NEWSLETTER
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The village of Lake George is not only home to the pristine "Queen of the American Lakes," but also conveniently nestled in the alluring and expansive Adirondack Park. In warmer months, 176 miles of shoreline and 245 islands makes this lake-front village a summer vacation destination while the colder months beckon outdoor adventurers to enjoy some of the best skiing on the East Coast, as well as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and more. Here’s how to spend a memorable 48-hours in this year-round paradise.
FRIDAY
4 pm: Make Yourself at Home
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Lake George boasts a variety of lodging options that are both cozy and captivating. Fully immerse yourself into the life of a local at the Courtyard by Marriott, situated in the heart of the village’s main street within walking distance of the best dining, shopping, and experiential options. Picture-postcard views of the lake and surrounding mountains can be captured from any room. Live in the lap of luxury just down the road at the Inn at Erlowest. Built in 1898, this mansion offers 10 lush suites, all of which include a jacuzzi, fireplace, and balcony with stunning lake views. With gourmet fine dining right on site you can wine and dine without ever leaving the comfort of this home away from home. Pursue the pinnacle of lodging at The Sagamore Resort, 20 minutes north of the village in Bolton Landing. Combining classic elegance with upscale amenities, the Sagamore offers a wide range of accommodations from the original 1883 hotel to bi-level luxury suites located in a former 19th-century carriage house. Amenities like award-winning dining, immersive indoor and outdoor activities, an 18-hole golf course, full service spa, and movie loft, make it hard to leave.
5 pm: Shop and Stroll Main Street
Stroll the lively, shop-lined streets of the village where more often than not you can hear live music in any direction, see the lake come alive with activity in every season, and enjoy festive decorations in Shepard Park. Add to your winter wardrobe with a locally-made and branded fleece from Local, where you can also snag swimsuits and golf polos in the summer. Check out Rileys for quintessential souvenirs for all ages. The Lake George Olive Oil Company is a great place to find your new favorite olive oil, vinegar, jam, sauce, and an array of local products.
6 pm: Unwined for the Evening
The Adirondack Winery is the perfect place to cozy up with a warm wine cocktail or cool off with a wine slushie. The walls of wine can be overwhelming to choose from, so try the $15 signature tasting which includes seven wines of your choice plus a complimentary Adirondack Winery-branded glass.
7 pm: Dinner at Log Jam
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Appreciate true Adirondack ambiance with an authentic log cabin dining experience at Log Jam, a locally owned and operated restaurant for 45 years. You’ll be surrounded by pine logs cut from the mountains above Lake George, and three massive stone fireplaces which provide a perfectly snug setting. On the menu you can find expertly prepared seafood, prime rib, lamb chops, charbroiled steaks, fresh lobster, and chicken and pork entrees. Looking for lighter fare? The Log Jam features a delicious salad bar with homemade salads, dressings, a vast selection of fresh vegetables, and their ever-popular cinnamon raisin bread.
SATURDAY
9 am: Activate Your Adrenaline
The mountains are calling! A 30-minute trek north of Lake George will bring you to Gore Mountain, which offers the sixth-greatest vertical drop in the east and the most ski-able terrain in New York State. It's one of the most popular alpine skiing and snowboarding destinations in the Adirondacks, with an even mix of trails across levels and plenty of gorgeous glades. Not up for a big mountain? Not a problem. The North Creek Ski Bowl (also at Gore) has plenty of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Snowmobiling is another popular Adirondack outdoor excursion. Speed through the snow with C and C Snowmobile Tours, who will customize your tour to your ability and desires.
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In the warmer months embrace the elements with earth, water, and air adventures. Hike up to the gazebo at Pilot Knob and enjoy sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Go with the flow and kayak through the cool, blue water as you soak in stunning island views. Take to the sky and soar above the water, mountains, and town on a parasailing adventure.
