September 20, 2011

Keene Valley is bustling with visitors this week and is usually a bustling little village at the foot of the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. However, just a couple of weeks ago this definitely wasn't the case. Hurricane Irene dealt this little community a whopping blow by washing out one of the main arteries into the community. But the good news is NYS Route 73, leading to Keene Valley from The Adirondack Northway (I-87), was repaired and opened in record-setting time, thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo's constant monitoring to ensure this small community wasn't cut off from it's lifeblood of passing visitors for longer than necessary.

My husband and I feel we belong to both the Town of Keene and Lake Placid because we live smack dab between the two towns (although technically our mailing address is in Lake Placid). We tend to split our dining outings between the two. So, after having volunteered to help with flood cleanup one weekend, we decided to go to lunch in Keene Valley the following weekend during the time the road was still closed. Our favorite option in "the Valley" for burgers is The Ausable Inn.

Driving into Keene Valley during that time was kind of surreal. There was no traffic - seriously, NONE. Very few people were out on the streets and it was strangely quiet. Mind you, Keene Valley has a Main Street situated on a very busy major highway leading into and out of the region. It was like we were in The Twilight Zone to be honest, but it was also kind of cool. We had the town to ourselves. I spent a great deal of time in my childhood in the valley as we had several relatives who lived there, most especially my "good 'ol Aunt Evelyn" and Uncle Ted who lived right on Main Street, at whose home I spent a lot of time. Main Street, Keene Valley, was mys econd home. Back in the 1950's and 60's there was a wonderful general store, Alexander's, one of the hubs of the community, along with the Post Office (now gone) and Keene Valley Grocery (still there!). However many more new and unique businesses have sprung up in the ensuing years and there are shops and restaurants to entertain and supply many of the needs of residents and visitors alike.

We arrived at The Ausable Inn (formerly known as the Spread Eagle 'backin the day'). We had the outside deck next to the street to ourselves. It was a gorgeous warm, sunny day. Of course I had to check out the whole menu even though I knew I'd order a burger. They offer what I call a "classic" menu from which anyone can find something they like - sandwiches to burgers to salads. Honestly I've only had their burgers and can highly recommend them. Always great! I had my typical burger and beer. Delightful! The Inn is located on the corner of Market and Main St. (Rt. 73), beneath the sign pointing the way to the John's Brook Lodge trailhead, among others. This trailhead accesses all the major High Peaks trails and is a good starting point for a multi-day trek into the back country.

Sitting on that deck next to the highway that fine early fall Sunday, I realized we may never have Keene Valley to ourselves again like that. A little selfish, yes. But it was kind of cool sitting there with no noise, no hustle and bustle and no traffic at all, and Noonmark Mountain towering above us in the sun, watching over the valley. I certainly never again would wish for the awful flooding Irene brought down on this tiny community and the surrounding area, and we're so glad it didn't take months to open the highway into Keene Valley. We were glad to give our small economic boost to the struggling businesses community during this time and we throughly enjoyed the serenity of the day.

Keene Valley is hustling and bustling with activity once again and there is so much to do in this pretty little valley community. Several Inns and B & B's are ready to welcome you to Keene and Keene Valley. Book a reservation for your stay in "The Valley" and mark it on your itinerary to try the Ausable Inn.

Packages and Promotions

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Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

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- Jan. 8

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Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

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The Bookstore Plus

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Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

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- Feb. 29

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Ampersand Bay Resort Sweetheart Package

Ampersand Bay Resort

Dinner for 2 at the Sunset Bistro ($150 value) Chocolate Covered Strawberries and a Bottle of Champagne in the room on arrival. 1pm late check out.

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

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The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

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Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

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Pre-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Pre-Season Golf from May 1- June 16. Stay two nights at the Cambria Hotel Lake Placid and play two rounds of unlimited golf and a cart at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort.

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Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

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- Jun. 27

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100th Anniversary Package

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

100 years at the Inn gets you $100 Resort Credit PER DAY!

Valid May. 3

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- May. 1

Immersion into Tantra Yoga

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Nourish your body and mind by indulging in a weekend of growth with Todd Norian, founder of Ashaya Yoga.

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- Apr. 10

Total Eclipse of the Park IPA

Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

Get your hands on some Out-of-this-World beer before its gone!

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- Feb. 7

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- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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- Jan. 11

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Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway! Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

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MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

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Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

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Packages and Promotions

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Stagecoach Inn

Valid Jan. 8

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Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Valid Apr. 6

- Apr. 6

Valid Feb. 21

- Apr. 6

Solar Eclipse Storytime

The Bookstore Plus

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Valid Feb. 6

- Feb. 29

Valid Feb. 6

- Feb. 29

Ampersand Bay Resort Sweetheart Package

Ampersand Bay Resort

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Valid May. 1

- Jun. 16

Valid Feb. 20

- Jun. 15

Pre-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Valid Jan. 8

- Jun. 27

Valid Jan. 8

- Jun. 27

100th Anniversary Package

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Valid May. 3

- May. 5

Valid Feb. 20

- May. 1

Immersion into Tantra Yoga

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

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- Apr. 10

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