Get lost in the Lake George Area – lost in a good book. From quiet corners of the region for book or book club retreats to “readaways” – getaways centered around reading and relaxing – and literary travel inspired by works set in the Lake George Area. Your next chapter starts here…

Inside Our Indie Bookstores

In the Lake George Area, independent bookstores are where the right book finds you before you reach your reading destination. Whether you’re looking for one book to last you the length of your long weekend stay, checking multiple off your TBR for a read-a-thon vacay, or a book club outing to choose the next title together, these shelves hold something for all readers:  

Just One More Chapter 

Rom-com to romantasy and every page in between, Just One More Chapter is a specialty bookstore for romance readers located at 14 Ridge Street in downtown Glens Falls. Complete with a rolling ladder straight out of your personal library dreams, these shelves are regularly restocked with new releases, blind dates with a book, and local author’s novels too. Try out a book in one of several cozy reading nooks scattered throughout this store, and shop all the annotating accessories you need, including romance-themed bookmarks, stickers, and more. We have a feeling you’ll be too hooked for "just one more chapter” – so when you return for another paperback, time it during a bookish craft night! 

Besties Beyond the Bookmark 

Your blind date with a book just got even better! Besties Beyond the Bookmark began with the popular wrapped-book trend, featuring spoiler-free teasers and fun extras tucked inside for the best reading experience possible, but has since grown into so much more. Owned and operated by two best friends, this bookstore inside The Shirt Factory not only sells their signature blind dates with a book (including children’s books too) but a variety of other titles from all genres, and even branded personal or book club reading journals. Bring your own besties and make arrangements to use their comfy reading space complete with kitchenette. Keep an eye out for them at local events where they often set up as a vendor! 

Black Walnut & Little Black Walnut Books  

At Black Walnut and Little Black Walnut Books, you're invited into all worlds of fiction and nonfiction. These Native-owned and-queer-owned bookstores offer must-reads that amplify the voices and stories of queer, authors, authors of color, and indigenous writers. Located in The Shirt Factory and just down the hall from one another, Black Walnut Books caters to adult readers alongside pins, flags, hats stickers, and more. Meanwhile, Little Black Walnut Books carries empowering children’s stories for infants through middle school readers, with an assortment of games, puzzles, and toys as well. This storefront is also their creative event space where they have held story times, craft nights, and author meet and greets. Black Walnut also hosts a range of free book clubs, open to everyone and often in collaboration with other neighboring businesses, such as Paper & Clay with Adirondack Pottery or Horror Genre Book Club with Beldame Books. 

Beldame Books 

Horror and sci-fi fans, this one’s for you! Browse stacks upon stacks of new and “used but not quite dead” books as you hunt for genre classics at Beldame Books – where Stephen King is always in stock. Sift through comics, manga, and collectibles, including horror memorabilia and action figures. Also in The Shirt Factory, this bookshop has that nostalgic feel where you just know you’ll stumble upon something good to read, maybe even something that gives you Goosebumps….

Ghost Books 

Cross the threshold of Ghost Books, also inside The Shirt Factory, to uncover esoteric books, occult magic, antiques, oddities, and art. For readers interested in entering the realm of the mystical and arcane, this is the perfect prologue. 

The Book Cabin 

“Lake life is better with books” – and we couldn’t agree more! This log cabin turned bookstore is a bibliophile’s heaven in Lake George and takes pride in offering the best summer beach (or boat) reads and rainy day activities, like puzzles and games. Although their physical location is only open seasonally, you can shop hardcopies, eBooks, and audiobooks on their website year-round. Keeping with the camp spirit, join The Lake Ladies, a free book club for contemporary fiction that meets around the outdoor firepit. Not only will you dive into the storyline, but also a creative writing or drawing prompt or a themed craft to go along with it; there is a limited number of spots, reach out to The Book Cabin and sign up while you still can!

Maple Tree Books

Step off Main Street in Warrensburg inside this gently used bookstore with a charmingly crowded library-like feel, exactly the the way it should be – books piled high, floor to ceiling. You could be here all day just browsing the entire collection, including vintage comic books as well. If you can’t find the title you’re looking for here, you may not find it anywhere. Visit in fall for the World’s Largest Garage Sale, where they use their vendor space to set up outdoors and offer great deals on a large portion of their inventory.

Now pack up that book you can’t put down, these are…

Parks Perfect for a “Readaway” 

In desperate need of a little R&R – reading and relaxing? Make your getaway to these parks & preserves in the Lake George Area that provide either sunny or shady, secluded spots to distance from any distractions. 

Shepard Park – A reader’s oasis right in the heart of Lake George Village. Find an empty Adirondack chair and settle in – you’re going to be here awhile. Mark your chapters by which steamboats pass by in your unobstructed view of Lake George. As afternoon turns into evening, and you’re still hooked on every word, stay right where you are for some free entertainment. A live music concert series is held every weeknight at the Shepard Park Amphitheater. 

Lake George Battlefield Park – Wide open skies and plenty of space to spread out, just bring your picnic blanket and a good book. Soak up the sun, story, and sweeping views of Lake George’s southern basin. Then, reward yourself for all the reading you’ve done with a stroll down Beach Road for some ice cream at The Pink Roof. 

