When we look to escape on vacation, several things may come to mind…

1. Take us away to the peace, tranquility and splendor of natural beauty. A magnificent setting where clear blue water meets the magnificent green mountains set against an azure sky. Give me places to explore – both on the trails and on the water.
2. Pamper us with a luxurious accommodations, perhaps rich with history, having choices in fine and/or casual dining, places to enjoy and relax, in a setting that is a feast for the senses.

Well, who’s to say you can’t have it all? It’s all here, and more, at The Sagamore Resort on Lake George in Bolton’s Landing NY

About 3 hours north of New York City, in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains sits a century-old landmark that has hosted families and couples, as well as celebrities and dignitaries. Set on a 70 acre private island, this architectural gem offers an unmatched selection of land and water activities to delight every guest.

The Lake – aptly nick-named ‘Queen of American Lakes’, is located at the Southeast base of the Adirondack Mountains. At 32 miles in length and up to 3 miles wide, providing an immense coastline and body of water to explore, enjoy, and simply gaze at. The crystal clear water is banked by a lush green coastline and hugged by the mountains. One of the most distinguishing areas of the lake is ‘The Narrows’, an island-filled narrow section about 5 miles long, with over 170 islands, 140 of them state-owned. They range from car-sized Skipper’s Jib to larger Vicars and Long Island. It is rich is history, with the distinction of hosting ‘Millionaire’s Row’ along lake Shore Drive, where mansions were built for use in Summer months. There are countless attractions, resorts, restaurants and activities around it’s shore.

The Resort – The Sagamore opened its doors in 1883, with the intent to host a select clientele of wealthy residents. Throughout its history, it had periods of prosperity and disrepair…several fires, and actually closed in 1981. In 1983, one hundred years after  the original opening, this magnificent property was fully restored, and is now included on the National Register of Historic Places.

It feels like a step back in time to a simpler era, where life was meant to be enjoyed in the midst of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Tip: if you don’t mind an older, less upscale accommodation, you can save a lot of $$ by staying in the Lodge Buildings, just a short walk to the main hotel.

Dining – The resort offers 8 dining options, each a unique experience…a few of our favorites:

The Pavillion – my personal favorite, due to the spectacular location at the water’s edge.  Enjoy a casual lunch under an umbrella, or dress it up just a bit to fresh seafood dinner and the perfect bottle of wine as the sun sets over the mountains.

La Bella Vitta – The resorts signature Italian restaurant. Choose to enjoy your meal in the inviting dining room, or al fresco on the outdoor deck, taking in the mountain and lake views.

The Lakehouse – We loved this go-to lunch spot, just steps from the main pool area. With a full bar for an afternoon cocktail, sitting at one of the stools along the wrap-around deck under a shady giant oak tree, watching the sun dance on the lake…need I say more?

Mr. Brown’s Pub – styled after an Adirondack cabin, complete with antler chandeliers and the stuffed bear, this casual pub was the perfect place to enjoy an easy meal. Come back later at night for great desserts and live music.

The Morgan – a true highlight of our vacation! The 72 foot touring 19th century vessel (it is a replica), takes you on an unforgettable tour across the clear waters and through the ‘Narrows’, hundreds of tiny to somewhat larger islands. at times the boat is in such narrow channels you can touch the trees on both sides. Get a full guided tour of the areas colorful history…and the full bar is open to complete the experience. Don’t miss this 1.5 hour adventure!

Bolton’s Landing – be sure to explore this charming town during your visit, for lunch, dinner, shopping, antiquing or a even just a bar. Stroll across the bridge in the morning for a quiet breakfast on the deck of ‘The Waterfront’ – a rustic little lakeside eatery with a pickup window.

Afternoon or evening, have a pizza, check out the souvenir shops, and don’t miss the expansive antique shops – particularly Black Bass and the Antiques Market Place.

Hiking – We absolutely love to hike, but we’ll be perfectly honest with you…with so much to do on the water and at the resort, we just didn’t find the time. So, just for convenience, we’ll grab a list from the web to give you a head start, should hiking be on your to-do list:

• The Pinnnacle: Bolton Landing
• Cat and Thomas Mountains: Bolton Landing
• Montcalm Point: Lake George
• Prospect Mountain: Lake George Village
• Deer Leap Hike: Silver Bay
• Buck Mountain: Kattskill Bay
• Cook Mountain: Ticonderoga
• Shelving Rock Falls: Fort ann
• Sleeping Beauty: Fort Ann

Just one ask – if you do go, please leave us a comment so we can have a recommendation for next time!

More Activities…

At the resort – there is too much to list, so we’ll hit the highlights:

The Pools – yup, you can just lounge all day. Find some shade, soak up the sun, stroll to the bar (the Splash Pool Bar is just steps away)…or order lunch and/or drinks right to your chair. Do get there early, the chairs fill up. Enjoy the large outdoor area, featuring a beautiful terraced pool deck, where the bottom level pool has an infinity effect once you dive in. There’s also a sheltered 40-ft open-air pool and jacuzzi, plus an adult only area.

Swim in the lake – it’s a must. The cool clear water is invigorating, with roped-in areas for swimmers of al levels, and lounge chairs right along the water.

Fishing – just borrow a pole and fish right off the dock, which is what we did…and my daughter ALWAYS catches a fish! Or, step it up with a charter boat and a pro local captain.

Boating – rent for the day or half day, explore and play…try Chic’s marina or F.R Smith and Son’s right in Bolton’s landing. The resort will gladly make arrangements.

Kayaking – This is one of our passions, so we’ll spend a little time here. Launching form the Lake George Kayak company, right on the island, there is as much to explore as you can handle. Of course, I pushed our family clear across the huge expanse of water where we could begin to explore ‘The Narrows’ – the endless series of islands we described above, some no bigger than a few rocks, others large enough to hold docks and campsites.

We paddled for hours, pulling up halfway through our journey for light lunch on a tiny island. An absolutely spectacular way to spend a Summer day!

Golf – named one of the ‘Best Golf Resorts in America’ by Golf digest in 2016, the Sagamore’s absolutely stunning Donal Ross, Par 70 course is on the mainland, nestled in the Adirondaks, with shuttle service right from the resort.

Campfires and S’mores – complete with a sing-a-long guitarist, it really adds to the warm, friendly atmosphere

Also at the resort: Tennis, Croquet, Horseshoes, Cornhole, Basketball and Volleyball and complete Fitness Center

In the area – Parks, biking, Horseback Riding, Boat Rentals, Charter Fishing boats

Enough to keep you busy??

The Ambiance – honestly, one of the most wonderful things about this special place is just finding that spot to sit and take it all in. Could be the upper rooftop terrace to watch the sunset (of course, there are countless place to enjoy that), and Adirondack chair on the perfectly manicured lawn, or down on the dock at night, where we wound up just about every evening…listening to the gentle lap of waves and stargazing from a lounge chair, savoring every moment.

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