The Erlowest.

The Erlowest is the stone castle on the western shore of Lake George, built as the summer house of a former New York Governor and converted into a working inn and restaurant. The Queen Anne stonework is the rare piece of architecture on this lake that earns the photographs people take of it.

Lodging splits in two. Castle Suites are inside the main building, adults-only, the quiet end of the operation. Townhomes, villas, and cabins on the property handle families, larger parties, and longer stays. The Seasonal Vacation Home Program (from $5,000) is a flexible-date arrangement for guests who want a ski-house-style relationship with the property across multiple visits.

The restaurant is the other reason to come. 4-Diamond, farm-to-table, with an extensive wine list. Historic dining rooms inside; a fireplace patio outside for shoulder seasons; heated igloos on the lawn in winter, which are the seat to book if you want lake views in February. Year-round. Best for couples and wedding parties; the Castle Suites are not where you bring children.