Memories of the Wawbeek Inn ....

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.... are hard to put into words; but, I am going to give it a shot!

The feelings of pure excitement were hard to contain driving on the woodland road of the former Wawbeek Inn near Tupper Lake, New York. The short drive from the main road into one of the old Adirondack Lodges, always promised to reveal the enchantment of this historic part of the Adirondacks. 

Walking or snowshoeing around the property always brought you to yet another special piece of what made up this old great camp. The outdoor lights were beautifully draped in the newly fallen snow, enhancing their color combinations that created their own "glow".

The snowman, regardless of whether it was winter or summer, was just another happy spot on the property. He sat by the beginning of the trail that took you down to the waterfront.

Each one of the lodges had breathtaking views. Even with sub-zero temperatures, you couldn't help but linger on the porches to catch the ever changing scene as the lighting changed with the day. Winter couldn't even prevent the call of the mountains and the lakes. They were mesmerizing.

The entrance to the restaurant was "guarded" by the welcoming snowman. The restaurant was small but filled with warmth, laughter, wonderful staff and food.  After dinner, you would climb the split staircase that surrounded the walk-in fireplace, to the second floor. Ahhhh, and here was where the day ended in a room with a small bar, many comfy leather couches, small game tables and live music that just made you stay even longer. All this and the crackling fire ....you just knew you were "home". 

The sleigh was one of those special spots to drift to with coffee in hand.  It sat just outside one of the cabins and it clearly represented years gone by when families would arrive at their camps ..... never to imagine that many years later, guests at what was then their home, would only dream about what it must have been like to "live" here..

This view from our room, the crackle of the fire and its sweet aroma, waiting for my cousin and his wife to join us .... was a moment to cherish.

But, the visits had to end and the road inevitably had to lead is back out. Most times, we knew that it wouldn't be long before we would return.  The last trip out, before the property was sold and later torn down, was very sad.  But, the memories of the Wawbeek Inn are solidly in place.  Now, if I can just make sure that the aging process doesn't disturb them!