is the incredible Wine Cellar, an intimate cave-like space holding over 10,000 wine bottles - yes, the wine list at the lodge is 32 pages long(!) and beholds nearly every varietal, from a 2005 Romanee-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru ($2,150) to a nice 2008 Rioja Crianza, Marques de Caceres for just $26, and all price points in between.
There’s never-ending charm in literally every single aspect of the lodge’s appointments, from the fire pits nestled within cozy coves along the outdoor patios and decks, to the spectacular handcrafted furnishing strewn through- out the interiors and exteriors. In one room, a dramatic table actually reveals itself as having once been a courtyard door to a Spanish church from the 1700s. Or, in the presidential suite, the bedside lamps are refinished with actu- al porcupine quills - a lovely rustic touch.
The resort offers an almost unlimited selection of activities: golfing is adja- cent to the property; the lake has count- less applications from swimming and kayaking to canoeing and team “boat building;” and those boundless wood- lands surrounding the complex are the perfect lure for the outdoorsman/ woman in you.
The property has two dining outlets, Artisans, which is its fine dining venue, and Maggie’s Pub, appearing as wel- coming and well-stocked as one would expect from an abode of this magni- tude. Meanwhile, Artisans executive chef Derek Leinonen crafts a breakfast and dinnertime farm-to-table menu with attractive touches and flourishes to go with the outstanding regional fare he serves.
Along with several private spaces (indoors and outside), my very favorite
The only caveat to dining in such unique surroundings as the Wine Cellar - ensconced in thick cut stone and being subterranean, as it is - is the ongoing cool temperature (hey, it really is a wine cellar), so be sure to sweater- up before entering!
That night, after enjoying a delicious duck breast blanketed in a sweet pota- to puree from Artisans, I drove my old car into the village of Lake Placid. Straddling the water, the storybook look of the lakeside town beckoned to be ambled past, along the charming avenue of quaint shops, retailers, and friendly eateries and bars like Smoke Signals (BBQ with live entertainment), Lisa G’s (funky creative American), and the Black Bear Restaurant (interestingly, with Eastern European owners serving Italian American food - and it works)!
After one of the quietest night’s sleep ever I awoke to a chilly but glorious day. Steaming chamomile tea and a blue crab benedict started it hospitably, as i gazed out to the wispy lake. Time to tour! I started my car, switched on the radio
“…and the storm’s expected to hit hard starting early tonight, from Philly through to the Adirondacks on up to Boston…”
Four minutes up the road I arrived at my next destination: Whiteface Lodge. Opened in June 2005, this be-timbered (most of it milled on-site) Forbes Four Diamond-rated property is replete with handcrafted furnishings and exquisite details throughout, evoking the region’s 19th-century heyday.
The amenities list of Whiteface Lodge is nearly endless; you name it, it’s here: boating, skiing, hiking, fishing, cycling, rock climbing, horseback riding, dog sledding, ice skating (winter) - and that’s just scratching the services sur- face.
Kanu restaurant and lounge offers a wood carved dining experience - more woodlands-facing grill room than Artisans’ farm-to-table lakeside aesthet- ic - but no less satisfying in a different sort of a casual way.
Within the opulent Spa at Whiteface Lodge, its 5,700-square feet says it all - an oasis of hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, aromas, wellness, fitness, spa and salon services, pampering, bliss, healing, soothing, zen; ahh…
The condo style all-suite property boasts 96 guest accommodations rang- ing from 700- to 2,300-square feet, from one- to three-bedrooms. All aspects of each room exude Adirondack charm and functionality, and each contains a homey, cast iron gas fireplace.
The Main Lodge showcases the Indian Falls Room, accommodating up to 40 guests. The tech’d-up Trailside Theater seats 54. And The Club House is locat- ed across from the lodge and connect- ed to it by a heated underground walk- way.
The dramatic, enclosed 3,100-square foot Mountain View Terrace provides a sweeping grandeur and warming fire- places, plus enough space to hold 200 people comfortably.
Did I mention the kickass Presidential Suite? A 3,100-square foot, two-level suite with three bedrooms, four full bathrooms, a private elevator, and a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen?
Then, there’s the series of rustic lean- to’s, the in-woods way to relax under a warm blanket by a blazing fire, a refreshing cocktail or a glass of wine, some hors d’oeuvres, maybe a cigar…
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