Tupper Lake has a downtown that is a charming mix of historic architecture, artisan shops, and lumberjack dining. To locals it is "uptown", but really it’s our "downtown" to a visitor. I'm not the only one who thinks so, of course. I asked several people about their favorite places along Park Street and the side streets leading from it.

I had a lot of fun hearing people's favorite places. Below are some of the gems people shared with me.

Start the day right

For me, breakfast at Swiss Kitchen is essentially Tupper Lake. This is where the locals go, and the walls feature historic photos, newspaper clippings, and antique tools from Tupper Lake's past. This is a must-stop for my father-in-law when he visits.

I think it's the homemade pie. There are usually several choices, and pie makes a fine finish to their lunch.

Almost everyone told me to remind visitors of the famous donuts of The Washboard Donut Shop & Laundromat. They are a must-see downtown location.

Browse the unusual

Whether or not you have laundry to do, The Washboard Donut Shop & Laundromat is also home to Shenandoah Indian Arts and Crafts. They carry many beautiful objects, from paintings and sculptures to crafts of the Adirondacks.

A six minute walk farther down Park Street will bring you to Cabin Fever Floral & Gifts. This charming store is packed with fascinating items. I purchased some of the alpaca wool-covered homemade soaps as stocking stuffers one year. For the next several months, friends asked where I had gotten them.

A new choice downtown, and already popular, The Tupper Arts Center has a gift shop open in the afternoon. They feature the work of local artists, as seen in the header photo. Artists also staff the store, so you might be able to talk to the actual artist who created the piece you are interested in.

Take a break

If you are in the mood for gourmet sophistication, my neighbors are big fans of Amado. If they want a delicious and unique dinner, this is one of their favorite spots.

Craving Italian? Now you must visit Little Italy and order their homemade garlic knots, freshly made daily. 

Even when it isn't Christmas, the Trillium Gift Shop & Florist, which features a lot of Christmas oriented decorations and gifts, is a treasure hunting destination for my friend who works downtown. Trillium has all kinds of Adirondack decorative items and many special treats.

The newest addition to Park Street, Earth Girl Designs, is a must stop. 

Waterfront Views

A mid-winter afternoon is a great time to walk through the Tupper Lake Municipal Park. It is right downtown on the shores of Tupper Lake, the lake. There is a gazebo to cuddle in, a sweep of scenic vistas, and wonderful vantage points for stunning photos.

As night creeps up, stash the shopping bags and find a place for dinner. Eating in Tupper Lake is just as exciting as the shopping is.

Start shopping for a place to stay. While you're here, end the day with a gorgeous sunset with the help of this blog, Three great sunset spots.