The Sagamore

It’s a four hour drive from New York or Boston.

Review and some photos by Hal Drucker .

Overall Impression:

Situated on the private 70-acre Green Island on Lake George in the heart of the Adirondacks, The Sagamore is a fabled Victorian-style resort that will transport you back in time to the era of hoops, the kind you roll, and those that go under the skirts. Our excuse for being there – not that we really needed one - was to visit our granddaughter Jessica at an Adirondack camp. Since there is so much to do there and we had so little time, just two days, I’ll concentrate on the basic creature comforts, ambiance and culinary delights that Alice and I experienced.

Physical Plant:

In 1983, a century after it opened, the landmark resort that graces Lake George’s Adirondack shoreline was edging toward dishevelment. If it were a racehorse from the nearby Saratoga Race Track it would have been summarily dispatched. In Ice Age terms, which characterize the Adirondack region, 100 years would be a mere eye blink. Still, its days were numbered. Fortuitously the great resort was rescued and restored – well, let us say – refurbished and enhanced by a company called Green Island Associates which poured in millions of dollars.

The 100 rooms of the Historic Hotel have been studiously redone with inviting interiors, featuring mahogany poster beds, weathered barn-red armoires, while refinements to The Sagamore’s six dining outlets, most notably to its signature restaurant, The Trillium, have also been completed.

Surroundings:

“The favored of all resting places, into the heart of the most enchanting region in the world. A perfectly appointed hotel on its own island wilderness. The most beautiful Lake in America at its very door. And on all sides, the silent, trackless Adirondack forests.” To these words, written by one J. B. Simpson in 1912, I would add, “sumptuous lawns, punctuated by exquisite landscaping and glorious gardens.”

ACCOMMODATIONS:

We stayed at – as they phrase it: “The Historic Hotel.” As we anticipated, our room with a likeable, lake-able view, had the cushy, clubby furnishings and accoutrements one would expect from a luxury hotel, including a marble bathtub and pedestal sink. Most important, we had a firm, oversized sleep-indulging mattress. If you’re coming with a family of four or more, you may prefer to stay at one of the resort’s Lodges, decorated in American Country and Adirondack camp styles.

DINING

The Trillium

The room is elegant, the waiters and wine stewards, impeccably tailored and attentive, the menu, creatively varied, the entree portions, inversely proportionate to the pricing. Alice had a succulent Rack of Spring Lamb Crusted with Tellicherry Pepper from India, with Onion Potato Cake and Wild Local Mushrooms, while I had a delicious, Peach-lacquered Veal Chop with sweet Vidalia Onion. Jackets are required Memorial Day through Labor Day. During winter months, men are requested to wear collared shirts (jackets optional). Appropriate evening attire is requested of ladies. Guests must be seven or older.

The Veranda

Overlooking the lake from the main house, is this cheery, sun-filled glass-enclosed respite for Afternoon Tea (scones, finger sandwiches) or drinks (they make a civilized Martini right at the table), tapas, sushi and raw bar.

RECREATION

On the Lake: THE MORGAN

The Sagamore's own replica of a 72-foot, 19th century Touring Vessel takes visitors from the island for a lovely scenic tour of majestic Lake George. Lunch and dinner are served on board. The captain of The Morgan is a jovial gentleman named Craig Glesceri. He doesn’t do weddings.

On the Greens: It’s a 2 1/2 mile shuttle ride from the main house to the first hole and clubhouse of the par-70 golf course designed by Donald Ross in 1928, and rated by Golf Magazine as “the fifth best public course in New York State.” Ross planted heather from his native Scotland within the meadow. I gave up golf many years ago but I was enticed to use my old interlocking finger grip on the putting green and to slice and hook a few balls (courtesy of famed teaching pro Tom Smack, from the elevated first tee in reasonable proximity to the undulating fairway with a breathtaking view of Lake George and the Adirondack peaks in the distance.

On the Courts: The Tennis Center offers play on four all-weather courts, two Har Tru (my favorite surface). There is one indoor court, plus a racquetball court.

Indoor Pool: Swimming is not a strong suit of the Resort. There is an indoor pool – smaller than a lap pool - in the Fitness Center that ranges from 3 Ft. to 7 ft. in depth , and a Jacuzzi.

KIDS ACTIVITIES

The Teepee Club

From the relatively small sampling I observed and from interviewing some of the enthusiastic counselors, this appears to be one of the better-run programs for tykes in a resort atmosphere. Playground activities, a 16-foot teepee, nature walks and miniature golf prevail when the weather is fine. And when it isn’t, the workshop is abuzz with activities, from puppet-making and Boggle, to jewelry, crafts and finger-painting. There are different plans. Parents and grandparents can choose from half-day, full-day, and/or evening plans with appropriate snacks or meals.