The Lake George Area is full of flavor – and also the hometown of famous foodie, Rachael Ray! Television personality and culinary connoisseur Rachael Ray was a childhood resident of the Lake George Area, and has many fond memories growing up in this close-knit community.
Pictured: Rachael Ray and husband, John M. Cusimano
On her television talk show, she often mentions her hometown roots and endorses many of our local eateries and markets that she favorites. Rachael filmed an episode of “40 Dollars a Day” in Lake George and its surrounding communities – click here to check out the segment! Read on to take a virtual trip to the great culinary establishments and attractions featured on that episode. Then, plan your visit using our dedicated itinerary – click here to view – and actually experience the fabulous places and activities that keeps Rachael, and other vacationers, coming back to the Lake George Area!
Welcome to Rachael’s Hometown
Pictured: Downtown Glens Falls
Arrive in the Lake George Area to be greeted by gorgeous views of the “Queen of American Lakes” and the Adirondack Mountains as its backdrop. Five ships offer a variety of sightseeing cruises on 32-mile long Lake George, some offering lunch, dinner, and entertainment. Whether you choose the Lake George Steamboat Company’s classic paddle steamer “The Minne Ha-Ha” or a touring vessel such as Lake George Waterfront Cruises’ “The Adirondac,” a cruise along the pristine shores is sure to be a memorable introduction to the area.
Channel Your Inner Cowboy or Cowgirl
What culinary adventure is in store for the evening? How about a genuine Texas-style BBQ at Painted Pony Championship Rodeo! Enjoy a buffet of ribs, chicken, pasta, beans, salad, slaw, and shortcake, then catch the thrills and spills of professional rodeo. Afterward, you can your traveling companion can square dance the night away to country western music in the Longhorn Saloon.
Enjoy Lakeside Dining and Lake Views
Pictured: Algonquin Restaurant
Rise and shine to continue along Rachael’s featured television itinerary! A great day begins with the 5.5-mile scenic drive to the summit of Prospect Mountain via the Veterans Memorial Highway. Get a bird’s-eye view of Lake George and the 100-mile vista of the magnificent mountains beyond.
Add a scenic drive along “Millionaire’s Row” to the route and behold some of the grand homes along Lake Shore Drive on the way to the charming community of Bolton Landing.
Upon reaching Bolton Landing, settle in at the Algonquin Restaurant – Rachael highly recommends this lakeside dining spot – for a delicious lunch before visiting the historic Sagamore Resort. Located on its own island on Lake George, you can tour the grounds of this famous resort before enjoying a refreshing drink on one of many patios or decks overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. Rachael was a former employee of the Resort’s many on-site eateries.
Loved by Rachael and the Locals
This itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Oscar’s Adirondack Smokehouse in Warrensburg. This family-owned and operated smokehouse has been featured on the Rachael Ray Show and Rachael often uses their products in her culinary creations. Don’t forget to pack a cooler for the smoked meats, cheeses, baked goods and other locally made products you are sure to want to bring home and use in your own recipes!