Warren County, NY - An Outdoor Wonderland for All Seasons
By Doug Singer
I want to talk about hospitality. I want to talk about history. I want to talk about great food, wine and hotels. I want to talk about the unspoiled, pristine quality of the Adirondack Mountains. I want to talk about all of these things -- so let’s talk about Warren County, New York.
On a cold winter morning we set off from Manhattan for a three and a half hour journey to Warren County. Situated in the eastern portion of New York State and most well known for the illustrious Lake George, in 1813, Warren County was split off from Washington County, receiving its name in honor of General Joseph Warren, of the Revolutionary army. The county has a surprising 62 square miles of water and it is not uncommon for mountain peaks to surpass 2,000 feet, with the highest peak, Gore Mountain at an elevation of 3,198 feet. So as you can start to imagine, natural beauty abounds.
We arrived at the exclusive Fern Lodge overlooking beautiful Friends Lake. Owned and operated by local hoteliers Greg and Sharon Taylor,Fern Lodge is the ultimate getaway combining the rustic elements of a log cabin, with top of the line luxury amenities. With only four guest rooms, Fern Lodge offers the ultimate Adirondack experience. We stayed in the “Pine Room” which was outfitted with a magnificent king-size, re-claimed barn beam bed and designed in a cozy, rustic motif. Equipped with a beautiful stone fireplace and a drop dead view of Friends Lake, this incredibly lush room nudges you to sit back and relax. The luxurious, spa-like bathroom features a two-person steam shower with a deluge shower head and multiple body sprays, a two-person deep soaking Jacuzzi tub and dual copper sinks. An extremely cozy fireside sitting area completes the ambiance.
Being the property of a prominent wine dealer, the lodge has a significant wine cellar. An impressive selection is offered by the bottle in your room, or to take with you upon your departure. Look out over the lake on your open-air porch, relax in the elegant Adirondack great room with its vaulted log ceiling and expansive stone fireplace, or enjoy the other common areas at the resort including an outdoor fireplace in a screened in porch, a state-of-the-art movie theatre, billiard table, sauna, or for those on a committed fitness regimen, utilize the exercise equipment.
On our first evening we dined at The Inn at Erlowest, a Queen Anne style Stone Castle which has recently been transformed from a private residence into a luxurious Four Diamond Inn and gourmet restaurant boasting Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Originally built in 1898 by Mr. Edward Morse Shepard, it was part of “Millionaires Row” in the Adirondack Park on Lake George. During World War II, convalescing officers were invited to enjoy much needed rest and relaxation at the Erlowest home. The present owners have renovated it into a magnificent Inn.
The restaurant, which can only be described as a culinary adventure, is overseen by the young and inspired Executive Chef, Michael Hinrichs, who seems well equipped to take this already historic landmark to the next level. To assist Hinrichs, Chef Jason Baker is at his right hand as Chef de Cuisine and at his left, heading up the Grand Ballroom Kitchen is Events Chef Ken Casola, Certified Executive Chef and a member of The American Academy of Chefs.
After dinner, we headed north for a nightcap to the charming town of North Creek, where we met the proprietors of Bar Vino, father and daughter team, Mike and Anna Bowers. Adjacent to Gore Mountain, Bar Vino attracts a host of skiers, tourists and locals. With a spectacular selection of wines by the glass, stored and dispensed from a hand-made cruvinet and a wide assortment of tapas, Bar Vino is an oasis in an otherwise sleepy but charming town. This is a wonderfully lively, friendly and warm spot that made me dream of being a resident of this little burg.
