Sleigh bells ring—literally—at Hohmeyer’s Lake Clear Lodge in the wintertime. The retreat is an iconic Adirondack destination in all seasons; after all, it’s been welcoming guests since the 1880s, when it operated as a stagecoach inn and trading post. But from mid-December to mid-March the place ups its cozy game by offering lantern-lit sleigh rides and speakeasy dinner experiences, even for those not opting to overnight in the lodge or cabins. Revelers can snuggle under lap-blankets for a ride to the lake and back, gliding through the forest behind Percheron draft horses from Vermontville’s Lucky Clover Sleigh Rides, and maybe—if you bring that someone special—smooching under snow-topped boughs.
To make the outing extra merry and bright, add a visit to the 1920s-era speakeasy (password required) to learn about the region’s bootlegging days and sample a cocktail made with the lodge’s signature “Giggle Water” before heading to the dining room for a three-course meal.
If You Go
Find Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat (518-891-1489) at 6319 Route 30, in Lake Clear. Stays include access to cross-country skis and snowshoes for exploring the 25-acre property. A mix of experiences are scheduled throughout the season, including cooking demonstrations, outdoor adventure lunches, and fireside chats about Adirondack history. Learn more or register for sleigh rides and workshops at www.lakeclearlodge.com.
