When people find a great holiday break destination, they keep coming back. This 32-mile-long "Queen of American Lakes" is chock-full of accommodation, attractions, eateries and just about any form of recreation you can name. A significant player in American history, Lake George is the site of two great forts, Fort William Henry and Fort Ticonderoga, both open to the public. Before plunging into the wealth of activities that this family-friendly town offers, go on a relaxing lake cruise to learn about the area. Then take your pick of recreation: parasailing, fishing, diving, jet skiing, hiking, golfing, mini-golf, horse riding and more. If you've got kids in tow, you can't get away without visiting the Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom, New York's largest amusement park. Hikers gravitate to the international trail system or Prospect Mountain, which offers panoramic views from the top; for an easier way up, hop on the tram. Among the cleanest and clearest of major US lakes, Lake George is as splendid today as when Thomas Jefferson described it as "...without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw".