The Sagamore on Lake George

Located beneath the Adirondack Mountains, The Sagamore Resort has enchanted generations of guests for over 100 years. Since opening its doors in 1883, the legendary Lake George destination has hosted celebrities and families alike, and over the years, has become the blueprint for an upscale, Northeast getaway. Standing at the southernmost tip of the secluded 70-acre Green Island, The Sagamore evokes classic Victorian architecture with 360 degree views of one of the most stunning lakes in the United States.

The expansive green space at Lake George stretches as far as the eye can see, giving one the feeling that the tension of everyday living is but a fading memory. When visiting The Sagamore, especially with friends or family, this metamorphosis begins not after you check-in, but as you drive through scenic New York State. Remember the great American family road trip? Something as simple as taking a drive amongst the beautiful countryside has a tendency to reveal the genuine personalities of both you and those traveling in your party (unlike flying commercial, which often has the opposite effect). The closer you get to The Sagamore, the more interesting stops you’ll find. Among our favorites was Adirondack Pub & Brewery, a microbrewery which offers American comfort food and seasonal craft beers just ten miles south of The Sagamore itself.

Once you’ve valeted your car at the resort, you can’t help but make your way to the edge of the resort’s main dock. Beneath the wooden panels is the crystal blue lake, rolled out like a mirrored carpet across the earth. Above, are stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains, which are accompanied by wistful smells of moss and evergreen. The views can be seen from the majority of the resort’s 387 rooms and activity spaces, particularly at La Bella Vita, the resort’s premier dining option. Whether you’re in the dining room or on the deck, the atmosphere at La Bella Vita brings the charm and charisma of Adirondack living right to your table, not just in the scenery, but in the food as well. While its menu is Italian, La Bella Vita’s makes these classic recipes their own by using locally sourced produce and meat.

In addition to its various culinary options, the legendary Lake George destination features an award-winning spa, five outdoor tennis courts (two with clay surfaces), watersports, hiking and biking trails, boating, fishing, winter activities, and a stunning 18-hole Donald Ross designed golf course. The resort’s main accommodations have a vintage Victorian feel, while their lodge condominiums feature a more Adirondack style decor. With 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, the resort itself is also ideal for meetings and events, especially weddings. Because Green Island itself is secluded, one can choose to personalize the details of their event, in an intimate yet comprehensive setting.

The resort’s par 70 golf course is just a few miles up the road. One of Golf Digest’s top five courses in New York, The Sagamore Golf Course was built under the supervision of Donald Ross in 1928, and was part of a $75 million dollar restoration in the ‘80s. As you step up to the very first tee box, you’ll notice the mountains in the backdrop beyond the fairway, urging one to stop and take in the country and all its wondrous splendor. The course itself features deep bunkers and confined fairways (which are challenging yet somehow, forgiving). Amidst evergreens and birches, each hole is carefully carved into the dense Adirondack landscape. The Sagamore Golf Course features a Pro Shop and practice range.

The Sagamore encompasses everything for the ideal local getaway. From sunset cruises to first-class service, the hotel itself embodies tradition and has long since set the standard for lake resorts all over the country. Like the Adirondack environment in which it’s set, the beauty of The Sagamore is timeless, forever untouched by the stress of urban living.