Can't remember when I last saw the television commercials “I Love New York” and while on a recent vacation to the Lake George region of our state I overheard a conversation from a frequent visitor to the Main Street tourist traps say “I love New York vacations but I don't love New York State taxes.”

Immediately that started up a conversation about the beauty and vacation opportunities offered within the Empire state.

Shirley and I very often in late June and late September early October travel and vacation in the states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee and Myrtle Beach.

This year we took an entirely different approach and took in the beauty of the North Country surrounding the great Lake George. An easy drive up the NYS Thruway and the Northway. Only a two and one-half hour drive to reach one of the most beautiful sections of New York State.

We stayed right in the Village of Lake George making it very convenient to so many attractions like the historic Fort William Henry and the Lake George Shoreline Cruises. The lake front restaurants are excellent and we highly recommend the delightful experience of dining in the early evening while cruising scenic Lake George. We also highly recommend the Boardwalk Waterfront Restaurant.

Other attractions in that area include the majestic balloon flights, the outlet malls, the new Lake George Lanes & Games, several great miniature golf courses, the Garnet Mine tours, the excellent Trolley Services, Pirate's Cove, the Lake George Fireworks, the Diamond Point Boat Tours, the Bolton Music Festival and of course the great Painted Pony Rodeo at Lake Luzerne.

So all in all it just goes to prove that you don't have to travel too far to enjoy a great New York vacation…we definitely want to return to this area.

Ed Townsend provides year around "Beyond The News"coverage in this column with over 60-years of photojournalism analysis and insight. The column can also be read on his Web blog at http://bght.blogspot.com.