Lake Placid, NY - Do you love a beautiful lake view with a few pine trees thrown in for color? I know, the Adirondacks sound so promising, but when you start your research, all those buildings, chairs and porches made out of twigs can put you off.

I’m not the type who takes his furniture with a side of bark, but can wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Lake Placid and a stay at the Mirror Lake Inn.

Old postcard showing Mirror Lake and the Inn

The inn sits on a lovely spot overlooking Mirror Lake, just outside of the town of Lake Placid. The town itself sits on Mirror Lake too. Lake Placid is just over the hill. Mirror Lake is smaller and more peaceful as there are no motor craft on the water, only paddle-powered boats. Guests of the inn can use the hotel’s canoes and kayaks to get out on the water. If you’re the type who needs to roar around in a speedboat, momentarily reflect on what you’re compensating for, then pop over the hill to Lake Placid. Lake Placid is much larger and features huge expensive camps, which are best seen from the water. In fact, those on the west side of the lake are only accessible by water. Take the organized boat tour that leaves from the marina and you’ll not only get a good look at these “camps” but you’ll hear stories of those who built and lived in them.

A "camp" and boat house on Lake Placid

What is there to do at Mirror Lake Inn? Check out the Inn’s great swimming spots: a roped lake-side swimming area, outdoor pool with a baby-pool inset and the indoor lap pool and hot tub in the inn’s basement. When you need a break from the kids, stop in at the spa and then complete your break from reality with a cocktail in the lovely bar overlooking the lake. Later, walk into town and buy a book, some birch-bark artwork, or some ’80s Olympic souvenirs.

As you’d expect, the inn abounds with porches where you can settle in with that great novel or your gin and tonic and take in the view. If there’s a chill in the air, make it a cognac and curl up next to a fireplace. While we waited for companions in the library, I half expected Teddy Roosevelt to show up for dinner.
The Mirror Lake Inn is also a great place to throw a party or host family event. Staff members are well-trained and seem to actually care. Service is terrific. The food is excellent too.