The Fern Lodge

Wonderful spot, great amenities, quietly luxurious rooms, with all the amenities while still being cozy and charming. There's so much to do and explore, indoors and out. We loved playing pool, the hot tub, the hiking trails. The lake is quiet and peaceful, and you are close enough to explore Lake George if you wish -- without being stuck in the crowds. We especially enjoyed the off season, but the lake is private, so it's likely peaceful even in July. We can't wait to go back!

My husband and I spent five absolutely wonderful days at the Fern Lodge. In our 27 years of marriage, we have stayed at about 30 B&B's all across the country and this one ranks right at the top. Our room, the Pine Room, was beautiful and comfortable with a view of Friends Lake. There are so many comfortable places in the lodge to sit and enjoy a book or just listen to the blue jays and loons and watch the butterflies in the garden. There is a huge bottom level with one guest room and a common area where you can make yourself a drink and play games or ping pong or socialize if the weather wasn't perfect outside. The breakfasts were beyond delicious. You get your choice every morning between a standard eggs and breakfast meat or the special breakfast. I chose the special every morning and was never disappointed. I cannot say enough about Wendy, the innkeeper, along with Olivia and Sasha who are all very good at keeping the lodge running smoothly. I loved Olivia. She was the sweetest girl who went above and beyond to make sure the rooms were clean and breakfast was just the way you wanted it. There are not a whole lot of places to eat near the lodge but then again, you are in the woodsy mountains to get away from the world for a reason. A couple days we went to a quaint store a couple miles out of town called Crossroads where you can get custom made sandwiches which were so big they held us over for both lunch and dinner. On our last night we ate at a place in downtown Chestertown called The Bullhouse. It was just OK. The Main Street Ice Cream Parlor has a lot of typical choices for lunch but they are not open for dinner. I highly recommend The Fern Lodge. I just wish it wasn't a ten-hour drive from my house as I would love to see it in the autumn. Maybe in a couple of years.

Found The Fern Lodge while I was searching for a weekend getaway to surprise my wife for our 14th anniversary. The photos online looked great, and I was lucky enough that they had The Cedar room available for the time frame I was looking for. Once I made my reservation, communication with the innkeeper, Wendy, was prompt and clear. I had ordered the anniversary package to go along with the room, which included a cake and a bottle of wine. Wendy sent me a list of cake flavors/filling to choose from, and when it slipped my mind to send her what I wanted, she reached out to remind me and made sure I put my order in. She asked when we would arrive, which was later in the evening, and she let me know where the key would be. That didn't matter though, because when we pulled in she came out to greet us even though it was late. She brought her new assistant innkeeper out with her, the most adorable five month old puppy. Many times you'll see photos of a location, but when you get there it's something completely different. The Fern Lodge is as advertised. The room was huge and gorgeous. In the room was a huge bed, dresser, fireplace, mini fridge/bar, shower with the ability to have a steam shower and wall jets, and jaccuzi tub. Hanging in the closet were a pair of bathrobes and slippers. We had a screened in balcony with chairs and tables, one of which was gas firepit table. If you just want to stay in your room or the lodge, there are plenty of books available to read. There are also kayaks down at the boat house, a pool table, a small indoor theater, bar, ping pong table, chess and checkers available downstairs....oh...and a sauna. Last, but not least, the breakfast that was prepared by Sasha every morning was fantastic, both in taste and presentation. It really did feel like we were in the house with family when we were talking to Wendy and Sasha. I cannot say enough good things about the facility and Wendy and Sasha. We definitely plan on staying here again, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Comfortable, friendly, beautiful lodge, spacious facilities

A beautiful B&B on Friends Lake with extensive common facilities. Our spacious “Pine” accommodation was truly exceptional, featuring a large stone fireplace and private covered deck with views of the lake. The meticulously landscaped grounds lead down to a pretty boathouse and dock on quiet cove. Breakfast and service were excellent. This is a great place to unwind for a couple days.

The Lodge is so beautiful with windows, patios, screen porch, and a dock overlooking Friends Lake. Our room, the Forest Room, was gorgeous, comfortable, and well appointed. The shower was the most luxurious I have ever seen and the robes are exquisite. We took advantage of the outdoor hot tub while looking out on the Lake, then hit the sauna. While playing Scrabble on the screen porch we heard loons calling to each other. Wendy's breakfasts were creative, delicious, and sooooo filling. Her attentiveness and kindness were heartwarming. Sharon was lovely and her dog, Blue, graced us with his presence and allowed scratches and pats. We took advantage of some of the terrific local restaurants including Bullhouse, Adirondak Cafe, and Sticks and Stones as well as some local hikes and fishing. We will be back.

We had a wonderful time at the Fern Valley Lodge. Wendy, Sasha, and Melony are delightful to interact with and the setting is fabulous. They host a “happy hour” every evening from 4-5 and we had fun meeting new people. We stayed in Treetops, which is a 3-minute walk to the lodge, and we enjoyed it immensely.

What an incredible place. The location on the lake is unparalleled. Nothing between the grounds and the water, no roads, nothing. The grounds itself are beautiful too. We booked the Forest room, which is huge, with a fireplace, a bath with a view and is very private, The lodge has various communal spaces which will be great when the weather is bad, but fortunately we could be outside all the time, loving the deck on the boathouse. Maybe the best feature of the Fern Lodge is Wendy who did everything to make our stay perfect . She has the talent of not being around when you want your privacy and appearing when you need her. A couple got married quietly and privately when we were there and told us their special day was even more enchanting than they had expected. Best Inn-experience ever!

I took my wife for a surprise baby moon it was so nice, we decided to stay a second night and it was well worth it. The whole staff was amazing and everything exceeded expectations.

We had such a great experience the first night so we moved our plans and stayed a second, next time we will definitely stay even longer.