Beyond the Gas Station: 5 Local Gems Within 3 Miles of I-87 Exit 17
Most travelers recognize I-87 Exit 17 as a convenient stopping point to fuel up before merging back onto the Northway. Yet just over the hill in the South Glens Falls and Moreau corridor, the landscape quickly shifts from highway utility to a genuine local destination.
These five stops prove that some of the best things to do near Exit 17 I-87 are hidden in plain sight.
Stinky’s Coffee Co. – The Ultimate Specialty Pit Stop
Distance from Exit: 1.6 Miles
Location Hint: Inside the large Moreau Commons building (the former Autoworld/Suzuki dealership).
You will likely drive right past the massive black and red building on your left if you are not looking for it. Once the home of a Suzuki dealership, the newly minted Moreau Commons is now the base of operations for Stinky's Coffee Co. and other local businesses.
Founded by head roaster Ryan McNaughton, Stinky's is powered by a passionate team that has transformed a cavernous showroom into a cozy, two-story coffee sanctuary.
While the specialty coffee is the draw, the food program is a destination in its own right. Led by expert in-house baker Kevin Haux, the team prepares all breads and bagels fresh daily, ensuring that every sandwich starts with a high-quality foundation.
The space is designed for both the rushed traveler and the local lingering over a second cup. Their second-floor loft is stocked with plenty of charging plugs and soft seating, making it a premier spot for remote workers to escape the house.
- Freshly roasted coffee managed by Ryan and his expert team of bean handlers.
- Traditionally boiled bagels and breads made in-house every morning by Kevin Haux and his team.
- Diverse menu options including fresh breakfast and lunch items with gluten-free choices available.
Moreau Lake State Park – Nature Trails and Lakeside Views
Distance from Exit: 1.0 Mile (to the Park Office)
Location Hint: South on Route 9 with a quick turn onto Old Saratoga Road to reach the park entrance.
Pulling into this state park feels like a breath of fresh air. It sits minutes from the highway exit, yet the thick pine stands and quiet ridges manage to drown out the sound of the Northway almost instantly.
While it is convenient enough for a quick leg stretch, the park is a destination in its own right, offering everything from sandy beach swimming to rugged hiking trails that overlook the Hudson River.
You can easily spend an entire afternoon exploring the diverse landscape. The trail system caters to all levels, ranging from the flat, accessible paths around the lake to the more challenging climb up to the Moreau Overlook. During the winter, the park office often has snowshoes available for rent, allowing you to turn a standard pit stop into a full scenic trek through the woods.
Beyond the trails, the park features a nature center with educational exhibits, multiple picnic pavilions, and well-maintained campsites for those looking to extend their stay.
If you picked up a coffee and a bagel from Stinky’s, the lakeside picnic tables offer a view that beats a dashboard meal every single time.
Dancing Grain Farm Brewery – Field-to-Glass Vibes
Distance from Exit: 2.2 Miles
Location Hint: South on Route 9 with a left turn onto Old West Road.
A short drive south takes you to a 300-acre family farm where the beer literally starts in the soil. Dancing Grain is not your typical industrial brewery; they grow their own malting barley right on-site.
This commitment to the land creates a rustic, scenic environment where you can enjoy farm-inspired brews like their Crop Top Hazy IPA, which features bright citrus and pine notes.
The taproom is a hub for special events, private parties, and a rotating schedule of local food trucks that complement the fresh pours. It is a peaceful, wide-open space that highlights exactly what makes the Saratoga and Moreau border so special.
- Regenerative farming practices that produce high-quality brewing grains.
- On-site food trucks and a calendar full of special community events.
- Scenic farm views from a taproom located on the very fields where the ingredients grow.
Chez Pierre – A Taste of French Elegance
Distance from Exit: 3.0 Miles
Location Hint: South of the exit on Route 9.
Celebrating over sixty years in business, Chez Pierre is a local legend for fine dining. While the restaurant typically takes a brief winter break, they reopen for Valentine's Week and remain a staple for the rest of the year.
It remains the go-to destination for anyone looking for an authentic French experience without needing a passport.
The regular dinner menu is a masterclass in the classics, featuring elegant dishes like Veal Francaise and Salmon Florentine. Despite the sophisticated atmosphere, it remains a family-friendly destination with a dedicated Chez Kids Menu available for younger diners.
This landmark restaurant offers a level of sophistication that has anchored the region’s dining scene since the 1960s.
Fitzgerald’s Irish Sports Bar – Authentic Pub Vibes
Distance from Exit: 1.7 Miles
Location Hint: Situated right at the main intersection of Route 9 and 197.
Everyone in town knows Dango Fitzgerald’s as a pillar of the community on this stretch of Route 9. It provides that classic Irish pub warmth that works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for a rowdy night out watching the game.
The building has been a cornerstone of local life for decades, and that history shows in the relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
The menu is built on hearty comfort, featuring favorites like their signature fish and chips and crispy wings. For something unique to the house, try the Irish Nachos or their tender St. Louis Ribs
It is the kind of place where you can find a quiet booth in the corner or a high-energy spot at the bar depending on your mood.
Need a Quick Convenience Stop?
Sometimes the schedule doesn't allow for a brewery visit or a full hike. If you are in a true rush, the Exit 17 interchange still provides all the reliable essentials:
- Alltown Fresh: A hybrid of a high-end market and gas station, offering fresh made-to-order meals and specialty groceries within 3 miles of the exit.
- Quick Food: Subway and Dunkin' are close to the exit for a fast grab-and-go.
- Fuel and Basics: You can find Exxon, Speedway, and a local Stewart’s Shops nearby for quick fuel-ups and snacks.
Make the Most of Your Stop
The next time you find yourself cruising through the South Glens Falls and Gansevoort corridor, consider trading the highway shoulder for a few minutes of local exploration. You might have an hour to hike the ridges at Moreau Lake or just five minutes to grab a fresh sourdough sandwich from Stinky's.
Either way, these stops offer a far more memorable experience than a standard gas station turnaround.
