Every year since 2007 I’ve been heading up to the Chestertown NY area, about half an hour north of Lake George, to stay at a friend’s lake house. We go for about a week at a time, and it is probably one of the highlights of every year. Who doesn’t love a vacation with friends, especially one’s you’ve grown incredibly close to over the years? Although the faces that go have varied over the years several things remain the same: an absurd shopping spree, swimming, kayaking, hiking, a visit to Bolton Landing, ice cream, Lake George, bon fires, and lots and lots of food.
Over the year’s I’ve become quite comfortable with my group of friends. Our shopping spree has gone from a free for all, to a meticulous planned experience. Our meals are willing revolved around the dietary needs of those that attend, including my gluten free needs. For example, we almost always have a pizza and pasta night as well as a BBQ dinner, and many mornings involve pancakes. It isn’t uncommon during these community meals for everyone to eat gluten free. Don’t I have the most awesome friends ever? Here’s just one example of their awesomeness:
In addition to our meticulous shopping spree we always make room to do some dining around the area. The Crossroads in Chestertown NY is a favorite spot for us to hit up for ice cream, especially for my sweet toothed friend who’s family property we are staying at. This year I saw a sign that made me absolutely gleeful: They now carried gluten free ice cream cones! Their maple ice cream is to die for, and since it is soft serve cross contamination is limited. They are also a great stop for quick snacks or any fishing or outdoor gear. **2015 Update: The crossroads now also carries a variety of gluten free grocery products including pancake mix, pasta, cookie mix, and Chex. I also learned that their sprinkles at the Ice cream shop are also gluten free. 
**2015 Update: Also close to The Crossroads is a market called in Brant Lake. This newer establishment is part garden store, part grocery store, and part general store and has an entire half aisle dedicated to gluten free goods such as baking mixes, pastas, cookies, bars, pretzels, granola, crackers, pancake batter, and more. In addition they also have a list of which of their homemade fudges are gluten free and can make gluten free sandwiches and wraps.
The Chestertown Farmer’s Market, which happens from June through September, is a great quick stop for fresh produce and other locally made products such as cheeses, gluten free granola and more. It is also right near the town’s museum as well as a great low cost thrift store. One of the most interesting finds at the market were these Cuke-o-melons:
Bolton Landing is another usually stop for us, and this year I found a few gluten free opportunitiesthere. The Bolton Landing Deli offers only Boars head cold cuts and cheeses, a line which is inherently gluten free, along with gluten free bread for sandwiches. It is a small, though busy, place but it seems they have no problem changing their gloves to prep gluten free sandwiches. Finally, Cate’s Italian Garden makes gluten free pizzas which to my amazement were the same size as regular pizzas. They have an entirely different oven, prep station, and set of ingredients for their gluten free pies. I highly recommend checking them out for some safe, delicious pizza in a friendly environment. **2015 Update: Lakeside Lodge, also in Bolton Landing, now has gluten free items marked on their menu. They offer gluten free pasta, buns and bread. Even better, while their fried items aren’t all gluten free their homemade potato chips are because they are fried in new oil everyday before the kitchen officially begins cooking. They were delicious!
update for you. not all Boar’s Head deli meats are gluten free. they have a glazed chicken that has soy sauce. there are others as well that are not safe.
Thanks so much for the update!