I came alone and walked up an unassuming flight of stairs to the second floor that opened onto a narrow hallway with a reception desk. Before arriving at the Room, I could already sense the rich smell of damp earth that permeated the space.

Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake is a small town that thrives on the tourism of nature. Drawing in visitors from all around the world this high peaks jewel is a quiet, beautiful threshold to New York's untouched wilderness. The view is best enjoyed from a boat.

Fried chicken. Biscuits. Sausage gravy. Artisanal root beer. House-made pickles.

Now in its tenth year, the Division Street restaurant has proven its staying power in a city of amazing eateries. Bacaro’s wine bar and small plates (“cichetti”) are modeled after the “bacaros” of Venice—workingmen’s pubs that serve snacks and small glasses of wine.

Where New Yorkers escape when the heat wave hits the city. Easy to access with subway and buss but less crowded than Rockaway.