ADK Nationals Car Show this Weekend!

For anyone who jittered in the 40's, be-bopped in the 50's and survived the 60's there is something for you to see this weekend as the 20th Anniversary of the ADK Nationals Car Show rolls into Lake George! (Sept 5-7) Thousands of classic antiques, custom collectibles and hot rods make up the huge event which sprawls over acres and fills the village with color and excitement. To check out all the details go to: http://www.albanyrodsandkustoms.com/. The volunteer organization, Albany Rods & Kustoms who has put their heart and soul into this have, over the years, created a signature event that pleases the whole family while really making sure that the reverence for the automobile stays the highlight and focus. There are all sorts of vendors, special drawings, contests, car parades, and things for all ages to do and see. From what we here....this year there are FIREWORKS planned for THREE NIGHTS in a row--starting tonight!

And if that is not enough....just a short hop away is the ADK Vette Fest (9/5-7) being held at Roaring Brook Ranch on RT 9N, a Fiddlers Jamboree (9/6-8) being held in the town of Thurman and a special show called "The Seneca Ray Stoddard Magic Lantern Show" (9/5-6) at the Wood Theater in nearby Glens Falls. Seneca Ray Stoddard was the famous photographer who chronicled life in the ADK's during the late 1800-early 1900's.

PREVIEW: Our Second Annual Lake George Area Restaurant Week starts on Monday, September 8th and runs thru Saturday-September 13th!

15 area restaurants will offer 3-course meals for $17.57 in commemoration of the famous Siege of Fort William Henry in 1757 during the French & Indian War. Full details including a list of participating restaurants and their menus is available on our website at www.lakegeorgechamber.com . Watch for daily postings on this blog next week. We would love to have you chime in if you get to dine at our participating restaurants!

Spectacular Weather Forecast- Travers weekend!

Yes, it is August in the Adirondacks. The Racetrack at Saratoga is open and just 25 minutes from the shores of Lake George. This weekend is the famous "Travers Weekend" and so the entire region will be hopping. The weather forecast is looking grand with near mid to high 80's and sunny--thank goodness! We have had our share of cooler than normal temps this summer and a bit more rainfall than most of us would like....however that has all translated out to some of the most beautiful flower beds and plantings in LG Village and at various hotel/motel locations. It also means that we are --believe it or not---starting into what could be a fantastic fall foliage season. Yes, thats right, some of our Maple trees are already starting to show just a peak or two of red leaves. A native "Bolton fella" that i know said that with the combination of moisture and the cool nights we have had (43 degrees when i left for work this morning) our fall will most likely come early and be beautiful!

But back to summer cause we still have a lot of unfinished vaca-mode left in all of us. Around our entire region there are some great things happening from blue grass concerts to boat shows. Don't forget our chamber will also be hosting the 2nd annual LAKE GEORGE AREA RESTAURANT WEEK which runs from Sept. 8-13th and features 15 restaurants offering special 3-course meals for $17.57. the list of restaurants and more info is available now off our home page. More on restaurant week in an upcoming blog entry. We list them all on our events page on our website so check that out. Once school does go back in session our September line up of happenings also gets into high gear again. September and October in the ADK's is in my impression one of the best times of year. There are many festivals, historic sites...and of course those leaves to see and experience. What a time to hike Tongue Mountain!

Family Summer Festival on this Weekend in LG!

Shepard Park on the shores of Lake George is full of craft vendors, artists, activities for all ages as well as some great music and entertainers planned for this entire weekend. The weather is supposed to be quite good on Saturday and spectacular on Sunday. From the looks of the park as i drove into the chamber to work this morning the craft tents set up were filling the park, the flowers along Canada Street and Beach Road are beautiful and everyone was really soaking up the beautiful sunshine. So its a great weekend to come to Lake George! Remember that our chamber office located at 2176 State RT 9 ( just south of the village itself) has many discount coupons, event listing handouts, guides, and discount tickets to major area attractions. Please stop in and say hello and let them know you read our blog!!

Georgie our beloved Lake George "Lake Monster" (and chamber mascot) was out carousing around the village yesterday afternoon. Did you happen to see him? how can you miss a 7 foot tall, hairy, bright green cuddly "nessy" looking character??!!

