When Jay asked me "Where do you want to go on our next trip?" I replied "I want to be a knight in a castle."
I was joking but the man went out and found a castle. In Bolton Landing, NY of all places. Highlands Castle to be specific.
The castle offers elegant accommodations with stunning views of Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains.
Besides the castle itself there are two other buildings on the property one can rent.
The Castle Gatehouse (above) sleeps 2-7 and rents for $895 per night for up to 4 guests.
The other option is the Castle Cottage (below). Same deal - sleeps 2-6 and rents for $895 per night for up to 4 guests.
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But wait a darned minute...this website is supposed to be about BUDGET travel and there's nothing budget about about castle accommodations that cost nearly $900 per night! You would be correct. This is where group travel comes into play. Six of us (3 couples) took this trip together so we could split the cost 3 ways.
Take advantage of special discounts Highland Castle often offers, such as Book 4 Nights Save $1000, We booked the Cottage that slept 6 for 4 nights.
$895 per night for 4 people + 300 per night for 2 extra people = $1195 x 4 nights = $4780.
Subtract the $1000 discount = $3780.
Divide that number by 3 couples = $1260 per couple. Break that down into a per night cost and it's $315 per night.
These days you'll pay that for a standard hotel room.
But if castles aren't your thing...
Perhaps most popular in the area are the cottage rentals that line up along the Lake George shorefronts, providing a waterfront experience with easy access to swimming, boating, and other types of aquatic recreation. These cottages can also house a variety of groups and sizes, from a couple’s retreat to a large family vacation. Options include Candlelight Cottages, Cotton Point Rentals, and The Lodges at Bolton Landing, to name a few.
If you’re more looking for a traditional room or suite, but with plenty of modern amenities and conveniences, then consider fantastic options like the Contessa Resort, Melody Manor Resort, Northward Ho! Resort, or even the Lodges at Blue Water Manor — with included dining options in the Tavern on the Lake or The Barrel depending on the season.
However, there’s also a unique experience to be found here with island camping, a well-forested and private camping adventure. The Glen Island group of Lake George Islands can be found within Bolton Landing, and includes almost 170 campsites and 40 boat sites. Reservations can be made through reserveamerica.com.
For yet more accommodations options, click this link.
Lake Bolton, NY, offers a variety of transportation options to help residents and visitors navigate the area. Here are the key transportation options available:
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Public Buses: The main square in Bolton is served by public buses that run to nearby towns and villages, as well as larger cities like Albany.
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Seasonal Shuttle Services: These services operate from different locations in Bolton to other areas in the region, providing convenient access to various destinations.
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Car Rentals: For those who prefer to drive, there are numerous car rental
companies located near Bolton, offering vehicles at reasonable prices.
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Lake George Trolleys: The CDTA operates seasonal trolleys that cover routes between Glens Falls and Lake George, as well as Lake George and Bolton Landing.
Lake Bolton is small enough that it's easily walkable. The town only has roughly 500 residents. You also have the option of bringing your bicycle along.
Arrive in Bolton Landing and get settled into your digs. (This took us awhile given everything there was to explore in the castle cottage!)
Take a walk through or bicycle around Bolton Landing.
Since the late 1800s and early 1900s, Bolton Landing – including the Town of Bolton – has become a popular place to vacation. In fact, many hotels and mansions were built along the shorelines, as well as on several of the featured islands, creating what has been referred to as “Millionaires Row.” Several of these landmarks can still be seen today, including the iconic Sagamore Resort.
Today, Bolton Landing is quiet, yet refreshingly modern, offering various outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, and golfing. Visitors will also find restaurants, shops, lodging, and everything they’re looking for during their stay.
Bolton is FAR less touristy than neighboring Lake George. Think Mayberry RFD or Cheers, where everyone knows your name. It's just a charming quaint little town where local residents cheerfully greet you on its streets.
There are some cute shops in Bolton Landing including Serendipity Boutique, Indian Tepee Gift Shop, and Black Bass Antiques. In nearby Lake George there are 2 malls: Lake George Village Mall and The Outlets at Lake George. Grocery stores include Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper.
And for a town as small as Bolton Landing is, there's a heap of restaurants to choose from, any style of dining you're looking for! Full listing of Bolton Landing restaurants can be found here.
We killed an entire morning just snooping around both Bolton Landing and Lake George.
Afternoon: We had special dinner plans that evening so just wanted a light lunch. Lake George's Caffé Vero hit the mark. 253 Canada Street, Lake George.
They roast and grind their own coffee beans as well as serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They run a very busy Cafe, with lots of tables and wait staff who are all very knowledgeable. It's clean, the food is delicious, and very fresh!
Oh, and did I mention they're also a bakery that makes all of their own bread, croissants, bagels, donuts, etc.? Or that the owner, Maria is a barista artist?
Open Daily
Sunday - Friday: 6:30 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday: 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
Serving:
Breakfast: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Lunch: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Town of Lake George
The gals and I continued checking out the Lake George shops, while the guys took off and went who knew where (?), making plans to meet up again for the dinner we had scheduled that night.
Steamboat Dinner Cruise
Lake George Steamboat Company has a variety of dinner cruises - Saint Summer Family Dinner Cruise, Saint Sacrement Dinner Cruise, Sunday Prime Rib Dinner Cruise. Loveboat Evening Dinner Cruise,
Mardi Gras Dinner Cruise, Reliving the Eighties with Legacy!, Country Western Dinner Cruise, Cruising Oldies Dinner Cruise, Oktoberfest Dinner Cruise, Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise.
