Rise and Shine in a Perfect Place
Whether you are staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, a motel, or a cabin in the woods, the Au Sable River Valley is the perfect place to spend a few days! Wake up at sunrise. Listen to the wildlife all around you. Take some time to feel grateful to be in such a beautiful place.
Perfect Places for Breakfast
Breakfast with eggs and bacon from one of the local farms will get your day off right. Or if cooking on vacation is not your thing, you can grab a bite to eat at Adirondack Mountain Coffee a perfect place right by the Au Sable River in Upper Jay. For breakfast to go visit Devin’s Deli in Jay, or either the Hometown Deli or General Store in Au Sable Forks.
Off to a Perfect Places for a Hike, with Snow Shoes of Course
A hike up Jay Mountain is just one way to appreciate the nature that is all around us here, especially in the fall to watch a beautiful scenery of colors as the leaf’s change. This is a 6.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trip. The trailhead to Jay Mountain Range can be found in Upper Jay at the intersection of Jay Mountain Road and Upland Meadows Road. It is the 79thhighest peak of the Adirondack Mountains. It is less crowded than the high peaks and boasts just as spectacular 360-degree views. If Biking is your preference, the fall still offers some great biking along Rt. 9N with its wide shoulders between Upper Jay and Jay, or head over to Wilmington for some exciting Mountain Biking. In the late fall, starting Thanksgiving weekend, thanks to state-of-the-art snowmaking you can enjoy alpine skiing at nearby Whiteface in Wilmington, or if Cross Country skiing is your preference at the new world cup trails at nearby Mt. Van Hoevenberg.
Perfect Places to Shop
If you are looking to do a little shopping, head to Jay Craft Center where you can find beautiful ceramics – from comfortable mugs to decorative lamps, as well as a collection of works from local Adirondack artists including jewelry, woodworking, painting, photography and more. Young’s Studio and Gallery, a local favorite, is also right around the corner on Route 86 where you can find pottery, paintings, etchings, book arts, and yarns and sewing kits.
Or if you are the curious type, stop by the showroom at Styx River Taxidermy where on display you can find specimens, finished mounts, and unique pieces for the oddity collector or natural history enthusiast, alike. Arts & Antiques in Au Sable Forks offers an abundance of antiques and works from local artists. If you are a history buff, make your way to the Community Center and visit the local history museum. You will be amazed by the important role and deep history the towns of Jay and Black Brook have played. The museum also features a nice section on Arto Monaco, and the Land of Make Believe, as well as information on the famous Mansion.
Perfect Places for Food and Farms
For dinner, everyone loves a good pizza, and Lance’s Pizza right downtown in Au Sable Forks has you covered. If you are looking for a night out, Ice Jam Inn located on the river in Upper Jay, is the perfect place with farm to table options, and the best mussels and poutine in town. They also have rooms available for your stay.
It is still a good time of year to find a perfect place for a campfire and BBQ. You can always grab some great local meats at the farm store at Moon Valley Farm, Sugar House Creamery, or Asgaard Farm and Dairy. Finish the evening with a night cap and s’mores, or why not fresh baked pumpkin pie, apple cider donuts, and warm apple cider, beside a roaring fire under an extraordinary sky of beautiful stars. Some of the best Star Gazing can be enjoyed during a cool fall night.
Perfect Places for Entertainment
Or you can drop into 20 Main, a happening pub on main street for live music and your favorite libation. If you are looking for a more laid back, eclectic vibe, you can also find artistic talent, music and performances at the Upper Jay Arts Center, home of the Recovery Lounge in Upper Jay.
Au Sable River Valley is the perfect place to spend a few days hiking, shopping, and so much more!