Anticipating the 4th of July

With a hectic June behind us, the Lake George Region is gearing up for its annual blast of festivals, fireworks and fun celebrating our nation's independence on the 4th of July! This year, since the 4th hits on a Friday there is no doubt that revelers will really come out in droves. That's good for business and a great way to show patriotism at its best. Our chamber posts a complete listing of all the various fireworks shows throughout the region on our website online events calendar. Its worth a few minutes to check that out. Whether you want to view fireworks from a ball field, an amusement park or along the shores of Lake George itself---there are many venues to take your family and friends and enjoy the evening.

If you are gushing over the fact that gas prices are creating a dent in your vacation plans there are lots of ways to save some bucks on gas and use it towards things that are much more appealing like mementoes, a savory meal, a hole in one at mini-golf, or a ticket to a local attraction or family amusement park.

Some money saving tips for your visit to Lake George, NY

(1) Visit http://www.lakegeorgechamber.com/ and print out money saving coupons to area restaurants, attractions and shops.
(2) stop by the chamber office and pick up a schedule for the North and South Trolley routes. The trolleys run constantly between Bolton Landing to Lake George and Lake George to Glens Falls and for $1 per person (either north or south routes)-- (5 year olds and under ride free) it can save you gas and parking fees. Besides, their a fun ride themselves!
(3) pick up a free map at the village visitor center that has even more discounts and also helps you plan your driving trips (if needed at all) most efficiently around the region.
(4) enjoy "the Northway", Route 87 in all its splendor. Slow down to 55-60MPH is becoming more the norm with many local drivers. Slowing down saves gas $$ and you get to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery..and maybe even see a bald eagle, bear or native deer enroute.
(5) Canadian visitors should contact the Lake George Regional Chamber to obtain their free Canadian Bienvenue Discount Card. this card is recognized at over 40 local businesses who offer discounts when shown by visitors.
(6) some hotels, motels and restaurants offer mid-week special discounts, check them out and you can save a bundle.
(7) Discounted Great Escape tickets can be purchased directly at the chamber office as well saving you $$ and time by not having to stand in line. This can add up significantly if you are traveling with the whole family!

Remember...our Lake George Region is less than a tank away from the major metro areas of Montreal, NYC, Albany and even Boston --so come and visit!

Americade 2008 Tours in and Out of Lake George

Once again, our region played host to the Americade Tour Expo which annually brings in over 45-50,000 motorcycle touring enthusiasts from all over the country...no... make that all over the world! This year i had the pleasure of meeting a woman who was purchasing a whole lot of yummy goodies at the Perfect Blend Cafe in Maynard Square on Canada Street--she was from the UK. One word out of her mouth confirmed it...what a lovely accent! In any case, she explained to me and the owner of the cafe, Adele that she and her husband ship their bikes here and have been coming over for the past 6 years. This was her 7th Americade and she loves it! Last year I met a lovely gentleman from Israel.

While working at the Lake George Rotary booth at the Holiday Inn on Monday and Tuesday of Americade week as a volunteer I had the pleasure of meeting people from Wisconsin, California, Texas, Connecticut, lots of folks from New Jersey (my home state-have to give that a plug) , tons of folks from Canada (they are so glad their money is worth more here now) and of course a great throng of New York folks who just love the fact that they have this beautiful region to call their own playground in the mountains.

By all accounts the event was another great year! My friends from New Jersey who have been coming for the past 6+ years and stay at the Twin Pines on Trout Lake in Diamond Point had a marvelous time once again. They spent a good part of the time in LGV, at the Americade Trade Show and then did day outings to Lake Placid and touring our beautiful mountain countrysides.

Economically, according to a SUNY Plattsburg study conducted last year, Americade Tour Rally is responsible for a $46 million dollar economic impact to our region. Some businesses in the area would not exist...or at minimum could not sustain through a rainy summer without having Americade as the lead position of opening season in the Adirondacks. Is there a downside? yes, for one week we listen to motorcycles, we stand in line at a restaurant or at a gas station ( they only take a few gallons of the precious stuff to fill their bikes), it takes a bit longer to get out of your driveway or parking lot (which as one savvy business person told me just "ka-chings" money in her mind) and the upside...besides great for business? we learn that there is a lot to be said about aging gracefully, with great spirit and the wind in your hair---many Americade participants are well into their 60's, 70's and 80's and enjoying the ride more now than when they were 20!

We would love to hear your comments about Americade!

Aloha from Elvis on Shores of Lake George, NY!

The Lake George Elvis Festival is kicking (or should I say 'rockin' ) into high gear. This year the festival will run from May 29th to June 1 in Lake George, NY--nestled in the gateway area to the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.

Its cool...its filled with great music...and "THERE'S A WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' GOIN' ON!"

