New York's Coastal Highway

I've spent a lot of time this summer driving what I think of as New York's "Coastal Highway." (Details of the route are below.)

Having touristed a lot of America's scenic highways, I'm convinced that there are few that match this stretch in the North Country for magnificent views of mountain and water.

It begins in Lake George Village and runs through some of the wildest forest and mountain country in the east. You catch magical glimpses of the lake and its iconic views.

Bolton Landing offers a great stop-off point.

At Ticonderoga, you can stroll over the covered bridge, visit the Fort and maybe catch an encampment.

Continuing north, you drift into brilliant views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains.

The architecture along the route is first-rate, with old mining-era mansions around Port Henry, a couple of Revolutionary War-era forts, and cool churches.

The route also links some fantastic hiking trails, including Split Rock -- and some of the best birding turf in the East.

Foodies will find first-rate eateries (the Hot Biscuit in Ticonderoga), bakeries (Dogwood Bakery in Wadhams) and fine dining (the Normandie club in Westport).

After Westport, the intimate Lake Shore Road winds toward Essex, with its newly vibrant downtown.

Paddlers looking for a stop? Try the Ausable Marshes or the Boquet, or the big lake itself. Valcour Island is a must-paddle.

Then it's on to Plattsburgh and Rouses Point, where Lake Champlain and its pleasures are always close at hand.

A ferry ride across the north end of the lake is a perfect way to cap it all off.

The route will be at its finest in a few weeks as the colors start to turn -- and infinitely less crowded than highways on the Vermont shore.

So if you're looking for a great local staycation, here's my prescription for the weekend drive:

Take the stretch of 9N that runs from Lake George Village to Westport. From Westport, loop along the Lake Shore Road to Essex and then jump onto Rt. 22 to Keeseville.

After that, it's Rt. 9 and 9b through Plattsburgh and on to Rouses Point. Remember to drive slow and stop often...