A Local's Guide to Vacationing in Lake George and the Adirondacks, NY (Part Two)

You are all set to go. Whether it's your first time to Lake George or your annual trip, there is always something to see. A three hour drive from New York City and Canada, Lake George is the place to go for Adirondack views, great food, and unique shops. But your brochures and guides won't tell you about the places you are about to hear of. Only the locals or the die hard vacationers know these secrets.

So, put down those brochures. Forget about ten dollar parking to get into the Great Escape (where it costs $3.00 for a soda and $7.99 for a tuna wrap). Don't even think about waiting in line at Martha's for an hour. You are about to experience the real Lake George in the Adirondacks during the summer. I've done all the Internet searching for you, links are included in this article.

To find out how to survive Lake George's main attraction, Canada Street, see my article, A Local's Guide to Vacation in Lake George and the Adirondacks, NY Part One.

"The Bests" in The Area (outside of Lake George Village):

If you are willing to venture off of Canada street, I have a lot to tell you about. This area has much more to offer!

The Best Place to Picnic/Get a Tan/Hang Out on Lake George For Free:

You heard me! Picnic, get a tan, hang out...on the lake! For free! Probably my all time favorite day trip in the area. A little known place, Knapp Estates (AKA Shelving Rock) is by far the most beautiful place to relax by the lake at no cost.

The trick is, you have to get there early, and you have to be able to drive about forty minutes down a windy dirt road. If you can do these things, the trip is worth your while. Bring a picnic lunch, battery operated radio, towels, plenty to drink, reading material, sun block, etc. Camp out on a big rock for the day and go swimming in the lake. Wave to the steamboats as they drive by!

Directions to Knapp Estates, NY: Coming off of I87, follow signs for Route 149 into Fort Ann. Follow 149 until you see a building on your left with a big rooster on the front. Turn left here, Buttermilk Falls Road, and follow. Keep following even when it turns to a dirt road. Keep following even when it winds and twists. Keep following past the hiking mountains (unless you're up for a hike, free and beautiful!), keep following past the campgrounds. You will come to a place (no signs, hard to describe) where it looks like you can go no further, and there are about four parking spots in one section and four in the other. There are typically cars parked here. Park and follow the footpath. The path to your right is difficult, to your left easier. Follow around until you see gigantic rocks protruding out onto the lake. That's the spot!

Pick your favorite rock and set up camp. Most of the rocks give easy access to the water. The very first rock (looks like a peninsula) is by far the best rock there. If you are lucky enough, set up right there for the day and claim that spot! There's even a pit on this rock for a bonfire. For more info., see this website:

www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9194.html

The Best Ice Cream (Better Than Martha's) in the Lake George/Adirondack Region:

Look, I've been going to Martha's since I could get ice cream into my mouth. It's no secret that it's the best around, or it was. But, a few years ago, when Great Escape bought Martha's...let's just say, it just isn't the same. (Sorry GE, but I'm revealing all the secrets here.)

Well, it turns out the old owners of Martha's opened another ice cream place! It's about a ten minute drive from Lake George, but for that old school Martha's taste, it's worth the trip. See Rob and Deb's website for directions, flavor info, and the full scoop.

www.frozendreams.com/directions.asp

The Best Pizza in The Lake George/Adirondack Region:

Is it better than Capri Pizza? Hard to say. But if you are sick of the tourist crowds and just want to sit down at a homey place for some good old fashioned pizza and drinks, come to The Harvest in Queensbury. All the locals know about their pizza. Words cannot do it justice, you will just have to try it for yourself. See website for hours and directions.

www.menumart.com/harvest/

Hiking in the Adirondacks:

If you get caught up in all the tourist attractions, you might forget what the Adirondacks are all about--natural views. For more about safety and Adirondack peak guides, see this website:

www.adirondack.net/Hiking/

The Best "I'm-Sick-of-The-Lake-George-Shops-Need-Something-New-and-Less Tourist-y:

If you still want that Adirondack charm but really need to get away from the tourism, drive right on by Canada Street. In fact, at the end of Canada Street veer right toward Bolton Landing.

The Village's charming and quaint cousin, Bolton Landing has a smaller strip with very adorable-type craft stores and other small boutiques, nothing too tourist-y.

Picture iron street lamps, picket fences, and Adirondack style restaurants. There is even a free beach! For food, stop at The Algonquin before you get to the strip at Bolton Landing, it's on your right, lakeside. With decks right on the lake watch the boats go by as you eat. Open for lunch and dinner.

www.boltonchamber.com/

www.thealgonquin.com/slideshow/slideshow.asp

The Best Tourist Shop in the Lake George/Adirondack Region:

No, this time I'm not talking about quaint shops. I am going to tell you where to find the cheapest t-shirts, bathing suits, pool toys, flip flops, and other junk with Lake George printed on it.

Hey, you know these stores are fun. On your way into Lake George coming from the south on the left you will see Riley's 2 Dollar T-Shirt Outlet. Stop there! Go in.
It's fun to sort through all the knick knacks and weird gifts. At the very least, you can buy something to remember Lake George by for next to nothing.

The Best Mini Golf in the Lake George Region:

Well, this could start a debate. There's always the chain, Pirate's Cove. It's modern, it's exciting...but if you've done it once, you don't really want to do it again. And anyway, the Pirate's Cove in Queensbury is much better than the one in Lake George. Ten minutes south on Route 9, ithe Queensbury branch has go carts and an arcade next door.

My next favorite is Gooney Golf (can't miss it on your way into The Village on the left next to the Northway exit). It's old, a little run down, but still fun, filled with colorful statues and a few challenging holes. And next door too Gooney golf is, you guessed it, a gift shop! There is a small arcade as well.

