You are reading a sneak peek version of the Dispatch: Daily News in the Spa City.
It was the marketing campaign to end all marketing campaigns — an exhaustive list of categories touting the “best” everything, then shared far and wide by the winners (and people like me). Bravo.
But can one really resist sharing when seeing national praise heaped upon your hometown? Of course not.
Congrats to Lake George for being named the No. 3 Best Lake in a national reader’s poll produced by 10Best and USA Today. (To come up with the winners, a panel of experts narrowed down the nominees, and then voters got to work.) Readers chose the Queen of American Lakes as a base for water sports and because of its history.
“On the southern edge of New York’s Adirondacks, Lake George has been a popular vacation destination for well over a century, drawing both aristocrats and outdoor adventurers to its shores,” reads the June 11 article. “Visitors can marvel at the architectural wonders along Millionaires’ Row, while water activities span from sunset lake cruises to parasailing to take a leisurely dip at one of the lake’s many beaches.”
It’s the first time that Saratoga’s northern neighbor ranked in this major category. Lake George has, however, been runner-up for Best Lake for Swimming for the last three years. This year, it also picked up runner-up for Best Lake for Water Sports.
So did Saratoga Springs pick up any awards? It did! In addition to locals first catching on that Broadway’s Darling Doughnuts picked up a No. 4 prize for Best Donut Shop, the town itself was named — also fourth best — on the Best Summer Travel Destination list.
Voters were impressed by Saratoga’s “rich blend of cultural events, outdoor activities and historic charm” and “the thrill of thoroughbred horse racing.” SPAC, Saratoga Lake and Sacandaga River also got shout-outs.
So who triumphed over our local heroes?
Lake George: Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin came in at No. 2, and California’s Big Bear Lake grabbed the top spot.
Saratoga was bested by Catalina Island in California, Ocean City in New Jersey, and coming in at No. 1: Mackinac Island, Michigan.