Calling all hikers, rock and ice climbers, skiers, snowshoers, ice skaters, bikers, fishermen and river enthusiasts! Dancing fern lodge, a secluded 3 or 4 bedroom lodge, sits on 25 magical acres of woods and stream beds, nestled between the east branch of the Ausable river and the oak ridge section of the hurricane mountain primitive area. Towering white pines and hemlocks, wildflower meadows, lush fern glades, trickling stream beds, and glacial moraines and erratic compliment views of the Adirondack mountain's highest peaks.
Dancing fern lodge accommodates small groups or families comfortably. The bedrooms and bathroom are upstairs, all with lovely window views, comfortable mattresses, plenty of bedding and cozy flannel sheets in the winter time. The spacious main bedroom, which we call 'the blue room' has a king sized bed. A second large bedroom has a queen sized bed (Swedish foam mattress with adjustable firmness on each side). An adjacent bedroom has a daybed which opens up into two comfy twin beds. These two bedrooms are connected by swing open french doors, each having its own entrance from the hallway. The 4th cozy bedroom (and smallest) has a full sized bed.
Guests will find the kitchen, dining area and living room highly functional, comfortable, warm feeling and full of Adirondack character. The kitchen is fully stocked with dishes, silverware, pots, pans, coffee maker, etc. Laundry machines are full sized with soap available for use while visiting. The lodge offers cable TV, wireless internet access, and a hassle-free propane 'wood' stove, where you can cuddle up and stare in to the flames, exhausted by the day's adventures. Seasonal chills are kept out with heat monitors, and your hosts can light up the wood stove in the basement if temperatures drop severely. The standard for cleanliness is set high. Guests regularly comment on the immaculate and tidy feeling in the house.
The walls of dancing fern lodge are extremely fortunate to be graced with beautiful Adirondack wildlife and landscape photographs taken by Caroline fine, a well known photographer in the area. The artwork she has displayed at the lodge (including cards), are for sale.
Trails for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and hikers abound. Guests can explore looping trails on the lodge's property or bush whack their way up to the peak of oak ridge for a breath taking view. The jack rabbit trail, mt. Van Hoevenberg and cascade cross country ski centers can be reached within moments. Whiteface mountain ski center (downhill skiing) is no more than a 15 minute drive from the lodge. Upon request, guests are welcome to borrow snowshoes (adult and child sizes), as well as snow sleds. There are some fun sledding hills on the property and around Keene.
The yard is expansive and perfect for playing games, stargazing, or roasting marshmallows around a campfire (wood provided).
A short hike north will take you to your hosts farmstead, where they keep a family cow, chickens, horses and a large garden spring thru late fall. Guests are always welcome to visit the farm, help out with animal chores and might enjoy picking a basket full of organically grown veggies, then hike 'home' through the woods like little red riding hood to prepare an extra special dinner at the lodge. We've seen red fox here, but never a wolf!
Fishermen can access the river right at the bottom of the driveway, and for those who like to swim in rivers and lakes, Joe and Kaycie can direct you to some excellent swimming holes and beaches. We have tubes for borrowing upon request if you would like to luxuriate in the sun on a hot afternoon and float down river.
While the lodge is tucked back in the woods on a hill not visible from the road, triathletes should know that the biking portion of the Ironman goes right by the lodge's driveway!
Dancing fern lodge is located just under 1 mile from the center of Keene, making it ideal for guests who would like to go for a peaceful morning or evening walk along the river, ending up in town for breakfast or dinner at the ADK cafe or to grab a muffin and cup of coffee at cedar run (or a bottle of wine for later). While in town, you might want to peruse Dartbrook rustic goods store, peak in the Adirondack attic (a high end thrift store), pick up milk at Stewart (convenience store and gas station), or a pint of maple syrup at black rooster maple. Visit our historic little Keene library, schedule a massage, or surround yourself with the colorful and fragrant plants at east branch organics (wine and spirits available there as well).
For more information, please contact us with questions. While we've been renting dancing fern lodge through local realtors, we've just joined VRBO and are tweaking up our description of the lodge, as well as updated photos since we've changed some furniture and made several improvements.
