Hi everyone,

I am trying to pull together some plans for a weekend away for my birthday with my boyfriend.

I live in Montreal, and would like to go somewhere in the states that is MAX 4hrs away driving and has some good shopping.

Some of our options are Vermont (Burlington area), North Conway, and Lake George.

I would love to go to lake george because i went this summer and thought it was great, but I am nervous that there won't be much open along Canada St/Rt 9. Maybe I'm wrong though?? I thought I would see if anyone had any info on how many things close down by then. I know they have an event the weekend that we're there called "Lite up the Village" where they put up all the xmas lites, but is there much going on in the village other than that?

Any other suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks!
Layla

We drove from NY to Montreal one November, stayed in Montreal for a week then back to NY, stopping at the Sagamor on Lake George for a few nights.
It was wonderful..it is so beautiful there, at night it is SO dark and just perfect for snuggling (hopefully before a fire)..
I am not saying you need to stay at the Sagamor but I do remember it being lovely in that area that time of year.
There were a lot of places closed all around the Lake but the other small towns with year round residents had stores and restaurants open.
Good luck..at this time of year, I always miss our trips to Montreal and Upstate NY

Hey Scarlett,

Thanks for your reply....that's good news!! I have been looking into a bit more and i think we might just go for it!

If anyone else has anymore info i'd appreciate it!

Thanks,

Layla

ttt

I'm in the Adirondacks a lot, but I can't think of when I've been in November, and I generally avoid Lake George.

It will be quiet I'm sure. If you're hiking beware of hunting. If you're shopping stores will be low on merchandise. I don't know -- it sounds, well, very low key, dare I say, dull?

But maybe it will be nice to be there in between the summer rush and the snowmobile rush. I don't know...

Well, let us know when you get back!!!

In early November, the leaves are still beautiful and it is not too cold. We went to Blue Mountain Lake one year to an antique fair..you can hike and you can just enjoy being in such a beautiful place with less tourists than the rest of the year.
I never shopped when there..I saved Montreal for that
We have friends who live in NJ and they had a second home in the Adirondacks , near Lake George, they went up every weekend all year round..
Please post back and tell us what you decided and how it turned out..I miss NY

For shopping, there are dozens and dozens of outlets and other shopping opportunities in North Conway, and there is no sales tax in New Hampshire. Rates are low because early November is after foliage but before ski season. Lots of dining of all sorts in the area. And, the scenery is dramatic and beautiful.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the great suggestions. We are still undecided. I'm just nervous that we will end up somewhere and regret the choice, but regardless I know we will have a good time, i just wanna make sure we're somewhat happy with the location.

Our priorities are having things to do (shops, restaurants etc) and nice surroundings to enjoy.

We ruled out North Conway because we've been and neither of us were really that crazy about it for some reason, i know i know....it's a pretty place but wasn't our cup of tea

Thanks again!!

Layla