New Years special event abound in the LG region!

New years is around the corner! There are plenty of things to see and do during a New Years get away to the Lake George Region and Warren County. From outlet mall and unique ADK shops to lakefront dining and fabulous New Years packages there is something for everyone.

One of my favorites is going out on "the lake" first thing on New Years day. Seeing the folks diving into the lake is a treat too....esp. while sipping a steaming hot cappucino from inside a local restaurant! LOL

Watch for our e-newsletter coming out in a few weeks listing all sorts of places having some great New Years packages available...from lake cruises at midnight to lakefront or remote getaways to just..forget 2010 and usher in 2011! if you are not a subscriber already, please visit our website and sign up to be part of the email club! you can opt out anytime---but the news, discounts and extras are great! Last minute reservations are welcomed.

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/

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"!

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)