Friends Lake (FULL/NEW)
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Quietly tucked in a serene corner of the Town of Chester, Friends Lake hosts a range of historic buildings, scenic views, and Adirondack stories. Sandwiched between the Hudson River to the west and the charming hamlet of Chestertown to the east, Friends Lake has long been a vibrant destination for Adirondack visitors and maintains a role in the earlier history of the area’s tanning and logging industries. A cross-section of the buildings sited along its shores highlights the intersection between the area’s industrial past and its entry into the era of tourism. Join AARCH and local experts to experience some of the places this quaint and private community has to offer. We’ll explore and enjoy lunch at the Friends Lake Inn, built as a boarding house for tannery workers in the 19th century and later restored as a hotel and inn. Additionally, AARCH has been granted special access to visit several historic homes, camps, and cabins along on the lakeshore.
This outing is led by Town of Chester Historian Donna Lagoy, AARCH members Frank and Linda Cappabianca, and several generous homeowners, local businesses, and residents. This tour runs from 10 AM to 4 PM.
The fee is $55 for AARCH members and $65 for non-members. Lunch provided by Friends Lake Inn is included.