We finally settled on the Loveboat Dinner Cruise - a Special Night for Couples 18 + over with Dinner and Dancing on the Lake with Musical Entertainment Provided by Bronte Roman.
For 2026 cruise tickets for this cruise must be purchased via phone at 518.668.5777, ext. 4.
Available on your Cruise:
• Two Hour Cruise
• Dinner buffet
• Tax
• Small gratuity on the food
• Live entertainment
• Limited Captain narration
• Snacks & cocktail bar available for separate purchase
• Photo purchase available while on board
Cruise Departs @ 6:30PM
Cruising 6:30-8:30PM
Boarding Begins 5:30PM
Buffet opens @ 5:30PM
Adult Tickets $75.00 ages 18 and up
Senior Tickets $70.00 ages 65 and up
Prepared fresh, the buffet offers:
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Salad bar
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Fresh Baked Rolls w/Butter
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3 hot entrees:
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Chicken
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Fish
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Vegetarian
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Beef at the carving station (Chef's Choice)
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Baby Baked Potatoes
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Vegetable Du Jour
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Nonalcoholic beverages to include Coffee, Tea, Soda, Iced Tea and Lemonade
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Chef's Choice Dessert served to your table
We thoroughly enjoyed our loveboat cruise. The tables were set beautifully and we scored a window-side table so had a great view through the entire dinner.
The food was much better than we expected being it was a buffet, especially the beef from the carving station.
After dinner we went up on deck for a few minutes for some air and to take in the scenery, then returned below deck to dance the rest of the cruise away. One of the couples had never been on a steamboat dinner before and they were stoked to do another one.
Earlier in the day we'd picked up some wine from the local family-run winery, Ledge Rock Hill to have after our cruise.
There's something rather "regal" feeling about sipping wine in a castle living room, I have to admit.
While the girls and I were shopping our first day in Lake George, the guys were (where else?) scoping out the nearest golf course.
No one can make me laugh like Dee can... and she conjured up this vision of those 3 concocting how to fit a not-at-all medieval golf game into a medieval themed trip...just to justify working 18 holes into what is supposed to be a medieval weekend.
I would put nothing past those 3 to get on the golf course.
"Hey, I know! Maybe if we wear a suit of armor on the course, we can convince the girls playing 18 holes is medieval!"
Yeah, forgone conclusion...we ended up on the golf course playing 18 holes that morning. But I'm getting ahead of myself here...
Morning: Breakfast at Sunrise Cafe. 8 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing.
Best breakfast spot in Bolton Landing. A quaint little place that serves bagels, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, cold drinks, tea and coffee.
Perfect spot to relax and enjoy a good breakfast and cup of coffee.
Great food and warm, attentive service at very reasonable prices.
I'm going to publish 2 itineraries for today: one for golfers, one for non-golfers - because as you already know, we ended up on the golf course for the morning.
For golfers:
The 18-hole Sagamore Golf Course features breathtaking views of Lake George and was designed and built under Donald Ross’s personal supervision in 1928. In classic Ross fashion, The Sagamore Golf Course uses the natural environment to give each hole its challenge and beauty. Lush fairways are narrow and lined with hardwoods, while deep bunkers surround undulating greens.
Sunrise Cafe
The Sagamore’s par 70 championship course is located on the mainland and features a practice range, professional instruction and an award-winning Pro Shop.
46 Frank Cameron Rd, Bolton Landing.
Sagamore Golf Course
2026 Greens Fees: Open to June 11 & September 9 to October 31 (Includes Cart)
Guest Fee $165
Non-Guest Fee $180
June 12 – September 8 (Includes Cart)
Guest Fee $225
Non-Guest Fee $235 More rates and fees here
Itinerary for non-golfers:
Make it an easy day to recuperate from traveling and touring the towns. Go to Rogers Memorial Park for beach sunbathing, swimming, picnicking and playground fun for the kids.
20 Rogers Memorial Park Rd, Bolton Landing.
Rogers Memorial Park is a fantastic destination for families. This well-maintained park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic views of Lake George. It’s an ideal spot for a day of outdoor enjoyment with loved ones.
Children will love the spacious playgrounds, complete with swings and climbing structures. The park is designed to ensure safety and fun for kids of all ages. Parents can relax knowing that their children are enjoying their time actively.
Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. Bring your own lunch or snacks, and enjoy a delicious meal amidst nature. Shade trees provide a comfortable place to unwind while enjoying the views.
Tennis courts, basketball, public docks, picnic tables, pavilion, bandstand and gazebo on the pier.
For those who want to explore, various walking paths meander through the park. Stroll along the water’s edge or take a leisurely walk among the trees. It’s a refreshing way to connect with nature!
Rogers Memorial Park is a wonderful family destination where fun and relaxation are at the forefront.
This park is open to the public from 7am – 11pm every day during the summer and lifeguards are on duty 10am – 5pm.
Visitors must pay a $5 parking fee and this is the only 'admission' fee you pay.
Tip: If you had breakfast at Sunrise Cafe, they make box lunches for your picnic in the park if you don't want to make your own!
Later afternoon: No visit to Bolton Landing is complete without seeing the infamous Sagamore Resort.
110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing.
The Sagamore Resort has been welcoming guests to the shores of Bolton Landing for over a century on their 70-acre private island. This historic resort features beautiful gardens and meticulously maintained lawns, 137 elegant guest rooms including 54 suites, 2 bedroom condominiums and guests can also stay in lodge rooms and suites spread across the island, all located a short walk from the main hotel.
