The Altmar Elementary School, now the high-end Tailwater Lodge, is an excellent example of old buildings that have found a new life. School-to-hotel is not a quantum leap. They have a lot in common: halls, rooms, and a kitchen making the adaption easier. The Lodge is located in Altmar, a quiet, bucolic area of Oswego County, New York.
Every aspect of the property has the stamp of quality. The first impression is one of the well landscaped lawns with the tree-lined tailwater as a backdrop. Tail water refers to the water immediately downstream from a hydraulic structure such as a dam, bridge or culvert. In this case it is down river from Bennetts Bridge Hydroplant. The place is a favorite of anglers from
all over. For wannabe anglers the hotel rents everything needed for a day of fishing at a reasonable rate. A license is easily obtainable locally. New York State had a license-free weekend at the end of June. Anglers staying at Tailwater Lodge have private access to 2000 feet of the best stretch of the Salmon River and, to sweeten the deal, it is only a short walk from the accommodations, restaurant, and bar. The designers have thought of everything including a wader washing station.
Tailwater Lodge has its own guide who can arrange everything and it doesn’t have to be fishing. Tailwater is a destination resort and while the area is a mecca for anglers during fishing season and a hotspot for snowmobilers during the winter months there is much more to experience. Bird lovers and hikers have plenty of trails to explore. White water rafting is nearby. Not to miss in the area is the beautiful Salmon River Falls and the Salmon River Hatchery. The Lodge hosts interesting events including the recent Uncorked Canvas that paired wine and painters, and recently a musical group performed under a tent on the expansive lawn.
The restaurant draws people from near and far. Housed in the former gym it is beautiful with a great bar and the one-time stage that is now home to a unique, specially made pool table. The meals, as one might expect, are excellent, which is only one
reason to visit. The accommodations are comfy and luxuriously appointed with rustic touches creating a relaxing getaway for a night or more. Imaging a beautiful fall evening, or maybe a wintery evening with gentle falling snow, sitting around their fire pit eating s’mores. Tailwater Lodge is a great destination anytime but it is especially lovely when included on a fall driving trip. For more information check Tailwater.com.
