A 21st CENTURY ADIRONDACK LODGE

LongIsland.com

The goal of Sharon and Greg Taylor when they opened the Fern Lodge in Chestertown, New York, was to give their guests the classic Adirondack Lodge experience, combined with the intimacy of a romantic getaway. ...

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The goal of Sharon and Greg Taylor when they opened the Fern Lodge in Chestertown, New York, was to give their guests the classic Adirondack Lodge experience, combined with the intimacy of a romantic getaway.

The Taylors describe the The Fern Lodge as "rustic elegance," and it is that. Butthat doesn't begin to describe the gorgeous dcor and the exceptional hospitality and enchantment that guests experience at this wondrous place. With its rich wood, soaring ceilings and huge stone fireplaces, it really does have the feeling of a true, "backwoods" Adirondack Mountain lodge. But if you like your "roughing it" with such trappings as a Jacuzzi, a steam shower, a sauna, and a leather-seated entertainment center, this is the place for you.

Each of the three magnificent guest rooms, named the Cedar, the Birch and the Pine, offers a king-sized bed, large stone fireplace, a two-person steam shower, a deep-soaking Jacuzzi tub, a wet-bar, a beverage-stocked refrigerator, TV, a private porch and a fireside sitting area. All rooms have Wi-Fi availability for internet connections.

On the lake-level ground floor, there is a recreation area with a 9-seat, big-screen theatre, pool and game tables, exercise equipment, a sauna, and even a wine cellar. The 70-acre property is located on pristine Friends Lake, about twenty minutes from Lake Champlain, and offers such activities on the lake as kayaking, fishing, swimming and sunbathing on the lodge's private lakefront beach. Hiking is also a favorite activity year-round, and in the winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing can be enjoyed right on the property.

In addition to a delicious country-style breakfast, guests can also enjoy afternoon lake cruises with wine and hors d'oeuvres on the lodge's own electric launch. Meal plans and special wine dinners are also available on request, and reservations can be made for guests at any of the fine restaurants in the area, including The Friends Lake Inn, The Inn at Erlowest, O.P. Fredericks, The Grist Mill, and The Merrill McGee House.

Other attractions in the region include historic Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain; the scenic Lake George area with its numerous opportunities for fishing, boating, horseback riding and other sports; the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake, with its look at life in the Adirondacks during the "Gilded Age" of summer visitors like the Vanderbilts; Lake Placid, home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics; and the Upper Hudson River Railroad at North Creek, where you can take a vintage train ride. You might also want to browse around the Sagamore at Lake George, a venerable "grand dame" hotel that's now a resort and conference center. Opportunities for golf, hiking, cycling, rock climbing and riding the rapids also abound in the area. In winter, you can go downhill skiing at Gore or Whiteface Mountains or cross-country skiing on 54 km. of trails at the Garnet Hill Lodge in North Creek. Sharon and Greg, who admittedly came to the area as "ski bums" in their youth, can also regale you with tales of the Olympic skiing stars they have helped train during their previous "lives." And, surprisingly (or maybe not, when you get to know them), you'll find the Taylors have one of the great wine collections you'll find at any inn, large or small.

The Fern Lodge is becoming deservedly popular for honeymoons, birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and, of course, romantic getaways. For information on planning your perfect Adirondack retreat at The Fern Lodge, you can call Sharon at (518) 494-7238 or you can e-mail her at Sharon@thefernlodge.com. Get additional information at their website, www.thefernlodge.com. Enjoy!