Lake George © albany tim

Only an hour away from Albany, Lake George is a popular resort area in New York. The town's idyllic setting on a beautiful lake ensure there is something to see and do for visitors of all ages. Outdoor activities are a highlight, including boating, white water rafting, parasailing, kayaking, tubing, swimming, golf, horseback riding, and even hot air ballooning in the summer. Children will love the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park, located nearby. Winter activities are equally numerous with skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, snowshoeing and more; and visitors who aren't as active will enjoy shopping, wine tasting, and visiting the local museums.

Lake George has a number of restaurants, with cuisine ranging from Italian to sushi to Mexican to Polish. There are a handful of bars and pubs in town, but avid partiers may be disappointed in the relatively relaxed nightlife.