Bolton Landing is just 10 miles north of Lake George Village and has a rich history of being an upscale vacation paradise. The Sagamore stands tall as one of the most elegant resorts on Lake George, and the mansions along Millionaires' Row add to the prestige of the area. Beyond these highly recognizable landmarks, there is another side of this charming town. The accessible area offers a plethora of outdoor activities for all ages with gorgeous views of the lake and mountains to set your mind free.
Before you start your day in Bolton, a stop at Bolton Beans on Lake Shore Drive is a must. This unique diner is housed in a rustic blue train car and offers one of the best breakfasts around. You'll be ready for whatever adventure you have planned and will want to go back for more the next morning.
Once you're fueled up for the day (we recommend packing a lunch so you don't have to make a trip back to town for food) your options for adventure are limitless! The fall is a great time to visit Bolton, with the fall foliage painting the mountainous backdrop red and orange. If you want to enjoy a view of Lake George along with the mountains, the Pinnacle summit is an easy but very rewarding hike. At the summit, you will enjoy a 270-degree view which includes the Tongue Mountain range, the Narrows, Shelving Rock, and Buck Mountain, to name a few.
If you want to learn more about the Adirondacks, you should make it a point to stop by Up Yonda Farm. Most Saturday afternoons Up Yonda has public programs led by their staff which involves educating visitors about the Adirondacks. You can check out their calendar to see what programs they offer at the time of your visit. If you want to explore Up Yonda Farm on your own, you can do that as well. Besides the hiking trails at Up Yonda, they also have exhibits on the wildlife and lands of the Adirondack region. These include a butterfly garden, sugar house, museum, and honey bees to name a few.
If you're into adventure and being outside, but don't love the idea of hiking, Bolton has plenty to offer. Adrenaline junkies have to check out Adirondack Extreme, an aerial treetop adventure course located in Bolton. They have multiple levels that vary in difficulty, so there is no need to worry if you have never been in the trees before. Make sure you call ahead to reserve your spot if you are interested in going since they do sell out!
The Lake George Kayak Company is there for those of you who have no interest in flying in the trees – or have tired legs from hiking. Located on Green Island (yes, you can drive there) Lake George Kayak Company rents kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards. Besides rentals, they also offer lessons to improve your skills on the water.
If you want a more calming day, the Bolton Historical Museum is a great option. 2017 brought in two new exhibits for the museum which includes "Along the Shore: Boats and Boating on Lake George 1880-1920" and "Bolton Serves the Nation." Admission is free and the museum is a great place to learn about local history.
Ending your day right is essential, and Bolton does not disappoint. To start, there is an Adirondack Winery Tasting Room right in Bolton. If you're more into beer you have to check out the brand new Bolton Landing Brewing Company which will be opening their doors in October 2017. The Brewery taps into the Adirondack Region’s legacy of American beer pioneers, which dates back over 200 years. Their beer is brewed on-site in a state-of-the-art 7 barrel brewhouse. Their new spacious outdoor patio and lawn with a view of the lake is a stunning place to unwind. If you're interested in beer to go, they will also be offering growlers, which are 32-ounce aluminum cans that you can fill up with your favorite varieties and take home with you. Once you're ready to eat, there are plenty of fantastic options right on the main strip. Among those include The Huddle which has an always-changing menu depending on their fresh ingredients and Beyond the Sea which is a seafood and steakhouse right in town.
Bolton is an adventure waiting to happen for you and your family. The crisp air and beautiful fall leaves will make you wish you could stay forever. Whether your definition of adventure is going out into the wilderness or tasting a new type of beer, Bolton is your answer to having a weekend, or week full of fun.