Rogers Memorial Park – Tucked behind the Chamber of Commerce off busy Lake Shore Drive in Bolton Landing, you might be surprised at how much productive reading you can get done right here. Claim an Adirondack chair on the grassy hill, retreat to the pavilion on the pier, or dig your toes in the sand while you turn page after page. Bring your pickleball paddle too – this locale is also one of several popular pickleball courts in the Lake George Area. 

Peggy’s Point – Arguably one of the best “readaways” for immersing yourself in the gentle nature of the Lake George Area, Peggy’s Point is situated at the less-trafficked northern end of Lake George. It’s a beautifully maintained garden where you can listen to a soundtrack of birdsong while your work your way through a hardcover; we recommend doing so on a bench along the shoreline or inside the wooden gazebo. If you find yourself there on a Wednesday evening in summer, walk next door to the town beach park for Hague Music in the Park. 

Dean Farm Heritage Trail – Ultimate peace & quiet from cover to cover, this out-of-the-way expanse of wetlands, woodlands, and meadows unfolds along both sides of Murray Road in the Town of Stony Creek. This is the closest you’ll come to a countryside “readaway”. With over 3 miles of boardwalks and gravel paths to explore, consider navigating to a wooden bench overlooking the rolling hills and flowering fields – you might just be joined by a monarch butterfly or two. Head into the treeline and you’ll end up in what is possibly the most remote spot to read in in the Lake George Area, right beside babbling Stony Creek. 

Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob – Up for a hike? Trek a steady incline for less than a mile to the newly remodeled gazebo for rewarding views of Lake George, island groups, and a backdrop of Adirondack Mountain ranges. Pull out your book for half an hour or half the day. Stay until the light you’re using to read by fades into one of the beautiful sunsets often seen here on the eastern side of the lake. 

Resorts for Your Book or Book Club Retreats 

May we recommend a long weekend stay where you never have to leave the property? Comfortable rooms, scenic views, on-site dining, amenities, and spaces for both solo readers and book clubs. You might even find yourself feeling as though you've stepped into the setting of one of your favorite stories. 

The Sagamore Resort

Imagine yourself in a historical fiction masterpiece. This 100-year-old property embodies quiet luxury, set on its own private island on Lake George – fittingly nicknamed the “Queen of American Lakes.” The stately main hotel is ideal for those who are solo, while house or cottage rentals can accommodate a group. Reserve “The Castle” if your wish is a more historical fantasy-inspired trip. Beyond the comforts of your quarters, there are unlimited places to converse without interruption around the resort. From clusters of Adirondack chairs on the veranda to loungers lined up on the pier. On-site dining is equally as refined with “centuries-old recipes” at La Bella Vita, or the “elegance of a bygone era” at Club Grill Steakhouse. Make an appointment at The Sagamore Spa for a quick refresh before returning to (and reaching) your reading goal. 

Garnet Hill Lodge 

Become the main character in a nature/adventure novel. Head into the mountains for rustic Adirondack atmosphere at Garnet Hill Lodge. Check in to a room with a private balcony and sweeping views for curling up with a book in solitude. Gather other members for some on-site exploration at Garnet Hill Outdoor Center, where shared excursions can be dedicated to your chapter-by-chapter debriefs. Paddle Thirteenth Lake or customize a hiking route from over 30+ miles of trails. The Log House Restaurant will provide you with hearty meals to keep you fueled for a restorative vacation of reading and recreation. 

Plot Twist - You Aren't in a Book Club Yet!?

Attend Adirondack Winery’s free Read Between the Vines Book Club! Unpack the plot and characters over glasses of Adirondack Winery wine and charcuterie boards. Monthly meetings and a different genre for just about every selection, keeps the reading manageable and engaging for all tastes. 

If like your books how you like your wine – bold – then Read Between the Vines Spicy Book Club (18+) is for you. Gab about your latest book boyfriend over drinks at these quarterly meetings. 

Don’t live locally to make all the meetings? Their current title is always posted on the website so you can follow along with what they are reading, and stop by when your visit to the Lake George Area coincides. Join their Facebook page without feeling like you’re missing any important details! 

Adirondack Winery also hosts seasonal and special occasion Boozy Book Fairs! Independent bookstores set up shop (including some of those listed above) alongside other vendors whose wares pair nicely like candles, plants, and boutiques, plus a cash bar. There might also be an author or two in attendance! 

And, we’ve also got you covered with a curated list to inspire your trip…

Literary Travel Recs for the Lake George Area

You’ve heard that books are among the best travel companions, but they are some of the best trip planners too! A constant source of wanderlust for avid readers and writers alike, what’s more fun than visiting a destination you’ve read about first!? Not surprisingly, there are plenty of fiction and nonfiction novels set in the Lake George Area, and accomplished authors who are from our area. Here are our picks: 

*Disclaimer: Although the blurbs provided have been written to exclude such, please be aware that some of these books may contain mature themes and sensitive topics for some readers. 

