Rich Waller Selling Real Estate on Lake George, NY

Richard Waller, NYS Real Estate Associate Broker

Lake George Area Guide

Nestled comfortably within the picturesque Adirondack Mountain Range, Lake George is a spectacular place to call home in a great number of ways. Imagine conducting everyday business as usual, all the while having the beautiful vistas of the Adirondacks stretching out before you. A plethora of outdoor activities beckons to even the least athletic, enticing them to step outside and take part in the grandeur all around. Get the family together and spend some time having fun and getting healthy! Try horseback riding, snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, bird watching, swimming…why not try a new activity each month? If you’re looking for indoor entertainment, the choices are limitless. From a 70-voice chorus to live theater, art galleries, dance recitals, museums and more…there truly is something here for every interest. So step into your comfort zone, and make Lake George your home!

History

The lake that is today called Lake George was first known to Native Americans as “Andia-ta-roc-te”. In 1642 the lake was discovered by Father Isaac Joques, who named it "Lac du Saint Sacrement" (The Lake of the Holy Sacrament). The lake was renamed “Lake George” in honor of King George II in 1755. In 1810, the Town of Lake George was established, at that time having been called “Caldwell,” after James Caldwell, a name prominent in American Revolution history. The town was comprised of properties drawn from the surrounding towns of Bolton, Queensbury, and Thurman. In 1962 the town was renamed “Town of Lake George.”

Much of the battle of the French and Indian War took place along the shores of Lake George. The names of many men were made famous because of the battles fought here, among them Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen. Fort William Henry was built in 1755 and utilized in this war and was burned by the French in 1757. A replica of this historic fort stands today and is open to the public.

Not surprisingly, the natural beauty of Lake George continued to attract inhabitants, and by the early 1800’s the town started to blossom. The lumber industry grew in the region, due to its being so thickly wooded. With the introduction of steamboats and the railroad, people began to come from far and wide to enjoy the rejuvenating surroundings. Wealthy families started to establish homes here, and before long the courthouse, doctors’ offices, stores, restaurants, etc. began springing up to support the growing population. Given the accessible environment, the tourist trade began to flourish, and has remained alive and well in Lake George to this day.

Attractions & Activities

Given the natural setting and location of Lake George, a great many interesting activities are readily available for the enjoyment of young and old.
Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course ~ America’s largest aerial, tree-top adventure park! An elevated obstacle course ideal for the thrill-seeking climber!
http://www.adirondackextreme.com/home

Fort Ticonderoga and the King’s Garden ~ Step back in time as you experience reenactments of battles of great historical significance to American independence. Drink in the multi-faceted magnificence of the King’s Garden. Fort Ticonderoga…“America’s Fort!” http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/

Lake George Forum ~ A local multi-purpose arena that hosts concerts, trade shows, and exhibitions…not to mention an Olympic-sized skating rink! http://www.lakegeorgeforum.net/index.html

The Sembrich Opera Museum ~ The “Golden Age of Opera” is alive and well at this teaching studio-turned museum and concert house. Classical music and opera lovers will find themselves enchanted with the amazing talent and rich history presented here. http://thesembrich.org/

Fort William Henry
By 1689, the British and French were the predominate nations in the New World. Wars for land, water passages and trade had been fought between these nations for years on the European continent, spilling over into North America. The final conflict, 1754-1763, is known as the French & Indian War and the Seven Years War. http://www.fwhmuseum.com/

For an even broader list of adventure awaiting you and your family, visit http://www.lakegeorgenewyork.com/lake-george-attractions.htm

The Factory Outlets of Lake George
Lakes, mountains, fishing, hiking, nature and The Factory Outlets of Lake George. National manufacturers, excellent prices, large selections, friendly and helpful sales associates, easy accessibility - shopping the way it should be! Please visit: http://www.factoryoutletsoflakegeorge.com/

Prospect Mountain
On a Fall day, the views from Prospect Mountain are a spectacular riot of color. The trip can be made on foot or by car. Hiking is free. The marked trail starts on the western edge of Lake George Village and crosses the Northway on a screened in bridge. http://www.adk.org/trails/ProspectMountain.aspx

Parks and Recreation

Welcome to The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom—New York's most exciting theme park. From operating hours and directions to ticket information, please visit
http://www.sixflags.com/greatEscape/index.aspx

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Waterpark
http://www.sixflagsgreatescapelodge.com/great-deals/

Fishing
The Lake George area naturally provides a great supply of enjoyment for the avid fisherman among us, with more than 150 species of fish available. Take a deep breath of fresh mountain air and drop a line in one of the many lakes, streams, and ponds in and around Lake George. Find out when and where by visiting http://www.visitlakegeorge.com/fishing/.

Hiking
Take in the splendor of the magnificent Adirondacks by hiking one of the plentiful hiking trails that abound at Lake George. There truly is no better way to really feel a part of it all than making your way through the trails and seeing nature as a part of nature! For information about the plethora of trails available, all a stone’s-throw away, visit http://www.lakegeorge.com/hiking.cfm.

Swimming
There are three beaches in the Lake George area, all family-friendly and waiting for you; Million Dollar Beach, Shepard’s Park Beach, and Usher’s Park Beach. You can read about them here: http://www.lakegeorge.com/ThingsToLove/default.cfm/ArticleID/5

Events
No matter where your interests lie, there is an excellent chance that you will find an event in the Town of Lake George to pique them. From group meditation sessions, to art gallery showings, to public skating, to weaving workshops, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy, year round!
http://www.lakegeorge.com/events/