A lot of properties use the term “bed and breakfast” loosely. At Fern Lodge, they take their breakfast very seriously and waking on Saturday morning to the wonderful aromas permeating the lodge brought us marching into the dining room. Fortified with a spectacular meal, we headed off to Circle B Ranch to go on a horse drawn sleigh ride. The Boggia family started Circle B Ranch over 40 years ago. They had a dream to create a ranch that combined the beauty of the Adirondacks with the freedom of a horse and its rider. So when Chris (the current proprietor) was only ten years old, his father moved the family from Queens up to Chestertown and the rest is history: a dream was born. The horse herd (or "remuda" in ranch terms) is just as much a part of the Circle B team as the ranch staff. From the large draft horses that pull the snow sleighs, to the ponies for the little ones, the horse team is a dedicated and experienced lot. With over 30 horses available, they have the perfect one to match your experience and personality. We took a scenic Adirondack trail ride. The experience of being pulled across the snow on a horse drawn sleigh, through the mountain forest, open fields, and with breathtaking views at every turn, was a memory that will last a lifetime.
Next we were off to Gore Mountain. Celebrating 75 years of skiing, the mountain boasts 90 trails, 82 of which are alpine, including 15 glades, 8 snowshoeing/cross country and 12 lifts. Gore Mountain is truly spectacular. With three lodges, an average of 150 inches of snowfall per year and 95% snowmaking coverage, Gore Mountain is a hidden gem on the eastern ski scene. A multitude of activities are available and friendliness abounds. Conveniently located 20 minutes off of NYS I-87 and bustling with youthful energy, it is not to be missed.
After a wonderful sojourn in front of the fireplace in the great room at Fern Lodge with some lovely wine and cheese and a steam bath that could bring out the Greek God in any of us, we were ready to head off toFriends Lake Inn for dinner.
Proprietors John and Judy Phillips personally oversee the elegant inn offering luxury accommodations. Nestled in the heart of Warren County, their highly acclaimed restaurant tantalizes with innovative New-American cuisine and is complemented by a superior wine collection, served in the rustic elegance and warmth of a 19th century dining room. Although the food was excellent, the wine collection clearly takes center stage at Friends Lake Inn. It has earned the Wine Spectator Magazine's coveted Grand Award every year since '97. The cellar, which we toured extensively, boasts over 25,000 bottles and offers an impressive International selection of over 2200 different types of wine. The prices range from house wine selections at $22 a bottle, to prestigious vintages of Bordeaux and Burgundy in the thousands.
After another sleep of angels, much to our chagrin, it was time to check out and say goodbye to our new friends. On our way out of town we stopped by Garnet Hill Lodge & Cross Country Ski Center for breakfast and a tour of the facility. Overlooking the pristine Thirteenth Lake, Garnet Hill offers lodging for individuals, couples, and families. They provide an opportunity to escape from the hectic pace of everyday life and to relax and enjoy the peace and serenity of nature. In the Log House, reminiscent of an Adirondack Great Camp, bed and breakfast aficionados will enjoy a very casual and friendly atmosphere. The rustic environment invites you to step back to more tranquil times. To support this, there are no phones or televisions in the Log House rooms and guests can take full advantage of this and bask in the seclusion of Garnet Hill’s mountain environment, or drive to nearby towns of Lake George or Lake Placid to enjoy the exciting activities those areas have to offer. The Adirondack region near The Garnet Hill Ski Center offers some of the finest backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering trips found anywhere. The adjacent Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area contains almost 40 miles of mapped and marked trails. These routes offer day ski trips and multiple day winter wilderness adventures. In addition, trails can be connected to frozen ponds, streams, and other winter only routes to provide an almost infinite variety of backcountry ski options.
With Six-million acres of Adirondack Mountains, Warren County, the heart of this natural wonder, offers endless recreational opportunities. Outdoor adventure lures visitors year-round. From biking and fishing, skiing and snowmobiling, canoeing and rafting or year-round hiking and horseback riding, your craving for “something more” can be satisfied right here. There is something for everyone in Warren County; shopping, history, culture and recreation all within easy travel distance of New York City, Pennsylvania, and points south. Easy access, spectacular scenery and lots to do; Warren County is a year round wonderland for the outdoor enthusiast.
www.visitlakegeorge.com
www.thefernlodge.com
www.theinnaterlowest.com
www.circlebranch.net
www.goremountain.com
www.friendslake.com
www.garnnet-hill.com
I want to talk about hospitality. I want to talk about history. I want to talk about great food, wine and hotels. I want to talk about the unspoiled, pristine quality of the Adirondack Mountains. I want to talk about all of these things -- so let’s talk about Warren County, New York.