The Sagamore also features:
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A 10,000-square-foot Indoor Rec Center
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A Championship Donald Ross-designed 18-Hole Golf Course
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A Full-Featured Spa with 14 treatment rooms
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Indoor and Outdoor Heated Pools
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Boat Tours on the 72-foot Morgan
The Sagamore contains 8 different restaurants and a Splash Pool Bar - An al fresco lunch option located next to the resort's outdoor pool.
Apart from its opulence, the Sagamore has a fascinating history. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
The Sagamore Hotel has undergone several transformations over the years, including being rebuilt after being damaged by fire in 1893 and 1914. The hotel has been a social center for the wealthy residents of Green Island and Millionaires Row, the stately mansions along Lake George's western shore. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and has been restored and modernized over the years, maintaining its status as a historic landmark and a luxurious resort destination.
Evening: Treat yourself and have dinner at one of the Sagamore's restaurants:
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La Bella Vita - The Sagamore's signature Italian restaurant combining culinary passion with fresh garden ingredients.
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The Pavilion - A seasonal favorite for many visitors due to the majestic lakefront vistas and artfully prepared entrees.
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Club Grill Steakhouse - A New York-style steakhouse with rustic elegance, overlooking the iconic resort golf course.
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Caldwell's - Enjoy specialty cocktails and entrees on a grand front porch with panoramic views of Lake George.
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BRGR Kitchen & Bar - High-quality burgers that the American foodie will love.
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The LakeHouse - This enchanting open-air restaurant boasts an enticing menu of light lunch fare and handcrafted cocktails.
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Veranda Terraces - A casual Lake George dining experience with handcrafted cuisine.
Morning: Breakfast at Lone Bull Pancake & Steak House - 3502 Lake Shore Dr Lake George.
There's no leaving the table still feeling hungry at Lone Bull! Portions are enough to feed a small army.
Great menu selection including Make Your Own Omelette. I had the Eggs Benedict with REAL crab meat and they didn't skimp on the crab meat. Jay loved his French Connection - cinnamon raisin French toast topped with a cream cheese frosting, eggs and bacon.
It's large dining room is good for a group and good for families and super chill. Service was attentive without being intrusive. When it is busy, you might wait for a few minutes to flag down your server, but having a full carafe of coffee is great while you wait.
Easy parking in the adjacent lot and a lake-type rustic decor make for an enjoyable low-key meal.
Railbike Adventure
Take a drive to Tupper Lake (about a 1.75 hour drive) to
Adirondack Railbike Adventures.
Tupper Lake Station, 37 Depot Street, Tupper Lake, NY
See the Adirondacks from a whole new perspective.
Take a railbike ride!
There are 3 rides to choose from:
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River Run
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Timber Ridge
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Tupper Lake Raquette Rambler
We elected to take the Raquette Rambler - a 6-mile round trip through the natural beauty and spectacular views of the Adirondack Mountains.
You'll travel for 2 hours along the Raquette River.
You can rent a 1 person, 2 person, 3 person or 4 person railbike.
If you purchase 1 person, you will be seated with another rider.
The cost is $35 per rider, so for a 4 person railbike the cost will be $140.
What you need to know:
Weight limit is 275 lbs per person, per seat.
There is no age limit.
Infants (Children under 2) need to be secured to an adult in a Baby Bjorn style carrier.
Children 2 and older must ride in their own seat using either a standard seatbelt or a Five Point Harness. Five Point Harnesses are available at our stations upon request.
Riders should have closed toe shoes (NO Flip Flops).
Alcohol is NOT permitted, any person who is visibly intoxicated will not be allowed to ride and will not be refunded.
We decided we really liked railbiking. The scenery was gorgeous, the ride was relaxing and you get a good physical workout.
Lunch: Spruce & Hemlock. 111 Park Street Tupper Lake, NY.
Spruce & Hemlock is a cute combination gift shop, bakery and cafe, The women working the shop immediately make you feel welcome, they're super friendly and helpful.
For the cafe, you place your order in a kiosk and when it's ready it's brought out to you. $$
While we were waiting, we had plenty of fun items to look at in the shop. The shop was also very neat and bright. Our food came out pretty fast and was very tasty! Buy some cookies to take home on your way out, they're phenomenal!
The Wild Center
Before we left Tupper Lake we stopped at The Wild Center to walk The Trail Across the Trees or Wild Walk as it's often called.
45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake, NY
The Wild Center is a natural history museum that brings the beauty of the Adirondacks to life. Located in Tupper Lake, this attraction is known for its interactive exhibits. You can learn about local wildlife and ecosystems through hands-on activities.
A highlight of your visit will be the treetop walk. This suspended pathway allows you to stroll high above the ground. You can experience the forest from a new perspective, surrounded by trees and wildlife.
Walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest. Visit a four-story twig tree house, swing on bridges, clamber over a spider’s web or climb to the full-sized bald eagle’s nest at the highest point.
Of course, being the big kids we are we had to try walking across the giant spider web, which is hard to do when you're laughing uncontrollably!
ADMISSION
Adult $28.00
Senior $26.00
Military $26.00
Youth $15.00
4 & Under FREE
Kids will love the Wild Walk!
Once we freed ourselves from the spider's lair, we began the drive back to Bolton Landing, enjoying the Adirondack scenery as we did.
Evening: Drive 35 miles to Painted Pony Rodeo. 703 Howe Rd., Lake Luzerne, NY.
Begin your rodeo evening with a delicious Southern style BBQ dinner right at the rodeo grounds. One of the secrets to the barbecue are the smoke pits, which are fired up at dawn and don't go out until after dark. This means all of the meats are able to cook nice and slow and capture all the smoky goodness for a tender, delicious tasting meal - accompanied by music.
