Beating Cabin Fever

The Sailor and I headed a couple of hours north to Lake Placid last weekend as a respite from the doldrums of the deep February freeze. We were fortunate to have fresh snow all three days of our mini-vacation, which made our trip all the more magical. The beauty of the winter wonderland made the treacherous drive there worth it.



We stayed at a charming B&B, Paradox Lodge, located just a few minutes from downtown Lake Placid. The lodge's common rooms were filled with antiques -- everything from Adirondack pack baskets, wooden oars, college banners-- to old maps and books. 

So many interesting collections! Lots of antiques purchased at auctions and momentos carefully selected to go with the Adirondack decor.

courtesy of TravelGirl29

Both mornings, we woke to a hearty homecooked breakfast in the inn's dining room. With a choice of waffles, french toast, or eggs, accompanied by fresh fruit and good, strong coffee for breakfast, I was in heaven!The owner/chef, Red, is quite a character -- funny, intelligent and a little salty. Thirty years in the hospitality business makes him a real pro at both cooking and running a top-notch place.

courtesy of tripadvisor

Fortified for skiing after breakfast,  we headed to Whiteface, which boasts the greatest vertical drop in the east. It was home to the 1980 winter Olympics and remains the terrain of choice for world-class skiers. 

This snow bunny needs a few more lessons before she can keep up with the Sailor, who's been skiing since he was four years old! I stuck to the green circles, while he braved the steeper slopes.

After a long day of skiing, we returned to the inn to relax and rest. The room had the most comfortable feather bed mattress and fluffy pillows making it a perfect spot for a late day nap.

  

My favorite part of the room was the recently renovated bath. Three textures that one wouldn't ordinarily think would go together created a rustic yet hip atmosphere... a contemporary tiled shower with cedar shingle walls and a tin ceiling. A double sink and a jacuzzi to help heal sore muscles. I want a bathroom like this in my house someday. 

The Sailor was thrilled to visit Great Adirondack Steak and Seafood, a restaurant and brewery, where they produce 350 barrels of micro-brew each year. At any given time, they have seven beers on tap.

We also hit the Lake Placid Brewery. A bit off the beaten path (right past the toboggan run), we found lots of locals saddled up to the oak bar. Their most popular beer, is Ubu Ale, which has a great story behind it:

"The mountain village of Lake Placid was once home to a legendary chocolate lab named Ubu, the biggest dog you've ever seen with an uncanny nose for great beer.  Deep garnet red in color, this English-Style Ale is a tribute to the legend of Ubu.  It features a smooth, rich maltiness complemented by just the right amount of hops.  Here's to the legend!"

All around, a wonderful weekend! Let's hope this weekend is just as much fun! Happy Friday!