In general, you can’t go wrong with an inns and lodging property that is a member of Select Registry.  When you couple that with the coveted Four Diamond AAA award, you know you are at a place that is quite nice.  Add to that Wine Speculator Grand Award, and your expectations are raised even higher.  Yet somehow, the perfection, the attention to detail and the sheer beauty of Friends Lake Inn took us by complete surprise.

We arrived on a foggy September day; the fog was just starting to lift off the Adirondack Mountains and the pond giving the setting a mystical and magical feel.  The pond is surrounded by flowers, has a beautiful cascading waterfall, arched bridge and is teaming with wildlife.  We started our romantic getaway by visiting the wine bar.  There the bartender well versed in the fine art of wine, chose a glass for me, which was perfect, my husband ordered Magic Hat.  We took our drinks, past the sauna, to the deck overlooking the pond and sat in comfortable Adirondack Chairs while listening to the rush of the waterfall.  We laughed at our lack of knowledge of the wildlife, “Do you know what kind of bird that is?”  “No”… “How about that one?”  “No”.

 TIP:  For the ultimate in relaxation, book room #14 for the steam shower and deep hot tub.

Back at Room #14, we took showers and got ready for dinner.  The room was beautiful and felt warm and inviting. We walked into smell freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that we could not resist.  Even the shower took us by surprise.  Five different showerheads and a steam shower as well.  I soaked in the steam, while cooling off with cool water from the four side showerheads.  Before the shower, I was sorry that I hadn’t booked a massage for this trip. After the shower, I realized, I didn’t need one, I was more relaxed than I have ever been after a massage! Surrounded in Tuscan ceramic tiles, the shower was absolutely beautiful, if you’ve recently redone your master bedroom you can appreciate the fact that no expenses have been spared in the making of the perfect inn. Room #14 also has an incredibly wide and deep whirlpool tub which overlooks the view of Friends Lake. Ideal for an Epsom salt soak!

 TIP:  Book the MAP Plan which means Modified American Plan which includes breakfast and dinner. This is an excellent value.

We have heard so many wonderful things about dining at Friends Lake Inn.  We knew that Friends Lake Inn is only one of 87 restaurants to receive the Wine Spectator Award for excellence and the DiRona Award for dining excellence.  In short dinner was fabulous, the service was impeccable and the ambiance was warm.  The certified sommelier helped us choose just the right wine for each course and we were in heaven.  When we booked, we booked the MAP (modified American Plan) which included dinner and breakfast – this is a very good value and we highly recommend.

As we strolled around the property, we admired the beautiful outdoor pool, the ivy hanging from the balconies and the exquisite hand made Adirondack furniture, railings and details that accentuate the beauty and the history of the inn.

 TIP:  At dinner, let the certified sommelier help you order wines by the glass, if you like to experiment.  You can buy the wines you liked best at great prices from the inn's wine store.

The perfect way to end your trip is with a visit to the Wine Shop.  Here Dave, the incredibly knowledgeable “wine guy” helped us select a case of wines based on our personal preferences (with a case we saved an additional 10% off of already great prices).  We are excited about experiencing the wines with friends and remember our stay at Friends Lake.

 TIP:  This is the ideal place to stay if you are looking for relaxation, the settings will melt away your stress.  However, if you like an active vacation, this is also the perfect place, surrounded by mountains and water, every activity the Adirondacks has to offer is at your door.  Make sure you have enough days booked.  It is impossible to be bored at the Friends Lake Inn.

For more information, visit their website: www.friendslake.com