The total solar eclipse taking place on April 8, 2024, is sure to be a sight for all who look up! This unique event will see visitors flocking to the Adirondack Coast along Lake Champlain. 

This region is spotted with small towns and hamlets, farms and farmland, fantastic food, lodging, and shops full of treasures new and vintage.

Here are a few of our favorite places to check out!

Westport:

Westport is a charming little town sitting pretty on Lake Champlain. It has a small Main Street with a clothing and gift boutique; The Bessboro Shop, and an eclectic local art gallery; Ledge Hill Studio. 

For some awesome food, be sure to check out the newly opened Mountain Dog Restaurant and Pub.

For a pastry and coffee in the morning, we love to hang out at Jambs on Main. If you need a bottle of Rose, be sure to check out Homestead Spirits. 

Wintons 1898 Tavern is another option for local food. Located at the Westport Golf Course, they have a great new menu and inviting bar.

Another unique spot is Trigo – The Triple Green Jade Farm Bakery and Store located in Westport. The Farm store is a collaboration with The Essex Food Hub – a self serve grocer located at Trigo AND Rivers and Rails Deli.

For more information about Westport events, visit their local webpage. 

Further up scenic Route 22, you will find the hamlet of Wadhams – which also boasts a fantastic local favorite food stop: Dogwood Bread Company. Be sure to grab a loaf of fresh bread and an espresso cookie. If you’re interested in Pizza, they have take and bake available, or call and order for pickup. It’s some of the best pizza in the north country!

7 miles outside of Westport is the Champlain Peony Company. They will be in the height of spring with MANY flower and shrub options. They also feature a cute coffee shop on the premises. 

Whallonsburg:

About 8 miles up Route 22 is The Whallonsburg Grange and Whitcomb’s Arts. The Grange is a fantastic community spot that features movies and concerts. During Eclipse season they will be showing a film on Saturday, April 6. Whitcomb’s is a fantastic artisan shop that showcases several local makers — from flowers, to jewelry, pottery, clothing and wood creations. 

Rivers and Rails – Market and Deli is located at 870 Whallons Bay Rd in Essex NY, just a few hundred feet from The Whallonsburg Grange. They are a local favorite spot for sandwiches and nearby grocery items (an affiliate of The Essex Food Hub). Be sure to check them out! 

Essex: 

Traveling north toward Lake Champlain and the Essex Ferry Dock, you come to the intersection of Route 22 and the quaint Main Street of Essex, NY.

Stop into The Pink Pig Boutique and browse around the shabby chic shop, full of home goods and unique feminine clothing. 

The Neighborhood Nest is another lovely shop with beautiful treasures for sale. 

The Adirondack Art Association, at the end of Main Street, showcases local artwork and books from around the area. 

For great food in Essex, check out the Pink Pig Cafe (part of The Pink Pig Boutique) for wonderful homemade sandwiches — breakfast AND lunch, and baked goods. Essex Ice Cream Cafe features yummy hard ice cream options.

For dinner, we love to cozy up in the dining room at The Essex Inn. After dinner, The Barn Door Tavern features a warm rustic interior, beer, wine, and a beautiful seasonal deck to enjoy looking out onto Lake Champlain.

If you are interested in discovering more of the fantastic farms, galleries and shops in the region, be sure to visit: www.visitessexny.com/directory.