Lake George Hotels Archives - Surfside On The Lake

May 05 2023

Where to Play Mini Golf in Lake George

Lake George is the mini golf capital of New York, offering several scenic courses just a short drive away from your room at Surfside on the Lake. Mini golf in Lake George is a fun and cheap way to have fun with the whole family during your summer getaway. Putt past pirate ships, waterfalls, caves, original characters, and iconic landmarks at one of our unique mini golf courses!

Pirates Cove Adventure Golf

Pirates Cove offers two fantastic mini-golf locations in Lake George and Queensbury. Travel back in time to the age of pirates on the award-winning 18-hole courses that wind through mountain caves, across a pirate ship, and under cascading waterfalls.

Goony Golf

Goony Golf has offered outrageous mini-golf in Lake George for over 50 years! This unique golf course is home to many creatures and characters like the Mad Hatter, Sir Goony’s Castle, Tentacle Timmy, Goony Bird, Windmills, and a giant T Rex. Save on your admission with Goony Golf coupons!

Lumberjack Pass Miniature Golf

Lumberjack Pass is Lake George’s newest and largest mini golf course. Play the 18-hole course backdropped by the natural setting of the Adirondacks, and don’t forget to grab your free ice cream cone from the snack bar!

Around the World Mini Golf

Around the World offers the oldest mini golf in Lake George. There are two courses available, taking you around the world and around the U.S. past iconic landmarks. Famous landmarks include the Taj Mahal, the Statue of Liberty, pyramids, and a life-sized lobster. After a round of golf, get a tasty ice cream treat from The Pink Roof.

Hillbilly Fun Park

Hillbilly Fun Park is just down the road from Lake George in Fort Ann. Two courses are available here, Hillbilly Holes and Puttin Thru New York. Every hole offers a unique challenge, obstacle, or surprise, providing a fun challenge for all ages! Afterward, choose from over 50 delicious ice cream flavors in the snack area.

The Fun Spot

The Fun Spot is your one-stop destination for family fun in the Adirondacks! Start your day with a round of Gold Rush Adventure Golf, winding past caves, waterfalls, and ponds. In addition to mini golf, you can also find go-karts, laser tag, ninja challenge courses, roller skating, and playgrounds here.

Plan a Summer Vacation in Lake George

Kick off your summer in the Adirondacks with a round of mini golf in Lake George! Continue your summer fun at Surfside on the Lake and enjoy our seasonal amenities, such as a private beach, playgrounds, swimming pools, watersport rentals, and a rooftop bar. Our Cabana Bar and Restaurant is the perfect place to unwind with a frozen cocktail overlooking the scenic shores of Lake George. Browse our Lake George hotel rooms and start planning your summer getaway today!

Apr 07 2023

Summer Fun at Lake George Parks

Summer is right around the corner, and we invite you to visit the Adirondack’s top vacation destination: Lake George. Whether you are looking for the perfect beach, scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, or historic attractions, you can find it all at our Lake George parks. Stay at Surfside on the Lake, one of the few hotels in Lake George Village, and access summer fun at the parks just minutes from your hotel room!

Shepard Park

Shepard Park is the most popular Lake George park in the heart of the Village. The park features something for everyone: beach access, a children’s playground, walking paths, and an amphitheater that hosts summer events.

Free Summer Entertainment at Shepard Park

Head to Shepard Park throughout the week and catch some free live entertainment! Events include Musical Mondays, Tribute Tuesdays, Art Project Concert Series Wednesdays, Thursday fireworks, and Fridays at the Lake Concert Series.

Charles R. Wood Park

Charles R. Wood Park is a 12.5-acre space located on the southern end of Lake George. Features include a children’s playground, skate park, interactive water area, and a walking trail. The most popular attraction here is the Festival Commons space, which hosts year-round community events. Common events happening at the park include live music, dance performances, farmers markets, craft fairs, car shows, and holiday festivals.

Lake George Battlefield Park

Head to Battlefield Park and learn about Lake George’s history as you explore the 35-acre park. This park was the site of the Battle of Lake George during the French and Indian War. Stroll past the ruins of Fort George, statues of important figures from the war, and memorial monuments. After discovering the historical attractions, relax with a picnic under the pavilion.

Usher Park

If you want a quiet beach to hang out at this summer, visit Usher Park. This is an excellent place for families since the water is shallow, and a lifeguard is usually on duty during the summer. Other amenities include playground equipment, a tennis court, a basketball court, and picnic tables.

Lake George Recreation Park

The Lake George Recreation Park is a year-round center for outdoor fun! You can explore scenic hiking and mountain bike trails in the summer.

