9 Reasons to Drive to Lake George, New York

This popular year-round destination in the Adirondacks has everything from ice fishing to hot air ballooning.

Situated halfway between NYC and Montreal , Lake George has long been a democratic getaway destination for New Yorkers and Canadians likewise . The lake itself is 32 miles extensive and located at the root word of the Adirondack Mountains . Originally call Andia - ta - roc - te by the Indigenous people of the field , its current name was designated in 1755 after King George II and the townspeople also consists of different community along the water like the Village , Bolton Landing , and Diamond Point .

Once renowned as a country dodging for the flush , this popular destination offers plenty of twelvemonth - round action like hot air ballooning , scenic sauceboat rides , and hiking , along with seasonal quest likeice fishingin the winter . In the summertime , Lake George can see its population well to as much 50,000 people partaking in activities on the water , but there ’s no reason to wait until then because cold weather escapade expect you now .

Located just a mere 200 miles by from NYC , here are nine of our favorite reasons to drive to Lake George .

LAKE GEORGE

LAKE GEORGE

Learn about the local history through forts, boat tours, and historical reenactments

For chronicle nerds , Lake George has 1770s fort and artifacts as the area was a turf war between European settlers in the form of theFrench and Indian War . To watch more about this war that ’s conceive to be one of the first major globose conflicts , check out outFort Ticonderogawith long suit tour like Ticonderoga Guns By Night demonstrating 18th century cannons and musket ; a75 - min boat toursailing past the Adirondack Mountains , and the Ticonderoga Museum showcasing unparalleled exhibits from18th 100 carte , evolution of fortress building , and the life of Sarah Pell , the garrison ’s co - founder;Fort William Henry Museumfor chronicle and reenactment of the 1755 French and Indian War ; andThe Sembrich , a cultural hub on the National Register of Historic Places , provide concerts , programme , a historical museum , and memorabilia , on Acre of plush yard . Every summertime sees gratuitous concerts and events in the townspeople and mid - September brings theLake George Jazz Festivalfor cultivation lovers .

Experience the magic of a winter wonderland

Temperature - wise , it ’s still winter until mid - April in this part and Lake George put on a seasonal extravaganza to lionize in the chassis ofWinterfest . This outcome run through March 11 and includes discount rate on winter action , lodgings , eating house , and more . New wintertime attractions in town are the IG - worthyIce Castles , built with G of icicles , flash-frozen burrow , and LED - lit trash carving for a chill experience .

Soar through canopies, go on a hot air balloon, and hike trails

Have no fright of heights ? Take a thrillingTreetop & Zipline Adventureof varying difficultness through woodland canopies . For an activeness on two groundwork , hike trails the Adirondacks is screw for such asAusable Chasm(aka the “ Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks ” ) . Here , you may take the air through forest , amble past Rainbow Falls , and listen to the silence of Mystic Gorge . If hot air ballooning has always been on your bucket listing , contract up withSunKiss Ballooningand soar above the Adirondacks with professional flight operators .

View the historic manors of Millionaire’s Row

Lake George is known for its 1800s manor which were getaways of the downstate loaded during the Gilded Age . Millionaire ’s dustup is on Bolton Road , on the west side of the lake , with remaining Tudor Revival and Italianate Harlan Stone edifices likeErlowest , Mohican Point , and Wikiosco . The latter was built in 1895 by Royal Peabody , founder of Brooklyn Edison , and boasts of 10 bathrooms , a 20 - car service department , separate bungalow , boathouses , and other architectural details . With the Second Coming of 1930s income taxes , mansion maintenance became expensive ensue in their conversion to luxury resort and accommodation over the decades .

Enjoy lakeside views with your meal

Reopening in mid - April , a Lake George culinary tradition to partake in isThe Algonquin , a restaurant famed for its new American culinary art , views overlooking the water , and bar named Topside Grille . Another seasonal spot reopen in April isPumpernickel ’s Restaurant , the only authentic German eating house in the arena that also boasts the largest bozo clock in the country . A farm - to - tabular array spot to feast at isBistro le Roux , known for its wine-colored appeal and French - inspire dishes . Sushi Yoshispecializes in both Nipponese hibachi and Taiwanese fare;Capri Pizzeria & Restaurantis known for their pizzas , soups , and salads;Frederick ’s Restaurantis popular for their live music , terrace , and soup , burgers , and alimentary paste ; and163 Taproomis where to go for pub grub . In addition , there are many sept - owned eateries in Lake George Village with no online presence , so do it one-time school day and drift around townsfolk to discover more .

