“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” ~ Martin Buber
When I was a baby my family use to vacation in Lake George, visiting my mom’s family who lived there and exploring the Adirondacks. The last time I was there was in the bleak and chilly month of February for my great uncle’s funeral. It was at least 15 years ago and my memory is a little hazy.
When my friend asked if I wanted to explore the town after our horse back ride, I jumped at the chance in giddy excitement. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it definitely wasn’t the Dirty Dancing vibes I got.
I come from a mountain town, but not at all like this. With an inn overlooking the lake, I could totally picture Johnny and Baby working on their dance moves. Yes I know the movie took place in the Catskills, but the Adirondacks had the same atmosphere. I absolutely loved it!
Lake George was understandably busy, with the tourist season in full swing, but it wasn’t Time Square overwhelming where I had to keep my pedestrian rage in check. The quaint and rustic not only endured this town to me, but also gave me a fix of home.
It also wasn’t at all what I thought it would be. Perhaps because it was in February when I visited and it was essentially the equivalent of a ghost town.
Everything was in walking distance, which for this city girl, I loved. There is a built in boardwalk that spans the town connecting the beaches and making for a picturesque walk along the lakefront. The restaurants and shops definitely had a decidedly rustic feel, that was fitting for a town nestled in the Adirondacks. From the typical kitschy tourist trap shops, to so many restaurants That were built up high so that people could get the ultimate view of the lake, there was so much to do and so little time!
Boats were a plenty, and I had to hold my mermaid self in check until next time. There was something utterly peaceful about having the water and the mountains right there. Even New Hampshire doesn’t have anything like this. My mountainous background and my love of the ocean had merged in a cohesive unity.
With my friend living only an hour away, I can not wait to visit her and go back to Lake George. And maybe, just maybe, I can channel my inner Jennifer Grey and have a Dirty Dancing moment…After all a girl can dream.
Have you ever been to Lake George?
