Plan a Day Trip to Glens Falls, Just an Hour North of Albany
Glens Falls is a summer hotspot you won't want to miss! Located just under an hour's drive north of Albany, Glens Falls is a destination for the whole family. Between the arts, cuisine, and beautiful scenery, here are some of the can't-miss spots and activities in the area that you'll want to include in your day trip plans.
Attend Summer Festivals Featuring Food, Live Music & the Arts
Between food, the arts, and live music, Glens Falls is the place to be during the summer months! Below are some of our favorite summer happenings you could plan your day trip around, but you can also check out the events calendar to find even more upcoming fun.
Theater fans take note: Adirondack Theatre Festival puts on a series of contemporary shows and musicals at the Charles R. Wood Theater throughout the summer that you won't want to miss. If you're bringing little ones along, ATF usually has a "dinner theater for kids" show that they would love.
If you want a major taste of the region's arts and culture, plan your day trip to coincide with the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council's (LARAC) Summer Arts Festival. 15,000 people come to the Glens Falls City Park in the heart of downtown each year to browse the wares of 150 artisans and vendors. At this festival you'll find food, jewelry, fine art, decorations, clothing, and anything else you may imagine, with a backdrop of live entertainment by local musicians and entertainers.
Sip & Sample Local Wines
Adirondack Winery offers a unique tasting experience at its Lake George Tasting Room and new Queensbury Winery Tasting Room. Guests can enjoy over 35 handcrafted wines, ranging from dry reds to sweet whites, rosé, and sparkling varieties.
The Queensbury location features a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, fire pits, live music, and an exciting calendar of events, it’s also home to gourmet snack boards, brunch offerings, and Uncork & Craft classes, making it a year-round destination for wine lovers and social gatherings.
Once you find your favorite wine, be sure to take a bottle (or a few) home with you!
Explore Hotspots of History and Art
History and art are ready to be explored in several spots around the city.
For local history, there's no better place to go than The Chapman Museum, which tells the story of the region through prints, hands-on galleries, and educational programs. Visitors of all ages will love learning more about this area and the people who have lived here for centuries.
The Hyde Collection, housed in the historic former home of Louis and Charlotte Hyde, offers paintings, sculptures, and antiques rivaling major city museums. Explore their permanent and current exhibitions online and reserve tickets in advance.
Just a few doors down from The Hyde Collection, the World Awareness Children's Museum is the perfect destination for families with kids of all ages. This museum is the door to other worlds, where kids can play, interact, story tell, learn, and create crafts of their own.
Relax With Comfortable Dining & Handcrafted Brews
Downtown Glens Falls, especially during the summer months, is filled with charming restaurants and live music.
Located on Glen Street, Davidson Brothers is the perfect, family-friendly place for a night out. Whether it's mac 'n cheese bakes, savory chicken wings, salads or rich soups, nothing on the menu will disappoint. Davidson Brothers is known for their bestselling, traditional ales, which are brewed directly on site.
Head to Common Roots Brewing Company in South Glens Falls, a go-to spot for craft beer fans. From hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts, their rotating taps feature fresh, flavorful brews. Common Roots also offers a menu of locally inspired bites, making it a great spot to enjoy with friends or family.
Venture to 2 Sagamore Street to Coopers Cave Ale Company in Glens Falls, a favorite spot for casual dining with a local twist. From hearty burgers and fresh salads to hand-tossed pizzas and creamy ice cream, there’s something for every appetite. Known for their handcrafted ales and root beer brewed on site, Cooper’s Cave blends flavorful food with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
Rent a Bike & Hit the Trails
Looking to get active or try out something new while you're in the area? Bike riding is a great way to stay healthy, and it's easier than ever to do in Glens Falls.
If you're new to biking or don't have one of your own, the new program CDPHP Cycle! offers relatively cheap bike rentals, and there's a hub right at the entrance of the Warren County Bike Trail. This trail stretches from Glens Falls to Lake George, with restaurants and shops along the way. Don't forget to stop for ice cream at Cooper's Cave Ale Company while riding along the bike trail in Glens Falls!
Shop 'Til You Drop
The Glens Falls region has lots of great places to shop for locally made goods, antiques, clothing, and so much more.
Glenwood Manor Antiques in Queensbury, repeatedly voted Best Antique Shop in the region, has room after room of one-of-a-kind finds for your home.
If you're looking for handmade gifts, unique clothing and accessories, and even delicious Adirondack maple syrup, the three floors of the Silo Country Store have it all. In addition to their incredible store, The Silo Restaurant has one of the best breakfasts in the area, along with year-round apple cider donuts!
Add a scenic 20-minute road trip on to your day trip to visit Locust Grove Smokehouse in Argyle, southeast of Glens Falls. This family-run smokehouse and retail country store is another great stop for local food products that you won't find anywhere else.
Thrills for Every Age
With over 100 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great Escape offers thrills for all ages, including the new Bobcat coaster, the legendary Comet, and the high-flying Adirondack Outlaw. Admission includes Hurricane Harbor water park, open May–October with seasonal events like summer concerts and Fright Fest.
Adirondack Adventures offers an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience on the Hudson River Gorge, plus tubing, kayak instruction, and paddling rentals. From heart-pounding rapids to peaceful summer floats, our guided trips combine adventure, stunning Adirondack scenery, and unforgettable memories.
Make Glens Falls Your Next Day Trip Destination
Whether you're coming for the delicious food, exciting arts scene, or local shops, Glens Falls is the place to be.