Why we love Lake George
• The beauty of the Adirondacks.
• A vacation classic that never goes out of style.
• Glamping, hiking, history…and that lake.
There’s something enticing about the idea of staying in a tented cabin in the woods, so when we heard that Huttopia—a French glamping concept—was coming to New York’s Lake George area, we knew it was time to head north to the Adirondacks for the next WeekEnder escape.
Huttopia’s general manager, Cailey Heffley, had the same reaction when she found out that the property was opening near Lake George, a place she had vacationed as a child. “I loved what Huttopia was all about: connecting with nature, simplicity, disconnecting,” says Cailey, who had been working for adventure outfitters and travel companies like L.L.Bean and Backroads. “And yet, there’s so much to do in Lake George and the surrounding area. It has exceeded all my expectations.”
 Cailey Heffley (L), Lorraine Lambiase and Sheila Flanagan (C), Scott “Scooter” Jacobs (R)
But before we go deeper, let’s talk geography. Set in the southern foothills of the Adirondacks, Lake George is the most accessible part of this six million acre wilderness—just a three-and-a-half hour drive from New York City, depending on traffic. The lake itself (nicknamed the “Queen of American Lakes”) stretches for 32 miles. Surrounding it are appealing towns like Lake George (a family favorite), Lake Luzerne (a quiet getaway), and Bolton Landing (a chic little town that’s home to the legendary Sagamore Resort). “There’s literally something for everyone here,” says Cailey.
This area also attracts artisans working in everything from the arts to food. Lorraine Lambiase and Sheila Flanagan, owners of Nettle Meadow, are rock stars in the cheese world: Esquire called their triple-creme Kunik “the sexiest cheese in the USA.” In a past life, the couple were lawyers in Oakland, California, but they got tired of corporate life and decided to pursue their cheesemaking passions in the Lake George area. When they first arrived, they were awestruck. “The natural beauty is really amazing and there’s tubing and hiking and more,” says Sheila. “It’s a wonderful escape from the rat race.”
Another local who escaped from the rat race is Scott “Scooter” Jacobs, who had been working in Albany and is now manager at the FR Smith and Sons Marina right on Lake George. “I took my tie off and put the shorts on,” says Scooter. “This is a special place full of small businesses. And it’s amazing to be on the lake: I’ve never experienced a cleaner body of water.”
Who doesn’t want to escape from the race race, even if it’s just for the weekend? So join us as we head into the wilderness to enjoy some easy living by the lake.
-Laura Begley Bloom, New York's Senior WeekEnder Writer
Map of the area
1. Gore Mountain
2. Friends Lake Inn
3. Nettle Meadow Farm
4. The Sagamore Resort
5. Northward Ho!
6. George Henry’s
7. The Inn at Erlowest
8. Prospect Mountain
9. Adirondack Pub & Brewery
10. Huttopia Adirondacks
11. The Hitching Post Tavern
Where to stay
 Huttopia Adirondacks
From glamping retreats to mom-and-pop motels to luxe resorts, you’ll find whatever kind of hotel you’re looking for in Lake George. You’ll even find campsites on Lake George’s islands that you can book through ReserveAmerica.com. Here are a few of our top hotel picks.
For Instagrammers: Huttopia Adirondacks in Lake Luzerne - With more than 100 stylish tented cabins plus a pool for cooling off and a main lodge with a restaurant, this resort makes camping easy, comfortable, and highly Instagrammable. With its French ownership, it has a chic flair, and the handmade crepes are the next best thing to a trip to Brittany. Families love all the activities (scavenger hunts, candlemaking), but it’s also ideal for couples who want to snuggle by a campfire under the stars.
For luxury lovers: The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing - This iconic lakeside resort put the area on the map when it opened in the 1800s, attracting the wealthiest East Coasters with its opulent accommodations. These days, it’s a go-to for everyone from sweethearts to families. Its outdoor pool set on the lakefront is picture-perfect. One of the best perks: Guests can take free sailing trips on The Morgan, a replica of a 19th-century wooden ship.
