ITINERARIES

History and Mountain Majesty
The history of the Adirondacks is as diverse as its geography. A battleground through at least 3 wars, the turf of loggers and miners, the vacation destination of Gilded Age magnates and home to two Winter Olympic Games, the depth and breadth of the region’s heritage is matched only by its scenery.
DAY 1 - Adirondack Museum is a vast campus of 23 buildings including a truly rustic hotel, a luxurious private rail car, exhibits on logging, mining and local crafts. It is a “must see”, rain or shine, as it is located in a very picturesque location overlooking Blue Mountain Lake. Take a tour of the Great Camp Sagamore, a vintage Great Camp and National Historic Landmark built by Alfred Vanderbuilt. Gloria Vanderbilt spent childhood summers here as Carole Lombard and other Hollywood stars of the era played tennis and strolled along the lakeshore. Tour scenic Raquette Lake while having lunch on the WW Durant. Captain Pohl, offers a fascinating commentary on the history of the lake and it’s Great Camps and other points of interest. Tour Barton Garnet Mines, home to one of the world’s largest garnet deposits. Dig for Garnets and visit the mineral shop.  Take a train ride on the Upper Hudson River Railroad in North Creek and visit the North Creek Railway Depot Museum where Teddy Roosevelt learned he was the 26th President of the United States after the death of President McKinley. Check out the rustic furnishings and unique offerings at The Hudson River Trading Co in North Creek.
DAY 2 - Lake Placid is home to both the ’32 and ’80 Winter Olympics. Take a chair lift up Whiteface Mountain or drive up the Whiteface Mountain Memorial Highway to see the view from the fifth highest mountain in the state. See the Olympic Arena and the Olympic Museum. Ride up to the top of the Olympic Ski Jumps for a magnificent view.  
DAY 3 - During both the French and Indian War and the revolutionary War, the Lake George area, due to its strategic importance, was the scene of momentous warfare. Many landmarks are located in Lake George Village, where you can take a walking tour of the historic sites; among which is the Fort William Henry where costumed interpreters make the French and Indian War come alive in a Fort rebuilt from original plans. The French siege of the Fort was popularized by James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel, Last of the Mohicans. Coopers Cave happens to be in Glens Falls. Take a scenic drive up Prospect Mountain Highway for a birds eye view of Lake George and surrounding mountains. Cruise on the “Queen of American Lakes” -Lake George with Shoreline Cruises or the Lake George Steamboat Company.

Adirondack Golfing Galore

DAY 1-3 - There are multiple courses within 30 miles of the North Creek including; Green Mansion’s and Cronin’s (Warrensburg), Sagamore, Top of the World, and the Queensbury Country Club (Bolton Landing and Lake George), 1000 Acres (Stony Creek), and Wakely and Cedar River (Indian Lake). They range in style from low-key rural lovely country 9 and 18 hole courses to the magnificence of the Sagamore’s famed Donald Ross designed course (golf carts required). For an unforgettable experience; polish your skills with the golf pro at the Sagamore.

