Vacation can be a treat when visiting the "Queen of American Lakes", Lake George, located in the Adirondack Park of upstate New York. It is a picturesque 32 miles long, with crystal clear waters highlighted by numerous islands. Several boat companies offer tours of the lake. A ride on the steamboat Minne-Ha-Ha will remind you of life on Lake George in the late 1800's.
Longer rides will take you through the Narrows, truly a breathtaking experience. Bring a camera; you'll want a photo album of this vacation. If you're more of a do-it-yourselfer, you can rent a powerboat and take a private tour. Make sure you have a map of the lake. Start early as most boats must be returned by 4:00pm.
The truly adventurous can rent kayaks. I recommended leaving from Bolton Landing so the Narrows and Tongue Mountain will be in paddling distance. Many of the islands on Lake George are managed by the New York State Park Service. They have day use and camping sites on many of them.
Camping here is for the stout as the only bathroom facilities are outhouses. The camping sites can be rented online at Reserve America. If you're vacationing in the area, day-using on an island is a special treat, but you must have a boat to get there. Go diving off the dock into clear blue green water. Barbeque, sunbath and relax in the shade. What more could you ask for on a hot afternoon? The day use sites can be rented at the Ranger Stations located on Long Island, Narrow Island and Glen Island.
Get there early, if you want a site on a weekend or holiday. There are many ways to enjoy a day off the lake. There are specialty shops, arcades, mini golf courses and museums in the Village of Lake George. For history buffs, there is Fort William Henry and Fort Ticonderoga. (If you're on the lake visit the memorial on Diamond Island.) The Great Escape theme park is just minutes away.
During July and early August, the Lake George Youtheater is a must for theater buffs. Performances are during the day on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. There are many privately owned vacation rental cabins and cottages located on Lake George. Private rentals offer a more comfortable atmosphere especially for families with children. You can relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty while the kids are napping or watching a video.
No need for everyone to hike back to the hotel. Most vacation rentals have their own dock, swimming area and yard. Some are located in associations with community areas.
Cabins with accommodations for 2 to 20 can be found online thru vacation rental sites. Remember, the rental cabins are privately owned, so you must contact the owner for information concerning their rental property. Once you've vacationed on Lake George, you'll agree, there's a lot to love about Lake George. .
By: June Miller
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