Spotlight: Lake George, NY

Monday

Fort William Henry (pictured) is an exciting historical site modeled after the British fort that was destroyed in the area during the French and Indian War. The fort is an interactive living museum that will enthrall everyone in your camp. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll be recruited and trained as soldiers—even given uniforms, muskets, and a certificate after they complete their drills. For an added dose of adrenaline, tour the grounds at night during a candlelit ghost tour and hear battleground stories handed down for generations.  

In the afternoon, beeline back to the lake to leisurely paddleboard, kayak, or tube float on the water. After, grab a table on the patio at Tavern on the Lake for some crab cakes, drinks, and killer views.

Tuesday

Feel the rush of rafting down the Hudson and Sacandaga rivers on a whitewater adventure with Wild Waters (pictured) in Warrensburg, just a ten-minute drive from the village. The 3.5-mile partial day trip is perfect for families. Thrill-seekers may be interested in the full-day 17-mile trip that includes Class III and IV rapids. Seasonal: Late June to early September, reservations highly recommended.

After cleaning up, grab dinner at Lizzie Kaeys or indulge in a round of greens at the Sagamore Golf Course. This course maximizes the beauty of the region around every bend. Whether or not you play your best round, there’s always a cocktail waiting at Caldwells in the Sagamore lobby.

Wednesday

Plunge into the day by scuba diving with Halfmoon Marine. Life under the lake proves fascinating—explore historic wrecks dating back centuries, including submerged hotel sites. You can also expect to see island walls and reefs teeming with trout and salmon.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic House (pictured), whose small but mighty art collection is one of the best between Manhattan and Montreal. The museum is brimming with work from masters like Rembrandt and Degas, along with contemporary artists. Still, it’s the art’s residence in a storied historic home that really makes it a two-for-one treasure, as you’re just as likely to stumble across a rare book in the library or spot beautiful period-era furnishings.  

Thursday

Take the short drive to Fort Ticonderoga (pictured). A reconstruction of this fort, pivotal to the French and Indian and the Revolutionary wars, means you can experience a day in the life of a soldier from a bygone era. Whether you want to catch a reenactment or tour the King's Garden, this hands-on living museum has plenty to offer all ages.  

Later, trek up Buck Mountain for a moderately challenging trail that rewards climbers with sweeping views of Lake George and the Adirondacks. Plan for at least a few hours, but bank on the views being worth the effort.

At night, head to Lake George Village to catch the town’s weekly fireworks show above the lake. Seasonal, during the summer.

Friday

Spend the day exploring the adorable town of Glen Falls, just south of Lake George. Stroll the boutiques then take on Warren Country Bike Trail if you're a casual bike rider or Gurney Lane Mountain Bike Trails (pictured) if you can shred. Cool off in the public pool nearby for just $5 admission.

Fill up on Italian classics at Rocco's Italian American Bistro or Mexican fare at Raul's—pro tip: happy hour runs from 2 to 6 pm.

Finish up at the taproom of Common Roots Brewing Company, a father-son craft beer company committed to great beer, community, and sustainability.

Saturday

Nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm (pictured) is a sandstone river valley gorge pocketed with stunning waterfalls and low-level trails to enjoy the view. At the oldest natural attraction in the US, catch a glimpse of fossils and remnants from eons ago and see trails and markers from brave souls that ventured into the canyon hundreds of years ago. Descend deep into the canyon for a unique mile walk against the sandstone, and then float back on a lazy river tour. Or, try your hand walking cable bridges, climbing under cargo nets, and along cliffs' edges with a professional guide. 

At night, grab dinner at the Boathouse Restaurant, a waterfront restaurant with private docking right on the lake, should you want to arrive in high style.

Sunday

As its name tends to suggest, the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course is a spirited obstacle course that will raise the eyebrows of even seasoned adrenaline junkies. Set some 60 feet into the canopy above the Adirondack forest, the adventure course features everything from wobbly bridges to zip lines, nets, and Tarzan swings. Prove to your friends once and for all that you could’ve made the cut for one of those extreme obstacle reality shows.

For surviving (and enjoying) a rough n’ tumble day on the adventure course, head over to Adirondack Pub & Brewery (pictured) for a pint. This family-friendly pub has a wide range of comfort-food menu options, plus hand-crafted beers brewed on site. You can even tour the brewery after your meal.