I am looking to spend a week or so on a solo vacation this fall, probably September (I am flexible on dates), doing some writing and relaxing. I am picturing myself in a quiet beautiful place, a lodge on a lake maybe, with a fireplace in my gorgeous room, no televisions, great breakfasts, maybe loons calling on a lake...The Adirondacks really appeal to me, but is there somewhere closer to Washington, D.C. where I live that is like that? Am I going to be basically free of the crowds as long as I go after Labor Day? I am definitely looking for as quiet a vacation as possible. Thanks!

You will be free of crowds in the Adirondacks, BUT you may also be free of decent weather.

I don't know of any "gorgeous rooms" in the Adirondacks, because we only stay at pretty modest places; well, truth be told, all of the Adirondacks is quite modest, with the possible exception of Lake Placid and Lake George.

Anyway, sounds like a divine trip. Throw in your kayak if you make it to the Adirondacks!

I'm not sure if this is the type of place you are looking for. But I thought that I would give it a try. Look up: http://www.eomega.org/
It's in Rhinebeck, New York. There are many different types of accomodations. There are different programs, but you can also do a package called "rest & relaxation." The food is all organic. The people are VERY nice. I've been twice and love it. There is a lake. Good luck.

Are you at all familiar with the Eastern Shore of Maryland? If you'd enjoy tidal water as much as the lake kind of thing, and if you enjoy handsome old architecture and marshes as much as cabins and mountains, perhaps somewhere like the Inn at Perry Cabin in St Michael's might fit the bill? (Though they do have t.v. and I'm not absolutely sure about the fireplaces.) You wouldn't have the kind of privacy you'd have in the Adirondacks, but there are many places to explore in the area. But definitely not "woodsy." Virginia and West Virginia have many "inn" kind of places also. Have you checked Trip Advisor?

You didnt give a budget so I say.....sounds like Mohonk Mountain House to me, in New Paltz New York.
Really expensive, but absoluetly serene.
A majestic hotel set in a breathtaking setting. You could be as active or inactive as you wanted....there are gardens, horses, a mountain top lake, plenty of walking trails. Pool, spa, golf, tennis....
Simple, beautiful rooms with no televisions. Big fireplaces in comfortable sitting rooms all throughout the hotel.
Rooms do include 3 meals! Stately buffet breakfast and lunch. Plus a nice dinner....all served in the huge old-fashioned dining room. Its beautiful.

In the Adirondacks, this may fit the bill
innatthebridge.com

O.P. seems to be hoping to find something closer to D.C. than most of the above suggestions.

The North Fork Mountain Inn in Smoke Hole, WV is in the Monongahela forest and about 3 hours from DC. No lake but a fabulous view of the mountains. They only have 6 or 7 rooms so it won't be too crowded, although that time of the year is popular for foliage. Also the Wildernest Inn in WV is a nature preserve and lodge-y. There's a river nearby.

Jennifer,

I always thought the NC coast would be great in the slightly off season. Fewer people...beach less crowded...I've been to the area around Kill's Devil Hill and think it's lovely. They ahve so many rental agencies ther, I think you could find something easily...and it's an easy drive from DC.

The Sagamore on an island in Lake George would absolutely fill your bill - except for distance.

I had friends who stayed there in October and adored being away from it all - and their fireplace.

The Sagamore is indeed a beautiful and luxurious place. But a traveler should know that it is not at all a "typical" Adirondack experience. It's fancy and full of city folks who wouldn't consider "roughing" it at a real Adirondacks lodge or in the real wilderness/small town experience that typifies the area. LOL. I just mention that because that was how I felt there (several years ago).

If you can get a cheap flight to Toronto consider Arowhon Pines in Algonquin Provincial Park
www.arowhonpines.ca

The rooms are not "gorgeous" but the setting is spectacular, food is excellent, it's extremely quiet on a secluded lake replete with loons.

Snoopy: Have you been to Arowhon? It's a place I've looked at (on line) several times. It does look nice. Is it worth the price? It's very expensive. A one room cabin for 2 people in the fall is $4400 (American)! I know it includes meals, but that still seems very expensive. What do you think?