Lake George NY has long been a popular vacation destination. Partly because of its location along a rail line halfway between the major cities of New York City and Montreal, this town and corresponding lake began attracting travelers as early as the late 1800s. The early visitors were among the country’s richest and most famous citizens, and among other things, they came to bask in the beauty of the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Several mansions were built on pristine lakeside plots, and while most of these palatial estates were eventually torn town, others were spared and converted into hotels and restaurants. Another Lake George NY remnant from days gone by is the Silver Bay YMCA. It was built in 1900 and has evolved into a popular family summer camp.

Lake George Attractions

Over the years, Lake George NY became less of a destination for the super rich only and more of a place that all people could escape to. While this shift was playing out, the scenic allure of the lake and mountain scenery maintained its role as the main attraction. Surrounding the Lake George area is the Great Appalachian Valley, which is arguably one of the most picturesque areas in the country. Several park areas are found along the lake and provide excellent places to enjoy the scenery and some outdoor recreation. When Lake George visitors aren’t enjoying the Great Outdoors, they can focus on some of the area’s other major attractions. Among these attractions are Fort William Henry, the Lake George Battleground, and the Wild West Ranch. Fort William Henry was a British Fort that was built in 1755 and sat on the southern end of Lake George. Destroyed in 1757 during a famous French siege, Fort William Henry was replaced with a replica almost 200 years after its demise. Today, the site is a living museum. The Lake George Battleground is also found on the southern end of Lake George. It was the site of a 1755 battle that pertained to the French and Indian War. As for the Wild West Ranch, it is just south of the Lake George Battleground and offers family entertainment with an "Old West" theme.

Outdoor Recreation

The outdoor recreation options in and around Lake George are numerous. Boating is just one idea, and it isn’t difficult to arrange lake cruises during the warmer months. Hiking, swimming, picnicking, and camping are other popular activities among Lake George visitors who drop by during the warmer seasons, and you can also consider adding some birding or fishing to the mix. For those who are wishing to expand their horizons even further, such activities as parasailing and playing miniature golf can also be included on a Lake George NY vacation itinerary. Not to be overlooked are the winter activity options. Among them are cross-country skiing, downhill skiing at nearby ski resorts, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. When a break from recreational pursuits is in order during your Lake George escape, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to duck into. The town of Lake George offers a larger mix of restaurants and shops than any other community along the shores of Lake George, not to mention the most extensive nightlife options.

Lake George NY Resorts

The hotels that are found in and around Lake George come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and categories. There are also vacation rental properties for travelers to consider. Because of the fact that they offer a wide array of activity options, the area’s resorts are among the most popular places to stay. Among the resorts that can be found in the town of Lake George are the historic Fort William Henry Hotel and the multi-faceted Georgian Resort & Conference Center (pictured). Several other wonderful Lake George NY resorts can be found in and around the town of Lake George, and there are also options in other lakeside communities. To the north in Bolton Landing, for example, awaits The Sagamore. This historic retreat has been welcoming travelers to the Lake George shores for more than 100 years. Even further north along the coast of 32-mile-long Lake George is the Northern Lake George Resort. It calls the community of Silver Bay home and is a fantastic place to escape to a while. As a general tip, all Lake George visitors are encouraged to weigh as many options as possible when trying to make their ultimate lodging decisions. Between the resorts, chain hotels, motels, b&b’s, and vacation rentals, there are lots of places to choose from. Of course, you can always opt to go camping instead.

Lake George Camping

While there are so many great lodging establishments to choose from in and around Lake George, many vacationers understandably opt to go camping. The scenic beauty of this lake and mountain area coupled with the abundant outdoor activities quite simply makes it a prime camping destination. A number of campgrounds and RV parks are situated in and around the town of Lake George, and they offer everything from rustic tent sites to cabins. There are also RV resorts with extensive facilities. Examples include, but aren’t limited to, the Lake George Camping Resort, the Riverview Campground, the Lake George RV Park, and the Adirondack Camping Village. Once again, it is a good idea to weigh as many options as possible, as the types of Lake George campsites and the overall amenities that they have to offer vary considerably.