Some of their specials are apple wines, cold climate grape wines, and cider.

It is situated next to Lake Champlain, all nestled in the shadows of the Adirondack Mountains.

Location: 7411 US-9 #1, Plattsburgh

One of the best winery in the state, Elfs Farm Winery and Cider Mill.
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10. The War of 1812 Museum

Plattsburgh is filled with historic museums. The War of 1812 Museum is one of them, dedicated to exploring the cause and effects of the Battle of Plattsburgh and the War of 1812.

This site is run and managed by the Battle of Plattsburgh Association. Their goal is to research the conflict and also document and provide a professional museum educational experience for the visitors. 

Group tours are available by appointment only. There is also a history shop that sells War of 1812-related items.

They do not charge a general admission fee and solely rely upon the generosity of the patrons.

Location: 31 Washington Rd, Plattsburgh

11. Tour The Farms At Country Dreams Farm

Unique things to do in New York is enjoying the farm life in Plattsburgh. Country Dreams Farm is owned and operated by two hardworking and passionate people who love farming and providing a great experience for others as well.

Visitors can get close to the goats, take the farm tour, get lost in the corn maze, and also enjoy the sleigh rides during winter. This is also a great winter getaway from NYC.

A perfect place for kids and families, Country Dreams Farm is dedicated to making an adventure for you no matter what the season is.

Some of the best parts about Country Dreams Farm are:

  • Kids Games
  • Corn Maze
  • Petting Zoo
  • Farm Tours
  • Hay Rides
  • Pumpkin Patch
  • Sleigh Rides
  • Fruits and Vegetables

Location: 260 Pellerin Rd, Plattsburgh

Horses and snow at Country Dreams Farm during the winters.
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12. Clinton County Historical Association and Museum

One of the best museums in New York, the Clinton County Historical Association and Museum, is open year-round and is all about local history.

It has four main exhibit galleries and a huge collection of documents and photographs. Some of their renowned collection includes the rare 19th-century Redford glass.

This museum has been working to preserve and protect the heritage of Clinton County's residents. They offer self-guided walking tours such as Old Base Tour and Valcour Island Tour.

Their tours also include the Old Plattsburgh Military Base and Valcour Island, which is the home of the Buff Point Lighthouse.

Location: 98 Ohio Ave, Plattsburgh

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM

The former Arcade Hotel corner in the Clinton and Marion Streets.
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