Adult BBQ:
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One Choice: ½ Smoked BBQ Chicken; Pulled Pork; or ¼ Chicken /Pulled Pork Combo
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Choice of 2 sides: Potato Salad; Western Baked Beans; Mac & Cheese; Grandmas Cole Slaw.
PRICE $23
tax included
Child BBQ
(12 and Up)
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One Choice: ¼ Chicken; Pulled Pork; or 2 Hot Dogs
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Choice of 2 sides: Potato Salad; Western Baked Beans; Mac & Cheese; Grandmas Cole Slaw.
PRICE $13 tax included
Includes: Ranch Rolls, Butter, Pickles, Chips and Dessert,
Lemonade, Sweetened Tea, Unsweetened Tea, and Water at the Watering Hole!!
Full Cash Bar Available
After the BBQ, mosey on over to the oldest continuous weekly rodeo started in 1953. In the rodeo arena, capture the excitement of bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, team roping, tie-down roping, and steer wrestling, and as the ladies race against the clock in the barrel racing contest.
As the dust begins to settle in the rodeo arena, follow the sounds of the hottest country music as it flows out between the swinging doors of the Longhorn Saloon.
Here you can kick up your heels all night long, or belly-up to the bar and enjoy a drink and discover just how wild the west can be.
ADVANCE TICKETS
Adult Rodeo + BBQ: $42 Adult Rodeo Only: $22 Child Rodeo + BBQ $24 Child Rodeo Only $14
DAY OF EVENT $44 $24 $26 $16
After the rodeo and dancing return to your accommodations and relax.
Morning: Breakfast at The Breakfast Spot Club - Lake George.
42 Amherst Street, Lake George.
Old school breakfast themed diner. Great vibes and amazing old school 40's decor. Love the trivia all over the place! Arrive when they open or you'll likely have a stand-in-line wait and on weekends the wait will be around an hour.
Despite the crowd our server was attentive. I do think the food is a bit pricey for standard breakfast fare, although my eggs benedict was fantastic - rich and creamy. The others were equally impressed with their menu choices. But to upcharge for flavoring your coffee was ridiculous.
If we all had one complaint, it was TURN THE MUSIC DOWN! At 8:00 am we don't need our eardrums broken by blaring music with pounding bass! For that reason and the pricing, it was unanimous among us that we wouldn't return to The Breakfast Spot Club.
Visit Fort William Henry. 46 Canada Street, Lake George.
Fort William Henry
Located in the heart of Lake George, Fort William Henry offers a fully immersive experience, bringing the sights, sounds, and stories of the French and Indian War to life.
Expert period-attired guides take you through the realities of fort life, sharing tales of bravery, strategy, and survival from the French and Indian War through Living History Tours & Military Presentations. Meet British Regulars, Provincial Troops, Rangers, Native Americans, Sutlers and more! Witness black powder musket and cannon demonstrations and explore rich historical exhibits and living history presentations. Admission is good for two consecutive days!
I never knew that much about the French-Indian War and certainly not that one of my favorite movies, Last of the Mohicans was showing the Fort William Henry massacre in one of the scenes! (It was called Fort Edward in the movie)
The battle reenactment at the Fort...
Battles are usually chaotic...Is it just me or do these reenactors look like they're all out for a Sunday stroll through the park together? LOL
Lackluster reenactment siege aside, the Fort was really interesting and definitely worth the visit.
There are several different tours you can take at the Fort but we just did the General Admission, Living History Presentations & Guided Military Demonstrations: Engage with history firsthand as you meet with one of our uniformed soldiers who will bring the 18th century to life. You’ll have the chance to talk to the soldier about the daily realities of military life, from the hardships of living in a frontier fort to the tactics and weapons used during this critical war. Our knowledgeable interpreters are passionate about sharing the fort’s history and are eager to answer questions or provide deeper insights into the people who shaped this era.
No visit is complete without witnessing the dramatic power of musket and cannon fire demonstrations. These live reenactments allow you to experience the sounds and sights of 18th-century warfare up close, offering a visceral sense of what it was like to defend the fort against French and Native American forces. Watch as expert interpreters demonstrate how soldiers loaded, aimed, and fired these powerful weapons.
The museum’s exhibits feature a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and displays that provide insight into the lives of those who lived and fought here. Each exhibit helps you understand the larger context of the war and the fort’s strategic importance in the broader conflict between two global superpowers.
Rates:
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$25 Adult
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$20 Senior (62+)
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Free Veterans & Military
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$20 Student (15-21)
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$15 Child (5-14)
Plus NY State Tax
Afternoon: You can take a lunch break from touring the Fort at a newly added restaurant near the Fort William Henry Hotel - Lookout Bar & Grill. Located at 28 Beach Road Lake George, NY. Just a short walk from the Main Hotel located below the outdoor pool. (A seasonal restaurant)
he Lookout Bar & Grill is one of the top spots for a relaxing lunch or dinner near the lake. Dine on their large outdoor deck and enjoy views of the southern Lake George shoreline.
They're closed for the season right now so their 2026 hours and lunch menu aren't posted yet.
Finish out your afternoon touring Fort William Henry.
Money $aving Tip: Book your admission to Fort William Henry online directly with them and save 10% on your admission fee.
Patriot of Lake George Museum
48 Canada St., Lake George
The museum is on Canada Street, but in a business unit a little back from the street. Look for a knight in armour outside the museum.
