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November 4, 2025
Adirondacks
All Aboard for Autumn: Miss New York's Dream Weekend in the Lake George Area
Ghost tours, golden foliage, lake cruises, and small-town charm — see how one train ride on Amtrak led to an unforgettable fall adventure for Miss New York Lauren Norris
A smiling woman, Lauren Norris, crowned Miss New York in Lake George, wearing a maroon dress, sash, and black boots stands on a boat with sparkling water and vibrant autumn trees and houses in the background.

From a spooky ghost tour to a breathtaking lake adventure on a steamboat, my fall weekend in the Lake George Area was a dream come true! My three-day trip was packed full of just some of the amazing places the area has to offer, and I truly felt like I was walking in an autumn oasis. It’s a pleasure to share all the incredible highlights of my trip with you, and I hope to inspire you to take a train to this scenic area of New York.

DAY ONE

My journey began with a breathtaking train ride into Fort Edward station.  I’m used to seeing skyscrapers, so it was refreshing to be welcomed by beautiful trees with changing colors as fall began to take over! My train ride was quick and easy and reminded me of what a luxury it is to be able to travel so simply to such a picturesque place by rail.

A woman with long hair, wearing a Miss New York Lake George shirt, sits alone on a train, gazing out the window at the trees and sunlight outside.
A canvas tote bag containing books and a bag of Kettle brand potato chips sits on a train seat by a window, with a view of autumn trees and a partly cloudy sky outside—perfect for reminiscing about Miss New York Lake George adventures.
A yellow building with a green and yellow sign reading Fort Edward above windows decorated with pine tree silhouettes. Shrubs are in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky near the Miss New York Lake George pageant route.

When I arrived, I started the trip off with one of my favorite activities: shopping! The Lake George Outlets has such a variety of shops, and I was able to pick out gifts for so many different people in my life as there was a store for everyone. After all that shopping, it was time to relax at the Holiday Inn Resort Lake George, which provided me with the perfect place to rest before heading out on my first spooky adventure.

When the sun set and the Lake George Area was blanketed in darkness, it was time for my Haunted History Ghost Tour at the Fort William Henry Museum. If you’re a Halloween enthusiast who loves spine-tingling ghost stories, then you need to check out this ghost tour! I can’t tell you how many times I felt like a ghost was going to jump around a corner, and I simultaneously learned so much about the history of the Lake George Area, which was an added bonus!

DAY TWO

The next morning, I was up bright and early to take a trip down the river with the Lake George Steamboat Company! I had the opportunity to go on its Mohican Lakefront Cruise, and I was made speechless by the insane views! The cruise takes place on the sparkling waters of Lake George, and you get a crystal-clear view of the Adirondack Peaks and the gorgeous foliage that accompanies them. My favorite part was the narration that provided insight into the history of Lake George and fun facts about its legends and wildlife. This is a must-do if you are visiting the area!

A woman in a plaid coat, maroon dress, and black boots stands smiling and waving in front of the large white Miss New York Lake George boat named Mohican under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Miss New York Lake George wears a crown and holds a steering wheel, embodying both elegance and confidence.
A woman wearing a crown and a Miss New York Lake George sash stands smiling next to a man in a captain's uniform and sunglasses inside a boat, with blue water and sky visible through the windows.

After the boat tour, it was time to enjoy more Halloween festivities. I traveled to Glens Falls to see its symphony Halloween family concert, and I was enthralled by the gorgeous music. There is truly nothing like listening to a live performance, and you could feel the passion and love exuding from every single musician on that stage! Afterwards, the music was stuck in my head for days (and I am not complaining!)

Just outside the concert venue, the Boo 2 You event was in full swing, and I couldn’t wait to join in the party! If you’re someone who loves to see a community come together and celebrate, you must attend Boo 2 You. It was heartwarming to see people of all ages dress up as their favorite characters, eat delicious local food and dance to incredible live music. The spirit of Halloween in Glens Falls was truly contagious!

Miss New York Lake George, wearing a sash and crown, kneels and hugs a young child in a yellow costume on a busy street, surrounded by people and strollers during an outdoor event.
A woman in garment, possibly Miss New York Lake George, posing with a child on a lively street.
Miss New York Lake George, wearing a crown and sash, kneels on the street, smiling and chatting with two young girls dressed as princesses during a lively outdoor event filled with people in the background.
Miss New York Lake George, wearing a tan coat and crown, kneels to greet a young girl in a red polka dot jacket and wheelchair at an outdoor event, with people and buildings in the background.
A young girl in a white dress and crown stands on a street, smiling and holding a gift while Miss New York Lake George, wearing a sash and crown, kneels in front of her during a parade. People and a bank building are visible in the background.

After my thrilling day, it was time to end the night in the Electric Arena for the Adirondack Thunder home opener! I had the privilege and honor to sing the Star-Spangled Banner at the first game of the season, and–let me tell you–the energy in that room was off the charts!

Adirondack fans are truly some of the most dedicated and joyful fans I have ever seen in action, and it was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement and cheer them on.

DAY THREE

After such a busy two days, my last morning in Lake George was spent enjoying local museums and shops. I had an incredible time at The Hyde Collection, which is a historic house and art museum full of incredible historical pieces. There were so many gorgeous paintings, and I felt like I learned so much about art history that I never would have learned without visiting.

My last stop in the Lake George Area was The Shirt Factory, which is another amazing place to shop! From bookstores to art galleries to jewelry and more, this place truly had everything and anything you could think of. I loved treating myself to something I would cherish forever that would remind me of my amazing weekend!

As I reflect on my trip, the Lake George Area is truly a magical place full of a variety of adventures. Whether you love history, shopping or spooky activities, it has something to offer everyone. I’m already dreaming of taking my next trip back and exploring even more of what I didn’t get to see!

A wide, calm lake with gentle ripples, surrounded by tree-covered hills displaying autumn colors under a clear blue sky with a few scattered clouds.

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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