Stay Close to Home With These 8 Winter Staycation Ideas in the Lake George Area
Winter may feel like the longest season, but it's actually one of the most fun times of the year, as long as you know what to do and where to go. Check out these 9 exciting winter staycation ideas in the Lake George area.
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Come Experience Family-Friendly Winter Activities at the Lake George Rec Center
If you already own cross-country skis, snowshoes, or a snow tube, then the Lake George Rec Center is the place for you. Located on the outskirts of the Town of Lake George, this four-season recreation center is free and open to the public, has approximately four miles of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and offers thrilling snow tubing.
Most of the trail network is recommended for beginner or intermediate skiers, and snowshoers should stay along the sides of the trails. Visiting for snow tubing? Follow the signs to the tubing hill as you drive into the Rec Center and look forward to soaring down the snowy slope.
Treat Yourself to the Area's Finest Fruit Infused & Varietal Wines at Adirondack Winery
With two tasting rooms and a local winemaking facility, Adirondack Winery is the Lake George region's premier winery offering 30+ fruit infused and traditional varietal wines. You can book a wine tasting at their Lake George or Queensbury locations.
Tip: Want to do some Valentine's Day shopping this winter? Stop in to see Adirondack Winery's Valentine's Day specials after mid-January and view their wonderful collection of wine gifts.
Explore Over 14 Miles of Scenic Snowshoe Trails at Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Park
Everyone knows about the 46 High Peaks, but are you aware the Adirondack Park is also home to the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States? It's true, and you can see it at Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Park in Pottersville, which is about 30 minutes north of Lake George.
During winter, visitors can take a self-guided snowshoe tour to see the sparkling Stone Bridge and cave entrance, ice floes on Trout Brook, and marvelous views of mountains in the distance. There are over 14 miles of snowshoe trails to explore, and both admission and snowshoe rentals are affordable (remember to bring your own if you have a pair!).
Go Dashing Through the Snow on a Sleigh Ride at Circle B Ranch
You've heard how much fun it is to ride in a sleigh, so why not experience it for yourself this winter? Circle B Ranch is a horseback riding business located about 30 minutes north of Lake George in Chestertown, and they offer winter sleigh rides with their teams of majestic horses.
Book a private sleigh ride on their smaller sleigh (perfect for couples looking to snuggle under a cozy blanket), or their larger sleigh, which accommodates 12-14 people at a time. At the end of the ride, your group can warm up and enjoy complimentary refreshments in Circle B Ranch's barn.
Enjoy Cold Cocktails & Ice Sculptures
Cheers to the winter season! The Lake George region will have some of their ice bars ready to go by late January. Some of the ice sculptures accompanying the bars in prior years were beer pong tables and a working piano.
These ice bars will be located at select restaurants & hotels during special events, and bartenders will be serving specialty cocktails when they are open. Due to colder weather, you'll never have to worry about your drink melting!
Head North to Up Yonda Farm for a Snowshoe Hike Along Wooded Trails
Take a 20-minute drive from Lake George to Up Yonda Farm in Bolton Landing and reconnect with nature on a snowshoe hike. This environmental education center aims to teach people about nature and local wildlife, and they have a museum, sensory garden, hiking trails, and more. Although most of the buildings are closed in winter, their trails are open for snowshoeing.
Visitors can pay the day use fee through the mail slot at Up Yonda Farm's entrance booth or on their website, and snowshoe rentals are available during business hours. Go snowshoeing along two miles of wooded trails, and admire the view of Lake George from the vista point on the trail network.
Order a Craft Beer at Bolton Landing Brewing Company & Taste the Difference
While you're in Bolton Landing for snowshoeing at Up Yonda Farm, be sure to swing by the Bolton Landing Brewing Company, a locally owned and operated microbrewery. The draft list rotates often at their year-round taproom, but you can typically expect to find a great selection of IPAs, pale ales, sours, and dark & malty brews available.
Order a drink and pair it with one of their pub bites, such as the flatbread pizza, parmesan truffle bites, or buffalo chicken wrap.
Embrace the Cold & Reap the Benefits of a Winter Hike
Hiking is one of those outdoor activities that you can do throughout the year, and it's especially rewarding when you go in the beautiful Adirondacks.
Although winter hiking presents some new challenges, it's well worth it to brave the colder weather, burn off some calories, and soak up views of the region transformed with snow-capped mountains, frosty fields, and frozen ponds. You'll feel a sense of accomplishment as you cross "winter hike" off your bucket list.
Plan a hike at one of these excellent trails in the Lake George region, or hire a hiking guide who can lead the way for your family or group. Hike with Jackson is based in the local area and provides short 1 to 1.5 hour-long hikes, 1/2 day hikes, and easy full day hikes that are customized as needed.
Want to stay the night? Here are excellent year-round lodging options »
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