Population is more than a number. It’s also a state of mind. Take Glens Falls, NY. It’s known as “The Empire City.” But Glens Falls feels like a town. It looks like a town. And with a population of about 15,000, it really is a town. (Not surprisingly, its other nickname is Hometown U.S.A.)

Being a town is hardly a knock. We think it’s a good thing. After all, Glens Falls is part of our Road Trip Destination Guide, a list of big towns and small cities we believe are worth traveling to whether it’s a short distance or a long haul.

Glens Falls has a lot on its side. Take the location, right off Interstate 87, which traces New York State’s eastern border, north to Canada and south to Albany before hitting NYC.

Glens Falls is located at the gateway of the Adirondack Mountains, beside the Hudson River and a hop, skip and a jump from hot spots such as horseracing capital Saratoga and vacation destination Lake George. It boasts a storied history and a revitalized arts district. And its diverse array of attractions, ranging from caves worthy of exploration to art museums designed to stroll through, give it an eclectic appeal that few towns can pull together. So let’s gas up, jump in the car, and take a closer look at Glens Falls.

Getting to Glens Falls and where to stay

If you’re truly making Glens Falls a road trip destination, you don’t need to travel far off the beaten path. That’s because I-87 is a major highway. If you’re driving in from New York City, it can take you a few as three and a half hours — or countless hours more depending on NYC traffic. Choose your drive times wisely. You’re about the same distance and drive time to Boston, which poses similar traffic perils.¹

If you’re flying in, then Albany International Airport is your best bet, at just an hour away. Additionally, there is bus station in town and an Amtrak station in neighboring Fort Edward.

As for crashing, the good news is that you’re not going to spend a fortune in Glens Falls. In fact, you’re going to have to try hard to spend more than $200 per night. Try the Queensbury Hotel if you want to go the non-chain route. The hotel, which features some captivating lobby architecture, offers pet-friendly rooms, a lounge, gym and a convenient location in the middle of it all.²

You can also opt for a local Super 8 and Quality Inn. And remember, you’re right there at the threshold of the Adirondack Mountains. If you want to rough it in the great outdoors, check out Lake George Campsite north of Glens Falls and Adirondack Gateway Campground to the south for a “room” with a truly spectacular view.

What to do in Glens Falls (And Nearby)

One of the reasons Glens Falls shines as a worthwhile road trip destination is because it offers something for every season, indoors and outdoors.

If you’re looking for specific times to target for a Glens Falls visit, try September, which is when the Adirondack Balloon Festival is traditionally held. Join north of 150,000 revelers over four days to gaze at hot air balloons, maybe even ride up in one, and take in in other family-friendly fun including a craft fair. The festival, celebrating its 45^th anniversary, has been named one of the Top 100 events in North America.³

If you want to blaze your own trail, let your curiosity guide you into the vast wilderness of the Adirondacks. Be sure to make a stop at Cooper’s Cave, located right on the Hudson River. Writer James Fenimore Cooper, the cave’s namesake, famously used the area as a muse when penning “The Last of the Mohicans.” Cooper’s Cave is open Memorial Day through Oct. 31, and it’s free to the public. Bring your laptop or a notebook and pen — who knows when the writing mood will strike you.⁴

With Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains both a stone’s throw from Glens Falls, you also have all the traditional watersports and hiking in the summer, and skiing at nearby West Mountain when the winter hits. If you want more structured activities, try the Fort William Henry Museum & Restoration, a restored 18^th century British fort.

Seeking some indoor time? The Hyde museum is an unexpected find, boasting one of the Northeast’s most impressive and eclectic art collections. With works from Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, among others, the museum’s permanent collection features more than 4,000 works of art.⁵ If you have the kiddos in tow, check out the World Awareness Children’s Museum, filled with interactive and educational exhibits designed to expose kids of all ages to global experiences.⁶ And don’t call it a day in Glens Falls before grabbing a homebrewed beverage at Davidson Brothers Brewpub, a great local spot featuring live music.⁷

Finally, if you’re in town from late July to early September, then you have to make the 30-minute drive north to Saratoga to watch the ponies at Saratoga Race Course. Named “one of the world’s greatest sporting venues” by “Sports Illustrated,” the thoroughbred track is a 150-year-old landmark that seats 50,000 spectators in its world-famous grandstands while maintaining a picturesque environment inside and outside. Who knows, you might even win a few bucks…. Oh, be sure to wear your fanciest hat, too.

Glens Falls isn’t just worth an extra tank of gas and a few days of your time because of all it has to offer — and it’s substantial. The Empire City is also a top road trip destination because of what surrounds it, from mountain adventures to lakeside relaxation and maybe a few $2 Show bets on some longshot ponies — some extra cash to pay for that gas and hotel room.

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