The Point | Distinctive Hideaway in the Adirondacks

Weekend GetawaysPlaces
Written By PixelFix Films

The Point earned the distinction of becoming North America's first Relais & Châteaux member 39 years ago and remains the only Forbes Five Star property in Upstate New York.

Originally built over a century ago by William Avery Rockefeller II, this grand Adirondack estate—crafted from native timber and stone—embodies the 19th-century ideal of “roughing it” in refined luxury. Today, The Point continues that legacy, offering guests an exceptional experience marked by warm hospitality, seclusion, and meticulous attention to detail. It remains the only Gilded Age Great Camp in the Adirondacks open to the public, promising an unforgettable retreat steeped in history and elegance.

Attire

In the spirit of Gilded Age tradition, gentlemen are kindly asked to wear a jacket and tie throughout the week, while ladies are encouraged to don cocktail attire in keeping with the occasion.

On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, The Point observes a black-tie dress code, honoring the legacy of the Rockefellers, who once hosted distinguished guests—family, friends, and fellow titans of industry—from nearby Great Camps. These evenings feature a seven-course tasting menu with expertly paired wines, offering a graceful nod to the elegance and refinement of a bygone era.

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Named after a Mohawk word meaning “bark eaters,” the Adirondacks were long home to Indigenous peoples before becoming a magnet for exploration and escape in the 19th century. As the Industrial Revolution roared in America's cities, the elite sought solace in the North Country's quiet forests and clear lakes. By the late 1800s, the Adirondacks had become the playground of America’s wealthiest families—Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Carnegies—who built sprawling compounds known as Great Camps: rustic yet lavish retreats that redefined wilderness living.

In 1892, New York State established the Adirondack Park to preserve this treasured landscape, making it one of the first protected wilderness areas in the country. What makes the park truly unique is its combination of public and private land—intertwining nature preserves, charming towns, and elegant estates within the same boundaries.

Today, the Adirondacks offer a timeless escape: crisp mountain air, mirror-like lakes, and forests that blaze with color each autumn. Whether you're hiking High Peaks, paddling across Saranac Lake, or sipping wine in a historic lodge, the Adirondacks invite you to experience the rare balance of wildness and refinement—a place where nature and heritage are forever entwined.

PixelFix Films https://pixelfixfilms.com/
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