 The Sagamore Resort (L), The Inn at Erlowest (R)
For history buffs: Fort William Henry Hotel in Lake George - “I’m a big history buff and this is one of my favorite places,” says Sheila Flanagan. “It’s a nice hotel with a good restaurant and an historical museum.”
For foodies: The Inn at Erlowest in Lake George - A stone Queen Anne revival mansion from 1898. “I'm into old-world things and you feel like you could be in a hotel somewhere in Europe,” says Sheila. “You can have a fantastic meal with great service.”
For sweethearts: Friends Lake Inn in Chestertown - “It’s homey—an old inn where you can sit by the fire,” says Sheila. “You can also have a full dinner with a good wine list or small bites in the tavern.”
For water lovers: Northward Ho! in Bolton Landing - Set right on the lake, this spot is popular with boaters. “Owner Donny Roessler does a wonderful job and there are families who come back year after year,” says Scott “Scooter” Jacobs. “It’s also a nice place to go water skiing in the morning.”
Where to eat
From hole-in-the-wall pubs to romantic lakeside restaurants, you can eat very well in Lake George.
Best breakfasts
Caffé Vero
Caffé Vero in Lake George - “My go-to for coffee and baked goods like croissants and chocolate chip muffins,” says Cailey Heffley.
Lunchtime
 Log Jam Restaurant (L), Taqueria Paloma (R)
Log Jam Restaurant in Lake George - This dark, rustic log cabin modeled after an old Adirondack logging camp is tucked away in a strip mall parking lot. Don’t miss the poutine topped with filet tips.
Taqueria Paloma in Lake George - A Mexican spot on the Main Street with simple and fresh tacos, tortas, aguas frescas, and more.
Casual bites
 The Hitching Post Tavern
The Hitching Post Tavern in Lake Luzerne - Want to sample Nettle Farm’s award-winning cheese? The founders bought a dude ranch with one of the largest fireplaces in the Adirondacks and transformed it into a tavern and cheese plant. Choose from a range of cheese boards that include local products like maple, honey, jams, and kimchi, plus a full lunch and dinner menu. Then, watch the cheese being made from a viewing room surrounded by 200-year old logs. “It’s one of my favorite restaurants in the area,” says Cailey.
George Henry’s in Warrensburg - A former boarding house from the 1700s now serves elevated pub grub using locally sourced ingredients from places like Oscar’s Smoke House just down the road. The biscuit breaded-boneless wings are addictive.
Date night
 Tavern on the Lake (L), La Bella Vita (R)
Tavern on the Lake in Bolton Landing - Dishes like crab cakes and artichoke-stuffed chicken set the scene in this graceful stone manor house perched on a waterfront cliff. “It’s right on Lake George with beautiful views,” says Cailey.
La Bella Vita in Bolton Landing - The Sagamore Resort has several excellent restaurants, including this Northern Italian-inspired spot that uses farm-fresh ingredients. It’s hard to decide where to sit: inside the elegant candlelit dining room with soaring ceilings or on the porch at a lakefront table.
Boathouse Restaurant in Lake George - Another appealing waterfront spot. “It has excellent seafood and steak and an excellent chef and waitstaff,” says Sheila.
Drinks
 Adirondack Pub & Brewery
Adirondack Pub & Brewery in Lake George - This microbrewery makes seasonally-inspired beers using local apples, wheat, and other ingredients. Pair a pint with comfort food like fried cheese curds.
High Peaks Distilling in Lake George - Sister to the Adirondack Pub & Brewery, this distillery uses a method inspired by traditional distilleries in Scotland.
Lake George Distilling Company in Lake George - Hand-crafted rye, bourbon, and more. The Lake George Lemonade made with corn whiskey is not to be missed.
Adirondack Winery in Lake George - A family-owned micro-winery with unique blends like Serenity, a lavender-infused rose that consistently sells out.
Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail - Want to really immerse yourself in the local drinks scene? Take this self-guided beer and beverage crawl.
What to do
On the water
 Lake George Steamboat Company (L), Tubby Tubes (R)
Boating, swimming, fishing, diving—there are so many ways to enjoy Lake George and the surrounding bodies of water. Here’s a quick starter guide to some of the must-do aquatic adventures.
Lake George Steamboat Company in Lake George - Experience the majesty of the lake on a classic steamboat ride with this company that has been in business since 1817.
Tubby Tubes in Lake Luzerne - There’s nothing like tubing down a real lazy river. This family-owned company introduced the concept to the area decades ago.
Lake George Kayak Co. in Bolton Landing - Get out and explore the lake by kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board.
FR Smith and Sons Marina in Lake George - Whether you want to rent a boat for a couple of hours or a week, this is your resource.
Hiking
 Prospect Mountain
Throughout the Lake George area, you’ll find miles of hiking trails leading to gorgeous overlooks. Here are a few of the best.
Prospect Mountain in Lake George - From the 2,030-foot summit, you get spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding High Peaks. Intrepid adventurers can hike here along a steep old two-mile tramway. Or you can cheat: Drive the scenic Veterans Memorial Highway then take a short walk to the summit.
Fifth Peak in Lake George - “If you’re into hiking, you have to do Fifth Peak,” says Scott “Scooter” Jacobs. “It’s a three-hour round-trip trek that pays off with an amazing view of the lake and the islands.”
The Pinnacle in Bolting Landing - “An incredible short hike to see the lake and the islands,” says Scooter.
Potash Mountain in Lake Luzerne - This easy hike to an open area overlooking Lake Luzerne is ideal for kids.
Gore Mountain in North Creek - “People think Gore Mountain is just a winter spot, but when the leaves are changing, you can take the chairlift up the mountain to see the fall colors,” says Sheila Flanagan. “For those of us who are not afraid of heights, it’s an amazing thing to do.”
Arts and culture
 Fort William Henry Museum (L), Nettle Meadow Farm (R)
With a rich history and a thriving arts and crafts scene, Lake George keeps travelers entertained.
Adirondack Folk School in Lake Luzerne - Learn a new craft at this folk school that celebrates the cultural heritage of the region: There’s everything from blacksmithing to basket weaving to cheesemaking with Nettle Meadow’s Sheila Flanagan. You can even create your own Adirondack-style furniture.
Fort William Henry Museum in Lake George - “You get a sense of the Native American and French war period and some of the turmoil in the area,” says Sheila. “It’s important to see where and how we got here from there. And you can’t miss one of the ghost tours.”
Lake George Battlefield Park in Lake George - History buffs will love checking out a major Revolutionary War battle site and more in this 35-acre park at the southern end of the lake.
Nettle Meadow Farm in Thurman - The Nettle Mettle founders also run this magical farm 40 minutes away from their cheese plant and tavern. It’s home to Nettle Meadow’s production herd of sheep and goats, as well as a sanctuary for more than 100 animals, including llamas, horses, pigs, and bunnies, who had no place else to go.
Painted Pony Championship Rodeo in Lake Luzerne - For a different kind of cultural experience, head to this down-home rodeo. “It’s one of the certified national rodeo locations,” says Sheila. “It’s a fun family event.”
Getting there
Depending on traffic, Lake George is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Midtown Manhattan.
Pit stop
You’ll probably take the Taconic Parkway to get to Lake George, and if not, it’s worth a detour to check out the Martindale Chief Diner in Craryville, built in 1958. Don’t miss the mezcal Bloody Mary or the homemade carrot cake, a fan favorite.
Listen
ADKX-tra Credit - This 25-episode podcast series from The Adirondack Experience is aimed at kids, but it's also fun for grown ups to learn more about the history, the wilderness, and the people in this vast area. |
Weekend plans. Shared.
Send The WeekEnder to your favorite road trip pal.
|
|
