Wilmington is a vacationer's paradise with its fine selection of motels, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and rental properties. I've stayed in the beautiful cabins at the Wilderness Inn II, and several people who rented rooms at the nearby motels during my wedding weekend had great things to say about the accommodations, but I'd never been in one of the local rental properties until recently. Curious, I reached out to Todd Ottenstein of Adirondack-Vacation.com, who gave me what I asked for and then some.
We started the tour at a new property called "Kimmy's Always Right." Kim, Todd's wife, demurely denied that she's never wrong, but by the look of the house someone is getting something right.
Just beyond the front door is the open first floor — the kitchen is to the right, and straight ahead are the dining area and living room, which comes complete with a large stone fireplace. As someone who cooks a lot, I can tell you that being in the same room as everyone else while I'm preparing a meal is great.
There are roomy bedrooms with extra-high ceilings upstairs and there's another bedroom in the basement, where there's also a root cellar room and a sauna. There is in-floor heating throughout the house, so the place remains cozy, even during mid-winter ski vacations.
Out back there's a deck, hot tub, and a firepit large enough to roast a cow in — or several bushels of corn, if that's your thing.
Todd explained that his properties are purposely a departure from typical Adirondack fare. You'd be hard pressed to find any birch-bark decor or deer antler chandeliers in his buildings, and that's the way he likes it. What they do have is all the comforts of home, including kitchens that are fully stocked with utensils, pots, and pans. That doesn't mean they don't have rustic touches, though. Many have exposed beams and pine board walls, all rising above the modern feel and decor of the rooms. It's a comfortable, cozy juxtaposition that feels intentional, not awkward.
After touring several of Todd's properties, one thing was clear. Each is idyllic in its own way, so you really can't go wrong with any of them. My favorite has a beaver pond behind it, making it perfect for birding or fishing. Most have postcard-worthy views of Whiteface Mountain and the Wilmington Range from their back decks, and all are tucked back into the woods. You'll feel like you're in the mountains without leaving the luxuries of home behind.
Beyond the bells and whistles, Todd explained that affordability is a big reason his houses are always booked. When you're splitting $350 a night* between six friends, that's a great deal, and regardless of why you're visiting the Whiteface Region — whether it's to bike, hunt, ski, or relax — you never have to go far to find what you're looking for.
*Be sure to visit the listing for current rates and availability!
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