Museums and Antiquing

Evening Cultural Opportunities abound as well. Lake George Opera Festival (518-793-3859) offers world class fully staged opera-in English.  The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) features the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York City Ballet, and top name Artists in a magnificent covered amphitheatre. (518-587-3330). Adirondack Ensemble Chamber Music Series (518-251-5484). Lake George Dinner Theatre (518-668-5781) and lots of other theatre opportunities abound.
DAY 1 - Enjoy The Hyde Collection (Glens Falls); featuring fine art of European Old Masters, modern works and American artists all displayed in an Italian Renaissance villa. The Chapman Historical Museum (Glens Falls) features Southeastern Adirondack history from the mid-1700’s to present and an incredible collection of  Seneca Ray Stoddard Photos. During both the French and Indian War and the revolutionary War, the Lake George area, due to its strategic importance, was the scene of momentous warfare. Many landmarks are located in Lake George Village, where you can take a walking tour of the historic sites; among which is the Fort William Henry where costumed interpreters make the French and Indian War come alive in a Fort rebuilt from original plans. The French siege of the Fort was popularized by James Fenimore Cooper’s 1826 novel, Last of the Mohicans. Coopers Cave happens to be in Glens Falls (not available to the public). Talk a walk in Lake George Village to stretch your legs and find any number of good luncheon spots.
DAY 2  - Drive Route 9N up Lake George for 32 miles of magnificent scenery and the famed “Millionaires Row” of mansions. (Between Lake George Village to Ticonderoga). Stop in Bolton Landing to see The Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum features artifacts, photographs and memorabilia belonging to Marcella Sembrich in the studio where she taught students during the summer months between 1917-1938.  We suggest lunch at the Sagamore Hotel, the historic resort hotel in Bolton Landing. Take the liberty of walking the beautiful grounds to stretch your legs.  See Fort Ticonderoga is a restored fort with its original French earthen work redoubts as well as stone fortification and museum. Crown Point Historic Site is also location of both French and British forts at one time or another. It is a beautiful park for a walk.
DAY 3 - Before you leave the immediate area; Shop Till You Drop, with more than 70 Factory Outlets in the Lake George area (800-748-1288), 30 Antique Shops predominantly in Warrensburg “Antique Capital” and numerous small craft shops, Warren County is a shopper’s dream….Close by in Chestertown we have local Artisan’s represented at Miss Hestor’s (above the fantastic lunch spot- Main St Ice Cream). Two potteries; Fawn Ridge and Red Truck Clayworks are very interesting stops.
Visit both the National Museum of Dance and the National Museum of Thoroughbred Racing in Saratoga. No trip is complete to the area between the end of July through August without spending a day at the historic Saratoga Race Track to see the Thoroughbred horses race. We like to go late and leave early and win a few races in between! If betting isn’t your style there is still a lot to do! Saratoga is beautiful for walking, especially Congress Park or Saratoga State Park. You can still take a bath in the historic Roosevelt Bathhouse. Don’t forget to drink the famed (sulfur!) water to keep your forever in your youth! The historic main street has wonderful shopping, beautiful flowers, and colorful characters that Track Season brings…(518-584-6200)

Biking and Hiking or Biking and Biking!

DAYS 1-5 - Bring your bicycle (road or mountain bikes) for rural quiet scenic biking over too numerous to mention.  We have dozens of favorite routes from a 12-mile “Around Loon Lake” tour to a 30 mile “Around Brant Lake” Tour. Or go up to Garnet Hill and rent a mountain bike and explore their scenic trails. Hike the Adirondacks. Whether you take a hike out the back door to Palmer Pond with a great gourmet lunch, or drive a short distance to Crane Mountain, there are multiple hikes in the Southern Adirondacks with scenic vistas. Those mountains around Lake George are our favorites- Tongue, Black or Buck Mountains are among our favorites. Take a 45 minute scenic drive up towards Lake Placid to access Mt Marcy and the High Peaks areas.

Adirondack Guide to go go go!

If outdoor adventure is more your style- The Adirondacks is also for you!
DAY 1 - Canoe and Kayak either placid lake waters or class ll –V rapids! Rent a kayak and/or tour Lake George naturally with Lake George Kayak Company (518-644-5295). Or take a flat water or whitewater canoe or kayak clinic with WILDWATERS  Outdoor  Center (800-867-2335) From all-day Whitewater Rafting Trips (April-October) to several hour float trips either by raft or tubing- many options are available with numerous different companies on either the Upper Hudson, the Schroon, or the Sacandaga Rivers.
DAY 2 - Bring your bicycle (road or mountain bikes) for rural quiet scenic biking over too numerous to mention. Or how about enjoying a hike with local naturalist Judith Harper to point out the local flora and fauna.
DAY 3 - Hike the Adirondacks. Whether you take a hike out the back door to Palmer Pond with a great gourmet lunch, or drive a short distance to Crane Mountain, there are multiple hikes in the Southern Adirondacks with scenic vistas. Those mountains around Lake George are our favorites- Tongue, Black or Buck Mountains are among our favorites. Take a 45 minute scenic drive up towards Lake Placid to access Mt Marcy and the High Peaks areas. What better way than to end an active day in the mountain air than with a massage administered by one of our in-house Therapists? Massages are performed in the luxury of your own room/rental.
DAY 4 - Learn to fly fish with a clinic through Orvis or Beaver Brook Outfitters.  It might be hard to believe but the pristine waters of the Upper Hudson (No, we are not kidding!)  are well known for serious fishing.
Day 5 - Do nothing at all! There is no reason to go anywhere or do anything. Pull up a chair or bring a blanket to one of the many public beaches on one of the many pristine lakes- or check out a rock on the river and watch the currant go by. Take a walk or a hike- don’t forget a picnic lunch from one of the many options along Main Street!