Holiday shopping feels a little more festive when it comes with a weekend away.
Spend your days discovering outlet finds, browsing Main Street shops, and stopping for coffee and something sweet. Then return to 5 Star Lodge to wrap your gifts, share dinner, and settle in for a cozy evening together.
Bring your partner, gather your friends, or start a new family tradition. This year, make checking off your gift list part of the fun.
Start at the Lake George Outlets
The Lake George outlet centers along Route 9 near Northway Exit 20 make a great starting point. Shop favorites such as Coach, Columbia, L.L.Bean, Michael Kors, and Under Armour for clothing, accessories, outdoor gear, and more.
Check store directories, holiday hours, and current promotions before heading out. Start with your must-visit shops, wear comfortable shoes, and bring layers for moving between shopping centers.
Make lunch part of the outing at The Log Jam Restaurant. Convenient to the outlets, its authentic log cabin setting, hearty lunch choices, and plentiful salad bar make it a welcoming place to relax and compare your best finds before another round of shopping.
Leave room in the car for your purchases—and time to enjoy yourself. You’re on a getaway, after all.
Shop Main Street in North Creek
For gifts with Adirondack character, spend some time exploring North Creek’s Main Street.
Start at Hudson River Trading Company, housed in a historic former livery. Browse books, clothing, cozy blankets, gifts, and nature-inspired home accessories. Its adjoining Hungry Crow market offers regional specialties, including maple products and locally roasted coffee—lovely additions to a holiday gift basket.
Continue to Foothills of the Adirondacks for an eclectic mix of gifts, home décor, and vintage finds. At kirche, a restored historic church, browse art, antiques, and locally sourced giftware for someone who appreciates an unexpected treasure.
Pause at Café Sarah for a pastry or lunch, and pick up a few baked treats to bring back to the lodge.
Before leaving the area, make a short drive to Barkeater Chocolates on Route 28. Handmade truffles, chocolate bark, bars, and hot cocoa mixes make delicious gifts and stocking stuffers. Choose something for your evening, too—chocolate belongs on the gift-wrapping table.
Discover More Local Gifts and Treats
If Bolton Landing is on your route, visit TREES Adirondack Gifts & Books for regional books, artwork, photography, and locally made gifts. Follow your browsing with coffee, a bagel, or a house-made pastry at Bear’s Cup.
For food-loving friends, consider Nettle Meadow’s Hitching Post retail shop in Lake Luzerne. Alongside its cheeses, you’ll find pottery, cheese boards, maple products, honey, goat milk soaps, and other gourmet goodies. Pick up a thoughtful gift or a few ingredients for an evening snack board at the lodge. Bring a cooler for cheese and other perishables.
Choose a few stops that suit your group. There’s no need to visit every town in one weekend.
Your Holiday Shopping Weekend Itinerary
Friday: Arrive and settle in.
Unpack, enjoy an easy dinner, and compare shopping lists. Bring wrapping paper, ribbon, tags, tape, and scissors so you have everything ready for a festive evening together.
Saturday: Shop, explore, and celebrate your finds.
Spend the day at the outlets or browsing local shops, with a leisurely lunch along the way. Return to the lodge with your discoveries and something delicious to share.
Put on a holiday playlist, pour your favorite drink, and spread out the wrapping supplies. Swap ribbon, admire everyone’s finds, and enjoy getting the gifts ready together.
After the gifts are wrapped, set out your Barkeater chocolates and bakery treats, put your feet up, and celebrate a successful shopping day with a cozy night in. 5 Star Lodge is featured in Staycation, Season 5, Episode 10: “Lake George.” Watch through The Destination Channel app on Roku and enjoy seeing the very lodge you’re staying in appear on screen.
Sunday: Take it slowly.
Enjoy coffee in your pajamas, make breakfast, and linger over the morning before heading home—with gifts checked off your list and a weekend of memories to go with them.
Stay Together at 5 Star Lodge
Our two-, three-, and five-bedroom stay options give you choices for a couple’s escape, a getaway with friends, or a family shopping weekend.
Want a little extra time? Ask about booking an additional half day, subject to availability. Start early on Friday, or, if your reservation ends Saturday, arrange a later Saturday departure. Enjoy more time for shopping, gift wrapping, or simply relaxing at the lodge.
Whether you come for the outlet finds, the local treasures, or the evenings together, make 5 Star Lodge your home base for a festive Adirondack getaway.
Gather your shopping crew and book your holiday shopping weekend at 5 Star Lodge.
Check current store directories and individual businesses’ seasonal and holiday hours before your visit.
About the Authors
Gale and Tom Golden are the owners of 5 Star Lodge, a private mountain retreat in North Creek, New York, featured on The Destination Channel’s Staycation, Season 5, Episode 10: “Lake George.”
They built the lodge as a gathering place for their own family, living on the property during construction, laying stone, pounding nails, and creating a home where generations could reconnect.
Today, they share recommendations drawn from years of exploring the Adirondacks and helping guests discover the region’s shops, restaurants, and adventures. Their favorite getaways combine a little exploring, something delicious, and time together back at the lodge.