Winter things are happening!

Mother Nature took just a little longer to show up this year than last year, but after yesterday's 8-11 inches of the "white stuff" and temperatures cold enough for snow making at our three ski resorts the Lake George Region should be in full "hummmmmm" for the coming weekend and weeks!!

According to a new update our chamber regularly receives from our members, The South Warren Snowmobile Association, " We will be fully opening all trails on Monday, December 14--most in part due to the fact it is still hunting season (through this weekend)." The club has 100 gates to open and they will be putting the grooming machines out to work and clear any deadfall trees, etc. this weekend. Our chamber will be notified as soon as the trails are opened for snowmobilers--and we will notify YOU!

New this year is a snowmobile trail link to West Mountain Ski Area. Mike Barbone, owner of the property noted in a recent news article that their onsite restaurant also broadens the selection of where snowmobilers can find places to eat right on the trail. He also noted that their mountain has set aside special parking areas for snowmobilers in front of their Northwest triple chair lift and hopes to also add the amenity of being able to sell gasoline to snowmobilers onsite. Finding gas stations along the 100-miles of carefully groomed snowmobile trails can sometimes be a challenge. The Cumberland Farms in Lake Luzerne and the Stewart's on RT 9 in Lake George are two of the only "easy to access" locations in the trail network it seems. So kudo's to Barbone for seeing an opportunity and trying to make it work for everyone! Our chamber has several hotels and motels with direct access to the Warren County Snowmobile trails. Please check our website or call our office 518-668-5755 for this info. Our experienced staff is always happy to help! (Please mention you read our blog!)

For some great info on snowmobiling in our area including conditions updates, trail maps, itinerary ideas and more please visit our member's The South Warren Snowmobile Club at their website.

Our Lake George Regional Chamber website has great information about all types of events and activities that can be done in our beautiful region during the winter. Visit our special winter pages directly from our home page and then click to find great WINTER GETAWAY SPECIALS being offered by our lodging and retail partners!

Adirondack Winery's "Warm Up to the Holidays" FREE Wine Tasting Event & Big 2-Day Store-Wide Sale!
Warm up to the Holidays with this FREE wine tasting event at Adirondack Winery featuring 5 new wines made for the holiday season; plus your personal favorite wines and free fine tastings, too!

Plus, get a jumpstart on your holiday gift shopping with our 2-day sale: EVERYTHING is 15% Off for these 2 days only (only valid in-store, not online) – including wine, unique gifts, fine foods, gourmet cheese, delectable chocolates, and more! Pre-shop or browse on our website

When: Saturday Nov. 21 11:30am – 6pm and Sunday Nov. 22 11:30am – 4pm

Where: Adirondack Winery & Tasting Room, 285 Canada Street , Lake George , NY 12845

Facebook link for it: http://www.facebook.com/adirondack.winery#/event.php?eid=208469084971&ref=mf

Lake George Region Hosts 3rd Annual Restaurant Week

The 3rd Annual Lake George Area Restaurant Week kicks off on Sunday, September 13th and runs through Saturday, September 19th. This year a record number of the region's restaurants are participating--19 in all! Each restaurant, in addition to their regular menus, will also be featuring a Fixed Price 3-Course Menu full of delectable offerings. The 3-Course meals include appetizers, main course and dessert all for the low price of $17.57 !

For complete listings, menus and links to participating restaurants please check out the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce's Website at: http://lakegeorgechamber.com/ and follow the soldier link to info.

The event week gets its hallmark "$17.57" price tag to commemorate one of the most famous seige battles of the French & Indian War. It was, in 1757 that the French Army, under the General Montcalm came down from Canada using the lakes of Champlain and Lake George to lay siege for 7 days to Fort William Henry which was then controlled by the British Army. The British fought a good fight but in the end were defeated and driven back to their southern stronghold of Fort Edward 12 miles to the south. This major point in history was later used as the basis for the internationally known novel, The Last of the Mohicans, by James Fenimore Cooper.

This weeklong event is a great way to visit restaurants you have never been to before, or to get a great deal at one of your favorites in the region. The event receives funding support from the Warren County Tourism Occupancy Tax Fund as well as from area sponsors including: Glens Falls National Bank & Trust, National Grid, The Town of Lake George and The Village of Lake George. The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce has been serving the visitors, residents and businesses of the Lake George Region for over 57 years! For additional information you may also call 518-668-5755 or 1-800-705-0059.