On a cold winter morning we set off from Manhattan for a three and a half hour journey to Warren County. Situated in the eastern portion of New York State and most well known for the illustrious Lake George, in 1813, Warren County was split off from Washington County, receiving its name in honor of General Joseph Warren, of the Revolutionary army. The county has a surprising 62 square miles of water and it is not uncommon for mountain peaks to surpass 2,000 feet, with the highest peak, Gore Mountain at an elevation of 3,198 feet. So as you can start to imagine, natural beauty abounds.
We arrived at the exclusive Fern Lodge overlooking beautiful Friends Lake. Owned and operated by local hoteliers Greg and Sharon Taylor,Fern Lodge is the ultimate getaway combining the rustic elements of a log cabin, with top of the line luxury amenities. With only four guest rooms, Fern Lodge offers the ultimate Adirondack experience. We stayed in the “Pine Room” which was outfitted with a magnificent king-size, re-claimed barn beam bed and designed in a cozy, rustic motif. Equipped with a beautiful stone fireplace and a drop dead view of Friends Lake, this incredibly lush room nudges you to sit back and relax. The luxurious, spa-like bathroom features a two-person steam shower with a deluge shower head and multiple body sprays, a two-person deep soaking Jacuzzi tub and dual copper sinks. An extremely cozy fireside sitting area completes the ambiance.
Being the property of a prominent wine dealer, the lodge has a significant wine cellar. An impressive selection is offered by the bottle in your room, or to take with you upon your departure. Look out over the lake on your open-air porch, relax in the elegant Adirondack great room with its vaulted log ceiling and expansive stone fireplace, or enjoy the other common areas at the resort including an outdoor fireplace in a screened in porch, a state-of-the-art movie theatre, billiard table, sauna, or for those on a committed fitness regimen, utilize the exercise equipment.
On our first evening we dined at The Inn at Erlowest, a Queen Anne style Stone Castle which has recently been transformed from a private residence into a luxurious Four Diamond Inn and gourmet restaurant boasting Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Originally built in 1898 by Mr. Edward Morse Shepard, it was part of “Millionaires Row” in the Adirondack Park on Lake George. During World War II, convalescing officers were invited to enjoy much needed rest and relaxation at the Erlowest home. The present owners have renovated it into a magnificent Inn.
The restaurant, which can only be described as a culinary adventure, is overseen by the young and inspired Executive Chef, Michael Hinrichs, who seems well equipped to take this already historic landmark to the next level. To assist Hinrichs, Chef Jason Baker is at his right hand as Chef de Cuisine and at his left, heading up the Grand Ballroom Kitchen is Events Chef Ken Casola, Certified Executive Chef and a member of The American Academy of Chefs.
After dinner, we headed north for a nightcap to the charming town of North Creek, where we met the proprietors of Bar Vino, father and daughter team, Mike and Anna Bowers. Adjacent to Gore Mountain, Bar Vino attracts a host of skiers, tourists and locals. With a spectacular selection of wines by the glass, stored and dispensed from a hand-made cruvinet and a wide assortment of tapas, Bar Vino is an oasis in an otherwise sleepy but charming town. This is a wonderfully lively, friendly and warm spot that made me dream of being a resident of this little burg.