Patriot of Lake George is a museum and military-themed gift shop in the village of Lake George, New York, dedicated to the remembrance of U.S. veterans and service personnel. Also known as the Hall of Heroes, the free collection features uniforms, medals including Purple Hearts, relics and wartime memorabilia that range from the French and Indian War through World War II and into recent conflicts, with a particular emphasis on World War II artifacts.
This is a military museum, surplus and collection all in one. No charge for the museum and even the store seems like a museum.
The owner (Tony) is very nice to speak with and very passionate and knowledgeable about the artifacts and military history.
It's a great display with an incredible array of items, definitely worth a stop!
Evening: Dinner at Boardwalk Restaurant. 2 Lower Amherst Street, Lake George.
The Boardwalk is the only Lake George restaurant right ON the water. Walk 2 feet off its deck and you'd find yourself swimming in Lake George.
It's also one of the noted places for not only meals but its nightlife, which is what we were after our last night at Highland Castle.
There are 2 dining rooms - an upstairs more casual dining room and a downstairs more formal dining room that opens during July and August.
The deck has live music during the summer months and on Thursday nights, fireworks.
We opted for the casual Boardwalk Deck dining. 2025 menu below. (This is a seasonal restaurant)
*Free Parking and Boat Docking for diners.
While simple, the food was good and we had no complaints.
But there was another reason we chose the Boardwalk that evening - one of the other couples wanted to do another steamboat cruise before we left Lake George. So this is OPTIONAL on your own itinerary.
They chose the Minne Ha-Ha Summer Night Pirate Party in search of Captain Long John Underwear and we were all going dressed as pirates (More on that later!) cuz at our age well, we don't give a damn what anyone thinks of us. We're out for a good time and if someone doesn't like our pirate costumes they can feel free to walk the plank so they don't have to look at us. At any rate, we had more strangers (especially the kids) coming up and asking us to dance and take selfies with them. I don't know if they thought we were part of the ship's crew?
Luckily Dee had the foresight to purchase a pile of gold candy coins to take with us to hand out to our fellow guests who interacted with us, which was a hoot in itself as far as our fellow cruisers were concerned - especially the little kids who thought we were real pirates and had given them pirate booty! (Hand us an opportunity and we'll run with it!)
The cruise lasted 1 hour and the price was $29 each.
Interactive with the homes along the shoreline and cannon fire to be expected.
Children 0-11 years of age will receive a complimentary pirate-loot goodie bag. Additional bags may be purchased online or at the box office for $4.00 each.
Available on your Cruise:
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Narration by your captain
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Small snack bar
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Cocktail bar
Departure Times:
Summer (until Sept. & Oct.) Thursdays and Fridays
Through August 28th
7:00pm
We couldn't have had more fun on our last night in Lake George!
New York Renaissance Faire
Next stop: NY Renaissance Faire!
The address of the New York Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo, NY is 600 NY-17A, Tuxedo Park, NY. The Faire is 180 miles from Bolton Landing, about 2.75 hours.
Homewood Suites by Hilton is the official hotel of the Renaissance Faire. 375 Corporate Drive, Mahwah, NJ
Special rates start at $124.00 for a one-bedroom suite. Limited Renaissance Ticket Packages are available!
Click here for discounted reservations, or call Homewood Suites at 201-760-9994 and ask for the sales department.
We booked a 1 King 2 Dbl Beds 2 Bdrm 2 Bath Suite that slept all 6 of us. 2 bedrooms and baths, kitchen, living/work area, 3 TVs, sofa bed, complimentary internet access, complimentary breakfast included, full kitchen including dishwasher, separated bedroom and living spaces, and an Evening Manager's Reception.
There is no onsite camping at the New York Renaissance Faire. However, you can find nearby camping options, such as Harriman State Park, which offers camping spaces, although it is a bit further away. Additionally, primitive RV camping is available about five minutes away from the venue. It's advisable to book your campsite in advance to avoid missing out on your preferred location.
Jay and I had been to the Renaissance Faire previously but it was the other two couple's first time attending. The Faire has special events and theme weekends and Jay and I had attended during Pirate's Weekend and had so much fun. (Now you know why we had pirate costumes along!) Yes, many people dress in costume for the Faire, especially the theme weekends.
To give you the scoop on arriving at the Faire...
There are 2 parking lots at the Faire - Preferred ($20) and General. (Free)
The parking lots open at 7 am and you want to be there before 7 am so you don't get stuck in an endless line of vehicles waiting to get in.
If you want Preferred parking, turn on your hazard lights to indicate to the parking attendant you want to park in Preferred parking. If you are disabled and have a handicap window plaque like I do, turn on your hazard lights as well. The
handicap parking is in the Preferred lot very close to the Faire gates and parking won't cost you anything.
There is a free shuttle you can take around the parking lots and Faire.
You want to purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid standing in the ticket line at the gate. The ticket price is the same whether you buy them online or at the gate.
TICKET PRICES:
Adult tickets – $60
Child(5-12) – $28
Child(0-4) – FREE
Senior(62)/Military – $53
Season Pass – $325 (Select the first date of your arrival when purchasing.)
FAIRE OPEN
Saturdays, Sundays, Labor Day
August 15th - October 4, 2026 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
In addition to your general admission ticket, you also have the option of booking Joust VIP seating.
The cost of VIP seating for jousting at the New York
Renaissance Faire is $20 per person per joust. This
includes covered seating, a pickle, and a non-alcoholic beverage. Tickets are available for purchase at the Information Booth or online, and all online tickets
must be redeemed at the Faire's Information Booth at
least 30 minutes prior to the joust start time to ensure
you receive your beverage and pickle.
3 joust events will be held.