TODAY SHOW comes to Lake George and leaves HIGH MARKS

In case you were under a rock for the past week...the #1 Morning news show...The TODAY SHOW on NBC selected Lake George as one of its four "top US Vacation spots" to visit this summer. Needless to say, the Lake George Regional Chamber was in step and besides putting a "welcome" banner on our sign--we carpooled a bunch of us up to the majestic Sagamore resort in Bolton Landing at 4:30 AM to get a spot for the live show. That was yesterday! Today our chamber website is going nuts!

This type of national (and international-Canada!) publicity and true testimonial by leading news "stars" was just what our region needed. We have been under an incredible bout of ill-weather from Mother Nature who has dumped more than our fair share of rain and cool temperatures on us this summer season. But the sun shone bright, over 400 onlookers stood to cheer and wave as Ann Curry and Meredith Viera from the TODAY SHOW came to visit. It was an incredible and exhilarating experience. The Sagamore construction and grounds crews have been working most likely day and night in preparation. The television crews had been here taping segments of the show for a week prior. Features included a ride on the wonderful Minnie-Ha-Ha complete with calliope going. they also did some fly fishing, shopping, hiking and just enjoying the beauty of our Queen of the American Lakes by sitting in an Adirondack chair--lakeside.

Every one i have spoken to has commented on how naturally warm and engaging their entire TV crew was. The stars, Meredith and Ann were "real", full of energy, and so genuine in their loving endorsement of how truly beautiful this area is. They also really drove home the point that the whole region offers so much for families to do...especially if you are looking for a close getaway that offers value and lots of free things to see and do.

As part of this great opportunity, our chamber created a "Sizzlin Summer Specials" EXCLUSIVE email newsletter for visitors who wanted to get some real valuable offers for lodging, restaurants, shops and attractions. We sent it out to over 10K of our opt in newsletter subscribers. If you are not on our list but want to receive this flyer please email to:

savemoney@lakegeorgechamber.com and we will immediately email it to you free.

Our chamber of commerce website has bounced off the scales for inquiries and visitors over the past 24 hours and we expect (and hope) that this trend continues. We love our area and want to share it with you. visit us at http://www.lakegeorgechamber.com/ for all your visit planning needs. And if you dont see something online and have a question...please call our staff. We have experienced people who live here, know the area and can guide you!

Last of the Mohicans Benefit Cruise on Lake George, NY

It's almost a sellout! This Monday night, July 13th the Lake George Steamboat Company's MOHICAN cruise boat will play host to a cast of characters never before seen plying the 32-mile long Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains. The Last of the Mohicans Outdoor Drama production company has had the good fortune to have Chronicle Newspaper owner, Mark Frost decide he wanted to sponsor a fundraising benefit cruise for the non-profit outdoor drama production company. The cruise, which begins boarding at 7 PM for a two-hour cruise will feature several historically dressed actors and a bevvy of living history reenactor "extras" who will perform a couple of selected short vignettes during the cruise on Lake George. The evening will include time for "meet and greet" of the cast and reenactors as well as several musket volley's over the crystal clear waters of Lake George which formed the inspiration and backdrop for James Fenimore Cooper's timeless novel. Cost for tickets are $20 /Adult, $11 Children-12 years old and younger. There may be tickets available at the gangway at 7 PM if supplies allow.

The Last of the Mohicans Outdoor Drama is in the process of raising funds to begin full summer productions with an eye on 2010 to host several weekends filled with special effects and the full play adaptation written by Michael Dufault and actor from NYC who moved to the Lake George Region 6 years ago with the concept. Outdoor Drama's are very popular tourism attractions across the country. The Institute of Outdoor Drama, housed at the University of North Carolina has assisted the group with strategic planning and noted that given the history of the region, its majestic mountain backdrop, the presence of the lake and known tourism destination--the Last of the Mohicans Outdoor Drama stands to quickly become on of the most well known and attended outdoor dramas of its kind. They estimate Millions of dollars of economic impact will be netted once the full production with its unique outdoor performance area is built.

In the meantime, the non profit, Last of the Mohicans Outdoor Drama continues to build its support and reputation for providing unique, historically based family entertainment. In August, the weeknd of August 15-16 the troupe will stage "SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND SCENES FROM THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS OUTDOOR DRAMA in Shepard Park on the shore of Lake George. Saturday evening's performance is at 7 PM, Sunday is a matinee at 1 PM. Both shows will include historically dressed cast, living history reenactment units, artillery cannon fire and may even include live horses during part of a scene. The event is free, but a goodwill donation will be greatly appreciated.

