CapNY Road Trip to Lake George in Spring Time

Updated: July 2025

Lake George – the “Queen of American Lakes” – is one of the crown jewels of the Capital Region. A road trip to this destination is a great opportunity to take in the beauty of the lake and the first stirrings of spring. You’ll enjoy vast history, trails and beautiful architecture all along the way.

For our road trip to Lake George we’ve created an interactive map using Google Earth, with links, stops and information to help you with your drive. If you aren’t able to leave your home, you can use this map to go on a virtual drive. Access the interactive map HERE.

The Lake George Drive

A road trip to Lake George begins by exiting the Northway I-87 at Lake George Village (Exit 22). Making a left onto Route 9N, which will lead you through Lake George Village. Lake George makes small appearances throughout the village drive, and its beauty is spectacular. If open, take a detour down Beach Road to view Lake George and the Adirondacks from “Million Dollar Beach,” at the southern end of the lake.

Follow Route 9N through Lake George Village to the end of town, and keep right and continue on 9N along Lake Shore Drive. You’ll see some of the inns and resorts that make Lake George a thriving tourist destination in the warmer months.

Driving a little further, we came upon the charming Diamond Point Community Church, a historic church dedicated in August, 1879. You can take a virtual tour here. 

Continue north toward the village of Bolton Landing with lots of nearby hikes (the family-friendly trails at Up Yonda Farms are open, but the educational facilities are not). Visit the gorgeous Sabbath Day Scenic Lookout, which has two spots to pull over where you can eat some lunch, breathe in the fresh air and take in the incredible views of Lake George. During our drive, it was so quiet that we could hear dogs barking on the other side of the lake.

Break For Lunch

If you’re getting hungry, there are a few options nearby. You can order from Bolton Landing Brewing Company and/or get some delicious elixirs at Huddle Bay Wine and Spirits,. There are a couple of options on our Google Earth map, but you might want to plan ahead and pack a lunch or some snacks.

Further along the drive, you’ll get a closer view of Lake George as the road meets the shore. You’ll pass Silver Bay and the sprawling YMCA Family Retreat Center on the way to the town of Ticonderoga. As you approach Ticonderoga, you’ll find the quaint and historic Valley View Memorial Chapel, an iconic structure set atop a hill in the Lord Howe Valley. The chapel was dedicated August 25, 1901.

Now you choose how to head home. Turn around and head back south along the lake, or drive around the entire lake. By crossing through Ticonderoga and heading south on Route 22, your views will be sweeping farmland. Just make sure you have enough fuel to get home – there are no stations along this route. Detailed directions here.

Stretching Your Legs

You may feel like a stretch during your road trip to Lake George. Options include several hiking trails that offer extraordinary views of the lake, many with streams, ponds and falls along the way. You can find a list of trails on the Lake George website. We recommend that you check ahead of time to make sure they are open to the public.

If history’s your thing or just want a little extra info along the way, you can check out The Warren County History Mapper. You will find a comprehensive list of historical sites around Lake George.

Please note that there are several spots throughout the drive where there is little to no cell service. If you are looking for historical markers, hiking trails or to order takeout, make sure to plan ahead by downloading information or calling businesses ahead of time. 

  • Written by: Rachel Dunn

CapNY Spring Weekend Itinerary: Albany County

Updated: July 2025

Itching for a weekend getaway or staycation this spring? Book a trip to Albany for must-see museums, craft beverage experiences and much more! With blooming tulips and blue skies, it is a picture-perfect time of year to visit Albany. Scroll on for a weekend itinerary to discover Albany this spring.

This blog post is presented through a content collaboration with Discover Albany.

  • Friday Night

Check in at one of Albany’s charming boutique hotels to kick off your spring weekend getaway. Housed in a 1884 turreted Victorian mansion, the Washington Park Inn is a perfect home base. The boutique hotel is a stone’s throw away from Washington Park and a short walk to downtown Albany. Another great option is the Washington Park Inn’s sister property, The Argus Hotel. The urban inn, located in a renovated, century-old mansion, has 12 guest rooms available.

For dinner, head to Lark Street, dubbed Albany’s “Village in the City”. The bustling corridor is home to charming shops, local restaurants and small businesses. 288 Lark Wine & Tap is a wine bar serving pizza from next door at Villa di Como Ristorante. Rain Modern Chinese is a destination for contemporary authentic Cantonese fare in Albany.  

