June 8, 2006

Off the Beaten Path in the Adirondacks

By Sheree Bykofsky and Caroline Woods

Quick. If I say "Adirondacks," what comes to mind? Lake George does, for some, but how about Warrensburg, Lake Luzerne, North Creek? As I discovered on a recent Adirondack adventure, there are quieter, less congested, more relaxing vacation paradises just a stone's throw from the "Queen of America's Lakes," Lake George.

North Creek:

As a rule, I aim to avoid using the word "charming," but I know you'll forgive my making an exception to describe North Creek, which is a few miles north of Lake George. Quaint, quiet, the essential American small town, North Creek provides the perfect setting for a day of sitting on the porch, poking through the hardware store, strolling on Main Street, or gawking at the historic homes and businesses. To really capture the beauty of this town, visit in spring. The town comes alive this time of year with the best whitewater rafting in the Adirondacks.

Leaf-peeping season in North Creek is spectacular beyond description and what better way to take in the scenery than on an old restored train? The Upper Hudson River Railroad features a train that whisks tourists on a round-trip ride through the Adirondacks straight into the past. The scenic train follows the banks of the Hudson River, a quieter, clearer Hudson than the one Manhattan dwellers are used to- proof that a visit to North Creek is the perfect escape from city life.

In startling contrast yet somehow at home, the pearl of North Creek is the elegant, enchanting, yet understated Copperfield Inn, a recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. You'll find musical entertainment on summer evenings at the Inn's Trappers Tavern and Gardens, the Inn's main dining room, which features an assortment of steaks and seafood as well as duck and lamb. The rooms are fresh and posh with lovely amenities and down pillows. Seven suites have Jacuzzis. The Club at Copperfield Inn features a salon, full-service fitness center and tanning booths. After an afternoon of golf you can book a massage before having dinner at Gardens, the inn's restaurant.

Nearby Warrensburg features Cronin's Golf Resort, the world's friendliest golf course. Three generations of Cronins have maintained the resort; the magnetic and charismatic James Cronin is the current character. The first nine holes were designed in 1930 by James's grandfather, and the family has owned the course, now eighteen holes, since 1945. You can tell from his sense of humor that James enjoys his inheritance, and you can too. From the Mouse Trap Game to the dollar bills crumpled and attached to the ceiling to the family photos papering the club house wall, it's clear from the moment you enter that if you're not in the mood for fun, you should go somewhere else. Cronin's features one, two, and three bedroom housekeeping cottages, plus a motel, pool, and lounge. The course, which is open to resort guests and members, is also open to the public. It's beautifully set adjacent to the house.

The Lamplight Inn on Lake Luzerne:

Take the Northway (87) to exit 21, Lake George, Lake Luzerne exit, but bypass the hustle and bustle of Lake George and follow Route 9N south to Lake Luzerne if you're in the mood for a more romantic getaway. Lake Luzerne presents a relaxing alternative to the more well-known and therefore more crowded and cosmopolitan Grand Dame of the Adirondacks. You can sample the best of both, though, since they are just a three-mile drive apart. Lake Luzerne has some excellent restaurants. Dine at Ciro's for casual but delicious Italian food.

You'll notice that the vegetation begins to thicken as you approach Lake Luzerne, New York, a place with a more rustic charm than that of the glamorous Alpine Swiss lake that shares its name. But America's Luzerne isn't without sophistication, as proven by the Lamplight Inn.

Wake up in the Skylight Room, one of the six Jacuzzi suites at the fabulous neo-Gothic Lamplight Inn, and you'll think you're still dreaming. The opulent Old Library décor with trompe l'oeil pictures and bookshelf wallpaper will put you in a relaxed mood for- depending on the season- a hike in the mountains, a swim in the lake, a walk or drive through the brilliant fall maples, or a run on a snowmobile, all followed by a plunge in the double tub Jacuzzi beside the gas lit fireplace. The Lamplight Inn is a true bed and breakfast: breakfast is available for guests ever day year round. Dinner is available in the winter as part of specific packages. The Inn oozes romance and eccentric charm and promises a quiet, intimate weekend without distraction. Children over 12 are welcome.

The Lamplight Inn is made up of three buildings housing fifteen guest rooms, six of which have Jacuzzis. All of the rooms are unique and comfortable, but you should try to get one of the Jacuzzi rooms, which are hardly a splurge at $219 per night. The Skylight Room, my personal favorite, is in the main building. Chess, scrabble, checkers, jigsaw puzzles are available to all guests. Relax on the wraparound porch and you and your fellow guests can enjoy a board game out back beneath the pines.

The romantic ambiance of the Lamplight Inn has caused many a bachelor to drop down on one knee, and it's no surprise that many couples want to return to the Inn to celebrate their nuptials.

Local Events:

Any time is a good time to visit the Lake George area, as you can find entertainment year-round. There are three area rodeos and several fall festivals including the unique Hot Air Balloon Festival. Held in Queensbury, Lake George, and Glens Falls, the festival features a multitude of colorful hot air balloons, musical entertainment, travel exhibits, kite flying demonstrations, antique show and a display of military air craft. And for vintage lovers, there's the World's Largest Garage Sale. Held in Warrensburg, this event offers an entire town of deals! Bargain shoppers find everything from antiques to vintage clothing to handmade crafts. Thousands of vendors on the Main Street and individual garage sales on side streets. Please see below for more information.

IF YOU GO:

The Lamplight Inn

231 Lake Avenue

Lake Luzerne, NY

(518) 696-5294

www.lamplightinn.com

Ciro's Restaurant

1439 Lake Avenue

Lake Luzerne, NY

(518) 696-2556 

Yankee Boating Center

Rte. 9N

Lake Shore Drive

Diamond Point, NY

(518) 668-2862

www.yankeeboat.com

Adirondack Victorian Bed & Breakfast

173 River St.

Warrnesburg, NY 

(518) 623-2612

www.adirondackvictorianbandb.com

Cronin's Golf Resort

Golf Course Road

Warrensburg, NY 12885

(518) 623-9336

www.croninsgolfresort.com

The Copperfield Inn & Gardens Dining Room

307 Main Street

North Creek, NY 

(518) 251-2500

www.copperfieldinn.com

Upper Hudson River Railroad

3 Railroad Place

North Creek, NY

(518) 251-5334

www.uhrr.com

Adirondack Hot Air Balloon Festival

September 21-24, 2006

http://www.adirondackballoonfest.org/

World's Largest Garage Sale, Warrensburg

September 30- October 1, 2006

http://www.warrensburgchamber.com/

Rodeos:

1000 Acres Ranch and Resort, Stony Creek

An authentic four-season dude ranch with horseback riding, hiking trails, swimming, boating, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and a 9-hole golf course along the scenic Hudson River.

(518) 696-2444

http://www.1000acres.com/

Ridin-Hy Ranch Resort, Warrensburg

This year-round resort offers a unique blend of activity and relaxation. Located on Sherman Lake in the Adirondacks, the resort supports a full compliment of year round indoor and outdoor activities. Professional and guest rodeos and nightly entertainment provide plenty of excitement.

(518) 494-2742

http://www.ridinhy.com/

Painted Pony Championship Rodeo, Lake Luzerne

A professional rodeo featuring cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country compete for trophies and cash prizes. A visit to the rodeo starts with a genuine Texas-style barbecue.

(518) 696-2421

http://www.paintedponyrodeo.com/

For more information, please contact the Warren County Tourism Department at 800-365-1050, ext. 5100, or visit online at www.visitlakegeorge.com