There’s a reason that the small town of Lake George, New York (on the banks of the much larger body of water for which it’s named) has long been popular with people from Upstate New York, New England, and New York City: it’s just plain charming. Beyond that, however, there’s plenty to do in and around town. Take a scenic drive along the water on Lake Shore Drive, get your blood flowing on the three-mile roundtrip hike to Prospect Mountain (with its 100-mile views on the summit), or just browse the many locally-owned shops.  

Mark Your Calendar: If Lake George’s shops don’t provide enough retail therapy, head over to neighboring Warrensburg, N.Y. for the Warrensburg Garage Sale on September 29 and 30. Billed as the “world’s largest garage sale,” 100,000 shoppers descend on the small town, which converts its streets into a sea of vendors selling antiques, crafts, food, and so much more.  

Stay the Night: The Adirondacks are prime bed & breakfast country, and it pays to eschew the hotels in favor of a few nights at the spacious yet homey 10-room Inn of Lake George, which sits a mere 200 feet from the shore of the lake. Rates from $125/night

— Mike Barish