4 pm: Summer Sightseeing Cruise
Summer is the perfect season to tour the 32-mile long lake with The Lake George Steamboat Company. Comprised of three historic cruise ships, the Minne-Ha-Ha is one of the last steam paddle wheel ships in America, the Mohican is the oldest continuously operated tour boat in America, and the Lac du Saint Sacrement is the largest cruise ship on the inland waters of New York State. This triumphant trio offers about a dozen tours daily, which cover a wide-range of preferences. Choose from sightseeing, to sunset dinner, night-time, and even firework or champagne brunch cruises. Don’t miss the foliage cruises in the fall as the surrounding hills burst with vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange.
6 pm: Dinner at Caldwell House
A day of adventure will work up an appetite. Caldwell House Restaurant & Martini Bar is a cozy but high-end log cabin restaurant within the village, touted by locals and visitors as some of the best food and service in the area. Superb surf-and-turf cuisine is what you can expect at this restaurant, also featuring a signature martini selection, and homemade desserts. (reservations suggested for weekends)
7 pm: Lakeside Fireworks or Mini-golf Madness
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After dinner in the village you’re in the prime location to enjoy fireworks over the lake! Every Thursday from July 4-August 29 you can enjoy summer fireworks, and in the winter you can warm your soul with Winter Carnival fireworks every Saturday in February. Keep the adventure going all night and hit the ice for an Adirondack Thunder hockey game. The proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's New Jersey Devils plays in Glens Falls, a bustling small city less than 20 minutes from Lake George.
In the warmer weather, try your hand at a hole-in-one and have a whole lot of fun at Goony Golf. For over 50 years, this treasured spot has offered some of the most whimsical and outrageous miniature golfing adventures. Just down the road is Around the World Miniature Golf, which offers two 18-hole courses where you can play around famous US or international landmarks.
SUNDAY
9 am: Breakfast at Biscotti Brothers or Bank Cafe
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Roll out of bed and right into Biscotti Brothers for breakfast. Choose from mouth-watering menu items like eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, French toast, crepes, and of course, homemade biscotti. Or blend in with the locals at Bank Cafe. This unassuming not-so-hidden gem is housed in an old bank and a popular spot for inexpensive, quick counter service and some of the best breakfast sandwiches around.
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic walk along the lake where you can marvel in the magic of the “Lake George mystery spot”, check out a life-size pine log canoe sculpture recognizing the area’s French and Indian War history, and get a glimpse of the historical Fort William Henry Museum.
10 am: Chills, Thrills, or Tranquility
Every weekend in February, Lake George hosts their famous Winter Carnival. Some of the main events include outhouse races on the ice, ice diving demonstrations, cook-offs, and bonfires on the beach. The most popular event is the car, motorcycle, and ATV races on the ice (weather permitting.) Spectators can walk out onto the ice to get an exclusive look into all of the action.
In the warmer months, thrilling twists and turns await you at Six Flags Great Escape with popular rides like the Steamin’ Demon, Sasquatch, and Adirondack Outlaw. You can also take a spin on Lake George’s largest outdoor go-kart track at Adventure Family Fun Center.
If indoor rest and relaxation is more your speed, bask in the luxury of the full-service spa at The Sagamore Resort. Enjoy a restorative HydraFacial, The Aroma Paradise Wrap body treatment, or The Adirondack Stone massage.
2 pm: Lunch at The Lagoon
Before you head out, grab one last gourmet meal. End your lakeside escape with a wood-fired brick oven pizza at The Lagoon, which offers some of the best views of the southern end of Lake George along with fantastic food and drinks in a family (and pet-friendly) atmosphere. In the warmer months you can sit out on the lakeside deck and enjoy live music. They're known for their variety of specialty thin crust pizzas, burgers, pastas, and seafood dishes. Make new friends at the bar which features an assortment of 20 local craft beers and ciders on tap. Cheers to a fun-filled 48 hours in Lake George!
GETTING THERE
By plane: Albany International Airport, 50-minute drive. Rental cars are available at the airport, as well as several rideshare options to take you to your destination.
By train: AMTRAK® runs routes from New York City to Montreal with daily stops in Fort Edward, about 20 minutes from the Lake George Area. Car rentals, taxis and Greater Glens Falls Transit System shuttles are available from the station.
By bus: Trailways or Greyhound maintain a regular schedule to towns throughout the Lake George Area from destinations across the U.S.
By car: