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June 11, 2026
Adirondacks
Lake George Area by Rail: A Miss New York Getaway with New York By Rail
There’s something about slowing down and enjoying the journey and this month, I had the opportunity to do exactly that as Miss New York! Thanks to New York By Rail, I traveled aboard Amtrak to the beautiful Lake George Area for a memorable three-day adventure fi lled with history, outdoor activities, local culture, and some of the most stunning scenery New York state has to offer. My itinerary included stays and experiences with the Fort William Henry Hotel, Ruggerio’s Public Horseback Riding, the Fort William Henry Museum, the Lake George Music Festival, Adirondack Karting Experience, and Natural Stone Bridge & Caves.
A young woman wearing a tiara, a sash reading Miss New York, a short light blue dress, and white heels stands on a balcony with scenic lake and mountains—Miss New York explores Albany NY by Amtrak.

My trip began with an evening Amtrak ride to Fort Edward, where I was welcomed and transported to the historic Fort William Henry Hotel overlooking Lake George. After checking in, I spent the evening exploring the village and settling into one of the region’s most iconic destinations.

One of my favorite things about traveling by rail is the opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. Instead of focusing on traffic or directions, I was able to relax, unwind, and watch New York’s landscapes roll by before arriving refreshed and ready to explore.

DAY ONE

The next morning kicked off with an unforgettable horseback riding experience at Ruggerio’s Public Horseback Riding! There’s nothing quite like experiencing the Adirondacks from horseback. The peaceful trails, fresh mountain air, and beautiful surroundings made for a perfect start to the day. I have been horseback riding since I was a little girl and loved the chance to get back on!

A young girl wearing a sash and crown sits on a brown and white horse at a fairground in the Lake George Area by Rail, with RVs, a red barn, and a large cow statue in the background under a blue sky.
A young girl wearing a sash and jeans sits on a brown and white horse in front of the rustic wooden Longhorn Saloon building, surrounded by trees under a sunny sky—an authentic scene from the Lake George Area by Rail.
A woman wearing a white shirt and jeans sits on a brown and white horse in a sunlit forest near Lake George Area by Rail, paused beside a small rocky stream with tall trees and green foliage in the background.
A young woman wearing a sash that reads Miss New York sits on a brown and white horse in a sunlit, wooded forest area near the scenic Lake George Area by Rail, smiling at the camera.

Afterward, I enjoyed lunch at Bandstand Brew Works restaurant before returning to the hotel to freshen up.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the Fort William Henry Museum. The museum tour connected perfectly with the site’s historic signifi cance and ongoing anniversary celebrations, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s colonial history. I went on a ghost tour here back in the fall, I loved going back to see the views during the summer!

A wooden building with a round sign reading Bandstand above the entrance, set against green trees and a cloudy sky in the Lake George Area by Rail. A lit OPEN sign glows in the window, welcoming visitors.
A bowl of pulled pork topped with coleslaw sits beside a tray of potato chips and iced soda on a gray tabletop, evoking the relaxed dining vibe found when exploring the Lake George Area by Rail; another meal and drink sit in the background.
A girl in jeans and a sash looks through a coin-operated telescope on a wooden deck, near a cannon and a British flag. Discover the scenic beauty of the Lake George Area by Rail, with green hills and blue sky in the background.

As someone who loves learning about New York’s rich heritage, it was incredible to walk through a place where so much history unfolded. The museum brought the stories of the area to life and helped me have a deeper appreciation for the role Lake George has played throughout our state’s history.

That evening, I attended a performance as part of the Lake George Music Festival at The Carriage House. The festival showcased extraordinary talent in an intimate setting overlooking the mountains and lake. It was the perfect way to end a day with beautiful classical pieces!

A woman wearing a crown, sash reading Miss New York, and a floral dress stands smiling on a balcony overlooking the Lake George Area by Rail. The newyork by rail logo appears in the corner.
A smiling young woman with long hair sits in a racing simulator, holding the steering wheel. She wears a sash and jeans, with a Lake George Area by Rail sign and checkered decor visible in the background.
A smiling woman wearing a tiara and a Miss New York sash stands beside a brown and white horse outdoors, dressed in a white t-shirt and pearl-studded jeans. Explore the Lake George Area by Rail! The new york by rail logo appears at the bottom right.

DAY TWO

My final day in the Lake George Area began with a visit to Adirondack Karting Experience for indoor go-karting and mini golf. Totally a big highlight of the trip! I LOVE go-karts and arcades like this, I was blown away to see all of the work that went into creating such a fun family friendly space for the community. Not to brag, but I did come in second in go-karts!

A young woman with long hair, wearing a yellow t-shirt, jeans, and a sash, sits and smiles while holding the steering wheel of a racing simulator in an indoor entertainment center with colorful lighting—an exciting stop near Lake George Area by Rail.

Before heading home, I visited Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, one of the area’s most unique attractions. Walking through the self-guided trails and witnessing the incredible natural rock formations was an unforgettable experience. The beauty of the Adirondack region was on full display, and it felt like the perfect fi nale to my visit. The views here were stunning, I also got to see beautiful butterfl ies along the trail.

A large amethyst geode and smaller geode pieces are displayed on a wooden table in a rustic rock shop near the Lake George Area by Rail. Signs identify the geode as 220 lbs from Brazil, with rock and fossil specimens filling shelves in the background.
A wooden display wall featuring framed photos and documents, with a colorful sign in front reading Natural Stone Bridge & Caves—decorated with trees and rock formations—highlights the Lake George Area by Rail experience.
A wooden fence and large rocks frame a view of a river flowing through lush forest in the Lake George Area by Rail, with tall green trees and dense foliage on a cloudy day.
A rocky river flows through a forest with lush green trees in the Lake George Area by Rail. Large boulders sit in the foreground, while gentle rapids cascade over rocks beneath a partly cloudy sky.

Of course, no trip is complete without a sweet treat, and a stop for ice cream at Stone Bridge Ice Cream (down the road from Natural Stone Bridge & Caves) before catching my train back home was the perfect ending.

A small beige building with a green roof houses Stone Bridge Ice Cream, a favorite stop for travelers exploring the Lake George Area by Rail. The sign features ice cream cones, and a red neon OPEN glows above two green benches outside among the trees.
A hand holds a vanilla soft serve ice cream cone wrapped in a napkin, outdoors on a sunny day with green trees and a path in the background—perfect for enjoying summer treats in the Lake George Area by Rail.

From outdoor adventures and historic landmarks to live music and breathtaking natural scenery, the Lake George Area offers an incredible variety of experiences in one destination. Traveling by Amtrak made the journey easy, comfortable, and stress-free, allowing me to focus on making memories every step of the way.

As Miss New York, I am always proud to highlight the amazing destinations our state has to offer, and this trip reminded me just how much beauty, history, and adventure can be found right here in New York state.

Thank you to New York By Rail, the Lake George Area, and all of the wonderful partners who made this experience possible. I can’t wait to return and discover even more of what this incredible region has to offer soon!

Take Amtrak to Lake George

Experience all of the the Lake George Area via Amtrak to the Fort Edward-Glens Falls Station, only 4 hours from Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan. The Lake George Area is approximately a 25-minute drive from the train station. Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!

White text on a black background reads: Visit the Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks, home of Miss New York Lake George, with decorative, script-style lettering for Lake George Area.

Discover the birthplace of the American vacation! The destination that started it all, the Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks! 

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