So act quickly if you would like to purchase a ticket to go on the Monday, July 13th Benefit Cruise for The Last of the Mohicans Outdoor Drama. Tickets are going fast and can be purchased by calling the Lake George Regional Chamber office at 518-668-5755. For general information about the Last of the MOhicans Outdoor Drama, Inc. non profit or its future events please call 518-338-5657 or visit: http://www.lastofthemohicansoutdoordrama.org/

Famous Sagamore on Lake George Hosts Chamber Mixer

The Sagamore was the setting for the June After Hours Mixer of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB this past Tuesday evening. The weather was perfect and the scenery breathless. The Sagamore, under new ownership has been undergoing major renovations and upgrades to its majestic historic hotel since last winter. Still to go are finishing their new outdoor pool which is perfectly terraced with the backdrop of one of the most captivating and far reaching view of the 32-mile long Lake George. I can just envision the neatly set rows of ADK chairs and lounges overlooking the view.

Over 120 guests of the chamber, made up of leading movers and shakers in business, the tourism industry and officials networked, mingled and filled the evening out on the enlarged terrace which commands the highpoint of the sweeping lawn overlooking the lake with a 180 degree panorama of the Queen of the American Lakes-Lake George.

Many thanks to the staff and management of the Sagamore for making the evening a huge success. The staff gave tours of their new Caldwell Lobby Bar, The Sagamore Dining Room, both with open air decks for outdoor wining and dining. We were also treated to tours of their new wing of beautiful guest accomodations and a roof top terrace that any bride could only envision in a dream as the "perfect picture spot" for her wedding party.

Thank you again Sagamore, for being a supportive member of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB and for being such wonderful hosts this week! Here's to a fantastic season!

Largest Fire Fighters Dress Parade in NYS to be held in Lake George, NY this Weekend!

Lake George, NY is playing host to the annual Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association annual convention this weekend, June 17-19. Events on deck include displays of firefighting apparatus while the whole area teams with firefighters from around the state.

Have you ever dreamed of donning a firefighters uniform...putting on a helmet or better yet...riding on the tail end of a big fire department ladder truck and cling-cling-clinging the bell as it raced down the road? Well...we can not promise you will be able to do all of that but if you visit Lake George, NY this weekend you WILL be able to see THE LARGEST DRESS FIREFIGHTERS PARADE being hosted in New York State this year! Over 135 fire department units will line up to parade through the Village of Lake George culminating at the foot of Lake George in the former Gaslight Village area. The event is the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association annual convention. On tap throughout the weekend are special events for both convention attendees and the public. Two parades are planned for the weekend. The first one, their "Mardi Gras Parade" steps off at 7 PM on Friday night. The second, with its claim to fame as the largest held in NYS this year steps off on Saturday at the north end of the Village at Noon and is expected to run for several hours. Canada Street leading into the village will be closed for aproximately 3-4 hours to drive-thru traffic.

BEST BET: Use RT 87/The Northway, Exit 21. Left onto RT 9 heading north. Parking is most easily accessed by taking a right onto RT 9L, to intersection of 9L and Beach Rd. Take Left onto Beach Rd. and park in the Million Dollar Beach (DEC) parking lots. Walk west on Beach Road into the Village. Another suggestion is to use RT 9 Northbound, to Left on Mohican Street (Lobster Pot Restaurant on corner) to stop sign, take Right on Dieskau St., go a few blocks to see public parking lot on left. Often if you are willing to walk a block or two off the main drag you can easily find parking! The parade will be worth it for any Firefighter affectionato!

LARAC Arts and Crafts Festival in Glens Falls

LARAC Arts and Crafts Festival this weekend in City Park in historic downtown Glens Falls. Don't miss this outstanding show with leading artisans from across the Adirondacks and beyond. Show runs Saturday and Sunday from 10-5. While you are there, take a 10 minute ride to the north on RT 9 and view one of Mother Natures most perfect pieces of art.....Lake George amidst the majestic Adirondack Mountains. For more event info check the Lake George Chamber's website at www.Lakegeorgechamber.com

Canadian Visitors Welcomed in Lake George, NY

People may wonder why Lake George, NY has its Main Street called "Canada Street". For those generations of travelers who plied RT 9 from NYC to Montreal they understand the reason all to clearly. Decades ago, before the major interstate highway system was installed, Route 9 served as the major artery connecting New York City to Montreal. Families who shared ties in both locations used Route 9 as their primary travel route. Route 9 goes right through the heart of Lake George Village and stands even today as a perfect mid-way point on the travel route. For decades, weary travelers would stop in Lake George or use this destination mecca as the mid-way meeting point to reconnect with family and friends and enjoy a vacation together. Canada Street, Lake George's main artery is reminiscent of those times and still provides a fantastic array of restaurants, hotels and motels, lakeside attractions and shops.

