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June 7, 2010

The Adirondacks in Luxury at Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, NY

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The Adirondacks has become a favorite place for my family and I to visit. A few times we’ve bitten the bullet and driven the 5.5 hours there on a Friday afternoon, just to get as far away as we could from the hustle and bustle of the city. Even the little ones look forward to the escapes to the mountains and have enjoyed our few trips out to places like Tupper Lake and Lake Placid. And the area has been a huge draw for many other families looking to escape as well.

It is a favorite retreat for ski bunnies and snow loving families during the Winter months. But it is equally fun and beautiful to visit during the warmer months as well. This past weekend my family and I visited one of the most popular resorts in the Lake Placid area, Whiteface Lodge.

Whiteface Mountain, best known by city dwellers as being one of the best ski destinations in New York state, is the namesake for this luxury resort. Recognized as a Top Ski Resort and Lodging by About.com, as well as named Best Hotel by Region-US by Travel and Leisure, Whiteface appeals to the desires of those seeking refuge in nature while still being able to enjoy the access and comforts of home. A very luxurious home.

From the moment you drive your vehicle up to the main entrance you are enveloped with the experience of a courteous and gracious staff, as well as great service.

We arrived late to the lodge, and a bit tired. However upon entering our 2-story, 3BR Suite, we felt a tad bit more energized. The little ones so much so that they immediately stripped off their clothes and jumped in the jacuzzi in (you guessed it) the Master bedroom. I realized I had walked into this amazing place, romantic even, and had an amazing room, including king size bed, LCD television, walk-in closet, with sounds of owls and other birds chirping in the night coming through one of the many windows, and my own personal bathroom–ridden with kids in seconds.

We immediately devoured the complimentary cheese and fruit platter left for us (as well as some of the chocolate chips cookies left for guests at time of fold down). The boys all fell asleep right away, however I stood awake in awe of the sounds of nature.

And we were surrounded by it. From Kanu Lounge, where we sat to enjoy our breakfast buffet, you could see Whiteface Mountain.  From our suite balcony you could see the many Adirondack mountains and trees, as well as the small pond where kids line-up for catch and release. All around you is this amazing, peaceful woodland setting, the likes from which paintings and poems are inspired. The original owner purchased the wooded land, cleared if for development, and reused all of the lumber to build the resort. Many local artisans and craftsman were hired (and are still recruited) to continue on with the inspiration of the natural resources of the Adirondacks as a base. And not only do you see it, but you smell it as well. The natural smell of mahogany and cedar is everywhere you turn, giving you a real sense of your surroundings, even when inside.

Buying local is important to the resort. The vegetables, meats, cheeses, and other treats are all purchased locally, many from the local farmers’ market that takes place in the area every Wednesday. The freshness and quality of the products they use is so evident in the tastes of their foods. I had the best rib-eye I have had in a long, long time…and their baked goods are truly delicious, made every morning right on site. Dinner is a gourmet experience, one for which reservations are required.

The little ones took part in the activities offered by Kamp Kanu, which aims to reconnect children with nature and with skill-building strategies. My kids loved it. They kept them busy and active, and even though it was just for 2 hours, my little boys really seemed to enjoy their time there and were excited to go back the next day. We took that time to explore another wonderful amenity available to guests: Canoe Club.

Canoe Club is located off the main lodge area, available by complimentary shuttle service only a short drive away. It is the Lodge’s exclusive lakefront property and offers many activities, including kayaking, canoeing, swimming, badminton, bocce ball, croquet, and rentals of boats for couples or larger groups to take around the lake. They also offer grilled and BBQ meals.

The scenic surroundings of the resort made me wonder about the many beautiful weddings and celebrations that can be had there. At the time of my visit, much of the remainder of this calendar year was already booked with events. Those looking to host say a wedding or a conference event at the Lodge have their choice of beautiful settings and great options, but must consider booking at least a year in advance. If you are hoping to enjoy many of the winter activities that also take place at the Lodge, you might want to consider reserving your stay by the end of the Summer the latest.

