Some days you get up early and make your lunch for a hike. And other days it’s easier to order up.

Our go-to sandwich stops for hiking and paddling:

1. Simply Gourmet: The Saranac Avenue location is super close (1/3 of a mile) to our cottage for anytime you want a great sandwich, wrap, salad … or even great breakfast. If you’re eating there, they have dog-friendly seating on their front lawn. You can also order online and they’ll text you when your food is ready for pick-up! Of course, their 46 sandwiches are famous not only because there’s a different sandwich for each of the 46 high peaks, but they’re absolutely delicious. Homemade rolls are tasty and hold up well in a backpack. My usual is the number 1 Marcy, but every sandwich I’ve tried has been great. The only downside is their prices are a little steep, but we cut them some slack for their homemade bread and specialty toppings.

2. Adirondack Corner Store: If you don’t want to pay the sandwich prices of Simply Gourmet, the Corner Store is a cheaper option. They’ll fix whatever you want at their deli counter. If you’re hiking down toward Keene, this is right on the way, and only 2 miles for the cottage.

3. Soulshine Bagels: Depending on what you order, this may not be an ideal brown bag lunch for the backpack… but if you love a good bagel, don’t miss this shop. They do excellent house-made bagels. And you can get a bag full of hot, fresh bagels or a couple bagel sandwiches to take with you. Their location on Main Street is very walkable at about 1 mile from the cottage.

4. Lakeview Deli: If you’re passing through Saranac Lake in route to your outdoor activity, call ahead and order a sandwich from the Lakeview Deli. They have good sandwiches at very reasonable prices. There’s almost always a line out the door.

5. Shaheen’s IGA: This is a small-town grocery store in Tupper Lake, and their deli counter in the back makes amazing sandwiches. Seriously. They’re so big and stuffed with so much meat, that we usually split one. I’m telling you, the subs are huge! If you’re anywhere near Tupper Lake, stop here.

6. Trading Post at Fish Creek Ponds: This roadside store falls into the cheap eats category and is convenient if you’re paddling or hiking around St. Regis. Nothing special, but they sell good wraps and subs at very reasonable prices.