Rosanna’s on Dove

Vegan or vegetarian? Go to Savoy Taproom for scratch-made food, cocktails and regional craft beverages. Or check out Bar Vegan, a new vegan tapas and cocktails bar, boasting an entire plant-based menu. 

Nearby in Albany’s Center Square neighborhood, dine at Rosanna’s on Dove or Dove + Deer. Rosanna’s specializes in Old World Italian fare with a modern twist. Dove + Deer serves up elevated pub eats. Both eateries are totally Insta-worthy and shake up must-try craft cocktails! 

  • Saturday
Morning

Jumpstart Saturday morning with a hearty breakfast at Iron Gate Cafe. The family-owned and-operated restaurant is a 15-minute walk from the Washington Park Inn. Housed in a converted historic mansion, it is a go-to spot for brunch in Albany. Savor delicious eats including Benedicts, omelets, scrambles, pancakes, French toast and more. If the weather cooperates, don’t miss out on dining al fresco on the charming patio. 

Burn off breakfast with a scenic bicycle ride through Washington Park by renting a bike from CDPHP Cycle!, a bike-share program operated by CDTA and CDPHP.

Iron Gate Cafe

Afternoon

Albany Institute of History & Art

Located not too far from Washington Park, the Albany Institute of History & Art is a must-see museum. It is one of the oldest museums in the country and specializes in art and historical objects documenting the life and culture of New York’s Upper Hudson Valley from the late 17th-century to present.

After visiting the Albany Institute of History & Art, take an afternoon stroll through downtown Albany. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the New York State Capitol Building. Go the Empire State Plaza to view the art collection, a treasure trove of Abstract Expressionist art. Wander the streets of downtown Albany to soak up the city’s rich history and to admire the fascinating architecture. 

Empire State Plaza Art Collection

If you prefer to listen to something as you walk, tune into the Artful Albany podcast. Each podcast episode serves as a self-guided walking tour in downtown Albany. Learn about the city’s 400 year-old history and the #CapitalWalls mural project. The Artful Albany Podcast is presented by Discover Albany, the Downtown Albany BID and Albany Center Gallery.  

Need a bite to eat during your downtown Albany walk? Pop into The Spinning Gyro for sandwiches and wraps. 

Albany Distilling Company

Hop in a rideshare to make it to Albany Distilling Company’s Distillery by 3:00 PM for a tour. Tours dive into the entire production process for the handcrafted, small-batch spirits. The tour concludes with a sampling of Albany Distilling’s spirits. Please note that tours must be reserved in advance! 

Night

Located in the heart of downtown Albany, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen is a great spot for dinner. The Hollow’s menu features seasonal dishes crafted with farm-fresh ingredients. The eatery boasts an extensive craft beer list and a handful of signature cocktails. Many of the dishes are also vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.  

The Hollow resides on the lower level of this building

After dinner, go to an arena football game or a concert. Sports fans, plan your getaway or staycation on a weekend with an Albany Empire home game. Cheer on the professional arena football players during an exhilarating game! Home games at the MVP Arena this spring are on Saturday April 23, Saturday May 21 and Saturday June 4. More of a fan of concerts and live music? Lark Hall, a historic performance arts venue, was recently restored and reopened. Check out the concert schedule and plan your trip around a Saturday show that catches your interest! 

  • Sunday

Check-out from your hotel and grab a rideshare (or drive your car) to The Skinny Pancake for breakfast. The Vermont-based creperie is downtown Albany’s newest breakfast and brunch hotspot. The menu has a wide selection of sweet and savory crepes made with local ingredients. Reservations encouraged! 

After breakfast, explore outside the city of Albany limits. Either hop in a rideshare or drive your own car to the Pine Hollow Arboretum in Slingerlands. It is a 15-minute drive from downtown Albany and a tranquil place for a morning walk. Be immersed into the sights and sounds of spring along the network of trails. Marvel at the blossoming magnolia trees, azaleas and wildflowers! The grounds are open for free from dawn to dusk, 365 days per year. 

Pine Hollow Arboretum
Afternoon

If you are not quite ready to end your weekend getaway or staycation, plan for one last stop! Near the Pine Hollow Arboretum, check out Art on the Rail Trail (ART). This public art initiative is a volunteer committee of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy.  Go for a walk to soak up scenic views of nature and admire the vibrant art installations. Find information on the locations of the art installations at this link.

 
Young People’s Mural, designed by student Emily Meier, project work led by artist Andrea Hersh
  • Written By: Discover Albany