just back from Sagamore trip

[KLR-wlv]

Hi,

We just returned from a 4 day trip to the Sagamore, followed by 3 days at Lake Placid. Wanted to do a quick report for anyone thinking of using points there.

The town of Bolton Landing is really cute and the leaves were still nice last week. The only problem we had is that the whole area pretty much shuts down after Columbus day weekend. Including all but 2 restaurants at the Sagamore - so I think if we did it again we'd go in the summer. It's a beautiful, old resort and the lodge suites were great for a family. The fire place got a lot of use, and we had a pretty good view of the lake. The kitchens have a small fridge, microwave, 2 burner stove and dishes - not pots or pans to use on the stove though... the living area has a large sectional sleeper sofa, gas fireplace and table with three chairs, along with 2 bar stools. The bathroom was nice - separate shower and tub, with a nice vanity. Not as nice as a DVC bathroom - but nice. The bedroom was also a good size with a king size bed. We were in room 666, which being close to halloween, we got a kick out of. The 2 restaurants were really good. Mr. Brown's pub had good comfort food, and the Club Grill at the golf course had a great atmosphere and very good food. I thought for what you got, the price was reasonable. The point exchange turns out to be not so bad either - since the cheapest lodge suites go for it aroun $275 - with the gratuity and taxes added - the points were put to good use.

The sagamore had nothing availble Thurs so we went up to Lake Placid for 3 nights and that was terrific. It is a great little town and there were more young people and it seemed a bit more alive. We stayed at the Mirror Lake Inn which I highly recommend. It is a great inn with beautiful views of the lake. We did a 2.6 mile hike up Mt. Jo with our 6 and 8 yo kids and it was pretty grueling climbing up rocks on the way up and they did it - I was very proud...

Add in a trip to the VT teddy bear factory and Ben and Jerry's and it was a really fun vacation. I'm glad we went to the Sagamore since I'd always wanted to go there, but I think we'd only go back in their high season. I'd go back to Lake Placid anytime of year though....

 

[JudithM]

What a nice family vacation! Thank you for sharing your trip report! I haven't been to Lake George since I was a child. Last time I went to Lake Placid was during the 1980 Olympics. I would love to go back some day!

 

[colleen costello]

Sounds like fun! When I was a kid my Dad's brother and his family lived in Keene Valley, right near Lake Placid (actually they STILL do) and we would go camping there in the summers. It is very beautiful and now that I live in Indiana, I am always telling people here how beautiful NY is... I think they all picture the whole state as the Bronx...

Every time I see "Dirty Dancing" I think of this region. Maybe someday I will blow some points outside of Orlando and try this!

 

[Nemo87]

Hey,

I have stayed at both resorts several times. They both are very nice. We go to each of these once a year. Mirror lake in Aug and Sagamore in March. Mirror Lake has a great indoor pool and a small beach.
I can answer questions if anyone has them.

 

[KLR-wlv]

Yes - the indoor pool at Mirror Lake is really great. My kids had a hard time leaving. Either place would be great on a yearly basis - I'm jealous!

 

[kenziesmamaw]

I love Lake Placid! Our daughter lived up there for a year and worked at the Best Western Golden Arrow and we visited a couple of times. Our friend and his family live there, he pastors the Lake Placid Baptist Church (great place to worship when you're there to visit....tell them the Brawners said hello!), so that's how our daughter ended up there.

The area is beautiful and the people we met were very friendly. Being from the "sunny south" we especially enjoyed having snow for Thanksgiving! Our daughter got a little tired of it by April though!

LP is definitely not the New York that most people imagine when they think of the state.....it's a great place to visit any time of year.

 

[kristielee]

WOW! MLI is our 2nd fav vacation destination. My DH and I go every year for our anniversary. I keep wishing that DVC would add it to the collection. This June my DD and I did our first Mommy and daughter vac to the MLI during horse show week. We love Placid and the whole High Peaks region. The Mirror Lake Inn is just such a special resort. We love the spa, the pools (both indoor and out), the lake and paddle boat. We've gone hiking, canoeing, etc...and the FOOD! OMG! Do you love the Averil Cornwell Dining Room? And kids eat free! How did you like the fireplace and afternoon tea and cookies? I tell everyone I know about Mirror Lake Inn! I keep waiting for Samantha Brown from Great Hotels on the Travel channel to go there

 

[POLLY ANN]

Ssssh, don't tell anyone about this great resort! lol

We did the Sagamore 2 years ago when we were in a position of "use it or lose it" with our points. It was the closest driving destination for a 3 night stay for us. We stayed in one of the lodge suites, too, but I don't remember what room. All we could see from the balcony was trees! It was a bit of a walk for our little ones, so we would drive up to the main house to swim in the indoor pool (which the kids loved!)

We had the same problem that everything was closed in the area, but we were there in April, just before everything opens up for the summer. So, we drove down to Lake George and there were a few shops and restaurants open, and the weather was very pleasant.

I definitely agree I would go back, but in their high season.

 

[DaveT1]

Lake George is hopping in the summer.

Lake Placid is such a nice little town we try to go once every other year. I've stayed in MLI, the Hilton and the Best Western. It's funny because it doen't matter where i stay i still get the same relaxed feeling. The Hilton has a great Sunday Brunch BTW

Lot's of NY'ers in this thread, speaking of adding resorts, anyone else hoping for Mirbeau in Skaneateles?

Oh, just remembered to include The Mohonk Mountain House too!!

 

[DisneyKidds]

I assume all you Mirror Lake Inn fans have eaten in the Cottage more than a few times . What a wonderful, cozy spot. We haven't stayed at the Inn yet as we always stay at my aunt's place at the Lake Placid Club Lodge, but we hope to stay there some day. Lake Placid is a wonderful town anytime of year.

Lake George and the Sagamore...........nice, but we won't be back too soon, if ever. Granted, the Sagamore is a beautiful resort. We just aren't "lake people" (not that there is anything wrong with "lake people", we're just "ocean people" ) and the town didn't really impress us.