A bit of an intro to jousting: The form of jousting you'll see is what I call "entertainment jousting". (There are several forms of jousting all of which have their own rules). This isn't to say the knights you see jousting aren't really jousting. They are. They're just using a far more "tame" form of jousting.
The most extreme form of full contact jousting (as the real knights mostly did) is a German variety called Realgestech.
The divider that runs down the center of the jousting arena is called the List.
In Realgestech, the piece of armor covering the shoulder to protect it, the neck and part of the chest is called the grand guard.
A knight gets 1 point for hitting his opponent's grand guard.
He gets 5 points if he shatters his lance hitting his opponent's grand guard.
He gets 10 points if he unhorses his opponent.
Absolutely NO hitting the horses with the lances is allowed. No mistreatment of the horses is allowed in any fashion - not that any knight or jouster would do this anyway.
The horses used in jousting even today are a breed called Destrier that were specifically bred as war horses during medieval times.
The Destrier was a stocky and powerful horse that was used by knights in
medieval times. It was known for its strength, size, and ability to carry a
fully armored knight into battle. The Destrier was typically used as a warhorse and during jousting competitions. It was a specific breed or type of horse that was highly prized as a war horse during the medieval period. In other words, the horses in jousting are doing what they were bred to instinctively do. And if you notice, you'll often see the horse wearing face armor in jousting tournaments just to help further protect it for added safety's sake.
In fact, the list that runs down the center of the jousting arena is to prevent the horses from running into one another.
Now you know the very basics of jousting. We love it and always purchase the VIP seats at the Faire.
The entertainment at the New York Renaissance Faire spans 17 different performance areas and all the streets in between! You’ll find daredevil acrobats, soulful musicians, side-splitting comedians, three full-contact jousts, and hundreds of performers who bring the city to life.
The Marketplace is where you'll find over 125 artisans crafting, displaying and selling their wares. You can also visit a fortune teller or even get a massage! Children will delight in having their faces painted, their hair braided, or finding a new toy. There are plenty of other activities for children as well.
You certainly won't go hungry or thirsty at the Renaissance Faire. See listing of foods available here.
Allow yourself to be transported back in time over the next 2 days and just kick back and enjoy the Renaissance Faire!
Morning: There's not a whole lot of choosing to do when it comes to restaurants in Tuxedo, NY. There's only one breakfast joint - Dottie Audrey's Bakery Kitchen.
549 Ny-17, Tuxedo Park, NY
Very unique menu! Like the Irish omelet with curry sauce below.
Scratch-made breads and baked goods, finest-quality espresso and beverages, full bistro/café menu
including breakfasts, signature sandwiches, big salads and shareable platters, outdoor seating, dog
friendly, great spot to visit.
Afternoon:This afternoon is an R&R afternoon to rest up for this evening - so you're free to do whatever you wish. We just needed to rest and catch our breath so hung out in the hotel, relaxing.
Evening:
We're going to be attending Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. 149 Polito Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ - only about 5 miles from Tuxedo.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Medieval Times is an exciting, family-friendly experience inspired by an 11th century feast and tournament. Guests are served a four-course banquet as they cheer for one of six knights competing in the joust and other tests of skill.
Upon admittance you'll be given a color-coded crown and pennant. The crown color designates what knight you'll be cheering on all evening. As you enter the arena, there will be a color coded shield above the entrance door to guide you to the same color coded dining section.
As you can see, it's all been carefully choreographed and it's the "entertainment" jousting I referred to earlier.
Still, people really get into cheering on their respective knights regardless.
You're served dinner while all of this is going on.
Medieval Times’ noble guests feast on garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, dessert of the Castle, coffee and two rounds of select non-alcoholic beverages.
A full-service bar is also available for adult guests. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
Seating is first-come, first-served and will be assigned based on your package selection and group size. We recommend arriving when the doors open to obtain the best seats in your seating section and avoid long entrance lines.
Oh...and you eat with your hands just as they did back in the Medieval days. However, silverware is available upon request.
After the last show of the day in every Castle, the Knights return to the Hall of Arms to meet and greet guests. Additionally, prior to the start of the show, guests may participate in a Knighting Ceremony conducted by a member of the cast. The ceremony is available for purchase when you select your tickets.
Although the whole thing is choreographed and staged, it's still a fun evening.
The admission fees for Medieval Times typically range as follows:
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Adult Tickets: Approximately $56–$68.
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Child Tickets: Approximately $36–$45.
Money $aving Tip: Medieval times dinner & tournament Coupons & Promo Codes for October 2026
Morning: Breakfast at Mr. Geez. 500 Schuyler Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ.
What a relatively undiscovered gem Mr. Geez is!
Unique twists on standard breakfast fare - I'd never even heard of Pina Colada French Toast before!
This diner deserves a Michelin star! The food is fresh, delicious, and homemade daily. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and comfortable, and there's a huge well kept fish tank to keep kids of all ages fascinated. The service is excellent- top notch- especially impressive in these times of food service staff shortages.
Everything is clean and the owners are not only friendly but professional. All 6 of us give Mr. Geez 2 thumbs up! (They also serve lunch!)
Open 7 days a week from 7 am to 3 pm.
Before we left Lyndhurst there was one more thing we wanted to see - the Lyndhurst Mansion (castle) on the Hudson. 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY
Lyndhurst Mansion
The Mansion is a seasonal attraction that will reopen April, 2026 as it closes for the winter. (Can you imagine the winter heating bill to heat that place?!!) You can take a virtual tour of the Mansion below!
There are 2 tours visitors can take.
