The Hotel on Lake George

Leaving Canada's Quebec City,

we drove south about three hours to our country's northern border and proceeded on another few hours

to our second destination, the premier hotel on Lake George: The Sagamore.

This lovely historic hotel was purchased a few years back by a hotelier who invested millions in bringing it back to its former glory. Now it is one of the Opal Collection's crown jewels. No detail has been overlooked--from decor to flowers.

Easterners splurge on a get-away to this cool spot in the heat of the summer. This August it was uncommonly cool, even for the mountain lake. We dined alfresco, but under heaters and wearing sweaters.

On sunny days, there are many activities to choose from: hiking,

swimming indoors or outdoors in lovely pools, or water-skiing.

For the truly brave-at-heart, there is parasailing.

For the more sane, a cruise takes passengers to see the inlets of pristine Lake George.

We watched families play croquet on the front lawn

http://www.opalcollection.com

and golfers tee off from the manicured green beside the clubhouse.

Each of the hotel's several restaurants is superb, especially when dining with someone you love.

We saved our vacation until the end of the summer, so we could savor the anticipation. I must say, the days away in August were like a rich dessert at the end of a five-star meal.