Coupled up? If so, you've probably given some thought to the second Sunday in February. If you are looking for ideas to make that day unique, I’ve put together some options for couples to experience a very special weekend indeed. Perhaps you need to unwind, take a break from the routine, or simply spend some one-on-one time together. Pack your bags for the Adirondack Coast and a perfect Valentine's getaway.
Two Romantic Lodging Options
If you are looking to be indulged while enclosed in historic and elegant surroundings two lodging options are offering Valentine’s Day weekend specials.
The Edgemont Bed and Breakfast in the Town of Moriah, a short distance from the Village of Port Henry, is offering some fantastic winter rates and will also include a bottle of wine with your check-in over this special weekend. This historic Victorian mansion had no detail overlooked during its recent renovation. It is a warm, friendly, architectural delight situated in an idyllic pastoral setting on a hilltop overlooking Lake Champlain.
The B&B offers 5 well-appointed guest rooms each with a private bath. Guests can make use of a game room and self-serve laundry as well as the kitchen, dining room and wrap-around porch great for viewing spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The grounds include plenty of parking as well as 20 acres of farm and woodland to explore. You won’t find a television, but you won’t want one. Wireless broadband internet is included, if you simply cannot disconnect.
The owner, Vincent Dupont, is an avid cyclist who finds the cycling throughout this region spectacular. He designed this bed and breakfast to be very cycle-friendly, catering to those who are traveling light, on two wheels. This translates to an enjoyable experience for all guests whatever their mode of travel. In fact, if you don’t mind a bit of an uphill climb, you could easily arrive on two feet. The walk from the Port Henry Amtrak Station would be approximately 1 mile.
Guests rave about how they feel right at home from the time they arrive and make use of the self-check-in. They also commend the inn's manager, Shelly Budwick, praise the delicious, hearty breakfasts, and her helpfulness to make their stay most enjoyable while giving them space.
When it’s time for dinner a great nearby dining option would be the regionally renowned King’s Inn. Situated on yet another Port Henry hilltop, less than 2 miles away, this charming restaurant also boasts fabulous views of Lake Champlain. King’s Inn is quite famous for their superb prime rib, but you will find a wide variety of menu options including some lighter, pub-type fare.
For lunch, don’t miss Foote’s Port Henry Diner, on St. Patrick’s Place in the village center. Enjoy daily specials, often Mexican fare, while dining in an historic railroad dining car. That opportunity won’t come around often.
Don’t waste a second to contact Edgemont Inn for availability and rates.
The Essex Inn
Another lodging option for this special weekend would be the historic Essex Inn, in the former Lake Champlain shipbuilding port of Essex, NY. Here is another architectural charmer, some 200-years-old, that has spent most of its entire life catering to overnight guests. Owners Rick and Karen Dalton, saw to every detail in a recent extensive renovation throughout the entire inn. Prepare to be “wowed” as you relax in total comfort in a setting that has added every amenity while maintaining historic Adirondack ambiance. The Essex Inn is offering a Valentine’s Day weekend special. Two guests can stay in one of their luxurious rooms either Friday, February 12th, or Saturday, February 13th, and also enjoy a dinner for two and breakfast all for one modest price. Contact the Inn directly for availability and pricing.
You won’t be disappointed with a stay in Essex — other than a weekend may be too brief. The entire hamlet is on the National Register of Historic Places. It proclaims to be one of the largest collections of pre-Civil War architecture in the United States. This hamlet sits exactly on the western shore of Lake Champlain and offers a direct connection to Vermont via Lake Champlain Transportation Company’s Essex-Charlotte ferry. Be sure to visit the Pink Pig, next to the ferry dock. There you can enjoy a hot beverage, breakfast or lunch while shopping for some antiques, cottage style furnishings, collectibles and unusual hard-to-find items. Owner, Debbie Schrodt, has a unique flair for display and a talent for unearthing some incredibly unique items that you simply cannot find elsewhere. Simply window shopping is a true delight, but you won’t be able to resist some bargains. Stroll the tree-lined streets admiring the architecture or spend some time admiring the Lake Champlain views from Begg’s Park.
You will become enchanted with this warm community and want to return to make this community your home port for additional coastal exploration.
While Here, Take a Hike
A mild winter with not much snowfall has kept the Champlain Area Trails (CATS) open for exploration with minimal gear. Aside from your boots, micro spikes or ice cleats may be in order for slippery spots. Choose one of their 49 trails rated from easy to difficult. Many are less than 1 mile for a short afternoon excursion. There are several selections near these overnight lodging accommodations. This winter has kept the wildlife pretty active and out and about too; plan on a great connection with nature.
History Lesson with Winter Sports
On Saturday, February 13th of Valentine’s Weekend, Fort Ticonderoga is offering a Winter Family Fun Day with an 18th century flavor. Learn about the historic use of winter sports while sipping hot chocolate and basking in the shadows of an 18th century fort and taking in the breathtaking views.
Coupled or not, you can enjoy these great indulgences and outdoor fun over Valentine’s Day Weekend; simply plan on falling in love with the Adirondack Coast.
