Artisans at the Lake Placid Lodge

Inside the Lake Placid Lodge, which is the Arts and Crafts log compound on the western shore of Lake Placid and one of two Relais and Chateaux properties in the Adirondacks. The dining room is the fire-lit, stone-and-timber space the rest of the lodge advertises. The terrace is the better seat when the weather cooperates: open three seasons, with wool blankets, outdoor fireplaces, and heaters that extend the shoulder months. Executive Chef Derek Leinonen runs the menu, which changes seasonally and leans hard on local farms. The signature plate is the maple lavender duck breast, with Szechuan and pickled rhubarb, which is more interesting than the menu description suggests and is the dish to order on a first visit. Breakfast runs daily 8 to 10:30. Dinner starts at 6. Reservations are essentially required for dinner in summer and any weekend, and dress trends toward smart casual or better. The Strawberries in Spring breakfast package (strawberries, champagne, lakeside seating) is the room's seasonal play in May and June.