Discover the frost-kissed charm of Lake George, an idyllic winter retreat nestled in New York’s Adirondacks. Blanketed by snow, it offers a playground for both tradition-loving locals and adventurous visitors keen to ice fish, ski, and snowmobile. Donning my warmest attire, I ventured north from my sunny Southern home, eager for a winter getaway to Lake George, NY.
Lake George’s Culinary Options
The culinary offerings in Lake George were nothing short of a feast for the senses. Mornings began with Teddy Roosevelt-inspired indulgences at TR’s Restaurant, with treats like quesadillas to start the day and divine cannoli-stuffed French toast.
TR’s shines just as brightly in the evening—a crock of savory French Onion Soup and an expertly cooked steak joined by garden-fresh veggies, capturing the essence of home-cooked comfort.
But it was the Caldwell House Restaurant that genuinely captured the rustic romance of Lake George. This charming 1940s log cabin sets the stage for an enchanting feast, from velvety liver pâté to succulent filet mignon, not forgetting the show-stopping broiled lobster tail.
Each bite was a celebration of local flavors and cozy ambiance. I would give this dining experience a 10/10.
A Gorgeous Hotel Property
Rest and relaxation await at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake George. Welcomed by a roaring lobby fireplace, guests can unwind in generously appointed rooms with a soothing color palette and modern amenities. King-size comfort paired with home-like conveniences, like microwaves and fridges, make for an unparalleled stay.
Beyond your room, warm up in the outdoor hot tub or swim in the indoor pool. There are all shapes and sizes of rooms here to fit your family’s needs.
Further up the luxury scale is the Sagamore Resort—a tapestry of still-living history in Bolton Landing. It’s a century-old homage to opulence and grandeur.
An Amazing Ice Spectacular
The winter chill in Lake George brings a spectacle of ice. At the resort, admired ice sculptors shape ephemeral art—mesmerizing creations that may last only a fleeting moment. Evenings buzzed with excitement as guests gathered to savor unique cocktails (hello Peanut Buttercup: hot chocolate and Skrewball Whiskey) beside a crackling fire, encapsulating the spirit of winter camaraderie.
Local joints like Duffy’s Tavern extended the icy spell, where carefree dances unfold in crisp air, and the Adirondack Pub & Brewery offered toasty respite with crafted beers and toe-tapping tunes. Here, nestled against ice sculptures—baby Yoda being a crowd favorite—we celebrated winter’s glittering canvas in the teen-degree temperatures, not paying one bit of attention to the fact that my hands were numb.
The iconic Lake George Winter Carnival awaits those visiting in February—a tapestry of fun woven from quirky toilet races, fiery chili showdowns, and artisanal wood carvings. Each weekend is a whirlwind of activities perfect for family bonding and creating frosty memories to last a lifetime. This fun-filled festival has been in existence since 1961.
My debut winter escapade to Lake George revealed a surprising truth—joy thrives in the coldest of climates, where the warmth of community and tradition melt away winter’s bite.
A Fun Snowmobile Experience
During my brisk visit to Lake George, I had the chance to immerse myself in the magic of winter. Among skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowmobiling, I chose the exhilaration of snowmobiling.
A swift Uber ride whisked my companion and me to Chestertown for a two-hour expedition with C+C Adirondack Snowmobile Tours. The scenic drive itself was straight out of a holiday film, but the real adventure kicked off when I mounted the snowmobile for the first time.
The biting cold was no match for our spirits as we ventured through the course. Taking pictures was a dance of dexterity—balancing the need for ungloved hands against the crisp air. Our instructional intro to snowmobiling was brief; a handful of test runs on the office’s grounds prepared us for what lay ahead.
Then, off to the trails we went, navigating over hills and slicing through icy terrains with our sturdy machines—a symphony of engine roars and nature’s hush.
Exploring the Village of Lake George
Keeping it leisurely, I explored the charming Village of Lake George, a mosaic of quaint shops, relaxing cafes, and welcoming establishments. With a quarter of these havens open, I warmed up with Caffe Vero’s homemade tomato soup and coffee drink.
A stop at Adirondack Winery gave me a fine bottle of wine to remember the trip.
Strolling the lakefront offered a serene view of the textures of winter. It’s worth taking a moment to witness the harmonious blend of ice and color. Nearby, the Lake George Carnival site revealed determined ice fishers against the ice’s warning signs—a testament to local tradition.
The Lake George Steamboat Company’s majestic fleet offered a silent yet impressive sight, docked and resting before their next voyage.
An Epic Wintry Getaway
Lake George captivates with its winter grace, stirring a Southern soul to delight in the crystal-clear chill. From festive feasts to cozy accommodations and arctic artistry, it’s a place that transforms the starkness of winter into a celebration of life and togetherness.
I was hosted by the Holiday Inn Resort Lake George on this trip to Lake George as a representative for TravelingMom. All opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
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