• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

Café Sarah    (Photo: Betsy Wiesendanger)

After a morning hike, grab a two-inch-thick brownie and a double-shot cappuccino at Café Sarah (260 Main St.; 518-251-5959) a homey, mismatched hangout on Main Street. Or drop by later in the day for a pesto-smeared mozzarella-and-tomato sandwich, served hot or cold on crusty bread. Breakfast burritos and hike-ready boxed lunches are also available.

Stockpile some carbs at the Place (5156 Rt. 8; 518-494-3390), a too brightly lit Italian eatery in Chestertown, twelve miles away on Route 8. Warm your hands over the zuppa di clams ($20.50), a heaping bowl of steamed clams and shrimp over linguine. Or just replenish protein with a twelve-ounce sizzling steak (also $20.50), nicely trimmed of all fat, yet still flavorful.

There’s no better deal in town than the turkey dinner at the warmly lit, low-ceilinged Black Mountain Restaurant (2999 Rt. 8; 518-251-2800). For a little under $11, you get moist breast meat over a mound of homemade dressing with mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies. On Saturday nights, try the prime-rib special ($19); the huge slab comes with your choice of potatoes and sides.

Published on Nov 7, 2007 as a web exclusive.