Stay at Our Lake George Hotel for Your Summer Getaway

After exploring the attractions of our Lake George parks, return to Surfside on the Lake. Enjoy all of our summer amenities like private beach access, children’s playground, outdoor pool, watersport rentals, and our Rooftop Cabana Bar. Browse our Lake George hotel rooms and plan your summer getaway in the Adirondacks today!

Mar 10 2023

Adirondack Towns to Visit near Lake George

The Adirondacks are best known for their forests, rivers, lakes, and abundant outdoor recreation. But there is more to the region than pristine nature, and all our Adirondack towns offer something different for travelers. Whether you are looking to embrace the arts, learn about local history, or find fun activities for the kids, there is something for everyone nearby! Choose Lake George, NY, as your base camp and discover all the charming villages less than an hour from Surfside on the Lake.

Queensbury

Seven miles south of Lake George, you will find Queensbury, known for its amusement parks, golf courses, and skiing. The most popular attraction is Six Flags Great Escape theme park, offering roller coasters, water rides, kids’ rides, entertainment, and dining. This Adirondack town is also home to year-round fun at West Mountain, ranging from skiing to mountain biking in the summer.

Glens Falls

Glens Falls is just ten miles from Lake George, known for its thriving arts and culture scene. Discover art and theater at local museums like The Hyde Collection, World Awareness Children’s Museum, Chapman Museum, and Charles R Wood Theater.

Saratoga Springs

Half an hour from Lake George is the historic town of Saratoga Springs. Learn about the healing history of the region at Saratoga Spa State Park, or plan your trip around the summer races at the Saratoga Race Course.

North Creek

North Creek has something for every season, including New York’s largest ski resort, Gore Mountain. And during the summer and fall, the resort transforms into an excellent area for hiking, mountain biking, and disc golf. Summer offers unique recreational opportunities like rail biking, whitewater rafting, and gem mining.

Lake Luzerne

Lake Luzerne is your destination for summer outdoor fun, just 20 minutes from Lake George. This is where you will find the Adirondack Adventure Center, with activities such as lazy river tubing, whitewater rafting, and treetop courses.

Ticonderoga

Ticonderoga is the furthest destination on our list, just under an hour from Lake George. History buffs will love visiting Fort Ticonderoga, an 18th-century fort known for its exhibitions, daily programs, reenactments, and gardens. You will also find the most accurate reproduction of the Star Trek Set in the world here if you are looking for a truly unique experience!

Adirondack Hotels in Lake George

These are just a few of the Adirondack towns you can visit while staying in Lake George. After exploring nearby attractions and activities, return to your room at Surfside on the Lake. Plan your getaway to the Adirondack region today!

Feb 21 2023

Have You Heard of the Lake George Mystery Spot?

Lake George may be one of the most popular vacation spots in the Adirondacks, but there is a mystery hidden in plain sight beyond the crowds of people enjoying summers at the lake. If you haven’t heard of the Lake George Mystery Spot, then Surfside on the Lake is here to put this unusual destination on your radar. You will find a natural phenomenon behind the Visitor Center that not even scientists can explain! Read on to uncover the mystery of this strange attraction!

What is the Lake George Mystery Spot?

Behind the Lake George Visitor Center in Mayor Blais Park is a concrete platform where you can experience a bizarre auditory phenomenon. The platform can be easily identified by the blue shape of Lake George painted across the top and the shape of a compass.

When you stand in the middle of the platform and speak, you will be able to hear an echo of your voice, louder than you would expect. Even stranger, anyone standing outside the platform, will not be able to hear this echo! So far, no one has been able to explain why this occurs or why it can only be heard from one specific spot in the park.

The Explanation

There are several theories behind this auditory phenomenon, but no one has been able to come up with an exact explanation. Some theorize it is due to your voice bouncing off the stone wall or the unique position of the mountains and lake in front of you. However, a legend in the region attributes the mystery to a Native American god who once stood in the mystery spot shouting their wisdom, which now continues to echo here. Whatever the reason, trying this out for yourself is a must-do during your next Lake George getaway!

Lake George Hotels in the Village

After visiting the Lake George Mystery Spot, head back to your room at Surfside on the Lake and take advantage of all our fantastic amenities. Relax on our private beach, enjoy a refreshing drink at our rooftop bar, use our stand-up paddleboards to explore the lake, and cool off in our outdoor pool. Discover our rooms and rates, and visit Lake George to uncover the mystery for yourself!

Jan 20 2023

Annual Lake George Events to Plan Your Vacation Around

There is always something fun and exciting happening in the Lake George area! Make your next vacation to the Adirondacks extra memorable by planning your getaway around one of our annual Lake George events. Whether you want to chill out at ice bars in the winter, kick off summer during the food and wine festival, or watch hot air balloons travel across the fall sky, there is something for everyone! No matter what piques your interest, Surfside on the Lake puts you at the center of the action.

Lake George Winter Carnival: February

Each February, the Lake George Winter Carnival returns for a month-long celebration of winter! Join us for four weekends of family-friendly fun with cooking contests, races, polar plunges, and fireworks.

Thurman Maple Days: March

Join us for one of the largest maple festivals in Upstate NY, offering three consecutive weekends of maple tastings and farm tours.

Americade: May-June

Lake George hosts the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally, welcoming over 50,000 riders every spring. Travel to our mountain town during Americade to attend parades, and enjoy special events like scavenger hunts and poker runs.

Adirondack Wine & Food Festival: June

Kick off summer during the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, and celebrate New York’s best wineries, distilleries, breweries, food vendors, and food trucks. This Lake George event is not to be missed!

Lake George Music Festival: August

August is the perfect time for classical music lovers to plan their Lake George getaway. Attend the Lake George Music Festival and enjoy eight incredible chamber music concerts.

Adirondack Nationals Car Show: September

Do you have a classic car to show off, or love all things vintage? Then visit us for the Adirondacks National Car Show, for three days of car shows, live music, and special events.

Adirondack Balloon Festival: September

The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a one-of-a-kind event celebrating 50 years in 2023! Witness dozens of hot air balloons take flight over the Adirondacks, along with food vendors, craft fairs, exhibitors, and kids’ activities.

World’s Largest Garage Sale: September

Shop for antiques and collectibles from over 500 vendors at the World’s Largest Garage Sale in nearby Warrensburg.

Adirondack Film Festival: October

Visit us during the Adirondack Film Festival and watch films, documentaries, shorts, and music videos inspired by the Adirondack region.

Stay at Our Lake George Hotel

Discover the complete list of annual Lake George events and festivals here for more information on local happenings. No matter when you plan your Adirondack getaway, Surfside on the Lake is the perfect place to set up basecamp. We offer a wide variety of rooms and suites to fit all budgets and needs. Plan your Lake George escape with us today!

Dec 15 2022

Visit the Lake George, NY, Ice Castles

The Lake George Ice Castles are back for another year, and Surfside on the Lake invites you to witness this magical winter attraction! Head to Charles R. Wood Park and discover a frozen wonderland full of ice slides, tunnels, igloos, ice bars, and much more! Read on to learn more about this unique winter experience, and reserve your tickets today!

About the Ice Castles in Lake George

Ice Castles are an internationally renowned tourist attraction in Minnesota, New Hampshire, Utah, Wisconsin, and New York. It opened in Lake George, New York, on January 23, 2022, and is a winter attraction for tourists and residents alike. The attraction site features icicles with LED lights embedded inside the ice to give an illuminating attraction at night.

Tickets are on sale for 2023 and are available to buy from January 27 to February 20, 2023.

Things to Expect in the Ice Castles in Lake George

Enjoy a swell time in Lake George’s ice castles this winter by engaging in these activities:

Ice Slides: Regardless of age, get ready for a swell time sliding down on any ice slides here.
Crawl Tunnels: Here, you have tiny passageways big enough for children and adults who love adventures.
Caverns and Archways: This is an absolute delight as you wander through a frozen maze, wondering what awaits you at every turn.
Polar Pub: Lovers of drinks and alcoholic beverages have something for their taste buds while chilling in the most fantastic place in town. Order a winter-themed alcoholic beverage with a friend from the frost ice bar here on the grounds.
Snow Igloo Village: Lovers of igloos will love this feature. Take a walk through the village of snow igloos and discover hidden snow features.
Mystic Light Walk: Take a stroll with your special someone along a path brightly illuminated with the magical glow of winter and lights.
Arctic Alcove: This unique private ice room within the ice castle is available for six guests. Book a VIP experience in the arctic alcove for your special occasion or even a wedding proposal. The ticket costs $450 for one hour and includes six general admission tickets to the ice castles, 20% off ice castles merchandise, and two souvenir photos.

Vacation Rentals Near Lake George Ice Castles

Plan to have a fantastic time with your partner at the Lake George ice castles in 2023. Afterward, return to your Surfside on the Lake room and enjoy the lovely view from your lodge. Take advantage of our package deals and book your winter getaway in Lake George today!

