Instagram-able Places near Lake George, NY

Stand at the south end of what is known to be “The Queen of American Lakes” and take a picture of this gorgeous body of water outstretched before you. It’s easy to find the iconic shot of this thirty-two-mile-long, spring and stream-fed lake, flanked by the long, loaf-y Adirondack Mountains. Just stand east of the Steel Pier where the big steamships dock at the southern end of the lake and start taking pictures.

While you’re in the vicinity, you definitely want to capture the wonder of the Mohican, the Lac du Saint Sacrement (the original French name of Lake George) and the Minne Ha Ha, all of which make up the fleet of the Lake George Steamboat Company, the oldest steamboat outfit in America. Touch the video button on your device to record the sound, smoke and hoopla of the Minne Ha Ha, an old paddlewheel boat the likes of which you’d see on the Mississippi. An integral part of the Lake George scene, the Minne’s sights and sounds amuse young and old with its cheery tunes played on an authentic calliope. The numerous toot, toot, toots and hisses from its steam whistle imbue the lake atmosphere with fun and happiness, too.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the new Courtyard by Marriott in Lake George Village, head up to their rooftop deck where the wow factor awes with its sprawling panoramic view of the lake. (OK, the deck furnishings up top are apt to win you over, too.)

Jump into your car–or, if you’re in really good shape, hop on your bike–and drive up Prospect Mountain, a 2030-foot summit that on a clear day offers one-hundred-mile views of beautiful Lake George and the Adirondacks. It's truly spectacular. If you’re especially fit, you can hike up this steep mountain and take lots of great pics along the way.

Book an excursion on the Mohican, so that you can take shots of some of the most picturesque scenery within the Adirondack Park. The “Mo” will take you all the way up the lake, into an area known as The Narrows where the lake, reduced in size, is dotted with an array of islands of all shapes and sizes. This is the more wild part of Lake George, so you’ll be able to take lots of great nature shots and maybe even a photo of a nude camper!

There are other tour boats of varying sizes on Lake George that offer opportunities to get out on the lake. Consider taking one that goes close to The Sagamore in Bolton Landing; this very large and very grand resort ranks as one of the most historic properties of Lake George, one that is not surprisingly, super social media worthy.

And how about the camps? Great or small, each Adirondack property is more charming than the next. Note that the ones with the old, enclosed boathouses are the most special; not only do they tend to be more interesting or downright quirky but they’re also disappearing fast.

If you’re adventuresome, rent a motorboat from one of the many marinas on Lake George. Chic’s in Bolton Landing will set you up with a hot ride that you could even use for waterskiing or tubing. Now that’s what you call Instagram-able fun.

For dialing it down to take some artsy outdoorsy shots, head to the end of a remote bay or inlet. You can also focus in on some cute ducks or other water fowl, fauna or flora on Glen Lake, a tiny body of water that’s big on tranquility.