Getting Around
Albany is the area's major airport; Interstate 87 is its major north-south highway. Winding state roads are your only east-west options, so go slow and enjoy the mountain scenery. The Adirondack Region is the size of the state of Vermont, so don't try to see it all in a weekend. This issue focuses on the southern Adirondacks, but we'll try to cover Lakes Placid and Saranac in the future.
An appealing itinerary would be to start with a visit to Saratoga Springs, then head north, detouring to Lake George. The village of Lake George has lots of "family attractions;" if you've passed the munchkin stage, enjoy this beautiful lake north of town. Wrap up your getaway with a few days of R&R in Chestertown, North Creek, and/or Schroon Lake.
When to Go
Spring comes late to the mountains; don't forget the bug repellent. Summers are glorious, but remember that August is thoroughbred racing season in Saratoga, when lodging rates double, so budget accordingly. The fall foliage peaks early in the mountains, making late September and early October visits ideal. Winter brings lots of snow, great for skiing and other cold-weather sports. As always, a midweek getaway will maximize pleasure and minimize expense and aggravation.
Sights & Activities
Set in the southern foothills of the Adirondacks, Saratoga Springs is the area's cultural center, with a full schedule of music and dance in July and August at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC); fall brings a plethora of craft fairs to the same venue. Also worth a visit is the National Museum of Racing, since horses are an integral part of Saratoga's history. More info...
The "Daks" are an outdoor lovers' paradise, with 2,000 miles of hiking trails, 3,000 ponds and lakes, hundreds of miles of canoe routes and 42 peaks over 4,000 feet in height. (If you're coming from the Western U.S., remember that's a good climb when you're starting close to sea level!) Driving distances are substantial, so ask your innkeeper to help you plan activities to suit your interests. More info...
Inns and B&Bs (listed from south to north)
Saratoga Springs: An extraordinary Victorian architectural fantasy, the Batcheller Mansion was extensively (and expensively) renovated in 1994. Guest rooms and common areas are spacious and opulent; breakfast is light continental.
The enterprising Smith family has restored and operates both the elegant Saratoga Arms as well as the appealing Saratoga B&B.
Across the street from the Saratoga Thoroughbred Race Course is the Six Sisters B&B, with knowledgeable resident owner/innkeepers who can help you plan a great visit.
Impeccable attention to detail is a hallmark of the Westchester House, a Victorian home set in a quiet but convenient residential neighborhood.
More Saratoga inns...
Lake Luzerne: Halfway between Saratoga Springs and Lake George is the Lamplight Inn, with well-equipped country Victorian guest rooms, great breakfasts, and comfy common areas for relaxing in both warm weather or cold.
Warrensburg: The Merrill Magee House consists of a cozy tavern and restaurant in the original early 1800s home, plus the recently built guest house nearby, housing ten spacious guest rooms.
Hague: Location, location, location would be enough to recommend Ruah B&B, with superb views of Lake George and the mountains beyond from most of its guest rooms and common areas. Additional assets include the gracious hospitality of innkeepers Judy and Peter Foster, the beautiful gardens, and handsome architecture of this century-old mansion.
Chestertown: Built in 1860 as a boarding house for tannery workers, and a summer vacation retreat since the 1920s, the Friends Lake Inn offers flavorsome meals, an award-winning wine list, and renovated guest rooms combining the best of Adirondack style and modern comfort. Although there's lots to do nearby-from golf to downhill skiing at Gore Mountain--many guests are content to lounge by the heated pool, fish or kayak in Friends Lake, or hike or ski the inn's trails.
Chestertown also has two first-rate B&Bs: the Chester Inn and Landon Hill, both dating back to the late 1800s.
Favorite Chestertown area restaurants include the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor, great for soups, sandwiches, and you-know-what; and The Owl at Twilight in nearby Olmsteadville, combining an intimate atmosphere with international accents (518-251-4696).
Schroon Lake: A Victorian farmhouse, the Schroon Lake B&B sits on a grassy knoll offering views of the surrounding mountains. Hosts Rita and Bob Skojec offer breakfasts that taste as delicious as they look. The Yellow Iris Room is a favorite guest room.
More Adirondack inns...