The first is the Classic Mansion Tour 2026
Various Dates, April 10th- Sept. 20th, 2026
Perfect for first-time visitors, this one-hour tour covers two floors, visits approximately 16 rooms, and offers a glimpse of the lavish decorative arts and furniture left at Lyndhurst by previous owners. You’ll see the first floor of the mansion, including the parlor, filled with furniture designed by architect A.J. Davis, and the sumptuous Civil War-era dining room. The second floor centers around the opulent Grand Art Gallery, hung with an original collection of European paintings brought to Lyndhurst by the Gould family. Impressive Tiffany stained glass windows adorn the gallery and adjacent bedrooms. Please note there is a 25-step staircase.
Tickets are $5-$26 + service fees.
The second tour is the Upstairs-Downstairs Tour: From Top To Bottom '26
Various Dates, May 1st - November 1st, 2026
This tour follows the route of the ever-popular Classic Mansion Tour but does not stop after seeing the second floor. Visitors will go to the top floor of the tower and then down to the basement level kitchens, finishing at the adjacent laundry building. This is a great option for anyone who wants to hear the full story of Lyndhurst in one tour!
The Upstairs-Downstairs treats visitors to a rare glimpse of the lavish decorative arts and furniture left at Lyndhurst by previous owners. You will visit approximately 25 rooms and see the entire property from the top of the five story tower. You’ll then descend all 99 steps down to the basement level to view the kitchen and service spaces that helped keep Lyndhurst running. The tour runs about 90 minutes.
Please note that this tour requires visitors to ascend 79 steps up to the tower (from the first floor) and 99 steps down to the basement. Because of its physical demands, it is not recommended for individuals with limited mobility.
Tickets $35-$42 +service fees.
To visit the grounds only requires its own separate pass UNLESS you have a tour or event ticket, which includes the grounds. This is a self guided tour of the estate.
Daily, April 10th - November 1st, 2026
Tickets $10 – $15 per person + service fees
This pass does not provide access to the Mansion. A Grounds Pass includes entry to the Welcome Center, Gift Shop, Exhibit Gallery, and Restrooms when the property is open for tours. Restrooms are available at the Bowling Alley and Welcome Center. (The estate has its own bowling alley)
Our trip to the mansion concludes the Knight's Tale road trip. Hope you enjoyed it and if you haven't already, take your own Knight's road trip!
I've thrown several knight/medieval parties over the years, for both adults and children.
I'll start with one of the adult parties I threw at my old house in West Bend before I moved north.
The basement was finished per the diagram below. There was a seating area, a bar, a stove, sink and back bar, a woodworking shop, a billiards room we turned into a medieval dining area for the party.
I made a castle out of corrugated cardboard that was placed in front of the woodshop door.
Staging was super easy!
I had a 16 person mahogany dining table, the chairs upholstered in the fabric at right - perfect for a medieval theme. I also had an antique server in the same room.
I used candlesticks I had. For the walls I sewed 6 medieval banners.
To make the room appear larger, I covered one wall in a castle photo backdrop.
We found a candle chandalier in a secondhand store that hubby wired and hung.
The armored knight was a 6' statue hubby bought me for Christmas one year.
For the rec room area my modern looking sofa didn't fit so I found a discontinued velvet sofa cover on clearance for $7.
We replaced the modern looking coffee table with a styrofoam well I'd made for another party, hubby cut a piece of plexiglass to fit over the top so we could use the well as a coffee table. We made a flat armor display to hang above the sofa. All the armament on that wall was made of styrofoam, corrugated and balsa wood that we painted and decorated.
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You can make an entire knight out of corrugated if you want to!
The most labor intensive part of the entire party was making and decorating the castle.
Rather than go through labor intensive hand painting the stone exterior, we got a roll of self adhesive faux stone wallpaper from Home Depot and covered the pieces of cardboard with that.
I collected moss from our yard and hot glued it into some of the castle cracks between the rocks.
I then glued fabric to the cardboard flags to make them look more realistic.
For the castle windows I bought some stain glass window film, cut it to fit the windows, then adhered it to the inside of the castle windows.
The knight on the horse was another gift from my hubby so I can't tell you where he got it or what it cost.
Julie from Chic Party Ideas did a PHENOMENAL job on her medieval dinner party!
Just to give you more ideas of what's possible...
(Below)
When finished with your castle the exterior should look something like this:
My Tablescape
Although they didn't use tablecloths in medieval days, I didn't want the top of my mahogany table ruined so I went with altar cloths that I sewed together to make them big enough to fit the table. $20
I wanted pewter dinnerware but that was out of the question given the cost of it.
Then the light bulb came on...my uncle collected pewter! He had a huge collection of pewter - and let me borrow full place settings and anything else I needed.
We'd been given pewter candlesticks, a silver candelabra, and cordial glasses for our wedding, we used those as well.
For the center of the table I used artificial vines, red berry sprigs, silver Christmas tree beads and a Knights of the Roundtable centerpiece I found at Etsy.
Menu/Food
We wanted authentic medieval food, the neighbor gals and I made all of it.
We used A Boke of Gode Cookery for the recipes. This 15th‑century schoolbook, translated and adapted by James Matterer, is one of the most accessible medieval cookbooks. Each recipe includes the original medieval text, a modern translation, cooking notes, and source references. It covers a wide range of dishes — from breads, cakes, and pastries to meats, fish, fruits, and sweets — and is available online at Gode Cookery
Cheese and Herb Spreads
Honey-Glazed Roast Pork with Apples
Chicken in White Wine Sauce
Roasted Meats on Skewers
Vegetable Tarts with Seasonal Produce
Herb-Crusted Bread Loaves
Spiced Wine Poached Pears
Medieval Cherry Dumplings
Flavored Water with Herbs
Entertainment
Attending the Bristol Renaissance Faire was our entertainment.