A lot of properties use the term “bed and breakfast” loosely. At Fern Lodge, they take their breakfast very seriously and waking on Saturday morning to the wonderful aromas permeating the lodge brought us marching into the dining room. Fortified with a spectacular meal, we headed off to Circle B Ranch to go on a horse drawn sleigh ride. The Boggia family started Circle B Ranch over 40 years ago. They had a dream to create a ranch that combined the beauty of the Adirondacks with the freedom of a horse and its rider. So when Chris (the current proprietor) was only ten years old, his father moved the family from Queens up to Chestertown and the rest is history: a dream was born. The horse herd (or "remuda" in ranch terms) is just as much a part of the Circle B team as the ranch staff. From the large draft horses that pull the snow sleighs, to the ponies for the little ones, the horse team is a dedicated and experienced lot. With over 30 horses available, they have the perfect one to match your experience and personality. We took a scenic Adirondack trail ride. The experience of being pulled across the snow on a horse drawn sleigh, through the mountain forest, open fields, and with breathtaking views at every turn, was a memory that will last a lifetime.
Next we were off to Gore Mountain. Celebrating 75 years of skiing, the mountain boasts 90 trails, 82 of which are alpine, including 15 glades, 8 snowshoeing/cross country and 12 lifts. Gore Mountain is truly spectacular. With three lodges, an average of 150 inches of snowfall per year and 95% snowmaking coverage, Gore Mountain is a hidden gem on the eastern ski scene. A multitude of activities are available and friendliness abounds. Conveniently located 20 minutes off of NYS I-87 and bustling with youthful energy, it is not to be missed.
After a wonderful sojourn in front of the fireplace in the great room at Fern Lodge with some lovely wine and cheese and a steam bath that could bring out the Greek God in any of us, we were ready to head off toFriends Lake Inn for dinner.
Proprietors John and Judy Phillips personally oversee the elegant inn offering luxury accommodations. Nestled in the heart of Warren County, their highly acclaimed restaurant tantalizes with innovative New-American cuisine and is complemented by a superior wine collection, served in the rustic elegance and warmth of a 19th century dining room. Although the food was excellent, the wine collection clearly takes center stage at Friends Lake Inn. It has earned the Wine Spectator Magazine's coveted Grand Award every year since '97. The cellar, which we toured extensively, boasts over 25,000 bottles and offers an impressive International selection of over 2200 different types of wine. The prices range from house wine selections at $22 a bottle, to prestigious vintages of Bordeaux and Burgundy in the thousands.
After another sleep of angels, much to our chagrin, it was time to check out and say goodbye to our new friends. On our way out of town we stopped by Garnet Hill Lodge & Cross Country Ski Center for breakfast and a tour of the facility. Overlooking the pristine Thirteenth Lake, Garnet Hill offers lodging for individuals, couples, and families. They provide an opportunity to escape from the hectic pace of everyday life and to relax and enjoy the peace and serenity of nature. In the Log House, reminiscent of an Adirondack Great Camp, bed and breakfast aficionados will enjoy a very casual and friendly atmosphere. The rustic environment invites you to step back to more tranquil times. To support this, there are no phones or televisions in the Log House rooms and guests can take full advantage of this and bask in the seclusion of Garnet Hill’s mountain environment, or drive to nearby towns of Lake George or Lake Placid to enjoy the exciting activities those areas have to offer. The Adirondack region near The Garnet Hill Ski Center offers some of the finest backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering trips found anywhere. The adjacent Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area contains almost 40 miles of mapped and marked trails. These routes offer day ski trips and multiple day winter wilderness adventures. In addition, trails can be connected to frozen ponds, streams, and other winter only routes to provide an almost infinite variety of backcountry ski options.
With Six-million acres of Adirondack Mountains, Warren County, the heart of this natural wonder, offers endless recreational opportunities. Outdoor adventure lures visitors year-round. From biking and fishing, skiing and snowmobiling, canoeing and rafting or year-round hiking and horseback riding, your craving for “something more” can be satisfied right here. There is something for everyone in Warren County; shopping, history, culture and recreation all within easy travel distance of New York City, Pennsylvania, and points south. Easy access, spectacular scenery and lots to do; Warren County is a year round wonderland for the outdoor enthusiast.
www.visitlakegeorge.com
www.thefernlodge.com
www.theinnaterlowest.com
www.circlebranch.net
www.goremountain.com
www.friendslake.com
www.garnnet-hill.com
