6 Serene Towns In The Adirondack Mountains For A Weekend Retreat
Looking for a place to truly unwind? The serene, rugged allure of the Adirondacks has consistently left outdoor lovers hooked. However it strikes you, the Adirondacks is a place of rest and inspiration. Its scenic setting has drawn such men as Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Mark Twain. From its sun-dappled ridges to its jaw-dropping peaks, the whole expanse is peaceful and picturesque in almost equal measure. Looking for the most serene Adirondack getaways? From the quiet grace of Speculator to the coy appeal of Elizabethtown, the following are 6 serene Adirondack Mountain towns for a weekend retreat.
Speculator
One of the hidden gems around Speculator, if it can be called “hidden,” is the Kunjamuk River. The flat water paddle draws nature lovers from every nook of the state, who come to enjoy its unspoilt beauty, while smiling with Canada Lilies and mingling with blue herons, red-tailed hawks, beavers, and ospreys. The whole experience is beautiful, peaceful, and incredibly therapeutic. There is the correctly named Lake Pleasant, where one can reel in a yummy catch, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout, the most widely distributed trout species in the world. The Kunjamuk Cave, a small, underground marvel near Speculator, was ostensibly part of French Louie's sprawling network of temporary camps. Spending the night? Lake Pleasant Lodge is right on the water and the snowmobile trails. It is also within walking distance of the town's shops and diners.
Chestertown
Chestertown is an outdoor lover's paradise. That is the way to describe a town that offers a tasty range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and camping. Talking of hiking, the Kipp Mountain Trailhead features moderate hikes, steep inclines, and awesome views of the surrounding mountaintops. You will also enjoy the wide, well-marked trails at Stewart Mountain, with the summit offering views that anyone would die for. Wakonda Family Campground, a nice, tranquil space way up in the Adirondacks, is a rustic place to stay. It will make you forget almost everything about life. Alternatively, Riverside Pines has nice, rustic cabins and is steps away from the beach and water. Keep in mind that Chestertown is surrounded by several shimmering lakes, including Loon Lake, a world-famous beauty that has attracted several big names, including Irish writer Oscar Wilde.
Schroon Lake
One lake can do wonders to lift a town's look and visual appeal. Schroon Lake does not boast one, but two glimmering beauties: Schroon Lake and Paradox Lake. The former offers 9 miles of heart-melting waterfront views. Pitkins Restaurant, a homey spot on Main Street, serves fried chicken sandwiches that taste divine. The secret is to save some digestive space for their homemade pies as well. The Strand Theatre, which has been entertaining patrons since before the Great Depression years, is a fun, nostalgic place to crack a rib. The best part? A lot of its original architecture is still intact. For some heart-pounding action, get shoes with a firm grip and work your way to the Severance Mt. Trailhead. Regardless of the incline, you will sip some of the most rewarding views in the area. Spend the night at Starry Night Cabins, a cool, rustic place right next to the water.
Old Forge
Old Faithful. Old Saybrook. Old Forge. There is always an element of mystic allure to timeless places or things. If there is one thing to love about Old Forge, it is the unparalleled beauty of the surrounding landscape. It is a peaceful swathe with several glittering lakes, especially the series named First Lake to Fourth Lake. Further afield are Lake Rondaxe, Moss Lake, Dart Lake, and Big Moose Lake. If your ideal escape is a weekend spent on the water, Old Forge fits like a glove. Go to the McCauley Mountain Ski Center for skiing or leaf-peeping, and admire the many beautiful displays at View Arts Centre, before laying your head at the Old Forge Camping Resort, a tranquil space with rustic cabins and comfortable cottages. It is what you will need after a fun-packed day.
Keene Valley
Keene Valley is the small, timid town you have probably passed when rushing to Lake Placid, a shimmering wonder known for its stunningly clear and calm waters. Although it is tiny, Keene Valley packs a punch. The lush and lusty landscape is brushed by many of the historic Adirondack trails, some of which can be conveniently accessed from town. The Johns Brook trailhead, which starts at a parking lot named “The Garden,” is a heart-gripping adventure into steep ravines, awesome swimming holes, and breathtaking vistas. Consider staying at John's Brook Lodge, a fantastic back-country landmark surrounded by towering woods and solemn mountain peaks. The Jay Covered Bridge, one of a handful left in New York, is just 14 miles down the road. If you pass by Noon Mark Diner, you will notice a sign with the words, “world famous pies.” There is only one way to verify that claim.
Elizabethtown
Named for the wife of an early settler, E’town has a traditional core backdropped by beautiful mountain views, presenting a picture that is enticingly peaceful and surreal. You will enjoy ambling through the main street and admiring the 19th-century Greek Revival architecture that gives the whole stretch a hint of nostalgia. You can float down the Boquet River, which flows along the town’s eastern rim, or drop a line in its waters for some tasty catch. The 47-mile-long waterway, which drops more than 2,700 feet from its source to its mouth, is the steepest river in New York. Sample the interesting artifacts at the Adirondack History Museum, where you will learn surprising stories about one of the world’s most beautiful regions. On a different note, the nearby Blueberry Trail System spans over 900 acres of raw beauty. After a day filled with fun and interesting discoveries, consider spending a quiet night at the Woodruff House Bed and Breakfast.
The Takehome
If you don’t leave the Adirondacks freshened and inspired, you will leave with a hearty appetite. We may not pin this on a peer-reviewed journal, but food is best enjoyed when someone is relaxed, calm, and happy. Of course, the Adirondacks is the place to kick back and unwind and forget about the rat race in any downtown. Thanks to the smile of a wildflower, the freshness of the early-morning dew, and the austere grandeur of a snow-capped mountain, you will feel reborn. Skip the crowds and have one of the planet’s most swoon-worthy regions almost to yourself.