It rained most of the time we were there, but we had an amazing stay. Though most of their outdoor activities are definitely fun (tennis, basketball, hiking, etc.), the inside activities kept us equally busy. Their 56-seat movie theater hosts family-friendly movies at no extra cost throughout the day. The game room offers a pool table, shuffleboard, air hockey, and more, including a two-lane bowling alley!

The kids loved the ice cream parlor, while hubby and I thought their spa was just amazing.

But when the rain died down, and the sun came out, we went for a swim, enjoyed the hot tub, and then took part in their nightly gathering over the campfire for s’mores. Here we met other families, with little kids and babies, as well as older couples enjoying a romantic getaway.

When considering the cost of the stay, also note that the Lodge offers varying levels of Resort credits depending on the length of stay. Called the “Customized with Credits” program, the package offers credits  that encourage and assist in enjoying the various services at the Lodge. So for example, guests who book a Superior one-bedroom for one night received $50 credit, two nights $150 credit, and three nights secures a $300 credit. These can then be used towards dining, beverages, spa treatments, and.or ice cream treats on site.

Also, suites come with full service kitchenettes which include stove, oven, fridge, pots, pans, utensils, etc., as well as washer for laundry (there is also a laundry room located at the lower level of the Lodge which washer and dryers).

By the time we left, we felt renewed in spirit and mind. Our family had come together more than once in conversation, whether it was about the fun had at camp or kayaking, or over a hearty breakfast at the start of our days. My husband and I bonded as a couple, and are ready to take on parenthood in the big city.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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5 Comments
  • Jennifer James
    June 7, 2010

    Oh my gosh..It is gorgeous!! Looks like you all had a fabulous time. Thank you for taking a photo of the bathroom. Whenever I travel, that's all I care about really. I hate staying places where the bathroom is tiny. Makes the trip less enjoyable!

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    June 7, 2010

    Jennifer: And this wasn't the ONLY bathroom, but one of 3!! Bathrooms are key for me too, I agree it makes the trip much more enjoyable.

    Reply
  • Barbara
    June 7, 2010

    Thanks for sharing, Carol — it looks fabulous and just the kind of place we love! Will look forward to planning some time there if we can.

    Reply
  • Carol Cain
    June 7, 2010

    Hi Barbara, I hope you make it out. It is truly a wonderful experience that I know you will love.

    Reply
  • Corine Complicated M
    June 10, 2010

    The hubz and I were just looking for a drivable destination for a mini vaca this summer- This looks so relaxing- yet fun and out doors-y. We will have to add it to our list of places to check out.

    Your blog and beautiful pictures are always like a sneak peek to these great vaca spots- love it

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a des If you are a foodie traveler, Madison, WI is a destination for you. This list of good eats were all within close proximity to each other and spots we made time for during our short weekend visit. So definitely note that this doesn’t even begin to cover the tip of the iceberg, but makes a good starter list!

📍@ShortStackEats in the heart of Downtown Madison is clearly a UW favorite. Loved their pancakes! We thought it was a pricey for breakfast, and only offered drip coffee, but the scene was fun, food was good, and service was friendly.
📍@SardineMadison is a waterfront French bistro that has stood the test of time (we’ve been coming here since we lived in Madison!). It can feel very corporate some nights, but their Happy Hour and brunch are definite highlights and it’s a really nice dining experience overall.
📍@EatattheAudrey impressed us! It’s not your usual “hotel restaurant” and I would say it easily stands alone as an eatery worth checking out in Madison. Great breakfast options, cozy vibes, nice bar, and good service!
📍@RamenStation1124 good, affordable ramen.
📍BlindShotSocialClub We really loved this spot for brunch (sorry, was enjoying the company and totally spaced out on capturing food images!). Golf fans will love hitting the putt here (you can reserve a private room too), and what I though was most cool was the delicious and wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from. This place is a total vibe!
📍@StringsRamen is a chain, but I have to say it is some of the best ramen I have had in a long time. I especially loved how you can choose your ramen but heat level but also by Japanese region which allowed us to taste a couple of new flavors!
📍@Parthenongyros has been around awhile (hubby recalls coming here during his college years!) and was voted #1 take out in Madison! Though we indulged inside and away from the snow. A delicious, quick bite when strolling around State Street.