Do you have some stories about traveling from NYC to Montreal? Please share them with us on our blog!

To welcome visitors from Canada, the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce initiated several special programs in recent years. Their Canadian Friendship Week centers around the Victoria Day long weekend which preceeds the American's Memorial Day weekend. The week features special entertainers and welcome characters like Georgie and Jacque--chamber mascots who greet visitors in the village. During Canadian Friendship Week, local businesses dress out their Canadian Flags, staffers wear Canadian/USA flag pins, and marquee signs on Canada Street businesses welcome their Northern friends. The special programs continue with the annual issuance of a Canadian Bienvenue Discount Card which is provided free-for-the-asking to any Canadian resident. The Lake George Regional Chamber and CVB provide this exclusive program which currently offers over 30 businesses who provide discounts when the card is shown. Discounts range from special rates at hotels to BOGO offers at local shops. If you are a Canadian resident there are several ways to get your own personal discount card. You can request one from the chamber's website at http://www.lakegeorgechamber.com/ or email directly to Bienvenue@lakegeorgechamber.com . The card will come with a complete up to date listing of discount offers.

There is plenty of reasons to visit Canada Street in Lake George Village....our red carpets are out to all visitors...but during May...its the "red and white carpet" that is out to remember and commemorate why Canada Street...is called "Canada Street"!

Adirondack Winery in Lake George, NY-1st year anniversary!

On April 17th, 2008, Adirondack Winery & Tasting Room opened its doors to the public for the very first time. Now, one year later, the Lake George “micro-winery” is heading into its second season with more hand-crafted wines and a positive outlook for its business in 2009. Looking for something unique to do this weekend??? check out the special anniversary events the Adirondack Winery is having at their store on Canada Street.

Make it a point to attend one (or all) of Adirondack Winery’s Anniversary Celebration FREE wine tasting events--see their website for dates and times.

Also going on in our beautiful Lake George and Adirondack region are the following special events:

Fri/Sat/Sun

North Country Home & Remodeling Backyard Expo at the Glens Falls Civic Center, Friday- (4-8 PM), Sat (10AM-7PM), Sun, (10 AM-4 PM)

Saturday, April 18th ONLY:

Cabin Fever Guided Hike at UpYonda Farm in Bolton Landing

Walk Around the World with World Awareness Children's Museum-City Park in Glens Falls-Sacavenger Hunt with a Twist.

Sunday, April 19th ONLY:

Closing Lecture & Reception! Thomas Chambers (1808-1869) at The Hyde Collection, world famous art museum and historic mansion in Glens Falls.

Check out www.LakeGeorgeChamber.com and click on our events calendar for tons of special events for the entire year!

Spring is coming to the Lake George/Adirondack Region

Spring is trying to arrive to the shores of Lake George, NY! The "ice-out" happened a few weeks ago and shop keepers and resort owners can be seen scurrying around their businesses in preparation for opening of the spring/summer season 2009.

Meanwhile, there are still some wonderful things happening leading up to our busiest times of the year. This coming weekend there will be a SUNRISE SERVICE atop Bear Mountain at Gore Mountain Ski Resort just about 20 minutes northwest of LG Village.

During school break (april 14-17) there will be a VACATION ART SCHOOL at The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls. What a great way to turn your 2nd -6th grader into the next Picasso!

Up Yonda Farm in Bolton Landing has a myriad of fun, outdoor educational and recreational programs going on so please check them out--especially if you are looking for things to do when the kids are home on school break.

April 19th is the "SPRING ROAST" hosted by the Lake George Arts Project. The event is a fundraiser, and is being held at The Adirondack Pub & Brewery in Lake George. There will be live music and a major raffle of a chainsaw carved wooden bear (you know you want one for your own!) like you see donning so many quintessential ADK establishments! check out the LGAP for more information and tickets by calling 518-668-2616. Tickets are discounted if purchased before 4/17.

Check out the www.LakeGeorgeChamber.com website for a complete listing of special events for the whole year and the whole region!

Are you planning a trip to the Lake George Region? Let us know and we can send you some great coupons and info!

