The Forge Motel is on the lakefront, with a beautful new indoor pool..thats the best I can say about it. It is probably one of the most "dated" (think 1965)

of the bigger motels, but it should be fine, as they have nice views, grounds and a perfect location.

Good food abounds..not alot of "ethnic" choices, but Frankies Restaurant is GREAT for Italian, which is located just south of the village on Rt 28..the Old Mill is popular, as is the KNotty Pine, but if you want a great meal in a casually upscale place, I think the Seventh Lake House (Rt 28 just North of Inlet, about 15 minutes from OF) is the best restaurant in our region. For casual, Slickers, a two minute walk from your motel, has great burgers, salads, munchies, dinners..great friendly bar.

The place to go for lunch on a nice day is Daikers Inn, which is also the busiest bar in these parts..they have a fabulous location (RT28 North, about 5 miles out of town) with a huge deck perched over beautiful 4th Lake..food is good, the view is great! In Inlet, check out the Woods Inn, 19th century dining room, serves lunch or dinner, looking up Fourth Lake. The Tow Bar Inn,(OF) the friendly bar in the center of town is a great place to grab a cocktail,but in season, Daikers' rules for craziness.

(its a fun crowd)..the Tap Room at North Woods Inn (just North of Daikers Inn) has a cliff side deck overlooking the lake as well, and depending on the weekend, music too. Remember you are in black fly season, so hope for a breeze, bring bug spray, or Skin so Soft, to help keep them off you. Climb either Bald Mountain or Rocky Mountain (the latter is a real easy hike)..both give you really rewarding views without alot of effort! Don't forget to check out The Arts Center, they always have a surprisingly cool exhibits going. I've just scratched the surface,

but this should get you started...also, in Eagle Bay

(8 miles North of OF) on the right entering the hamlet, is the "Donut Shop"..go early for a hot fresh

donut..its a tradition up here..they are a bit greasy, but really good old fashioned treats. In Inlet, Marys Bakery has great breakfast pastry. Also in Inlet, Kallils Grocery store sells amazing fresh Hommus and Tabouleh for your "healthy munchie cravings"..Have fun!

Thank you, I was hoping you would reply, as I see you have supplied great info to others. Sounds like one weekend won't be enough time to check it all out and I have a feeling OF just might be my new favorite place and we'll have to go back again and again. When we get back from our trip, I will be sure to let you know what we saw, did, ate and drank! Looking so forward to it. thanks again for your insight!

post a review on The Forge when you get back, ok?

have a great time..if you see me walking my sandy colored dog (with a bandana on) say hello! Have fun!

The recent airing on PBS of the Adirondacks show was wonderful. Can you tell me when Black Fly season is...or isn't? Thanks.

Hi! Well, its now, for sure. Saw some this week. If its cold, or windy, they aren't around. If we get a really hot day, they are cooked. In the past, I would say mid May to Mid June. The more populated areas are treated with BTI, which has helped us endure. The trails and woods off the beaten path (which is most of our region...lol), dif story!

Glad you enjoyed the PBS special on this part of the world! (don't let a few black flies keep you away) Have fun!

I stayed at the Forge Motel in April. I can tell you that the room ammenities were limited. For instance, I know we did not have an iron nor ironing board and I'm pretty sure we lacked a blow dryer. I also believe shampoo was lacking. I've somewhat come to expect these things in a standard room but we were only staying one night and they weren't important.

Didn't use the pool but it looked beautiful from the main lounge. They had a great view of the lake from the pool. I also thought their main lounge was rather attractive....had that Adirondack feel to it.

They serve a continental breakfast in the lounge. Bagels, cream cheese, coffee, orange juice etc. etc.

I had one of the best hamburgers ever at Slickers. Hadn't been there in years and I don't know of their reputation really but I'm going to go back for a Blue Cheese burger. Also had a great carbonated beer there....dark...don't recall the name.

Have fun!!!

oh, and I like Walt's Diner for breakfast!!!

Hey Kay!..Thanks for Walts Diner, how did I leave that out in my post? Its the perfect place to call for take out for lunch on the way to the lake. Have a safe holiday weekend!

I've heard about a "mail boat" does it run on Saturdays and do you need tickets in advance?

Old Forge Lake Cruises runs the "Mail Boat" during the summer season (its one of the oldest "boat delivery" mail routes in the country) It delivers Mon-Sat. There are far less stops on the route than when I was a child. The boat has limited seating (small boat), and goes up the Fulton Chain, stopping

along the way, and handing off the daily mail to the recipient on the dock (and vice versa with outgoing mail)..the problem is that you have to be on the dock, waiting to get your mail, so most people on the lake now have Post Office boxes,rather than having to stand on a dock with a mail sack! Its a nice run up the lake though, in a smaller boat, and gets closer to shore than any of the other larger tour boats. Have fun!