Lake Placid Lodge

As autumn cools into winter, the prospect of the weekend getaway becomes increasingly unlikely. Sure, there’s skiing out West, and an abundance of Caribbean isles, but local destinations are few and far between. We’re thankful, then, for the Lake Placid Lodge, which reopened upstate in 2009 after a $40 million reconstruction following a massive 2005 fire. A five-hour drive up the Hudson into the Finger Lakes brings you to this rustic luxury resort that sits on the edge of one of the Adirondacks’ most pristine lakes.

Lake Placid, a two-time host of the Winter Olympics, offers an abundance of snowbound activities, and the Lodge offers skiing—both downhill and cross country—bobsledding on the Olympic track, snowshoeing, and dogsled rides, along with skating when the lake freezes over. And après, the high-end Artisans restaurant offers top-notch cuisine with a woodsy bent.

Most of the property’s furniture and decorations were produced by local craftsmen, giving each room—and the main lodge itself—a homey feel that is perfectly balanced by the spot-on service. Opt for one of the private lakefront cottages, many of which are just feet from the water, offering an expansive view of the forests and hills across the way. Plus, each room comes with a wood-burning fireplace, a finishing touch that makes it difficult to pull yourself away come Sunday afternoon.

—Jonathan Shia

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