FOR DETAIL INFO CHECK THE WEBSITE AT: LakeGeorgeElvisFestival.com

Here are some schedule highlights:

Thursday- May 29th

-Opening Night Party at Adirondack Pub & Brewery

-Opening Ceremony in Shepard's Park (FREE)

Friday- May 30th

-Memorabilia & Craft Show opens for the weekend

-First Round of the Tribute Artist Competition at the Lake George Forum

-Friday's Big Show3: 40th ANNIVERSARY COMEBACK- starrring Dwight Icenhower and Irv Cass who join our 2007 champions Justin Edwards and Robert Washington to recreate Elvi's acclaimed '68 Comeback Special-to be held at the Lake George Forum

-After Hours Party hosted by Ronnie Craig at the Boardwalk Restaurant

Saturday- May 31

-Classic Car Parade through Lake George Village

-Second Round of Tribute Artist Competition at the Lake George Forum

-Impromptu citings of "you know how" Around Lake George

-Saturday's big Show: ALOHA FROM LAKE GEORGE-starring Shawn Klush and Donny Edwards with the Change of Habit Tribute Band and MC Ronnie Craig -at the Lake George Forum

-After Hours Party hosted by Irv Cass at King Neptune's Pub

Sunday- June 1

-Gospel Concert at the Lake George Forum (FREE)

-Tribute Artist Competition Grand Finals and Awards Ceremony at the Lake George Forum

-Festival Wrap Party at the Steel Pier sponsored by the Lake George Steamboat Company

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For lodging info, maps, discount coupons to area attractions/restaurants/shops please stop by or call our chamber office at 1-800-705-0059 or visit us at 2176 State RT 9, Opposite Prospect Mountain, in Lake George. Our Visitor Center on Beach Road is also open all weekend!

Visit our Website at: LakeGeorgeChamber.com for complete listing for the entire region from Glens Falls and its boutique downtown-- to Ticonderoga and its 18th Century recreated Fortress on Lake Champlain!

Check out our downloadable online discount coupons!

Stop in our main office with a print out of this blog for a special FREE gift!

WOW.. This weather-gets visitors coming early!

One would almost think that summer has come to the Lake George Region in the Adirondacks! but wait....what is that? there is still snow on my mountain in Bolton Landing--so lets not be too quick to think we have escaped all remnants of winter! From what I understand...what we had was a "typical old fashioned winter here"...and lingering snow is part of that mix. However, it still amazes me that we can have 8 days of mid -60-70 degree weather and still have snow ladden forests and streambed rocks. It is beautiful!

Just the same, our mid-70's degree sunny weather has foisted us into some great opening days to the season. Last week, while enjoying a lunch out on the sunny deck of JC Montana's restaurant on Canada Street my friend and I could not help but notice the literal "throngs" of people. The restaurants that were open had small waiting lines to get a seat outdoors!! Bless those outside cafe's started last year--now business owners have to scramble to get them re-installed. Kinda seems silly to have to take them down in the first place but that was the Village rule. In any case, Kudo's to those businesses who in a flurry opened their doors, put on their smiles--greeted the visitors and fired up their cash registers!! Reports have it from one business on Canada Street that business on Saturday was amazingly close to volume of a typical Americade day. Now that IS SAYING SOMETHING!

When a Channel 8 news reported stopped in my office to do a story on the rising gas prices and how they were going to affect tourism, I said---now IS THE TIME, but here is NOT THE PLACE, "lets go down to the lakeside and enjoy the sun, the water and of course--this one in a million view!" So off we went and enjoyed ourselves while doing business. Any excuse I can get (or for that matter our hundreds of thousands of annual visitors can get) to come away and escape to "THE LAKE" is a good enough reason for me. I still have to pinch myself that I have been so fortunate to live right here in this majestic place.

Some may say that late spring is still not the time for a visit to LG. I beg to differ. While its true that not all the businesses are open--many are, at least on the weekends. But the clear sky, the little bit of crispness in the air and the warm sun are a magical recipe. Putting in a canoe or kayak can yield the paddler and up close and intimate rendezvous with a Loon and his family or the awesome sight of a bald eagle or deer who have come to feed on remote lakeshores. If you are into white water rafting---there is NO BETTER TIME than now! There is plenty to see and do and places to stay. The area is waking up and we are loving the folks who have already come to visit and get a jump on summer!

Please let me know if there are topics of interest that you would like to see covered in my blog about the Lake George Region. I would be happy to oblige if possible!

Next week.....info about Americade and Elvis!