Nov 15 2022

Your Guide to Breweries near Lake George

After a day of winter exploration in Lake George, warm up with a delicious craft beer at the breweries near Lake George. Stay with Surfside on the Lake, and you will be less than a mile from both breweries in the Village. Start your craft beer tour at the Adirondack Pub & Brewery before making your way to the breweries in the neighboring towns of Glen Falls, Queensbury, and Bolton Landing. Whether you are craving crisp lagers, full-flavored ales, or rich stouts, there is something for everyone’s taste buds at these breweries:

Adirondack Pub & Brewery

The Adirondack Pub is less than a mile from Surfside, offering easy access from your hotel room. This microbrewery uses fresh local ingredients and spring-fed water from the region. One of the most popular brews is Lake George’s IPA, which changes with the seasons of the Adirondacks. Other annual beers include amber ales, crisp Pilsners, porters, and sours.

163 Tap Room

This Lake George craft beer bar offers 16 tap lines and a large selection of bottled and canned beer. They also provide a menu of appetizers, soups, and salads to pair with your drink.

Common Roots Brewing Company

During the summer months, our Surfside on the Lake Rooftop Cabana Bar regularly features brews from Common Roots! When our bar isn’t open, head to South Glen Falls to sample their brews.

Northway Brewing Co.

Head to Northway Brewing Co. in Queensbury and sample their collection of beers that celebrate the people and landscapes of the Adirondacks. Originally known as the Lake George Brew House, the Northway team has transformed the menu with new and exciting brews like mango milkshake IPAs and Streaking Embers made with smoked Pilsner malt.

Bolton Landing Brewing Company

Make the 15-minute drive to Bolton Landing and stop at this family-owned microbrewery on the shores of Lake George. All beer is brewed on-site, from IPAs to lagers and fruited kettle sours. Pair your drink with tasty bites like buffalo chicken dip or parmesan truffle fries.

Davidson Brothers Brewpub

Davidson Brothers Brewpub is run by two brothers who have been serving up local brews for over 25 years! Brews like their traditional IPAs have remained on tap since the brewery opened, encapsulating a hoppy medium-bodied beer. Stop in on the weekends for live music by talented local musicians!

Mean Max Brew Works

This Glen Falls brewery is dedicated to crafting the finest ales and lagers. Sample their harvest brown ale made with local hops or try cookies and cream pastry stout. Mean Max offers the perfect place to hang out, sample a variety of brews, and listen to live music!

Stay at Our Lake George Resort

Join us at Surfside on the Lake and experience a taste of the Adirondacks at the breweries near Lake George. We are located directly in the Village, so you can easily access dining, shopping, and indoor activities nearby. Browse our rooms and suites and find the perfect lodging for your winter getaway today!

Oct 14 2022

A Vacation for Lake George History Buffs

You may already know that Lake George is home to America’s Original Vacation, but did you know that our region is also entrenched in fascinating history? The Lake George Area was fundamental in the formation of our country, from the French and Indian War to the American Revolution. Today our local museums, military forts, and historic sites continue to tell the tales of our storied past. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and step into the past in Lake George at these fascinating historic sites:

Fort William Henry Museum

Fort William played a vital role in Lake George’s efforts in the French and Indian Wars. Today, they offer a range of tours, events, and education programs that highlight the sights and stories of the fort. Join their guided military demonstrations, tour the museum exhibits, and witness live cannon firings. If you visit us during the fall, you will have a unique opportunity to meet the ghosts of the fort with a haunted history tour.

Fort Ticonderoga

Approximately one hour from Lake George, you can visit another historic Adirondack fort. Fort Ticonderoga offers endless adventures for history buffs, including daily tours, historical demonstrations, and museum exhibitions. The fort is hailed as the premier living history program in the country, with weapons demonstrations, shoemaking, tailoring, carpentry, and more.

There is so much to do at Fort Ticonderoga, from strolling through a historic garden to marveling at historical artifacts in the museum!

Grant Cottage State Historic Site

Visit the cottage where President Ulysses S. Grant lived out the last of his days during your Lake George history getaway. Take a guided cottage tour and witness unique artifacts that belonged to the Grant family. You can also join a hidden history hiking tour to learn about what has drawn visitors to the Adirondacks for hundreds of years.

Self-Guided Walking Tour

Embark on the Colonial Wars in Lake George Walking Tour and discover 20 historical and natural sites along the three-mile route. The first stop on the route is the Old Courthouse, which houses the Lake George Historical Association museum. Other significant sites along the tour include:

Lake George Hotel Lodging

Escape to the Adirondacks and discover fascinating Lake George history during your getaway. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and start your self-guided walking tour right from the hotel. We are conveniently located on the lake and in the village, so you can easily access everything Lake George offers! Browse our rooms and suites and plan your historic Adirondack vacation today!

