The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB has announced key staff updates that reflect the organization’s commitment to enhancing member services and supporting the local business community. These strategic changes include new hires and promotions that will drive marketing initiatives, member engagement, and overall community presence.

Megan Seeley was promoted to marketing director at the organization. Previously, she served as the marketing manager of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she was instrumental in promoting the region to group business in the form of conventions, meetings, sports events, weddings, motorcoach group tours, and more. 

In her new role, she oversees the marketing and communications efforts for chamber members as well as consumer and group tourism markets with the Convention & Visitors Bureau. As marketing director, she will develop overall marketing strategies for the chamber and the LGRCVB, oversees the marketing plans for both organizations, and manages the promotion of chamber and member events. She is also responsible for maintaining the chamber’s presence in the community through participation in events and committees. 

“I am thrilled to lead our marketing team and develop initiatives that will elevate tourism and strengthen our community connections. Working with growing audiences is incredibly exciting, as it allows us to introduce more people to the beauty and charm of the Lake George region. Together, we can showcase all that this area has to offer, from stunning landscapes to vibrant local businesses. I look forward to collaborating with our team and community to create memorable experiences for visitors and foster a thriving tourism industry,” said Seeley. 

By Jill Nagy

Some horse-crazy young girls grow up to be horse-crazy women. Two them are Sharon Capraun, owner of Dancing Horses, who recently moved to Lake George, and Connie Welsh, her pony wrangler.

When Roaring Brook Ranch had to close because of its owner’s illness, Capraun moved from Schroon Lake with 20 horses, a handful of ponies, and a petting zoo, to look after the property and operate her business. 

Many of the horses were rescues from “not very good places,” Capraun said. Others were purchased at auction. While she may buy horses, Cabraun does not sell them. 

“When I get them, I keep them,” she said, “They‘re not going anywhere.” 

Capraun is 73 years old and retired. 

“As long as I can get up on a horse, I’ll be here,” she said. “I can’t see myself ever having enough of horses.”

By Ann Donnelly

A new dining option is proving to be a hit in the heart of the Adirondacks. The Guac Box, a fast-casual Mexican eatery, has quickly become a local favorite since its April opening. 

The restaurant, owned and operated by Adam and Kayley Geiser, offers a unique blend of authentic flavors and convenient service. 

“We have seen strong demand from locals and visitors traveling through the town to Gore and further north,” says Adam Geiser. “People had been looking for something different.”

An actual family operation, Kayley, runs the front of house, while Adam operates the kitchen with solid support from his father, Darren, who has decades of restaurant experience. Adam, who has had a passion for Mexican food for most of his life, has 14 years of experience in the restaurant business, most recently in Bolton Landing at Frederick’s and Cantina 32.

The Geisers offer a “fast-casual” experience that resembles an authentic taqueria. Customers order at the counter and receive their food in takeaway boxes. Initially, they did not offer table service, but as 70 percent of the business is for takeout, they now offer it to those who wish to eat in and enjoy the charming atmosphere.

The ongoing menu includes the staples of Mexican fare, including nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more, but they level up the quality with fresh ingredients. 

From the shores of Lake Champlain to the heights of Mount Defiance, Fort Ticonderoga continues to offer new opportunities and family fun this summer. 

Ticonderoga’s epic history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative story telling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, new and permanent premier museum exhibitions, Fife & Drum performances, thrilling weapons demos, boat cruises, endless outdoor activities, captivating special events, and premium exclusive experiences.

A new 2024 Heroic Corn Maze design offers six acres of fun as visitors navigate towering stalks of corn using history clues related to Fort Ticonderoga to guide them. The maze is divided into two phases, giving guests the chance to gain confidence in the smaller maze before tackling the main maze. The average journey will take from 20 minutes for the first phase and up to an hour for the second phase. 

The Family Guided Tour provides a kid-friendly overview of all of the exciting things to do during a visit. In addition to the tour, the new family scavenger hunt, In His Majesty’s Service, gives families a chance to work together to complete tasks as they explore Fort Ticonderoga and receive rewards for helping the soldiers with their daily duties. 

By Susan Elise Campbell

For decades, The Bargain Box thrift and consignment store has been a place to hunt for treasure and shop affordably in South Glens Falls. The store has been woman-owned and operated since its beginning more than 50 years ago.

“A woman started it in Ballston Spa and a few years later, in 1973, my aunt bought the business. I took it over from her in 2014,” said current owner Leslie Marciano.

Marciano has “been in love with the store, the people and the work” since she helped out her aunt on Saturdays as a teenager. 

“I would come home with lots of clothes for my pay and think, this is so cool,” she said. 

Thrift and consignment stores offer affordable, gently used merchandise. For some, thrifting is like hunting for treasure, according to Marciano.

“Someone may be looking to match a piece of clothing, piece together a costume, or maybe to ‘dress’ their new home,” she said.