What’s over 100 years old, lives on an island, has been rebuilt four times, and offers some world-class accommodations? The Sagamore Resort and Conference Center on beautiful Lake George – right here at Bolton Landing! And it is fabulous – come take a look!
The resort itself sits on its own island, purchased by the original owner and developer Myron O. Brown. He had in mind to build an exclusive resort community in the Adirondacks. Mr. Brown got four Philadelphia millionaires, who happened to be summer residents in this area, to join him in creating the Green Island Improvement Company. Together they purchased Green Island for a hotel site. The resort opened in 1883 with luxurious accommodations built to attract an international clientele.
In 1983, 100 years after its first opening, Norman Wolgin of Philadelphia purchased the hotel and restored it to its former grandeur with 137 rooms including 53 luxury suites. William (Bill) Gates has published “The History of the Sagamore Hotel” which gives a detailed account of this fantastic enterprise. The Sagamore is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. And in my opinion, if there were a heading for “elegance and charm” in the dictionary, the Sagamore’s picture would be there!
This year The Sagamore is again open for business on weekends during the winter with different vacation packages: family, fitness, spa, and skiing, just to name a few. Yes, this grand hotel welcomes families and children, has a babysitting service, and even a Kid’s Club with interesting and educational activities for the younger set. And for children of all ages, there is The Rec: 10,000 square feet of indoor entertainment. There is a state-of-the-art fitness center and classes available to all guests that takes up the entire third lower level. (The indoor pool is on the second lower level, the spa is on the first.) The spa has options for children, teens and gentlemen, as well as the famous Wedding Package.
If I were a guest, I’d most likely be content to sit by the fire and gaze out at beautiful Lake George dressed for winter with snow on the pines. However, the Sagamore has a host of interesting things to do, including having a cocktail in the Glacier Ice Bar and Lounge from January 24 – February 1 weekends (weather permitting!) You start with 36,ooo pounds of glacier clear ice and then….. Then there is the Lake George Winter Carnival every Saturday and Sunday in February, and every kind of skiing: downhill, cross country, snow tubing and night skiing available at different mountains close to here – West Mountain, Gore Mountain, the Hickory Ski Center, and Garnet Hill. The Sagamore can arrange transportation and shuttles to different places for your convenience.
Speaking of shuttles, and this is a real boon to travelers, the Sagamore can arrange different complimentary airplane and rail transfers for groups. As one who used to travel a lot, I would always look for the hotels that had transportation capability and services – convenient, yes, but there is also a feeling of real service and elegance to be transported door-to-door – especially at the beginning and end of a wonderful weekend getaway.
The Sagamore can cater to groups of any size, host fantastic weddings, family and group reunions, and is a wonderful destination for corporate events. The Bolton Chamber of Commerce holds the Girlfriend’s Getaway at the Sagamore Conference Center every year – come join us May 9-11, 2014 – and you can check out this fabulous Sagamore Hotel!
So what is a “sagamore”? According to Wikipedia, a sachem or sagamore is a paramount chief among some of the northeast Native American tribes. Now you know!
What is your idea of the best winter getaway? A romantic weekend? Ski heaven? A family holiday with no cooking and no dishes? A complete spa day with a massage, mani- and pedi-, and getting your hair done while your nails dry?
www.thesagamore.com 866-385-6221 And yes, there are many exciting things to do in the summer – starting with golf!
Penelope Jewell
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