Fiction: 

  • The Last of The Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper (Genre: Historical Romance) – When the daughters of a British commander are captured by a traitorous scout, two of the last members of the Mohican tribe are sent to rescue them and become caught in the crossfire during the French & Indian War and the siege of Fort William Henry. *This novel was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, and  2026 marks its 200th anniversary since original publication. While the historical events are true, the plot and characters are fictionalized. Lake George Area visitors can tour a replica of the Fort William Henry, where artifacts from the French & Indian War are displayed. Immersive screenings of the movie, featuring real cannon sound effects, are also held several times a year. 
  • The Spy Who Who Loved Me by Ian Fleming (Genre: Spy Fiction/Thriller) – The 10th James Bond novel is told from the perspective of Vivienne Michel who flees from Europe to a motel near Lake George in the Adirondacks. Here she is hired as a receptionist by the shady couple running the motel on behalf of their gangster boss... when a mysterious British spy arrives to save her. *The Spy Who Loved Me is also a 1977 James Bond film. However, author Ian Fleming forbid the plot to be adapted, therefore the title is the only element that the book and movie share. 
  • The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan – (Genre: Contemporary Fiction/LGBTQ+ Fiction) A Goodreads Choice Awards Winner and a Reese’s Book Club pick. Growing up with her best friend in Bolton Landing, NY, the protagonist’s future dreams are shattered by a life-altering tragedy. In the aftermath, she adopts different identities and eventually reinvents herself as successful author, who has always managed to keep her real identity a secret, until…
  • The Necklace by Matt Whitten (Genre: Psychological Thriller/Murder Mystery) – A small-town waitress from Lake Luzerne sets out on a road trip to witness the execution of her daughter’s killer, a decade after the murder. She uncovers evidence along the journey that casts doubt on the case, and finds herself going head-to-head with the FBI to deliver justice. *Based on a true story, The Necklace references several real businesses and locations around the Town of Lake Luzerne. 
  • Adirondack Nights (3-Book Series) by C.K. Bloom (Genre:Contemporary Romance/Suspense) – Avery’s sister is missing, and the one who breaks the news is the same man that betrayed her 15 years before. Now a Manhattan divorce attorney, Avery returns home to Lake George to join the search. But as they get closer to untangling this small town’s web of secrets – and to each other – threats escalate and the danger intensifies. 
  • Desperate Hours: A Lake George Mystery by Thomas G. Kane (Genre: Mystery/Thriller) – Taking place over 14 hours on the Fourth of July, the day starts with Matt O’Malley waking up at his island campsite to the attempted murder of woman nearby. After saving her life, he discovers that nefarious plans are unfolding around him. It’s a race against the clock as he speeds down the length of Lake George, dodging those who want to kill him and those who want to arrest him, in a desperate attempt to prevent said plan from being carried out.  
  • Lady of Lake George and Lake George Lads Return by Daniel A. Gordon (Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery/Adventure) – The search for a cannon rumored to be lost at the bottom of Lake George during Henry Knox’s “Noble Train of Artillery” is underway. Meanwhile, a reporter last seen investigating leads in Albany’s capital has gone missing. As both unfold, true agendas surface, while present day and historical legend intertwine to draw the characters together. In the sequel, the beloved characters return several summers later for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, including the opening of an IMAX theater in Lake George to play films about the lake, forts, and founding fathers. However, hostile forces continue to challenge the actors hired to play these historical figures, leading to a dramatic conclusion. 

NonFiction: 

  • The Practice Run: How a Failed Art Heist Provided a Blueprint for the World’s Largest Art Robbery by Frederick J. Fisher – Fredrick J. Fisher is the former Executive Director of The Hyde Collection. This is his first-person account and investigation into the foiled art theft of The Hyde Collection and its connections to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA.
  • Haunted Warren County by David J. Pitkin – Also a resident of the Lake George Area, author David J. Pitkin’s collection of writing is a compilation of ghost stories, hauntings, and eye witness accounts from across New York State. This one is specific to sites and stories from around the Lake George Area, and a great guidebook for visitors interested in exploring our local paranormal activity. 

Authors: 

  • Kate White – Kate White is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author born in Glens Falls, NY. Add The Fiancée or The Secret You Keep to your TBR for some edge-of-your-seat thrillers/mysteries. 
  • Anne White – Mother of Kate White, Anne White is also an author from Glens Falls, NY. Add her Lake George Mystery series to your TBR, starting with An Affinity for Murder. A fictional  whodunnit revolving around the paintings of a famous Lake George Area summer resident, Georgia O’Keeffe. 
  • Mikaela Bee – Mikaela Bee is an 8-time published author from Queensbury, NY. Add her book The Lake House to your TBR for a remote cabin-in-the-woods psychological thriller/suspense vibe. 
  • J.D. Spero – J.D. Spero is an Amazon Breakthrough Award Winner and an Ippy Gold Award Winner from Lake George, NY. Add Boy on Hold and Boy Released for small town Adirondack thriller/mysteries. Or, her debut novel Catcher’s Keeper, for an alternate history/thriller of The Catcher in the Rye, with “what ifs” perfect for book club discussion.