This past February I was invited to Lake George to experience the Adirondacks in the winter. As a self-proclaimed summer girl, I knew this was going to be quite the adventure. I chose to take my daughter, Gia with me to give us so girl time. Lake George is like going home to me considering I spent my summers there as a child and young teen. We've even vacationed there a few times over the years as a family, but never in the winter. Gore Mountain was on the agenda and we were even going to attempt to ski!
I've compiled 5 Fantastic Reasons to visit Lake George in February!
Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park!
This wasn't my families first-time visiting Great Escape Lodge, we actually spend my youngest son, Gavin's first birthday there and it's a family favorite. It's just the right size for our family of 4 with varying ages. A toddler section, a moderate area and the "extreme slides. All of which I can see if I am sitting in the middle of the water park. A well-stocked snack bar is in the water park so you don't even need to leave the area to go eat. Gia and I hit up the water park as soon as we got there and loved the lazy river and the hot tub. I rarely get to use the hot tub when I go because I am chasing kids around. We had a room with double beds and a pull out couch. Perfect room for a family of 6.
Go! Where Children Discover the World. World Awareness Children's Museum
I never knew there was a children's museum in Glens Falls New York after all the times I've been to Lake George you think I would've known this so I was pleasantly surprised to learn something new about an area that I thought I knew so much about. The children's museum was incredible. I was surprised how easy it was to find parking and when I walked in I was greeted with a big smile. The mission of the museum is diversity. With over 10,000 pieces of art acquired through the international art exchange, the museum has a constant rotating main exhibit. February's new exhibit was Hola! Mexico with a beautiful exhibit that was very unique. Perfect for that rainy day fun for for that visit when you go in the winter the museum is not open every day so you want to call ahead or visit them on Facebook.
I have to add Lake George Village to the list, even though we were there in February The village really invigorates you with quaint little shops on Main Street that has everything you can imagine cafés that's serves fresh food and a great cup of coffee and access to what I feel is one the most stunning views ever Lake George Village never fail to amaze me.
I can finally admit this I was afraid to go skiing. I had gone skiing when I was 16 years old had fallen off of the ski lift so I have never had the desire to ski again. When I heard that skiing was a part of the itinerary I was legitimately scared and figured well I will give it a try and if it doesn't work out then "oh well no harm." I am so excited to say I loved skiing and cannot wait to go again. The team at Gore Mountain made me feel so comfortable and they showed me that even I, someone who's not coordinated can actually ski. Gore mountain uses a shorter ski that allows you to balance on the skis and you're not given ski poles until the second or third ski lesson. By the end of the lesson, myself and the other macaroni kid publisher along with her daughter and mine were able to ski down the "bunny slopes" as they call them. Gore Mountain Has something for everyone for the beginner's lessons for snowboarding and skiing and the more advanced skier along there multiple ski lifts and gondolas you could spend the entire day on the mountain. I really wish I had some more time to spend in the lodge considering that is really more my speed. The kid's program is stellar and I was slightly jealous they offered cookies and cocoa to the kids in the ski school.
My fifth reason for visiting Lake George and Gore Mountain is simple, LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. Lake George is such an easy ride up Interstate 87. It took me under 3 hours to get there. Gia and I fueled up the car, fueled up our bellies (coffee for me, cocoa for her) and we were off. The views as you head north up 87 are majestic. New York countryside is vast and when you get into Albany you get a bit of a rush with it being our state capital.
Reason's to Love NY (Like we need any more reasons)
Did you know NY has the most ski Mountains in the country?
There is the Taste NY Trails you can visit to really get a sense of all that New York offers. NY
welcomed a record 239 million visitors in 2016. The economic impact of NYS tourism achieved historic $104.8 billion in 2016 (exceeding $100 billion for the 3rd straight year). These figures each represent a nearly 3% increase over 2015. Tourism remains the 4th largest private sector in the state, supporting more than 914,000 jobs.
There are over 940 wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries in NYS. The number of farm wineries in NY has increased by more than 60%, from 195 in 2010 to 316 in 2016. Additionally, the number of microbreweries have grown by 285%, from 40 in 2010 to 154 in 2016, while the number of farm distilleries grew from just 10 in 2010 to 98 in 2016. Farm-based craft beverage producers have grown by 178% since 2011, from 205 to 570 manufacturers (as of 2016).
By keeping your vacation dollars here in New York not only are you getting to see all that our amazing state has to offer, you’re helping boost the local of economy right here in your home state.
Thank you to Gore Mountain and Great Escape for hosting us!
