Lake Placid, New York's Prime Whiteface Lodge

[Steve Mirsky]

Nestled in the heart of 6-million-acre Adirondack Park yet within walking distance to downtown Lake Placid, Whiteface Lodge looks remarkably historic for being built in 2005. Massive timbers still in the shape of tree trunks stand as support pillars buttressed by open wood beam framing. Much of this wood was milled on site with construction inspired by the Adirondack Great Camp architecture so popular across the region and in national parks throughout the United States during the 19th century.

One huge advantage of starting from scratch with this design in the 21st century is that 5 star all-suite comforts are built into rustic surroundings. Checking into your room here is like entering your own fully equipped cottage, especially with Superior and Deluxe suites, outfitted with a gas fireplace-equipped living room, full kitchen, and 1.5 bathrooms, one of which features heated floors and an oversize spa tub.

Venturing outside your door exploring the property makes you realize that even though it would be a mistake to never leave the grounds, it's mighty tempting with their award-winning spa, an indoor/outdoor pool as well as 3 hot tubs, two of which are outside for year round soaking enjoyment. Fun and games are covered with 2-lane reservation-only bowling lanes, vintage game room, and the largest movie theater in town. Kick the wilderness-inspired pampering up a notch with outdoor lean-tos outfitted with cigar and cognac menus for sampling along with s'more roasting around a bonfire every evening from 6 to 9:30. 

All it takes is one day at the lodge and you'll discover that a strict diet simply won't do, thanks to Executive Pastry Chef Jarek Wysocki. A large platter of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies magically appears in the lobby each afternoon. And that's only a taste of what's to come for dining during your stay. Under a massive vaulted ceiling framed with bright pine timbers, Executive Chef David Haick oversees an open kitchen fueling the menus of both onsite Kanu Restaurant and spacious Lounge across the hall.

Start your day off with an opulent and freshly prepared breakfast buffet served complimentary under Kanu's multi-storied wood framed Adirondack Great Room atrium. Later in the day, inventive seasonal dishes like potato gnocci gratin, wild mushroom risotto, and seared brook trout rely heavily on quality ingredients from local farms and purveyors.

In the lounge you can sink into a leather arm chair overlooking a mountainous backdrop and chow down on wood-fired-oven pizzas, artisan sandwiches, and several local brews always on tap. Cigar fans are in luck with a Sommelier's Cigar Menu that can be paired with a vast variety of scotch and single malts.

From late June through Labor Day, their Old Fashion Ice Cream Parlor serves locally made Adirondack Creamery treats like classic cones, bulging sundaes, and genuinely creamy milkshakes.

Downtown Lake Placid

Best known as 2-time site of the Winter Olympics in 1932 and then again 48 years later in 1980 when the "Miracle on Ice" game between the USA & USSR took place, Lake Placid's Olympic spirit is still palpable when walking along Main Street. A tobaggan chute resembling half of a roller coaster loop runs down to Mirror Lake and dog-sled rides can be scheduled on a daily basis when the snow flies. Beyond the Olympic Museum, Lake Placid's most notable homage to its Winter Games heritage, you get tons of shops and can't- miss eateries like Lake Placid Pub and Brewery and Smoke Signals.

 

Photos courtesy of Whiteface Lodge. Coverage made possible by participating in a sponsored visit.