The southeastern gateway to the Park. The lake was renamed by Sir William Johnson in 1755 (the French called it Lac du Saint-Sacrement, and the Mohawks called it Andiatarocte). That same year the British built Fort William Henry at the south end of the lake as a forward outpost in the French and Indian War. In 1757, after a six-day siege, the French commander Montcalm took the fort. The surrender and what followed became the basis of James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans. The fort is still there today, restored, with reenactments and tours.
The modern town is a different animal: touristy, busy, lake-town energy. Mini golf, parasailing, ice cream stands, outlets, Million Dollar Beach. The kind of place that’s fun once (maybe twice) a summer but gets old quick.
Food
The Log Jam Restaurant
Price: $$
Food score: 5/5 Logs
A real log-cabin steakhouse at the gateway to Lake George. The salad bar is famous. Get a steak or the prime rib and load up at the salad bar. A reliable, satisfying dinner that fills you up after a hike or a day at the beach. Open every day till 8:30pm. Captain Mike’s favorite spot, and the reason why we use “Logs” instead of “Stars” for the rating system.
Madeline 1982 Bakery & Restaurant
Price: $$
Food score: 4/5 Logs
Genuine French bakery and café run by a French family. The croissants are flaky, the crepes are real, and the espresso is pulled correctly. Order a savory crepe for lunch and a sweet one for dessert. The pastry case in the morning is dangerous. Closed Wed-Thu.
The Lagoon
Price: $$
Food score: 4/5 Logs
Right on the water with outdoor seating that looks out over Lake George. The mac & cheese has won local awards, and they’ll do it with bacon or lobster if you want to upgrade. The menu is huge — burgers, salads, seafood, wings. Dog-friendly on the patio. Open daily till 9 or 10pm.
Lighthouse Grill
Price: $$
Food score: 4/5 Logs
A small spot with lake views and the best lobster roll in town. Limited hours, only open Fri-Sun, so plan around it. Worth the trip when they’re open.
Camp Paddles
Price: $$
Food score: 4/5 Logs
A scratch kitchen with an Adirondack theme that doesn’t feel cheesy. The breakfast burger is the best (eggs, bacon, hash browns, and burger on a brioche bun). Lunch and dinner are reliable too. Friendly staff, casual vibe. Good before a day on the lake.
Brunetto’s Restaurant
Price: $$
Food score: 5/5 Logs
A hidden Italian gem in an unremarkable building between Warrensburg and Lake George (you’d drive past it without a second look). The menu changes regularly, the portions are huge, and the food is the kind your Papa Joe’s grandmother would make. The mussels in olive oil and garlic are a 3-person appetizer. The pork tenderloin is a whole tenderloin. Make a reservation. Open Thu-Sat only, 5-9pm.
Martha’s Dandee Creme
Price: $
Food score: 4/5
A roadside soft-serve stand that’s been there longer than camp’s been around. Dozens of flavor combinations! Try the maple cream or the chocolate-peanut butter twist. Cones come big enough that the small is plenty. They also have a full burger and fry menu if you need an actual dinner. Open till 9pm, 10pm on Fri-Sat.
Things to Do
Fort William Henry Museum
A restoration of the 1755 British fort with full living-history tours. Costumed reenactors fire muskets and cannons, walk you through fort life, and tell the story of the 1757 siege. The exhibits are well-done and the cannon demos are loud enough to be impressive. Plan 90 minutes to two hours. Admission is good for two consecutive days. Worth doing once for the history alone.
Glen Drive-In Theatre
A real old-school drive-in with two screens, double features, and FM-broadcast audio you pick up on your car radio. Bring a Boombox if you don’t want to kill your battery (or rent a radio at the booth for $10). Around $15 per person, cash only at the gate. Concession stand has the standard popcorn and candy.
The Outlets at Lake George
Four outlet shopping centers within walking distance of each other, including Nike, Under Armour, Columbia, Carter’s, kitchenware, sunglasses, the standards. Free parking. A solid way to kill a rainy afternoon if you actually need clothes for the summer. Open every day 10am-6pm.
Around the World Miniature Golf
The best mini golf in the region. Two 18-hole courses: “Around the World” with each hole themed to a different country, and “Around the USA” with each hole themed to a state. The courses are beautifully landscaped and the holes are creative without being gimmicky. Bring a group — it’s a perfect group activity. About $14 per person.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
The other top mini golf option. Pirate-themed with two courses, the Captain’s (easier) and Blackbeard’s (harder, with caves and waterfalls). Around $11-13 per person. Both Around the World and Pirate’s Cove are excellent… so flip a coin or do both? Closed Mon-Wed. Open till 9pm Sat.
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