If you've already tried both of these, I would suggest heading toward Fort Ann to Hillbilly Fun Park. Here, you can choose from New York State themed mini-golf or Around the World themed. And after you're finished, they serve ice cream! Just head down Route 149, it's on the left. About a ten-fifteen ride from Lake George.

www.piratescove.net/
www.goonygolf.com/

HillBilly Fun Park
www.lakegeorge.com/ShowLink.cfm

The Best Breakfast Within 25 Miles of Lake George:

Poopies. No, I'm not still talking about where to go to the bathroom in Lake George. Poopies is a little family run restaurant in Glens Falls, and everyone who has been to the area a few times knows about it.

Wonderful breakfast at low prices, diner style, seat yourself, and watch the cook prepare your meal while you wait.

Users on this page give it a 10 out of 10!
www.mytravelguide.com/restaurants/profile-52029405-United_States_New_York_Glens_Falls_Poopies.html

The Scoop on The Lake George Outlet Center:

The outlets. They are crowded, hot, and the traffic is just plain scary. Are they worth it? It depends. If your definition of outlet is finding dirt cheap surplus or defective items, you will probably be disappointed. Most of the stores offer good sales, and typically items run anywhere from 25-75 percent off full store prices. Items are usually not defective, but they aren't always dirt cheap.

In my experiences, I have found the best deals in the clearance sections of The Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Outlet, Yankee Candle Outlet, and Faltzgraph Outlet. For example, often times you can find a shirt on clearance at the Gap Outlet for only a couple of dollars. You just have to be prepared to search through what costumers have already ripped through.

Your best bet is to park at French Mountain Commons and walk to all of the centers. FMC is the dark brown colored outlet center next to The Montcalm Restaurant.

Skip the front parking lot in the center and head straight up the side (between the Outlet Center and the hotel). This is where the employees park. There is parking in the rear, and there is a rear entrance to the center.

Pick up a coupon pack for the stores and more tourist information at The Commons Deli in this plaza, which, by the way, has the best sandwiches around.

For the best sit down meal at the outlets, head across the street to The Log Jam. A bit pricey, but an excellent meal.

www.factoryoutletsoflakegeorge.com

Discounts and Additional Links:

For daily restaurant specials, coupons, and movie times, grab the latest issue of The Post Star.

Also keep an eye out for coupon racks, found in most stores and restaurants.

Save 30: Purchase gift cards on this website and receive 30 percent off the price. Only a few places offered in Warren County, but worth a search
www.save30store.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

Lake George Chamber Coupons
www.lakegeorgechamber.com/Coupons.asp

More coupons!
www.aboutlakegeorge.com/discounts_coupons.html

Pet Friendly Places in The Adirondacks
www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/uscities/guides/us/cities/usonlinecityNYAdirondacks.shtml

More Unique Things to do In The Lake George/Adirondack Area:

North:

The Adirondack Museum
www.adkmuseum.org/

White Water Rafting
www.garnet-hill.com/whitewat.htm

The Rodeo
www.paintedponyrodeo.com/

South:

Biking
www.bikeadirondacks.org/mbtrails.html

Lake George Dinner Theatre
www.lakegeorgedinnertheatre.com

Saratoga: Another Vacation Destination in Itself
www.saratoga.org/

Making Lake George Your Home: Necessity Survival Guide:

Well, if you're going to be here for a while, you'll also need to know about the places you need. Pharmacies, grocery stores, etc.

Thankfully, Lake George just added an Eckard pharmacy and drug store on the right as you enter the village from the south. If you need groceries, there is a Mini Price Chopper behind Canada Street near the Police Station.

Otherwise, go south on Route 9 about ten minutes and there is a Wal-Mart on your left. If you need a mall, continue South on Route 9 and turn right onto Aviation Road. Or take I 87 to exit 19, right off the exit and you can't miss the mall, Aviation Mall.

www.shopaviationmall.com/

A Guide to I87, AKA, "The Northway":

I hope this local's guide to vacationing in Lake George and The Adirondacks was helpful. Now you know how to spend your days and nights, beat the crowds, traffic, parking, and see what you are interested in seeing.

However, if you find yourself bored (how could you?), lost, or otherwise--if all else fails, get on "The Northway". I87 runs north and south of Lake George. Lake George village is exit 21. If you go south to the end of The Northway, you will be in New York's capital city, Albany. North, you will be singing Oh Canada! In between, there is so much to do.

Exit 13, 14, 15, 16-- Saratoga: shops, parks, race tracks, a larger mall, restaurants, etc.
Exit 17-- South Glens Falls: Lots of car companies, hotels, a few restaurants
Exit 18-- Glens Falls: A park, library, more small shops, a few great restaurants (downtown Glens Falls, try The Glen Bistro, The Gormet Cafe, Aimee's Dinner and a Movie, Wallabee's Jazz Club, The Rockhill Cafe), nightlife (The Bullpen, Hotshots, The Irish Pub, Sandy's Clam Bar)
Exit 19-- Queensbury: Aviation mall, Walmart, Target, various restaurants, especially chains (Applebees, Pizzeria Uno, Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Panera Bread)
Exit 20-- Lake George Village
Exit 21-- Bolton Landing (See above article "
The Best "I'm-Sick-of-The-Lake-George-Shops-Need-Something-New-and-Less Tourist-y")
Exit 22 -- Warrensburg: Must try Oscar's deli meats, go to Warrensburg Garage Sale in September

Good luck, and have a wonderful, unique vacation experience! If you need more advice from the locals, ask any one working in the outlet center for insider advice. We are the best tour guides! If you haven't already read part one of this article, you should! It's titled, A Local's Guide to Vacation in Lake George and the Adirondacks, NY Part One.