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Adirondack Wine & Food Festival Earns National Recognition

The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival is celebrating another milestone after receiving a national award during its 10th anniversary event. The festival earned the Hospitality Through Partnership Award from the Hospitality Mental Wellness Initiative USA (HMWIUSA) for its efforts to raise awareness of mental health in the hospitality industry.

Established by Adirondack Winery, the annual Lake George festival partnered with HMWIUSA for the first time this year. The nonprofit made its first public appearance at a major food festival, connecting with attendees through educational talks, culinary demonstrations, and an informational booth throughout the weekend.

Festival Director Brad Willett accepted the award on behalf of the team, while Adirondack Winery owner Sasha Pardy emphasized the importance of supporting the wellbeing of hospitality professionals. The partnership highlighted the people behind the food and beverage industry while encouraging meaningful conversations about mental health.

Held annually at the Lake George Festival Commons, the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival continues to grow as one of the region's signature events. This latest honor reflects the festival's commitment to creating a positive impact both within the local community and across the hospitality industry.

Yankee Boating Center to Expand With New Year-Round Showroom

Lake George's boating community will soon have a new place to explore boats year-round. Yankee Boating Center is planning to transform an existing storage building in Diamond Point into a spacious indoor showroom, with the Lake George Planning Board recently approving the project.

The new 8,000-square-foot showroom at 3578 Lakeshore Drive will display up to 20 boats, a significant expansion from the marina's current indoor space, which accommodates just three. The larger showroom will make it easier for visitors, seasonal residents, and local boaters to browse models during the colder months, when many boats are stored outside under shrink wrap.

Owner Andrew Brodie, who purchased the family business from his father five years ago, says the investment reflects confidence in Lake George's future as a premier boating destination. Since taking over, Brodie has expanded the business, including the addition of a boat storage facility in Lake George, while continuing to grow the dealership's lineup of new and used boats.

Rather than creating a traditional showroom, the new space is being designed to capture the feeling of stepping inside a classic Lake George boathouse. Adirondack Studios is developing the concept, with wood finishes and backlit imagery that will recreate views of the lake.

Construction is expected to begin soon, with the new showroom targeted to open by Columbus Day, just in time for the winter boat-buying season.

Source: Albany Business Review

Two Lake George Attractions Earn National Recognition From USA TODAY Readers

A pair of popular Lake George area attractions have landed on USA TODAY's 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, earning spots among the nation's top outdoor adventure destinations.

Each year, the USA TODAY 10Best program asks a panel of travel experts to nominate standout businesses and attractions across a variety of categories. Readers then cast votes to determine the final rankings, highlighting favorites from around the country.

This year, Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course in Bolton Landing ranked No. 8 on the list of Best Aerial Adventure Parks. Known for its treetop obstacle courses, zip lines, rope bridges, and challenges for a range of skill levels, Adirondack Extreme has become a go-to destination for outdoor recreation in the Lake George region.

Tubby Tubes River Co. in nearby Lake Luzerne earned the No. 7 spot in the Best River Tubing Company category. The family-friendly attraction offers relaxing tubing trips along the Hudson River and has long been a summer tradition for visitors looking to cool off and enjoy the outdoors.

This national recognition highlights the Lake George area's reputation as an adventure destination. With two local businesses earning top-10 rankings, the region continues to attract visitors seeking unique outdoor experiences in the southern Adirondacks.

Sources:
Elevate your skills at the 10 best aerial adventure parks in the US
Float your way to fun with the 10 best river tubing companies

Invasive Species on Halfway Brook Trail

A heads up for Queensbury parks and trails users - Queensbury Rec has announced that logging operations are underway for Halfway Brook Trail through mid-summer. They're addressing an invasive insect, red pine scale. The trail is closed during this time.

Red pine scale is from Japan and first appeared in this country in 1946 and it can kill trees. You might see needle discoloration and white, cottony masses on twigs. Adirondack Explorer reported seeing this invasive species on Lenni-Lenape Island on Lake George in near the Pharoah Lakes Wilderness in 2024.

In the meantime, Rush Pond Trail, trails at Gurney Lane Recreation Center, and other area parks and trails are open!