I've been hearing about Lake George since I was a kid so my expectations were probably a bit to high when I finally got a chance to visit in my 60's. Now the lake itself, and most of the surrounding area is quite beautiful, and Lake George beach was nice, but the village itself is the ultimate tourist trap. So as with most things, there are two sides to this story.

My wife and I have been travelling for a number of years, so we recognize a "trap" pretty early on when we see one. We were awestruck by the number of tacky shops, overpriced restaurants with mediocre food, and antiquated attractions packed into the village. Parking is a challenge, and no matter where you go you have to pay for it. And make sure you bring lots of quarters, because the parking meters are antiques and don't take credit cards, with many not even able to take dollar bills.

And if you're looking for a restroom while you are wandering around absorbing up the kitcsh, you better plan wisely. The merchants are pretty militant about not letting you use their facilities and you will be continually directed to the public restroom at "Shepard's Park." When I finally found the place, I gazed on perhaps the most odiferous and messy public restroom I have have ever encountered. So much so, I retreated to my vehicle, drove down to the lot at Lake George Beach and paid the $10 just so I could use their facility (which is 5 stars).

In any event the fireworks display they put on every Thursday evening was very nice, and the beach itself was also nice. i would also recommend a steamboat tour of lake which was both fun and informative.

I really wanted this to be a great review but it what it is. It seems that the place has become a caricature of what it once may have been, which was not what I expected.