Hotel At a Glance: Lake Clear Lodge

In the 1880s, the upscale Adirondack lodges were opened to the public in hopes of inspiring a sense of awe for New York’s great outdoors. They’re set on private land surrounded by lakes and forests. Lake Clear Lodge is one of the last original still open to the public, and National Geographic Traveler recognized the lodge for “Keeping a Sense of Place.” The lodge’s hand-built wooden structure has been preserved, fireplaces and rustic decor abound, and there’s an onsite restaurant featuring local food. The lodge is near two nature centers.

• 25 acres of private land criss-crossed with hiking trails and onsite fishing, hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing; Lake Clear has light boat traffic, and when it’s quiet you can hear the loons
• Farm-to-fork cuisine is served at the onsite restaurant; all ingredients are sourced from producers within 100-mile radius. In the spring, try seasonal offerings such as Ernst’s roast pork loin, which has a prime center-cut that is slow roasted with veggies.
• 300 specialty beers and 350 specialty wines are available from the lodge’s extensive beer and wine cellar
• Onsite culinary classes: Learn how to cook organic vegetable dishes and local meats, or how to pair wines and brews with dinner
• Charming rooms featuring knotted-pine paneling and quilts on the beds to convey a rustic luxury; the chalets and suites feature special amenities such as fireplaces and cathedral ceilings
• Helpful staff can help you schedule a spa treatment or yoga class with members of the Adirondack Wellness Network

Lake Clear, New York: Great Camps and Forests Close to Olympic History

Lake Clear is a tiny hamlet surrounded by lakes and forests. It’s been a popular spot for tourists since the Adirondack Great Camps opened here, which were highly stylized, luxurious groups of cabins and lodges designed as long-term summer getaways for wealthy families. Today, the Adirondack area is still dotted with peaceful lakes and mountains, and visitors still come to commune with northeastern New York’s seemingly endless expanse of forested wilderness.

When staying in Lake Clear, you’ll be within a half-hour’s drive of Lake Placid, the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. You’ll also be near Whiteface Mountain, a ski resort with world-class skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Check out the Olympic facilities and the Lake Placid Olympic Museum](http://www.whiteface.com/facilities/olympic-center/olympic-museum), which showcases artifacts and stories from both Olympics held in Lake Placid.

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