Destination Spotlight on The Inn At Erlowest - Lake George, New York
Gem of the Adirondacks, Lake George boasts 32 Miles of pristine shoreline with something for everyone, whether it’s scuba diving in its legendary clear waters, sailing at sunset, or enjoying a gourmet meal overlooking one of its myriad of rocky beaches. Nestled right on the eastern banks of this grand lake is The Inn at Erlowest, a 19th-century manor house now serving as a full-service bed and breakfast where Adirondack majesty meets Old World elegance.
The history of the inn dates back to 1898, when Edward Morse Shepard, an attorney, author, and politician from Brooklyn, New York, erected the Queen Anne–style castle as a country retreat. The name “Erlowest” was inspired by Shepard’s parents’ hometown, Westerlow, and the property was part of what was known as “Millionaires Row” in the Adirondack Park section of Lake George. At Erlowest, Shepard regularly entertained a variety of prominent people of the era. When he died in 1911, the estate passed into the hands of his sister Agnes Hewitt. Eventually, a niece, Lucy Hewitt Leffingwell, and her husband took residence at Erlowest, where they lived until the 1960s, when Mr. Charles “Charlie” Wood bought it from them. A local entrepreneur, Wood sold Erlowest to the present owners, who have restored it to its current splendor and opened the inn.
Couples seeking a mélange of refined and rustic for their special occasion will undoubtedly love the amenities the inn has to offer. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding for two or a lavish affair for 250, the Inn at Erlowest features luxurious lodging with in-suite Jacuzzi tubs, canopied king-size beds, fireplaces, turn-of-the-century antique furnishings, and sumptuous Italian linens. Each room, named after a historical personage, is unique. Imagine slipping into a Frette robe and gazing out at the lake from the privacy of your own sitting room. And when it comes time to venture out of your room, there is a choice of on-site dining rooms serving topnotch cuisine; the acclaimed restaurant is a destination spot in the area, and the inn’s gracious staff will work with you to customize a wedding menu that suits your tastes and budget. If your reception is large, the grand ballroom and sprawling patio with views of the lake and pine-tree-dotted mountains will accommodate your party in style.
Whether you come from near or far, there is no shortage of activities to entertain you and your guests, especially boating, swimming, and picnicking in the warmer months or enjoying outdoor activities in a breathtakingly snowy winter wonderland in the colder months. You might just fall so in love with the entire region that you’ll consider renting a yacht and taking your honeymoon on one of the lake’s nearby private islands. Secluded spots that offer the best of what the state has to offer, many of the island campsites can be rented for a night, a weekend, a week, or longer. Stay for awhile, and then plan a trip back the following year…and the year after that. The Inn at Erlowest is the ideal destination to inspire the wedding of your dreams, one that will not soon be forgotten.
For more information visit www.theinnaterlowest.com
