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Overview The name Wiawaka means "The Great Spirit in Women". Wiawaka occupies a significant and historic site on Lake George. The land that is Wiawaka today was given by Spencer and Katrina Trask (the founders of Yaddo, the artists' colony in Saratoga Springs) and George Foster Peabody (the industrialist) to Mary Fuller to found this women's retreat. Across the country at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, women of means and education were showing determination and imagination to improve the lives of individuals and groups who could not take social action on their own.  Troy's women were in the forefront nationally -pioneering some of the first orphanages, day care facilities, retirement homes for elderly single women, and free schools for adult education. Wiawaka arises out of this venerable tradition.Today Wiawaka operates as a non profit 501C3 organization and a volunteer board of dedicated and progressive women make sure Wiawaka remains a haven for women. In recognition of its significance in the women's movement, its strategic location on one of America's most historically meaningful and aesthetically beautiful lakes, and its architectural integrity (principally Second Empire), Wiawaka was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. It preserves an atmosphere of tranquility at a time when few of Lake George's early estates remain intact. Even today that spirit of generosity and caring thrives as women of greater means make it possible for women with less to attend. Our generous workshop presenters donate their talents to enrich the lives of our guests. The descendants of some of those founding "angels of Wiawaka" continue to serve the enterprise today. Wiawaka is a 501c3 non-profit retreat center. We invite you to come, relax, breathe deeply and be reminded of the beauty of life. What We Offer
1500 feet of waterfront on 60 prime acres on Lake George. Three wholesome buffet-style meals per day. Accommodations for 40 guests in four buildings. Friendly, inclusive atmosphere. All buildings are smoke and pet free. Workshops as varied as knitting, quilting, sewing, Nia, Yoga, Tai Chi, writing and painting and lectures, performances and other life-enhancing activities, most of which are free of charge. Direct lake access on our property, a magnificent dock with panoramic views immortalized in paintings of Lake George, many breezy screened porches, two spots for swimming, and House of Trix a building that lends itself to groups activities from yoga to scrapbooking. There are nearby hiking and biking trails. We invite you to bring your bike, kayak or canoe. Feel free to call or write to inquire if we can accommodate an activity you have in mind. If yours is a large group please call and we'll endeavor to find you the best combination of rooms to suit your party. Rooms
Wiawaka serves and honors women from all walks of life in a beautiful,
peaceful setting that promotes reflection, renewal and kinship. The
accommodations are simple. There are single rooms and doubles, baths are
shared. Most rooms have lake views. There are no telephones or televisions
in the room. You can be lodged in a Victorian cottage (Rose or Mayflower), Lake House (a modern structure with wood paneled rooms and a giant screened in porch), or in Fuller (the main house named in Mary's honor). You are provided with a freshly cleaned room, bed linens and towels
and are responsible for your own room during your stay. In other words,
there is no daily maid service. This helps us keep rates low. View Rates Meals Your rate includes breakfast and dinner daily. Meals are taken in the main house dining room and adjacent screened porch - buffet style. The menu features fresh local ingredients with an emphasis on healthful dishes. No alcohol is served at meals. The House & Grounds  Wiawaka's
'campus' rests on 20 acres. The work of one volunteer master gardener
has transformed the landscape. Stroll around the grounds and gardens, admire the mighty white pines, help out in Wiawaka's
garden, bring your knitting, needlepoint, a good book, camera and your
watercolors, or take in the beauty of the lake by sitting on one of many
porches or the generous dock. Thursdays at 9:45 PM July 3rd through August
28th, the dock is a great spot for seeing the fireworks over Lake George.
Stop by the "House of Trix" which literally perches out over the lake with a stream running under the floor boards. House of Trix is named after a beloved guest of many years Beatrix (Trix) Enos.
She was a teacher at Emma Willard and conducted many workshops at Wiawaka
over the years. LAKE GEORGE- "THE QUEEN OF AMERICAN LAKES" If you'd like to get out on the lake, feel free to bring your own kayak or canoe (or see our links to rent). We have paddle boats, a guide boat and two swimming areas. We also encourage you to take a tour of "The Queen of American Lakes" from the Lake George Steamboat Company in operation on Lake George since 1817. We are happy to acknowledge that this company supports Wiawaka and offers guests a discount on tours. |
