The transition from fall to winter is a great time to head north, especially getaways upstate and to the Adirondacks. One particular resort, Friends Lake Inn, is gaining tremendous popularity as the place to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. It is nestled atop a hillside, approximately 90 minutes north of Albany in the Adirondacks.
It is a great escape from the city.
The idea is FLI is the only place in the Adirondacks where you have upscale accommodations, elegant dining and a private nature experience.
The owning partners purchased the resort in 2019 and have made tremendous progress massaging the experience into a posh place to spend a weekend or extended getaway. It combines upscale accommodations, amazing food and access to nature.
Friends Lake Inn has 17 guest rooms and a cabin, hosting approximately 38 people. Some of the guest rooms have wood burning fireplaces, some have gas burning fireplaces.
The new owners have invested a lot of time and effort into the resort, including the linens, amenities, décor, menus and more.
One of the biggest draws to Friends Lake Inn is that it has 17 miles of private trails on the property, great for hiking and snowshoeing.
A lot of guests arrive Friday night, have a casual dinner, soak in the Jacuzzi and slip into a cozy FLI robe before bed.
The next morning, they enjoy a beautiful made-to-order breakfast before grabbing a picnic basket lunch and a bottle of wine for a romantic walk through the woods. After hiking, guests usually take a rest before having an upscale dining experience with a tasty filet mignon or something more exotic like rabbit or bison.
On Sunday, it’s typical for guests to explore the region, take in whitewater rafting, horseback riding, retail therapy in Lake George, spa treatments or skiing at Gore Mountain.
Friends Lake Inn hosts many weddings and some of guests’ biggest life occasions.
Friends Lake Inn also hosts other large gatherings like corporate retreats and family reunions. It is not unusual for bike touring groups or skiing clubs to stay regularly also.
DINING AT FRIENDS LAKE INN
Friends Lake Inn provides both casual and elegant dining experiences for the public and guests staying at the Inn.
The Adirondack Dining Room provides an ideal spot for intimate dining with a focus on farm-to-fork dining without any formal dress requirements. The murals were painted by a local artist that brings the outdoors into the dining room. The resort’s priority is to ensure you have a great dining experience.
If you are looking for a more casual dining environment, then the Birch Bistro is the perfect location. Enjoy a beverage with some light fair while watching the game or dine and share a meal with friends and family in a casual setting.
Every guest who stays at the Inn is treated to a made-to-order breakfast in the Birch Bistro. The bright dining area and fresh coffee and tea are sure to start your day with a smile.
The culinary team strives to use local ingredients to create a farm to fork experience and our menus change seasonally, and the chef’s daily creations keep your dining experience fresh and new.
The resort has a rich history. In the 1800s, Friends Lake Inn served as a home to families of regional loggers.
It still has the original roof from the 1800s and it has the original beams and fireplace in the dining room.
There were rumors of Friends Lake Inn serving as a convalescent home for returning war veterans, though that information has not been confirmed.
Friends Lake Inn is centrally located in the Adirondacks. It is 20 minutes from Lake George and 20 minutes from Gore Mountain.
The weather is crisp. The summer crowds have dispersed. And Friends Lake Inn has a post-pandemic facelift and upgraded amenities that you are sure to fall in love with.
Friends Lake Inn is located in Chestertown, NY. It is located approximately 240 miles from Long Island. Visit www.friendslake.com for more information.
