Lake George, New York

Narrow, 32-mile-long Lake George is nicknamed the Queen of the American Lakes. It is surrounded by the Adirondack mountains, which amounts to some of the most stunning scenery on the East Coast. Its pristine waters and untouched wilderness are also steeped in American history. Fort William Henry, built by the British, sits on its southern end, and Fort Ticonderoga, constructed by the French, is to the north. The name Deer Leap, a popular destination near the central part of the lake, will be familiar to those who know James Fenimore Cooper's novel "The Last of the Mochicans."

The Village of Lake George, on the southern shore, is where the lake is at its widest and is full of hotels, shops and restaurants. It is a great place for a stroll with an ice cream cone on summer evenings. The Lake George Steamboat Company is based here and offers tours of the spectacular lake.

Traveling north along the western side of the lake, civilization thins out and nature begins to take over. The best way to explore the many islands and beautiful miles of shoreline is on a boat of your own.

Boating on Lake George is always exciting, and there are plenty of marinas and rentals available. Snug Harbor Marina has properties in two locations Silver Bay and Ticonderoga. They offer boat repairs, boat rentals and sales and winter storage. Chic's marina has watersport rentals, and FR Smith & Sons marina offers boat rentals, too.

The Villages offers a host of events during the summer months. Don't miss events including king George Fishing Derby ( July 10-12), Lake George Music Festival (August 17-27), Lake George Restaurant Week (September 13-19) and, of course, the Adirondack Balloon Festival (September 18-20). If you are in the area during the month of July, there are fireworks every Thursday night!

One visit to Lake George can lead to a lifetime of discovery. It will soon become obvious that its nickname is an understatement. People have been returning to the area to enjoy its splendor for generations. A weekend's stay can easily turn into a lifetime of pleasure!

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WHERE TO DOCK

• Snug Harbor Marina - The largest full-service marina on Lake George, offering rentals, service and storage at two locations.
• Chic's Marina - Open for over 50 years on Lake George, it offers wave runner rentals, fishing charters and parasail rides.

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WHERE TO DINE

• Bistro LeRoux  (668 NY 149, bistroleroux.com)  This French-inspired bistro offers an array of seasonal favorites including seared salmon and butter poached lobster risotto.
• The Algonquin Restaurant  (4770 lake Shore Dr., thealgonquin.com) Located right on the waterfront, this restaurant serves fresh seafood and has been a local favorite for over 60 years.
• Adirondack Brewery and Pub  (33 Canada St., adkpub.com) Offering a wide assortment of local Adirondack Ale including seasonal favorites Rock the Boat Ale, Black Watch IPA and Headwater Hefe Beer.