The Lake George Area, located within the Adirondack Park, is an area filled with beauty. It may sound biased for us to proclaim such a statement, but being decorated with pristine lakes and water bodies, majestic forests and parks, and not to mention the wide diversity of flora and fauna that call our area home, we hope you’re inclined to agree once you visit.
That being said, we want to make sure the Lake George Area remains beautiful for a long time. For all the natural landscapes and resources that hundreds of thousands come to see annually, our destination needs all the help it can get to deliver the same smiles it’s given throughout previous generations.
So, if you’re a big fan of the Lake George Area, then check out these helpful tips for a more sustainable vacation.
What is Sustainability
Before diving into tips and tricks, some of you may be validly asking, “What is sustainability?”
Sustainability, at its core, revolves around making healthier decisions that not only benefit each other’s lives, but also the world and all the people who live on it. To put it in a definition, it is a more thoughtful way of living that aims to preserve rather than deplete the Earth’s precious resources, such as water, energy, trees, and fossil fuels.
Ultimately, there is no defined set of rules you have to take to make more sustainable choices, but there are plenty of helpful tidbits and suggestions to guide you.
With current environmental worries such as climate change, it’s now more important than ever before to be eco-friendlier, as a means to protect nature, preserve natural resources, and ensure that future generations are able to live happy and healthy lives. However, sustainability can also create a positive change in your lives in the present as well, with topics such as healthy diets and exercise also relating to being more sustainable.
Sustainable Travel Tips
With a better understanding of what sustainability encompasses, we’d like to present you with some ideas and suggestions for how you can encounter a more sustainable vacation when you visit the Lake George Area.
With natural beauties such as Lake George (“the Queen of the American Lakes”) and the Adirondack Mountains, we want to make sure the sights and resources they provide can be utilized by both locals and visitors for decades to come.
Pack Smarter
Packing is an important area wherein people can improve their sustainability. Depending on the length of your stay, you may find yourself with a handful (or more) of bags, suitcases, and other necessities. However, some of these items may be discarded once used, which produces an unnecessary amount of waste.
Instead of packing disposables, utilize reusable items like bags, water bottles, and others that can be constantly saved and consistently used rather than thrown away. Multi-purpose toiletries are also a great suggestion, as they require less disposable packaging.
Not only are reusable items convenient, but they can also help reduce the amount of weight you’re traveling with. In addition to making transports easier, this also results in lower emissions from your vehicle, requiring less energy to run.
Avoid Polluting Road Trips
A vital part of any trip is, of course, the transportation. Though it should be said that the method you choose to travel is a huge indicator of how much carbon emissions you’re using. From getting to our area, as well as the various in-between trips taken during your stay, there are suggestions to travel more sustainably.
If you’re traveling with an electric vehicle, then rest assured that the Lake George Area is certainly EV-friendly. In fact, there are hundreds of accessible EV charging stations to be found for your convenience. If you need a place to charge during your visit, check out this helpful resource showcasing a map of EV Charging Stations in Warren County.
If you plan on flying to the area, it’s recommended to schedule a direct, non-stop flight, with sources stating that most emissions come from a plane’s takeoff and landing*. However, public transportation options, such as a train or bus, are much more environmentally friendly than planes.
For those interested in taking advantage of public transit, feel free to check out our Getting Here page. Included on this page are available sources and links for common transit companies such as Amtrak, as well as Trailways and Greyhound buses.
*Information found via Greenmatch’s “50 Green Tips for Travelling.”
Choose Ride Shares and Rentals
Once you arrive in the area, chances are you want to explore all the major sights and attractions. But before you do, ask yourself, “Do I really need to drive to all these nearby places?"
If the answer is yes, and/or if you have a larger group, then consider carpooling (or ride sharing). If you can group together in one vehicle and coordinate your travels, do so. Fewer vehicles on the road at a time means fewer emissions.
You can also utilize local public transit outlets like the CDTA (also referred to as “the trolleys”), with dozens of stops around the area, operating seasonally on a coordinated schedule. Again, this lowers emissions by producing fewer vehicles needed on the roadways.
If your destinations are all within a close enough hub, then consider walking and getting in some great exercise. Traveling on foot is also a great way of seeing the local sights at a leisurely pace.
The Lake George Area is also home to a few bike-share and rental programs, allowing both cyclists and casuals a much more environmentally friendly alternative to getting around. CDPHP Cycle! is an accessible bike-share network supplying pedal and e-bikes for use around the area. Meanwhile, Rick’s Bike Shop and Outlet in Queensbury offers mountain bike rentals, but also sells bikes if you’re interested in a more permanent solution.
Avoid Shop Traveling
There is a wide assortment of shops around the area, all with different items and services. Still, though, just how much gas do you spend traveling between locations?
A good idea is to plan your trip so that you can hit multiple stores in one fell swoop. If a chain of locations are within walking distance, then get some good exercise in rather than start the vehicle. If you and your group need to drive to get between locations, then consider carpooling. The fewer vehicles needed on the road means fewer carbon emissions.
Another helpful suggestion is to consider visiting plazas and malls, locations that feature dozens of shops all in one. Both the Factory Outlets of Lake George and the Aviation Mall offer many various brands within one convenient hub. Less driving, more shopping.
