Despite the global pandemic that kept New York State on pause through June and forced the cancelation of festivals, concerts and other major events in the region, Lake George had a “fantastic summer,” says Amanda Metzger, Marketing Director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB. Metzger spoke at a news conference Thursday afternoon, a joint presentation of the Chamber, Warren County Department of Tourism and the Village of Lake George.
“The natural beauty of the region saved us this year,” says Village of Lake George Trustee Ray Perry. “People came to escape the stress they feel over COVID-19, the economic situation, the cultural, social and political upheaval. We offered them respite, wide-open space, fresh air and safety. People came here to enjoy the outdoors, to hike, bike, swim and boat. They came here to take long walks and look up at the night sky. We’ve always offered those opportunities, but they are more important in these times.”
“We did have a remarkable summer,” says Warren County Tourism Director Joanne Conley, “and we’re moving into, and looking forward to, a wonderful fall.” The County Tourism Department has launched a fall foliage driving tour promotion with an interactive guide to Warren County towns on the Department’s website. The 12 Best Towns for Fall Foliage in Warren County showcases autumn activities in the Lake George area.
Driving isn’t the only way to view the area’s fall foliage. “Consider being on the water,” says Conley, suggesting that leaf-peepers take a lake cruise, rent a motorboat, paddle or try whitewater rafting. For an aerial view, Gore Mountain offers scenic Skyrides. West Mountain also offers mountain top activities. Adventurers may zipline through the foliage at Adirondack Extreme in Bolton Landing.
Conley noted the region is hosting many activities through Columbus Day, including Restaurant Appreciation Weeks, the Adirondack 5K, The Barn at French Mountain Wedding Show and Fort William Henry’s Fort by Firelight. A full list of events may be found at the Visit Lake George website.
The press event highlighted the safety measures local businesses and organizations are taking to ensure the safety of the community, employees and visitors during the pandemic. Perry noted, “We’ve welcomed tens of thousands of visitors safely, and the Warren County caseload remained low throughout the entire summer season.” More than 200 local businesses took a health safety pledge at the start of the summer season. The Pledge is a commitment to following safety guidelines and procedures set by the CDC, New York State Department of Health and regional health offices.
Chamber Executive Director Gina Mintzer credits these businesses with keeping Lake George a safe place to visit but notes that people have become “lackadaisical” when it comes to following basic protocols such as wearing a mask. “We began a banner project earlier in the season,” says Mintzer. “Many of you have seen signage around that said, ‘wear your mask’ … It’s all about to keep us and our community safe and also to let visitors know they have a responsibility.” The campaign to encourage mask-wearing expanded into large “Don’t make us ask. Wear a mask” banners now strategically posted around the area.
The Chamber has launched a new safety pledge program. Individuals who take the Public Pledge to follow safety rules will get a free mask courtesy of Lake George Outlets. The three-ply cloth masks are produced by nePromo of South Glens Falls and are imprinted with the Lake George Area logo. People may take the pledge at lakegeorgechamber.com/covid/public-pledge and pick up their free mask at French Mountain Commons, the Chamber Office in Lake George or at the Visitors Center on Beach Road. “We just believe that the more that we talk about this, that we’re a safe community, we will continue to have businesses that thrive and not just barely survive during this pandemic,” says Mintzer.