Sep 11 2022

Autumn in the Adirondacks: Lake George Fall Activities

Autumn in the Adirondacks has returned, welcoming vibrant foliage in our forests and crisp mountain breezes. We encourage you to experience the magic of the season in the charming village of Lake George. The season offers the perfect weather to enjoy the area’s top outdoor attractions like hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling. A Lake George fall vacation encourages you to explore our beautiful trails, pick juicy apples, sip fall-flavored brews, attend harvest festivals, and discover haunted history. Stay with Surfside on the Lake, and you will be centrally located to all the fall fun around Lake George.

7 Fall Adventures in Lake George

One of the most popular Lake George fall activities is leaf-peeping. Whether you want to hike, bike, kayak, drive, or boat, you can expect vibrant foliage to backdrop your exploration. Here are a few ways to have fun outside this autumn in Lake George:

Hike or drive up Prospect Mountain to be awarded the best panoramic views of Lake George during the fall.
Head to the Lake George Village and pick up the Warren County Bikeway trail for a scenic fall bike ride!
View fall foliage from a new perspective with a fun and educational cruise with the Lake George Steamboat Company.
Visit the Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course for exhilarating obstacle courses and zipline parks.
Make a half-hour drive to Schuylerville and visit Saratoga Apple to pick your own apples this season.
Visit Million Dollar Beach on Lake George for some excellent fall fly fishing!
Visit the Fort William Henry Museum and hear about paranormal experiences during the haunted history tour.

Plan Your Getaway Around a Fall Festival

If you want to make your fall getaway extra memorable, we recommend joining us for one of our annual fall festivals. The Lake George Oktoberfest & Fall Festival transforms our mountain town into a Bavarian street fair. This event is jam-packed with German food, drinks, music, dancing, carnival rides, and artisans.

You can also celebrate the season at Queensbury’s West Mountain Fall Festival. You can expect fun for the whole family, like petting zoos, live music, brewery tastings, food, and scenic hayrides. The Great Escape amusement park welcomes another year of Fright Fest throughout October. Take the kids on some spooky rides and haunted attractions this fall!

Lake George, NY, Accommodations

Plan a Lake George fall vacation and discover all the fun happenings around town this season. Then return to Surfside on the Lake and enjoy the views of the foliage around the lake from your hotel room. Take advantage of our guest savings and book your fall getaway in the Adirondacks today!

Aug 15 2022

Fall Activities: Attend the Adirondack Balloon Festival

Fall is right around the corner in Lake George, which can only mean that the sky will soon be dotted with colorful hot air balloons. The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a tradition in Warren County that has attracted balloonists and visitors for nearly 50 years! Not only will vibrant balloons travel past the Adirondack Mountains there will also be food vendors, craft fairs, live music, and fun children’s activities. Stay with us at Surfside on the Lake and join us for this one-of-a-kind fall event near Lake George!

General Information

The Adirondack Balloon Festival is a free event that attracts upwards of 150,000 people! For those who have never attended the festival, we’d like to share some general information on where to go and what to bring.

Balloon flights occur just after sunrise or close to sunset. Visit the Adirondack Balloon Festival Facebook page for updates on scheduled flights.
There are two locations where flights start. This includes Floyd Bennet Memorial Airport in Queensbury and Crandall Park in Glens Falls.
Pets, drones, and smoking are not allowed on festival grounds.
Keep in mind that balloon flights are weather dependent, and they will not fly if it is rainy or too windy.
We recommend dressing in layers; since September weather in the Adirondacks can be unpredictable.
Feel free to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers for extra comfort.

What to Expect at Adirondack Balloon Festival

Every year the festival is a bit different, but there are several reoccurring events that visitors look forward to every year:

Downtown Glen Falls kicks off the celebration with an annual block party. This event will include a display of balloon baskets and a car show for you to stroll through. There will also be kids’ activities, food, and live music!
The ZONTA craft fair will return to the festival
Every year, there is a night flight where hot air balloons will ascend, lit up by the moon’s soft glow. Don’t forget to bring your flashlights!
Additional activities include food vendors, a craft fair, an aircraft display, rock climbing walls, fireworks, and much more!

Adirondack Hotel Rooms for the Balloon Festival

The Adirondack Balloon Festival is right around the corner, so make sure you book your room with Surfside on the Lake now! We are located on the shores of Lake George, offering the perfect lake-cation for your Adirondack getaway. Take advantage of our private beach, and don’t forget to enjoy the view from our Rooftop Cabana Bar. Browse our collection of 150 rooms and suites, and book your fall vacation today!