Friends Lake Inn Bed and Breakfast overlooks its namesake lake amidst the forested hills of upstate New York's Adirondack Mountains, just one hour south of Lake Placid's Olympic Village and 20 minutes from the Gore Mountain Ski Area.

As a recipient of AAA's prestigious Four-Diamond rating, this outstanding country inn offers guests the option of a bed and breakfast package or breakfast-and-dinner lodging.

Each of the inn's 17 luxurious guestrooms has a private bath, and many come with a fireplace, Jacuzzi, and private balcony with views of the lake. Each room with its own distinctive decor provides guests with a queen- or king-sized feather bed and a telephone (some with data ports).

The inn's four premier accommodations comprise the River Rock, the Field Stone, the Ledge Stone, and the Great Room. The latter accommodation includes a king-sized bed, large bathroom with steam shower, Jacuzzi, wet bar, wood-burning fireplace, balcony with private entrance, "Adirondack Great Camp" furniture, a cathedral ceiling, and a spectacular view of the inn's outdoor heated pool and surrounding gardens.

Friends Lake Inn's breakfast menu features everything from Egg Florentine to Grand Marnier French Toast to locally smoked Oscar's bacon. Evening fare tantalizes with several homemade pates, breads, and a variety of irresistible international desserts. Both breakfast and dinner are served in the Inn's 19th-century Lake Side Dining Room, while lighter fare is made available in "The Wine Bar at the Inn". Guests can also request a "to-go" picnic to take on their off-site adventures.

There are several golf courses in the area, and riding stables for those who want to explore the Adirondacks on horseback. Other attractions include Chestertown's fine collection of antique shops, the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, and an exciting Saratoga Springs horse track for harness racing.

Recreation options include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the 32 kilometers of well-groomed trails available through the inn's on-site Nordic Ski Center. Downhill skiing is nearby at Gore Mountain. Friends Lake provides guests a private beach area and excellent opportunities for fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

The dinner menu features imaginative New American cuisine and a superior wine collection that has catapulted Friends Lake Inn into the fewer than 100 inns worldwide to win the Wine Spectator's "Grand Award" every year since 1997.

Wine-tasting events are scheduled monthly. A private dining room in the vaulted wine cellar will accommodate up to 14 people with a collection of comfortable Mission-style furniture.

"The Wine Bar at the Inn" and spacious common room with fireplace make for convenient gathering places, and the Inn's Library and "Murphy Room" combine to accommodate small business conferences with breakout refreshments, coffee, and lunch provided upon request. Other special events hosted by the Inn include weddings set against the beautiful pond and gazebo.