Pictured: The Factory Outlets of Lake George; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Invest in Local Businesses
The big brands and retailers are certainly recognizable, and therefore, by extension, popular. However, choosing local businesses and smaller stores can be economically and socially beneficial.
Supporting the local economy is definitely one positive outcome. By generating money locally, the Lake George Area, in turn, can keep delivering that worthwhile experience that visitors seek. In addition to this, shopping locally reduces the energy and emissions spent on importing goods.
Rather than relying on international imports that the global chains and corporations use to supply, shopping for local products reduces the overall carbon footprint, or the amount of traveling needed. Plus, there’s something rather satisfying about utilizing authentic Lake George Area resources.
You can discover examples of local shops and markets by checking out our Shopping and Antiques page.
Dine on Local Cuisines
Much like shopping locally, eating locally is equally viable for a more sustainable trip. And here in the Lake George Area, there’s no shortage of locally grown or raised delicacies.
As discussed in the previous point, utilizing nearby resources not only reduces the carbon footprint used from imports, but also generates income back to the local economy, which helps support the area’s small businesses and producers.
More than that, though, local foods also provide healthier alternatives for your body. Rather than consuming processed or packaged products, the local produce, meat, and other foods you can find are more likely to be made from organic ingredients, containing helpful nutrients that result in healthier diets.
So, shop seasonal produce and other goodies at one of the many farmers markets around the area. You can find more information by checking out our blog, “The Farmers Market Experience: The Freshest Finds Around.”
The Lake George Area also hosts plenty of restaurants that cook using local ‘farm-to-table’ ingredients for a scrumptious (and nutritious) dining experience. Examples include (but are not limited to) [farmacy] Restobar, Nettle Meadow’s Hitching Post, Lizzie Keays Restaurant, and Mint 518.
Pictured: Chestertown Farmers Market; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Discover Organic Options
If you need certain dietary precautions, or are simply looking for healthier alternatives, then we’ve got good news for you. Many of the local restaurants and eateries publicize vegan, vegetarian, and/or gluten-free menu options.
In addition to minimizing the need for and transportation of meats and other processed foods, the commitment to these alternatives supplies your body with plenty of healthy nutrients, while also making use of locally grown produce and ingredients.
To discover nearby restaurants with these menu options, start by checking out our blog, “Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Roundup.”
Check Out Local Parks and Preserves
Perhaps one of the simplest ways to preserve and protect the environment is to experience its wonders for yourself. Many are familiar with the majestic blue waters of Lake George itself, but residing in the southern portion of the Adirondack Mountains, the Lake George Area is covered in miles of forests, woodlands, trails, and more – perfect for outdoor exploration and activities such as Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross-County Skiing and Snowshoeing, and more.
Of course, it is highly encouraged for visitors to check out the area’s collection of nature trails and scenic viewpoints, but an imperative point to stress is to make sure you respect these areas at all times.
We at the Lake George Area are big supporters of the “Leave No Trace” policies, which are helpful suggestions that aim to protect these lands, as well as promote safe and sustainable recreation. Principles of “Leave No Trace” include:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
So, make sure to travel to these spots responsibly, follow up on local guidelines and restrictions, and most importantly of all, enjoy. By visiting nearby parks and lands, as well as sharing your experiences, you can bring more awareness to these places, and, in turn, help promote sustainable efforts.
The maintaining and protection of local land is driven by the continued support and usage of all those who visit (both locals and visitors). If you enjoy the recreation and wildlife that the area has to offer, then please help spread the word.
You can check out a wide list of available locations by checking out our Parks and Natural Preserves page.
To learn more about “Leave No Trace” and other land protection policies, check out the New York State DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) New York Lands page.
Consider Visiting During the Off-Season
Through a combination of the warm weather, school and work vacations, and the local beaches and waterways, the Lake George Area’s popularity peaks during the summer months for good reason.
However, if you wish to avoid large amounts of traffic, discover cheaper rates at hotels and other businesses, and also support the local economy, then consider visiting the area during any of the other three seasons. A smaller travel population means less waste and pollution produced, but also keeps jobs and attractions steady to ensure they’re able to remain open.
Just because it’s outside of ‘peak season’ doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do and see around the area. For instance, you can check out our site to discover plenty of Year-Round Lodging and Year-Round Dining options.
There are many available attractions and activities as well, from Indoor Activities to Museums and other Historical Sites, or simply checking out the local Events happening during your stay.
Or, if you’re looking to get out and explore the great Adirondack outdoors, each season opens a unique set of recreational opportunities to get you moving. From the scenic journeys of autumn Hiking or Biking, to the thrills and chills of winter Skiing or Snowshoeing.
You can also discover more seasonal experiences by checking out our Fall Activities and Winter Activities pages.
Pictured: View of Thirteenth Lake and Adirondack Mountains (Garnet Hill Lodge) Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien
Other Helpful Tidbits
In addition to the aforementioned topics above, here are some other miscellaneous sustainable suggestions to consider.
- If bringing a boat, kayak, or any kind of aquatic vehicle, check and clean the bottom to prevent bringing any invasive plants or species. (Learn more by checking out the Lake George Park Commission’s Aquatic Invasive Species page.)
- When camping, make sure to leave with anything you bring with you (also referred to as “Carry In, Carry Out”).
- Raise more awareness by sharing any sustainable travel tips or experiences with others.