Can anyone provide any specifics on their experience with either The Hedges or Hemlock Hall, both on Blue Mountain Lake in the Adirondacks? They both look like great places to stay, so ideally I'd love to hear from anyone that could compare or contrast. FYI -- It would be just my hubby and I going (mid-40s, no kids). I've gotten a bit of an impression that Hemlock Hall may cater more to families, whereas The Hedges may be more of a mix (since there were several adult-only accomodation lodges there). If staying at Hemlock Hall we'd be interested in one of the cottages. If staying at The Hedges not sure -- can anyone recommend staying in the lakeside cabins over the lodges, or vice versa?

ttt

Although we are in the Adirondacks a lot it has been a million years since we've stayed at Hemlock Hall (and we've never stayed at Hedges). They are both in great locations though. When are you going? I suspect they are very booked up at certain times of the year...

I understand that Blue Mtn Lake has pretty much outlawed jet skiis! Sounds like a good plan to me.

Have you looked at the reviews on tripadvisor.com? There are lots of them for both places. Just type in the names on the front page and choose the one that comes up for Blue Mtn Lake.

Have fun. Sorry I'm not more help.

Thanks for your info. We are looking to book a place now for next summer's vacation, which is necessary due to the popularity of both places. Reviews for both on TripAdvisor and Yahoo were just absolutely glowing ... not one negative for either place. They both look like great Adirondack get-aways ... quiet lake, no TVs, no radios, no phones ... just total R&R in a great scenic location with hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming. Accomodations at both include full breakfast and dinner served family style in dining lodge with other guests. The problem: I can't decide which one!

Hemlock Hall is the best! The owners - Paul and Susan Provost cater to all their guests, old and young, families or couples. I highly recommend it and make your reservation early!

Well, as things turn out both Hedges and Hemlock Hall are fully booked already for next summer as they both give first preference for next year's reservations to returning guests. So I'll be checking with both in late winter when the actual deposits are due; there will probably be some cancelations then.

I was curious if anyone could compare or contrast the two? Hemlock Hall appears more isolated?

This is such a problem in the Adirondacks. The good places all handle their reservations this way. Families go for years and years.

We have gone for 17 years to Morningside Camps in Minerva and we opted out this year because we went to Europe. Now we'll probably never get a cottage again for our usual week - which is critical because everybody there is our friend since we've been vacationing together all these years!

The other problem is that the guests who are already there all have relatives and friends trying to get in, or people like us trying to get back in. And regardless of what the management might tell you, they will probably take a "known" guest over a complete stranger.

But - keep trying, be persistent. If you happen to call the same day somebody cancels you might get in! (That's how we first got into Morningside.) You will have to be flexible about dates though.

One thing you might try to do is just drive up to the Adirondacks for a weekend sometime. Stay anyplace you can find an opening (won't be lakefront). Then cruise around, check out some places, and have a good weekend.

Also, if it is just the two of you, no kids, you probably should look at renting a cabin on VRBO or something. All those lodges will be packed with kids.

Thanks ... I did see some really nice rentals on VRBO-type site .... looking at Saranac Lake or Indian Lake. What is the area like around Indian Lake? We've been up around the Saranac/Lake Placid areas, and am familiar with that, but I'm not so familiar with Indian Lake? Is there anything around there in terms of some restaurants or quaint shopping for when we want to go out exploring?

I am not terribly familiar with Indian Lake (other than having driven through it once in awhile). I don't think there is much of a town there, but you are sort of mid-way between Long Lake, North Creek, Speculator. They all have a main street so to speak - but NOT a shopping/dining mecca! Our favorite restaurant is in Speculator (Melody Lodge). There is also a great restaurant in Olmstedville (Owl at Twilight). (But believe me - it is the ONLY thing in Olmstedville besides a gas station.) Really the only towns in the Adrindacks that have much to do in them are Lake Placid and Lake George region.

I will say though, that I really love this part of the Adirondacks. We are at Piseco a lot (parents have a cabin there) and Minerva/North Creek area. It always feel sort of undiscovered compared to the high peaks or Old Forge areas.

Of course the lakes can be busy in the summer with motor boats, and be SURE to find out how close to a major highway the cabin is. That is a big deal, as many of the lakes that have roads along them are the 55 mph (and up of course) type, so find out what kind of road the cabin is on. Otherwise you might be listening to trucks etc.