Good pit stops between NYC and Montreal?

March 8, 2008 12:24 PM

NYC to Montreal- We'll be driving up to Montreal next weekend and are looking for good places to stop.

Google Maps tells us to take 87 North...we could take 81 and hit Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse, but that adds another hour to our trip. Is it worth it? Is there anything on 87 worth seeing/eating/drinking?

posted by youcancallmeal to travel & transportation (10 comments total)

I did this trip in 2003. This probably won't help you at all, but... once you get into Quebec, stop at any small town and go into any non-franchise eatery, preferrably one with a big parking lot full of trucks, and get you a big plate of poutine.
posted by seanmpuckett at 1:14 PM on March 8

It's funny you should ask that. I was just listening to Splendid Table, and they mentioned a hot dog place in Plattsburg, NY that serves a local delicacy called a Michigan.

And I was just thinking, damn, I wish I had a reason to be going through Plattsburg right about now.
posted by slogger at 1:20 PM on March 8

slogger - Michigans are served throughout Montreal too. Although, admittedly, a steamie or steamé is more a Montreal thing...

youcancallmeal shouldn't detour too much for something he can have at his destination.

(personally, I always found Saratoga Springs to be a cute little old town!)
posted by elkerette at 2:31 PM on March 8

The so-called “Michigan” is also available (though not by that name) at various spots in New York’s Capital Region. I recommend Famous Lunch (Flickr self-link) if you feel like taking a five-mile detour halfway up Rt. 87 and visiting Troy.

(Apparently Rhode Island also has a smattering of places serving similar tiny chili dogs known as “New York System” hot dogs. They're everywhere!)
posted by letourneau at 2:59 PM on March 8

Ditto-ing elkerette on Saratoga Springs--some good restaurants/used bookstores/coffee shops right on the main street. And you'll go right along Lake George, which is gorgeous if you hit the right weather.
posted by hippugeek at 3:41 PM on March 8

I'll put in a vote for Saratoga Springs too. Bruno's was always my favorite pit stop, although it's under new management now. Just watch the weather next weekend. We're getting hammered with snow today and it's not likely to melt before next weekend, and stretches of 87 don't have cell coverage if you get in an accident.
posted by saffry at 4:07 PM on March 8

The 87 is actually quite scenic. It is worth the drive on its own. It goes through the Adirondacks. If you like camping you could plan a night in the mountains. The hiking is good enough to attract groups from Montréal.
posted by gmarceau at 6:40 PM on March 8

It goes through the Adirondacks. If you like camping you could plan a night in the mountains.

Unless you're interested in camping in three feet of snow, I don't think this is the best time for that.
posted by zadcat at 7:43 PM on March 8

Stop for some BBQ in Vermont.
posted by StickyCarpet at 8:11 AM on March 9

If you're taking 87, you won't go past StickyCarpet's BBQ suggestion. However, if you take 91 to 89, you will. It's a very scenic drive, and probably not much longer. If you decide to do the 91/89 route, and you decide to stop at Curtis', make sure you call first to see if they're going to be open. It's amazing BBQ, but, last I checked, they're only open seasonally.

Otherwise, on the 91/89 route, make sure not to miss: a few hours wandering around beautiful downtown Northampton, MA, a few hours wandering around Burlington, VT, a stop at the Harpoon Brewery, a stop at the Cabot Cheese Factory, a stop at Ben & Jerry's, and stops a several of the scenic vistas just off of the interstate.

And, seconding the poutine just about anywhere once you're in Canada.
posted by TurkishGolds at 3:20 PM on March 9