Sip on locally-produced wines and brews

For oenophiles , Adirondack Wineryis open daily , serving topically - made fruity and traditional wines through special degustation or by the nursing bottle . Bolton Landing Brewing Companyhas a taproom serving morsel and seasonal Lake George - craft brews . And if keen , force back 5 miles to Queensbury forSpringbrook Hollow Farm Distillerywhere maple moonshine , vodka , and limoncello are plentiful in their tasting way . Tours and outdoor seating are available for visitors .

Kick up your feet in luxury accommodations, rustic cabins, and boutique beds

TheInn at Erlowest , overlooking Lake George , will wow you with its Harlan F. Stone outside , floral wallpaper , private mahogany sauceboat ( reservation required ) , jacuzzi , and fireplace . Built as a secret manse on Millionaire ’s course in 1898 , it now serves as lavishness lodgement . For more luxuriousness , The Chateau on the Lakeis a 3 - room Gallic country auberge in the center of Bolton Landing with a private aspect of Lake George , or snug up in the lakeside chalets ofTrout House Village Resortwith a sandy beach , kayaking , and a nearby village , Hague , to research . For the budget - witting , there’sAdmiral Motel — atypical of conventional motel — with an outdoor terrace , heated pool , and trolley stop . TheHeritage of Lake Georgeis also wallet - friendly and sport motels and cottages minutes forth from activities and local attractor . favour countryfied digs ? Stay at the logarithm cabins ofCandlelight Cottagesthat have a wood - burning fireplace . If nature is your style , at least for a solar day , there is nightlong wilderness camping fromAdirondack Adventureswhere you pitch a tent ( boast about this forever ) , gather kindling for fervency , and prepare your own dinner party . And , of line , there areplenty of excellent Airbnbs worth bookingin the field if you ’d rather go that route .

Enjoy outdoor activities like parasailing and kayaking

There ’s no better way to enjoy the town than to luxuriate in its illustrious water variation activity for all ages and experience levels . Parasail on the lake in double and trios with Coast Guard licensed captain atParasailing Adventures ; glide slowly and safely on a three hourLazy Tubing River Adventurethrough the Adirondack mountains on aristocratical waves and a pebble bottom ; and whether tiro or a natural , indulge in some kayaking or paddleboarding atLake George Kayak Company . For those with temerarious tendencies , a white - water rafting adventure atAdirondack Adventuresmight just be the rush you necessitate . If you prefer a leisurely water supply experience , hop on aLake George Island Boat Tourfor scenic views , optional water action , and chronicle of the lake , covering everything from recessed ships to ghost stories . Take note that these natural process are mostly become for warmer temperatures and are dictated by conditions conditions ( always confirm availability beforehand ) .

Indulge in shops for homemade crafts, cheese, and fudge

Take memories of Lake George home by popping intoThe Indian Tepee Gift Shopin Bolton Landing for Adirondack kickshaw , jewellery , houseware , and custom gifts ; bug out intoLive Love Laughfor soaps and crafts ; do n’t impart without cheeses fromArgyle Cheese Farmer Store & Bakery , producing high timbre Malva sylvestris , buttermilk , and yogurt on an 1860s family farmplace ; satiate your cherubic tooth and add household Adirondack confect apple , buff corn , and fudge fromThe Candy Apple ; the popularTom Tom Shopfor local gifts and souvenirs;Candy Space , an interactional candy computer storage that launches afters in a rocketship;Trig Point Designsfor optical maser - slew map of the Lake George area on cups , underframe etc . Many unique shop have no online comportment so stumble upon them is a treat , like Silvermine North glass shop and Heroes Hideout for vintage toys and comic collectibles .

The Sembrich