You’re all set to go. Whether it’s your first time to Lake George or your annual trip, there is always something to see in the summer. A three hour drive from New York City and Canada, Lake George is the place to go for Adirondack views, great food, and unique shops. But your brochures and guides won’t tell you about the places you are about to hear of. Only the locals or the die hard vacationers know these secrets.
So, put down those brochures. Forget about ten dollar parking to get into the Great Escape (where it costs $3.00 for a soda and $7.99 for a tuna wrap). Don’t even think about waiting in line at Martha’s for an hour. You are about to experience the real Lake George in the Adirondacks. I’ve done all the Internet searching for you, links are included in this article.
In this article, part one, you will find out how to survive Canada Street. I could tell you all about the other things to do around Lake George, but your visit just wouldn’t be complete without visiting the main tourist attraction–Lake George Village.
To find out “the bests” in the area that are not on the main street in Lake George, see the article A Local’s Guide to Vacation in Lake George and the Adirondacks, NY Part Two.
Traffic and Parking Near Canada Street (The Main Street of Lake George):
First, about those parking meters. Any parking space within three blocks of Canada Street has parking meters where it is 25 cents for fifteen minutes, so be sure to save those quarters. However, I happen to know a few ways to save money on this.
Just a word to ease your fears: Your first parking ticket should be only a warning, but it is never safe to rely on that.
There are two or three spots on a little known side street. If you are coming from the south (Glens Falls, Queensbury) to Canada Street, AKA, “The Village”, at the first traffic light take a left. The little known side street is immediately on your left across from the side entrance of the arcade. It’s a squeeze, but as of a few weeks ago, they did not have meters. These spots are usually available unless some other locals got them first.
Another option is to continue past this spot and take a right at your first stop sign. This road (running parallel to Canada Street) has a parking lot on the left with about the same fees as the meters, but you will get more time for your money. Just simply put your money into the collection machine, and it prints a ticket to put inside your window. No quarters needed, the machine takes bills.
If these two options fail you, you can always come after midnight when the meter men go home for the night (see nightlife).
If you are crazy enough to come during Americade, you will probably get caught in traffic. If you haven’t experienced this traffic before, you should. (Seriously.) It is unlike any other, and really kind of fun and exciting, believe it or not. At any time, fifty or more vehicles are waiting to get onto the main street of Lake George, but there are only two ways in, north and south.
Coming in from the north is usually not as much of a sight as south. People line up in chairs on the street watching the traffic as if it were a parade. Tires are squealing, people are yelling, singing, and making friends with others in traffic.
As much fun as this is, I wish I had a secret to avoiding it. I am not so lucky. The only thing I can advise you is, coming toward Canada Street, AKA, “The Village”, from the south you must turn left as soon as possible. This is the only way to avoid some traffic. All the streets to the left of Canada street contain parking spaces. There are a few parking spaces to the righ of Canada Street, lakeside. However, these are unreliable as they are usually full.
The first turn left is directly after Smokey Joe’s restaurant. (Sidenote: Smokey Joe’s is relatively new to Lake George, and it is really yummy. Best ribs I’ve tried yet.) From there, take the first parking spot you see, or attempt my parking tricks (above).
Restaurant Guide With Information on Smokey Joe’s
What is There to do Once I’ve Found Parking? An Overview of “The Village” :
Good question! If you’re coming during the day, there are two free beaches off of Canada street. Shepard’s Cove Beach is smaller, but has a playground, changing areas, dock, and occasionally a band.
Bands are at the park next to this beach every Tuesday night in the summer at 7:30. Kids can play, parents can relax, teens can jump from the dock. It is called Shepard’s Park, and you can see the park from the road. Often Shepard’s Park is host to events such as arts and craft fairs. Walk down the hill next to the park, and you’ll be at the beach.
For a nice stroll next to the water, follow this sidewalk (The Boardwalk) all the way up to the steamboats. The other beach is located beyond the steamboats, and it is your typical public beach with two volleyball nets and changing areas. If you aren’t in the mood for walking, there is parking across from this beach.
The shops in Lake George Village consist of your typical tourist shops: bathing suits, Lake George t-shirts, crazy gifts, etc. There are also a few craft shops intertwined, and some simulation type rides for the kids.
Don’t forget, fireworks at dark every Thursday night during the summer. Head to the Shepard’s park dock or Christie’s on the Lake for the best view. Even better, take a fireworks cruise on a steamboat. Read on for “the bests” in the village. Or, if you don’t want to do the village thing, continue past to “the bests” of the area in part two of this article.
The Steamboats
The Best Pizza on Canada Street:
You can miss this place. No, that’s not a misprint. You really can miss it! Capri pizza is so tiny, you can barely see it in midst of the hustle on Canada Street. If you come at night, you will find it on the non-water side of the street,. You see that tiny place behind the masses of people, next to the arcade? That’s it. Really. Go on inside, I promise you’ll love it. It’s one of those mom-and-pop-tiny-inside-shack-but-the-best-food kind of places.
Once inside, you can seat yourself (yes, not exactly The Ritz Carleton), or you can order at the counter , take your pizza outside and sit on the curb. The pizza is so good, it won’t matter. Order something other than pizza if you like, everything is good.
But how can you resist the crispy thin crust piled with cheese and perfect sauce? Top it with Parmigana for a simply divine pizza experience unlike any other. Cheap too, and open ’till 2 AM for your after nightlife meal.
Review and Other Information on Capri Pizza
The Best Ice Cream on Canada Street:
I am going to have to go with good ol’ Ben and Jerry’s on this one. No other ice cream on the strip can surpass this. On a hot day, come inside B&J;’s for the most refreshing smell (you’ll know exactly what I mean when you get there) and air conditioning. You will find Ben and Jerry’s on the lakeside of Canada Street. For the best ice cream in the area, see that section.
www.benjerry.com/
The Best Nightlife on Canada Street:
During the tourist season, most bars on the strip charge a cover price to get in.
The best place, crowded but with no cover, is Christie’s on the Lake. As you wedge through the crowd, try to make your way to the stairs, either by the bathrooms or to the far corner of the deck and get upstairs. It is often much less crowded on the top deck, and the view is spectacular. You will find Christie’s next to Shepard’s Park.
If you are not in the mood for a crowd, try out The KooCoo’s Nest. A relatively new bar, there’s always room to move. It’s lakeside, so the views are great as usual. It is located directly to the right of Christie’s.
You could try one of the other bars on the lakeside, but the cover charge pays for less crowds. On the non-lake side of the street, Judd’s does not typically charge a cover, but it is small, crowded, and inside only. This is more of a pub/sports bar atmosphere.
Wherever you choose, one sure thing is there is always somewhere to go. And parking is free after midnight! Don’t forget to get Capri pizza on your way out.
Help! I’ve Gotta Go to The Bathroom! (On Canada Street):
No problem! On the corner of Canada Street near the steamboats is a newly renovated Adirondack style restroom, as clean as they get. If you’re down toward Shepard’s park, there are bathrooms near the beach. On the other side of the street, Capri has a very small bathroom for customers, as well as a few other restaurants and Judd’s. For real emergencies, there’s always McDonald’s.
“The Bests” in The Area (outside of Lake George):
If you are willing to venture off of Canada street, I have a lot to tell you about. This area has much more to offer! Please don’t visit the area without reading the sister article, A Local’s Guide to Vacation in Lake George and the Adirondacks, NY Part Two.
Good luck, and have a wonderful, unique vacation experience! If you need more advice from the locals, ask any one working in the shops for insider advice. We are the best tour guides!
