Thursday, December 25, 2008

Queen of American Lakes

Holiday is a treat when visiting the “Queen of American Lakes”, Lake George, situated in the Adirondack Park of upstate New York. It is a picturesque 32 miles long, with sparkler clear waters highlighted by numerous islands.

Quite a few 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 out of this world experience. Bring a camera; you’ll want a photo album of this retreat. If you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, you can rent a powerboat and take a personal tour. Make sure you have a map of the lake. Start early as most boats must be returned by 4:00pm. The truly daring can rent kayaks. I recommended departure from Bolton Landing so the Narrows and Tongue Mountain will be in paddling distance.

Numerous of the islands on Lake George are managed by the New York State Park check. 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 particular 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 take pleasure in 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. The Great Escape theme park is just minutes away. During July and early August, the Lake George Youtheatre is a must for the stage buffs. Performances are during the day on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

There are many in secret owned vacation rental cabins and cottages located on Lake George. Private rentals offer a more at ease atmosphere particularly for families with children. You can relax and enjoy the nearby beauty while the kids are sleeping or watching a video. No need for everyone to hike back to the hotel. Most holiday rentals have their own harbor, 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.