You can use the same decor/staging you did for the adult medieval party. But you might want to make your castle large enough to be a kids playhouse. It doesn't have to be anything as elaborate as the one in the video below...
There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube for different cardboard castles.
Menu
You don't have to go overboard on food for a kids party. They're more interested in the games and entertainment.
But here is a sample to give you some ideas...
.: Medieval Feast Menu :.
Manchet (Fine White Bread)
A Variety of Meats and Game (Drumsticks & Meatballs)
Grapes
Corn on the Cob
Mixed Herbs and Greens Salad
Stuffed Eggs
Block Cheese with Swords
Olives
Baked Beans
Wine (Sparkling Red Grape Juice)
Entertainment
Vending Machine
The kids loved this one and it's so easy to make out of a simple cardboard box.
I mixed candy with inexpensive medieval toys like knight figurines, catapults, etc.
If you're going to mix toys in as I did, make your strings long enough that the toy doesn't have far to fall - and then break!
Costume Contest
No kids party is complete without the kids coming in medieval costumes...and they like costume contests if they think there's prizes involved.
The prizes can be inexpensive toys or trinkets, the kids just like the idea of winning something to take home with them.
I awarded candy bar medals.
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Best overall boy's costume
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Best overall girl's costume
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Most creative costume
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Most historically accurate costume, etc.
I let the kids themselves vote on their favorite costumes.
Give them each paper and pencils and let them write down their favorites in a secret vote.
All you need to make the medals is candy bars, a 1 hole punch to punch the candy bar wrapper,
and a length of ribbon for each medal that's long enough to hang around the child's neck.
Make Swords & Shields
You can't be a knight without a sword and shield!
Set up a large craft table on which the kids can work. Include colored markers, paint, glitter (cover the floor beneath their work table for easy cleanup!), strips of colored construction paper, glue sticks, scissors...whatever you want to give the kids to make their shields and swords with.
Out of cardboard (Not wood!), cut a shield shape and a sword shape for each child. Then as each child arrives for the party, seat them at the craft table and let them go to town decorating their swords and shields.
You can use craft foamboard sheets as well but they're more expensive - although more durable.
Tip: I highly recommend enlisting the aid of someone to assist you with this party or you will find yourself spread way too thin to keep an adequate eye on the kids. With the above activity you need a teen or adult at the craft table while you're greeting arriving guests.
Slay the Dragon
Kids usually arrive at a party stoked with high energy, so I helped bring that energy level down early on in the party.
You'll need mylar dragon balloons suspended from the ceiling for this activity. The number you use will depend on how many guests you have.
I found these helium or air large dragon balloons worked the best.
With the swords and shields the kids had just made, I let them have at the dragon balloons with them, "slaying the dragons".
After all, every good knight has slain a dragon or two in his/her day!
Knight's Quest: Find the Castle's Stolen Treasure
Lead off with this story for the kids: Rival knights from another castle snuck into your castle and stole all of their castle's treasure! As knights the kids must go on a quest to recover the castle's stolen treasure!
I used a variety of treasures in different containers hidden throughout the venue: Booty bags containing candy gold coins or plastic gold coins, dragon eggs that will hatch and the dragons grow in size after hatching (requires water, the kids can hatch their eggs at home), little cardboard treasure chests filled with craft gems. Use your imagination! I did use some colored plastic Easter eggs in which I put real coins, some had dollar bills in them. We told the kids one of the stolen loot containers had a $20 bill in it. You should've seen them scramble to find that one
treasure container!
We gave each of the kids a medieval loot bag to hold the treasures they found.
I suggest you make a list of what you hid where as come the day of the party things get hectic and you might forget where you hid everything!
For the treasure chests we just used treasure chest party favor boxes.
Run the Gauntlet
Knights had to be in excellent physical condition and fair maidens had to keep their waistlines trim if they wanted to get a knight's attention...
You'll need a large area to set this up, preferably your backyard if you have one. We're going to set up a gauntlet obstacle course for the kids to run.
There are many different obstacles you can create!
Amy Latta of Amy Latta Creations came up with a brilliant idea for her knight obstacle course!
She made inexpensive steeds (at right) for the knights to RIDE through the obstacle course!
Let the kids pick their own steed, then take it home as a party favor!
Obstacle courses are a great addition to any party because they're so flexible. You can change the theme of them easily and keep reusing the obstacles from party to party. Not to mention most of the obstacles in the course can be made from things you have on hand for the most part!
Battle of the Knights
You'll need to make 2 Pugil sticks:
It's just one BIG pool noodle and 2 dowels.
I just took a knife and split the noodle into 4 equal sections! Then slide on the dowels and glue in place! (I picked dowels that were a pretty tight fit!
You want 2 sturdy platforms for the dueling kids to stand on. I used a length of board wide enough for them to stand on, raised it a few inches over the ground and over a kids swimming pool filled with water. Kids love getting wet on summer days!
(Make sure they take their shoes off before doing battle!)
We did make a rule no hitting to the face!
This is a game of elimination. 2 kids at a time do battle with the pool noodles, trying to knock the other off the balance beam. Anyone knocked off the beam is out of the game.
The game continues until only one knight is left standing, that hasn't fallen off the beam.
Award a prize to the winner.
Archery Competition
We got a couple of these kid safe archery sets with suction cup arrows so the kids could have an archery competition.
The archer with the highest score received a prize.
