Museums and Antiquing

Cultural Opportunities abound as well. Lake George Opera Festival (518-793-3859) offers world class fully staged opera-in English.  The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) features the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York City Ballet, and top name Artists in a magnificent covered amphitheatre. (518-587-3330). Adirondack Ensemble Chamber Music Series (518-251-5484). Lake George Dinner Theatre (518-668-5781) and lots of other theatre opportunities abound. Don’t miss anything playing at The Wood Theatre in downtown Glens Falls or The Tannery Pond Community Center in North Creek.

DAY 1 – Enjoy The Hyde Collection; featuring fine art of European Old Masters, modern works and American artists all displayed in an Italian Renaissance villa. The Chapman Historical Museum features Southeastern Adirondack history from the mid-1700’s to present and an incredible collection of  Seneca Ray Stoddard Photos. During both the French and Indian War and the revolutionary War, the Lake George area, due to its strategic importance, was the scene of momentous warfare. Many landmarks are located in Lake George Village, where you can take a walking tour of the historic sites; among which is the Fort William Henry where costumed interpreters make the French and Indian War come alive in a Fort rebuilt from original plans. The French siege of the Fort was popularized by James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel, Last of the Mohicans. Coopers Cave happens to be in Glens Falls (not available to the public). Talk a walk in Lake George Village to stretch your legs and find any number of good luncheon spots.

DAY 2  – Drive Route 9N up Lake George for 32 miles of magnificent scenery and the famed “Millionaires Row” of mansions. (Between Lake George Village to Ticonderoga). Stop in Bolton Landing to see The Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum features artifacts, photographs and memorabilia belonging to Marcella Sembrich in the studio where she taught students during the summer months between 1917-1938.  We suggest lunch at the Sagamore Hotel, the historic resort hotel in Bolton Landing. Take the liberty of walking the beautiful grounds to stretch your legs.  Fort Ticonderoga is a restored fort with its original French earthen work redoubts as well as stone fortification and museum. Crown Point Historic Site is also location of both French and British forts at one time or another. It is a beautiful park for a walk.

DAY 3 – Before you leave the immediate area; “Shop Till You Drop”, with more than 70 Factory Outlets in the Lake George area (1-800-748-1288), 30 Antique Shops (one of our favorite things to do in the Adirondacks) predominantly in Warrensburg, the “Antique Capital” and numerous small craft shops, Warren County is a shopper’s dream….Close by in Chestertown, there are local Artisan’s and other lovely gifts at Miss Hestor’s above Main Street Ice Cream and two potteries; Fawn Ridge and Red Truck Clayworks are very interesting stops. Don’t forget to walk locally down to the Hudson River Trading Company and check out the rustic furniture fabulous home furnishings and much much more!

Visit both the National Museum of Dance and the National Museum of Thoroughbred Racing in Saratoga. No trip is complete to the area between the end of July through August without spending a day at the historic Saratoga Race Track to see the Thoroughbred horses race. We like to go late and leave early and win a few races in between! If betting isn’t your style there’s still plenty to do! Saratoga is beautiful for walking, especially Congress Park or Saratoga State Park. You can still take a bath in the historic Roosevelt Bathhouse. Don’t forget to drink the famed (sulpher!) water to keep your forever in your youth! The historic main street has wonderful shopping, beautiful flowers, and colorful characters that Track Season brings…(518-584-6200).