Discover the Joy of Townsizing Your Vacation

One of the latest travel trends is known as townsizing, which involves seeking out travel destinations that are smaller, less touristy, and almost naturally have a more relaxed vibe. They don’t necessarily have to be beach towns, but some of the less populated may fit the bill. The trend values charm over bustle, slow over go-go 

Lake George, New York

Lake George, New York

While Lake George, located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in New York, is definitely a summer tourist destination, its main draw is the lake and the mountains. So, you won’t find theme park lines here or crowds waiting to get into the main attraction since the main attraction is free. Take to the lake to kayak, canoe, swim or fish and for a sentimental journey, consider a dinner or sunset cruise. Hike during the day on the trails (consider Pilot Knob or Black Mountain), read a book at the beach (Million Dollar Beach is the most popular while Hague Town Beach Park is considered more peaceful). If you want more small town charm, take a day trip to Saratoga Springs. 

(your glamping rental is waiting for you at Lake George Escape Campground

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Slow pace is the theme here, and the rolling hills of the scenic countryside just may lull you to sleep or at least into a more relaxed version of yourself. Fish, hike, take a pretzel rolling class, stroll the Central Market, America’s oldest, continuously operating farmers market, or enjoy an authentic Amish meal. For all things Lancaster County, go to visitlancasterpa.com. 

Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort
Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort

(your glamping rental is waiting for you at Spring Gulch Resort Campground

Franklin, Tennessee

While it’s less than 30 miles from the neon lights and bustle of downtown Nashville, Franklin, Tennessee seems like a world away. Stroll Main Street and visit the shops and boutiques, or grab a bite to eat. Take a walking ghost tour at night. Ride the Franklin Hop for a guided tour or enjoy a night of open-mic live entertainment.  

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

(your glamping rental is waiting for you at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

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5 Things to Do in Lake George, NY

The Lake George area in the Adirondack region of upstate New York is a favorite vacation destination regardless of the season. Come summer, though, it’s easy to see why it has been a number one vacation destination since it first became a “hot-spot” in the mid-1800s. With the crystal blue waters of Lake George, known as the Queen of American Lakes, and surrounded by the majestic Adirondack mountains, the area has plenty to do and see. Plan a glamping trip to Alpine Lake RV Resort or Lake George Escape Campground and get ready to find out why this has been a number one vacation destination for over 150 years! 

1. Enjoy the View: There are many, many hiking trails here but if you want to get some of the best views, consider these: Pilot Knob Ridge, with stone staircases, wildflowers and a gazebo all combining for one of the best views of Lake George; Spruce Mountain Trail (in Corinth), a 2.5 mile roundtrip hike, leads to a restored fire tower and expansive views of the mountains, or Sleeping Beauty Mountain with stunning summit views.  

Lake George

2. Day Trips: You won’t want to leave during your stay, but if you feel like exploring a bit further from this fantastic area consider a day trip to: Lake Placid with its Olympic Museum, waterfall hikes and beautiful Mirror Lake; or Saratoga Springs with its beautiful Victorian architecture; Yaddo – the National Historic Landmark with its beautiful gardens; and beautiful Congress Park with its charming carousel and mineral springs.  

3. Historic Sites: There are plenty in the area! Don’t miss the Ulysses S. Grant National Cottage Historic Landmark, which was the final home of President Grant; Fort Ticonderoga – the site of the US Revolutionary War victory over the British with US troops led by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys; Fort William Henry which was a major site during the French Indian Wars; and the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of the Battles of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War.  

4. Go for the Thrill: In addition to the thrill rides at Six Flags Great Escape in nearby Queensbury, which include Sasquatch, a 192-foot drop tower, the high-flying Adirondack Outlaw and the Bobcat Wooden Roller Coaster, other adrenaline pumpers can include parasailing over Lake George (parasailingadventrues.com), a helicopter ride (northcountryheliflite.com), ziplining through the trees (adirondackextreme.com) and whitewater rafting (adirondack-adventures.com). 

5. Plan Ahead: The 10th Annual Food & Wine Festival is scheduled for June 27-28 and promises offerings from area wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisan food vendors, crafters and everyone’s favorite – food trucks! Horse racing season begins at the historic Saratoga Race Course, the oldest thoroughbred racecourse in the US and runs July 3-September 7. The Adirondack Theater Festival opens its season June 17 and the Saratoga County Fair is scheduled for July 21-26.  

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