Eating & Sleeping
Lake George 1
5 Prospect Mountain Diner Diner^ $
(%518-668-3147; Canada St; mains $4-12;
h7am-9pm) Rustic locals and wealthy second-
homers all rub elbows here over inexpensive
waffles, jumbo burgers and homemade pies. It’s
as old-school as it gets with polished chrome,
spinning counter stools and checkered tile
floors.
4 Surfside on the Lake Motel^ $
(%800-342-9795; http://www.surfsideonthelake.
com; 400 Canada St; r from $60; aWs)
Towards the northern end of downtown Lake
George’s row of doo-wop era motels, Surfside’s
competitive edge is its renovated beachfront
access and pool deck.
Essex
4 Essex Inn Inn^ $$$
(%518-963-4400; http://www.essexinnessex.com;
2297 Main St; r from $225; aW) Originally
built in 1810 when this village was a port stop
for boats hauling goods north, the soft-yellow
boarding house with a wide veranda has all the
rustic charm you’d expect from a 200-year-old
landmark. However, a 2010 renovation means
plush contemporary features have been added
to the uniquely and tastefully designed nine
rooms and two suites (down the block). The
owner/chef serves up finely prepared meals in
the cozy dining room.
Lake Placid 5
5 Big Mountain Deli & Creperie Deli^ $
(2475 Main St; sandwiches $8; h8am-4pm)
Stop by this small family-run place to fuel up in
the morning or pack a picnic lunch. Choose from
filling and healthy oatmeal and veggie breakfast
burritos or one of 46 sandwiches named after
the Adirondack’s 46 high peaks.4 ADK Loj & Wilderness
Campground Cabin, Camping $
(%518-523-3441; http://www.adk.org; 1001
Adirondack Loj Rd; tent site for two people
winter/summer $20/40) South of Lake Placid
town, Adirondack Loj, run by the Adirondack
Mountain Club (ADK), is a rustic retreat
surrounded by mountains on the shore of
peaceful Heart Lake. Wilderness campsites,
lean-tos and cabins suited for big groups are
also available. Some of the best high-peak
hikes in the region begin from here.4 Golden Arrow
Lakeside Resort Resort $$
(%800-582-5540; http://www.golden-arrow.com;
2559 Main St; r from $130; paWsc)
Conveniently located on Main St a block
from the Olympic Center and the only
accommodation directly on the shore of
downtown Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake. When the
lake is frozen, there are dogsled rides on offer;
at other times hit the small beach or a gondola
for a tour. A variety of room types cater to
families and couples alike.Saranac Lake
4 The Porcupine B&B $$
(%518-891-5160; http://www.theporcupine.com;
350 Park Ave; r incl breakfast $172-400; aW)
Housed in a classic Adirondacks-style lodge
house run with loving care, the Porcupine feels
like a cozy writerly retreat with book-lined
shelves and antique furnishings. A hike up to
nearby Moody Pond and Baker Mountain affords
excellent views of the area.NEW.YORK.TRIPS.5
.ADIRONDACK PEAKS & VALLEYS