Bands N' Beans in Lake George NY

Its that time of year! Bands N' Beans is returning to The North Country in upstate New York's Adirondack mountains. The snow is still plentiful, and it was -5 degrees this morning when I left Bolton Landing headed for work in Lake George today!! What a GREAT TIME FOR CHILI!!
Bands N' Beans is a fun-loving event held annually by The Lake George Arts Project as one of their major fundraising events. Proceeds go to support the many free concerts the LGAP host during the summer months in Shepard's Park. Having attended several years of this event I will tell you that no where can you sample such a fantastic array of homemade chili's from literally dozens of restaurants, caterers and private chefs. The concept is great...purchase a ticket to get in and then go from table to table (and back as many times as your belt notches will allow) and fill up on chili ranging from Venison Chili (Yup, one of the outdoor sportsman's clubs hosts that booth) to Vegetarian Chili's. But not to be missed are the live bands that play throughout the entire event! Reggae, Blues, Rock n roll, its all here... so come on...shake off your cold winter chills and get with some chili...bands and beans! Event is March 8th from 2-7 PM.

Lake George NY Winter Carnival Every Weekend in February

WINTER CARNIVAL ARRIVES IN LAKE GEORGE, NY!

Mother Nature has been more than kind to the Lake George, NY Region so far this winter. With multiple snowfalls of the beautiful "white stuff" and plenty of thick ice on the lakes---the region is a winter adventurer's paradise. In fact, I was enjoying lunch with a collegue today and could not help but notice the parking lot was equally shared by patrons who drove in to the establishment in cars and those who came via their snowmobiles! Check out www.LakeGeorgeChamber.com for events happening all over the region!

Winter Carnival kicks off this weekend, Feb 7th & 8th and will continue for every weekend in February. Volunteers and business people from throughout the area have worked very hard to bring a well rounded and event-filled weekend for all ages. Here is the schedule for this weekend:

Saturday, February 7th

12 Noon- Opening Ceremonies at Shepard Park Beach

12:30 PM- Outhouse Races on Lake George. Yup...that's right--Outhouses. You gotta see it!

12-2 PM- A Children's Petting Zoo in Shepard Park as well as a small historical encampment

12-2 PM- Chicken Wing Cook Off in Shepard Park

Giant Ice Slide in Shepard Park

Sunday, February 8th

11-2-- Chilly Willy Winter Activity Day in Battlefield Park (various childrens activities)

12-8 PM Lake George Blues Blast Benefit at Duffy's Tavern ($)

12-3 PM- Corinth Snowshoe Club Demonstrations in Shepard Park

Looking ahead to next weekend....

• AMA Sanctioned Motorcycle Races on frozen Lake George



• Snowmobie Poker Run (time TBA)



• Fireworks on the Ice

and lots more....

Watch our blog every week for coming schedules for Winter Carnival!

Many of the Shops and Restaurants in Lake George Village will be open weekends for Winter Carnival. Thank you in advance for coming to visit us during Winter Carnival Time in the Lake George Region....and THANK YOU MOTHER NATURE!

(photo by L. Duffy)

First Day Plunge Dips into Frigid Temps

Since moving the ADK's and the Lake George Region I have really come to appreciate the hearty souls that live in this region. Their ability to thrive in a not-so-easy area (both economically and environmentally) should be commended. This past week in Lake George village, on New Years Day was proof of this tenacity. Hundreds of brave souls took a dip in freezing Lake George when temperatures struggled to try to get above 10 degrees! (it was - 5 at my house in the morning). Kudos to all who participated (many from near and far away places) to do this great winter homage!

Driving from Bolton Landing to Lake George this weekend my husband and I did see that the bays along the west side of the lake are showing ice...hopefully this trend will continue so that the Winter Carnival Committee can have all their great special events on the ice during the weekends in February. (More about winter carnival in future blog updates).

Snowmobiliers and skiiers have been very happy these past few weeks in the North Country. Skiing at West Mountain and Gore are in full speed ahead mode and only less than 28 minutes either direction from Lake George. DEC opened up the road to the summit of Prospect Mountain just opposite our chamber office on RT 9 in Lake George and i did see several snow mobilers making the pilgrimage. It's an awesome view from the top of the mountain and the several overlook sites. Also handy is the Stewarts Gas Station and Super 8 Motel that are at the base of the driveway (Super 8 even has snowmobile parking areas). Makes gas-ing up and overnighting really easy for snow mobile lovers. Speaking of Gas prices...it sure is nice to see $1.66 per gallon again!

Watch for updated news on the 09 Elvis Festival, Winter Carnival and more being posted soon! Let me know if there are topics you would like to see covered in our chamber blog. We would love to hear from you anytime!