And again, this is just a starter list. There is so much more to eat and enjoy in this top foodie city! What other spots would you add to this list?

#madisonwi #foodiegram #foodiedestinations #goodeats @destinationmadison
I love to travel. It has always been important to I love to travel. It has always been important to my family. My parents got my first passport weeks after I was born. They couldn’t afford to travel like I do now, but they understood, as immigrants, the absolute privilege that comes attached to having that shiny blue American booklet and they wanted me to have it.

I was yet again reminded of my privilege when my travel back home on this last trip was delayed over 24 hours. I have a village in place to make sure my kids were ok. Having my own business meant I didn’t have to report in to anyone, and was still able to work remotely so none of my clients were inconvenienced by it. Though the airline covered our hotel and food, we never worried that we couldn’t do it ourselves otherwise. While we were annoyed, we weren’t stressed.

So while I love to travel, and I love sharing my travels with you, I acknowledge that being able to do so, and dealing with the consistent travel disruptions so prevalent today without worries is a privilege…one that started with a little blue booklet that gives me more access to the world than some others do.

And I want us all in this travel space to be reminded of this. Of how lucky we are. Of our privilege to access and time and money.

So let us travel with grace and awareness. Let us remain rooted in reality and perspective. Acknowledging that our escapism isn’t one so easily accessible to others. Understanding that this is also why local stories have as much value as those to exclusive destinations, if not more. And, never forgetting, especially in the travel influencer and media space, that were it not for hosted campaigns and paid-for travel opportunities, most of us wouldn’t be able to afford the lifestyle we so beautifully curate online.

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, or how far. Just that hopefully you will be able to gift yourself the experience of doing so and experiencing something new.

#travel #travelmedia #travelinfluencer #wheretonext
As I work on compiling all the good eats I experie As I work on compiling all the good eats I experienced in Madison, WI, I have to ask: what is your favorite meal of the day, and where did you experience a highlight of the same?

I am a huge fan of breakfast. This beauty was a blueberry pancake order from @shortstackeats. Pancakes are not a big thing for me, but these were pretty perfect. I am craving them still. 🥞♥️

#madisonwi #goodeats #travelingfoodie @destinationmadison
We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a qui We got back on a plane! Here are scenes from a quick trip to Madison, WI - my first time back in 14 years! Though we were here for family matters, we did take a moment to explore a bit of what used to be a place we called home.

We couldn’t do anything else until we drove around Lake Monona, where we once had a home, and took in the wintery views (there is an epic 13.2-mile trail that loops around the lake that is worth exploring if you visit!). Though our time was limited, we were able to enjoy some of it along State Street exploring the shops, eateries, the FREE @mmocamadison, and the beautiful architecture of the WI State Capitol Building (the Dane County Farmers Market will soon pick up again - Saturdays, April 15 thru November 11, 2023 around the Capitol Building and it is one of the best farmers markets anywhere!). 

We booked a room at the @hiltonmadison Monona Terrace to be within walking distance of all the downtown fun (tip: for a room with a lake view make sure to book at the upper levels above 10th floor for an unobstructed view of Lake Monona). 

Madison, WI is a skip and a hop from the Finger Lakes so this short and sweet visit didn’t feel difficult at all. And we absolutely loved the winter scenery and seeing what has changed (a lot) since we lived here.

Stay tuned for my list of where we ate!

Have you ever been to Madison, WI?

#madisonwi #weekendgetaway #wisconsin @destinationmadison
The joy of that first sip of the day. #randommom The joy of that first sip of the day. 

#randommomentsarethebest
I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t be I think my husband enjoys it, but still can’t believe how easily I’ve been waking up in the early mornings since our last trip. Not sure how to shake it, or if it’s temporary, but here it is: the rare sighting of me up and moving early in the day. Am I a morning person now? Has travel ever permanently changed any of your habits?

#morningperson #lifeinthecountry #newme <-😂

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