For those of you who are relatively new to the Dirty Dam, you probably are catching on to the fact that Potsdam is pretty dang small and there really isn’t that much to do. Well, I can’t say that you’re wrong! Having lived here since my glory days in utero, I know a few spots that are pretty great. Here are the fifteen best places to go, chosen by Potsdam’s eternal townie (aka yours truly!)
1. Little Italy
All of the pizza places in Potsdam are pretty great, but Little Italy is one of the best. If I could live there, I probably would.
2. Great Northern Printing
I’m so not putting this on the list just because it’s my family’s business or because my mom said she’d get mad if I didn’t... Totally not...! In all seriousness, it’s one of the coolest businesses in Potsdam and one of the only places to get custom apparel (that's actually good) in the North Country. Also, the owners are really awesome (I’m not biased at all...!)
3. North Country Neighbors
If you’re looking to pop some tags, this is the place to go. I found so many cool things at this thrift shop over the years, and it is definitely one of my favorite spots in town! Plus, the owners are cool too and I’m actually not biased this time...
4. Walmart
Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking -- why is Walmart a good spot? Well, it’s an excellent place to kill time! My friends and I like to play a game sometimes where we have to find the weirdest item in the store. It has definitely led to some interesting finds... Plus, you know, Walmart is also great for getting things you actually need.
5. Market Lanes
If you like bowling and the smell of nachos, this is the place to go. On weekends, they have cosmic bowling, which is super fun! It’s basically like a bowling rave with tons of black lights and lasers. There is also a “Hook” pinball machine -- talk about a bonus!
6. Park Bros
If you haven’t heard of this place on Instagram, then you’re probably following the wrong people. Not only is it cute, but it has really great coffee. If you want to find an equally hipster-ish spot, Jernabi's also has great coffee.
7. The graffiti wall by The Tile Company
It's really cool. One of my friends brought me to this place during my sophomore year at Potsdam High and it's awesome! It's also a great backdrop for impromptu photoshoots.
8. Roxy Theater
Movies. Movies and POPCORN! It's pretty much the greatest combination.
9. Ives Park
Upsides: It’s a great place to kill time before waiting for the movie to start; it’s everyone’s dream "first kiss location" in middle school; it has a pretty cool gazebo.
Downside: There’s a lot of goose crap and a lot of angry geese. But don’t chase them! I learned that the hard way...
10. Foxy Roxy’s
From crazy breakfasts with the swim team to their ginormous pancakes, this was a pretty great spot when I was in high school.
11. The Toilet Gardens
Talk about a real life “Game of Thrones,” am I right? Since I'm including this, you know I'm running out of places. But for some reason, these are pretty much Potsdam landmarks. If you’re confused, don’t worry! So am I...
12. Potsdam Humane Society
If you like animals and you have a soul, you’ll love it there. You can also become a volunteer; I did that over winter break, and it was so much fun!
13. Chilly Delight
Best. Frozen yogurt. Ever.
14. McDuff's
Back in the days of the 18 and older downstairs dance club (by back in the day, I mean last year), I went there once with my friends. I don't know if this still exists, or if it's even a thing anymore, but it was a lot of fun. So, if you’re of age, check it out. Just be sure to watch out for the guy in the cowboy hat...
15. SUNY Potsdam
It's why most of us are here anyway and a huge reason why I grew to love living in Potsdam. Here, I had some of my best experiences, met some of my best friends and only live two minutes away. Though Potsdam may seem small, the moments we have at school make it seem big, which causes me to say cheesy things like this.
