Your Readaway Getaway: Quiet Places to Read in Lake George
Bookstores, Lakeside Spots, Quiet Green Spaces & Coffee Shops
If you're looking for a book-filled, quiet escape to Lake George this time around, we invite you to escape the crowds for a readaway, quiet-cation, or whatever you'd like to call it! Whether you want to relax in an Adirondack chair, occasionally gazing up from your book to admire the water, or you're looking for bookstores or cafes, we've got the Lake George area spots conducive to the perfect readaway.
Independent Bookstores to Grab Your Next Great Read
Didn't bring a book with you? Even if you did, everyone needs a backup book while on vacation. Our first stop is a two-in-one gem: a bookstore and a great place to read:
The Book Cabin (Lake George)
The Book Cabin features a curated selection of top titles inside a cozy cabin structure, and they also feature reading chairs outside. Grab your book, and immediately start reading.
The Shirt Factory (Glens Falls)
This historic, repurposed building is home to dozens of independent shops, including six bookstores (one is a kids bookstore). You could easily spend a couple of hours browsing!
Owl Pen Books (Greenwich)
If you're up for a scenic drive, Owl Pen Books is 45 minutes from Lake George in Greenwich. This is a true off-the-beaten path destination located down a winding road with nothing else around it. This used book is situated in a farm-like setting with books in more than one barn, and it's the kind of place you'll find something you didn't even know you needed.
Maple Tree Books (Lake George & Warrensburg)
Maple Tree Books in Warrensburg, a used bookstore, recently opened up a second location right in Lake George Village, inside the Village Mall.
Lakeside Nooks: Reading by the Water
Lake George Waterfront & Walkways
Stay close to Village action but still find a pocket of peace when you grab an Adirondack chair or bench in Shepard Park or along the Lake George waterfront on Beach Road to read between bouts of boat- and people-watching.
For a true hidden spot that does not have water views but is surrounded by nature, head to the opposite side of Elizabeth Little Boulevard (formerly West Brook Road) across from Charles R. Wood Park and adjacent to Lake George Battlefield State Park. There are quiet walking paths and a couple of benches.
Rogers Memorial Park (Bolton Landing)
Rogers Memorial Park in Bolton Landing features seating in the park area, up on the hill from the pickleball court and beach. You'll be steps away from the Bolton Free Library and the Bolton Landing Historical Museum, both worth checking out!
Quiet Green Spaces: Parks, Ponds & Little Free Libraries
Lush lawns and fish-stocked ponds await at two parks close to Lake George, and we have one more recommendation for a Lake George park close to a beach.
Crandall Park (Glens Falls)
A little book library can be found by the playground at Crandall Park, with benches scattered around the park. Get away from the noise of children playing by making your way over to the pond - there's an even a bench on one of the islands, but watch out for goose poop.
Hovey Pond Park (Queensbury)
There are two little book libraries at Hovey Pond Park, one large one inside the playground area, and one just outside the playground area. As with Crandall Park, it's a short walk to the pond to escape playground craziness. Enjoy plenty of Adirondack chairs and benches surrounding the water.
Ushers Park & Beach (Lake George)
Ushers Park Beach is considered the most kid-friendly beach in Lake George. There is a park area up the hill from the beach (you cannot really see the water from the playground/park), where you'll also find seating, a picnic area with grills, and one of the largest little book libraries in the area.
Bites & Books: Cozy Cafe for Reading
Caffe Vero (Lake George)
Caffe Vero recently moved to a new space on Montcalm Street, just around the corner from their old spot. The new layout was designed to be cozy and inviting for those looking to stay awhile. Note, this cafe can get pretty bustling on weekend mornings, so if you're looking for that quiet lull, come in the afternoon.
SPoT Coffee (Glens Falls)
Situated in downtown Glens Falls, this cafe has an expansive layout with dining tables and comfortable chairs, and a distinctive Central Perk vibe. In the summer, they can open up their massive floor-to-ceiling windows allowing a comfortable breeze to float in.
Dive Further Into Your Readaway With Lake George-Centric Novels
Pair your readaway with novels that take place in Lake George or the Adirondacks, like The Lake House by Mikaela Bee, a Queensbury native.
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