What to Do Around the Lake George Region in New York

I may be a little biased...because I was born in Glens Falls, N.Y., right in the heart of the Lake George Region. I happen to think that it is one of the nicest areas to visit, in the whole of the U.S.

We are talking about right in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains. If you like the mountains, clean air and the sounds of Nature, this is where you want to visit. It's easy to get to; just head up the "Northway", highway 87, towards Canada, and you can't miss it. If you want to fly, you can fly into Albany, the State Capital, and then drive up. It's only about an hour or so. Or you can take Amtrak into Fort Edward, about 15 minutes from Lake George and Greyhound maintains a regular schedule to the area.

When you get there, you will find an assortment of accommodations, ranging from hotels, motels, dude ranches, campgrounds (over 5,000 spaces), state parks, B&B's, etc. There are over 9000 rooms available in the area. They will range from very cheap to very expensive (usually the lakefront ones are more expensive), but there is something for everyone.

The area is brimming with history and culture. I remember going to Cooper's cave in Glens Falls, which was named after James Fennimore Cooper, author of the Last of the Mohicans. That story takes place in the area. Fort William Henry, stands at Lake George and is a historic monument to our fight for freedom, during the Revolutionary war. There are also numerous battlegrounds in the area, like Schuylerville, about a 20 minute drive.

We have a great museum called the Hyde Collection, in Glens Falls, that houses some fantastic art from DaVinci, Cezanne, Renoir, Botticelli, Picasso and more. It's a must see for art lovers. Lake George is also the home of "Georgie", the "Loch Ness Monster" of the Adirondacks. Georgie was actually a hoax created in 1904 and is on display at the Clinton F. West Historical Museum in Hague, about a half hour drive and a copy is at the Lake George Historical Museum.

While you are in the area, you might also want to visit the Barton Garnet Mine, in North Creek. It is the largest concentration of garnets (January's birthstone, and NY State Gemstone). It's within a half hour of Lake George.

If you are more into the outdoors, than just sightseeing, there are over 20 beautiful lakes in Warren County, as well as numerous rivers and streams, for swimming, boating and fishing. Depending upon the season, you can go back packing, rock climbing, white water rafting, river tubing, biking, horseback riding, water skiing, sleigh riding, or snow skiing.

There is something different going on year round, including the 4^th of July barbeque and fireworks over Lake George, where the lake is so crowded with boats that you can actually walk across the lake and not get your feet wet! You also have the annual bluegrass festival, winter carnivals, Christmas Festivals, rodeos, balloon rides, boat cruises, theme parks, scenic train rides, markets, arcades and shopping.

Want to play golf? There are several 4 star rated courses in the area, including one that overlooks the lake. These are par 3 courses and are scenic, as well as challenging courses to play.

We didn't forget the people that love food. There are some really great places to eat. I don't know if it's still there, but as you come into Lake George on the road to Glens Falls, there used to be a diner. You know, the old fashioned kind that looked like an Airstream trailer...all stainless steel. Anyway, they had the best breakfast around. There are over 300 restaurants in the area, serving everything from hamburgers (BK, McD's, etc.), to barbeque, lobster, pasta and steaks. They used to have a dinner cruise on the lake that was a lot of fun and good food.

If you get the chance, go to Roaring Brook. It's a dude ranch in Lake Lucerne, about 10 minutes from Lake George. The food used to be real tasty and they have the longest bar in NY State! Make sure you check out the rock fireplace. You could actually cook a whole cow in there!

While you're in the area, and feel like doing some gambling, head down to Saratoga Springs for the horse racing. It's a great place to see and be seen. All the socialites from NYC come up to show off at Saratoga.

I hope you enjoy your visit to the area, and just tell them that Charlie sent you.