Fern Lodge

Fern Lodge

In the midst of the majestic Adirondack Mountains, there stands a wondrous hotel on Friends Lake, where luxurious Adirondack resort lodging, sumptuous beds, indulgent baths and unforgettable breakfasts join in an atmosphere of rustic elegance and lakeside living. During your visit enjoy the outdoor fireplace in a screened in porch, a wine cellar, game area with, darts, pool table, a full bar area, patio and outdoor hot tub, a lakeside firepit, a state-of-the-art movie theatre, a sauna and fitness equipment.

Unique Features: If you’re visiting Chestertown during the summer for a day trip, there’s no better way to cool off quickly than by swimming in Loon Lake. The public beach is on Route 9 across from The Lakeside at Loon Lake. Want to head out on the water instead? The Loon Lake Marina on Marina Road can help you out with boat rentals and more.

Accommodations: The luxury Adirondack lodging includes a choice of five private intimate guest rooms that are uncommonly comfortable, both rustic and elegant, even magnificent. The nightly rate for the guest rooms include an unforgettable breakfast (served in any number of private locations or breakfast-in-bed!), evening hors d’oeuvres and wine with a boat tour of Friends Lake or fireside (depending on the season), an Honor Bar, Wine Cellar (extra charge for drinks and bottles), nightly turndown service with chocolate truffles, and of course, S’mores by the firepit.

As Suite As It Gets: When money is no object, go for the Forest Guest Room. This suite features a modern rustic motif with a free form branch king-size bed under a vaulted ceiling with a beautiful lake view. Pass the sitting area in front of the stone fireplace to walk down to the lake from your own patio with your very own firepit. The two-person deep soaking Jacuzzi is separate from the bathroom to also view the fireplace and the lake. The bathroom features a magnificent shower with waterfall shower heads and real rocks to sit and enjoy the water flow.

Dining: There is no on-site restaurant but they can easily recommend some great restaurants nearby. The Bullhouse makes a great tableside guac and has a Southwestern-South American influenced menu. Main St Ice Cream is the quintessential luncheon spot. Be sure to save room for dessert! Friends Lake Inn is very close. They have a fine dining menu they serve in either the historic main dining room or in Birch Terrace. OP Fredericks has casual fare, burgers and such but also nice pasta, chicken and beef entrees. Good food and a nice bar in a nice casual setting.

Activities: Visit 1 or all of the 28 breweries, wineries, distilleries in the immediate area on your own, they’ll help you weave it into your day! If you don’t want to drive yourselves; take the Hoppy Trails Brew Bus, surprise your special someone with a gift certificate for a tour. There is great hiking everywhere in the Adirondacks. Some favorite hikes are: Moxham, Crane Mountain, Blue Ledges, Cat and Thomas, Pharoah Mountain Wilderness Region, Buck Mountain, Tongue Mountain and the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Region. The Chester Challenge, and North Creek Ski Bowl.

Spa & Fitness: There is no on-site spa, but with all of the amazing outdoor activities and fresh air though, you won’t need them. Ride the Rail bikes at Revolution rail. Ride your own rail bike for 2 and explore a section of the Adirondacks that has never seen passenger traffic. Check in at the historic North Creek Railroad Station, then take a short shuttle ride 5 miles north of town to the tour launch point. After a short safety briefing, the tour guides will lead the rail bikers further north on a 6 mile round trip cruise.

Location: Nestled in the Southeastern Adirondacks, Chestertown is a small hamlet within the Town of Chester. Although it’s close to popular Adirondack destinations like North Creek and Lake George, the Chestertown community is a must-visit place for Adirondack visitors. The Town of Chester designed the Chester Challenge as a fun way for hikers and families to explore hikes in the area. There are 11 trails in total and eight locations to choose from, if you hike any six of the trails, you can receive a commemorative challenge pin for taking on the Chester Challenge!

Closest Airport: The closest major airport to Chestertown, New York is Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT / KRUT). This airport is in Rutland, Vermont and is 78 miles from the center of Chestertown, NY. If you’re looking for domestic flights to RUT, check the airlines that fly to RUT.

Children’s Programs: No. Although they welcome your children, they do not have any supervised children’s programs.

Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not allowed at this property.

Weddings: Yes. They specialize in small weddings from 2 persons to 16 persons. There are many public rooms of the Lodge, sitting areas, and patios outside. Favorite places during an Adirondack romantic getaway include the Great Room sofas in front of the fireplace, the outdoor front screened in porch with fireplace, especially in the evening when you can here the loons call. There is a fire pit lakeside with Adirondack chairs and the boathouse deck. The Gardens are a magnificent setting for your romantic nuptials.

Meetings: No. They do not have the facilities to host large business meetings.

Extra Info: The area is known for its waterways. Enjoy a tour of Lake George with Lake George Kayak Company or a guided tubing trip down the Hudson with Beaver Brook Outfitters. Or DIY with a flat water paddle on the Hudson or your choice of remote mountain lake with rentals from Beaver Brook Outfitters (and they deliver!) Bring your own kayaks or canoe to explore the multitude of lakes and rivers in the area, or use the hotel’s kayaks, canoe, or stand up paddleboards on beautiful Friends Lake.

www.thefernlodge.com