The Balsam Inn & Cafe

Drove to Stoner Lakes in my 20's, stumbled on The Balsam, when I was looking for a nostalgic drive back, in my 50's. Jen is a great host, and as others have commented, the locals and staff make for a welcoming relaxing atmosphere. Glad I could attend wing night! Wings done right, the habanero/mango was a great new flavor for me.
And a gas pump right on the premises!
I had come for a top-down drive around Sacandaga Lake, which was NY fall scenery at it's best. But also was informed by a local that Rte 10, the road The Balsam is on, is rated as one of the top sports car roads in the Adirondacks. So, luckily I had the next morning to take a drive north up 10 before I had to check out. Excellent curvy road, good pavement, gorgeous scenery, with absolutely no other traffic. I❤NY

Wonderful little hidden gem in the Adirondacks. My wife and I stayed here for a night and explored the hiking trails nearby. The owner is a charming host with endless passion for taking care of her guests. The food was outstanding and the atmosphere just as good. Highly recommend!

I had an excellent time here in February with friends and family. Jenny is a fantastic host and made sure that we had everything we needed to enjoy our snowmobiling weekend. The Inn is located on the trail system and is a great starting and ending point for your riding adventures. After a long day on the trails the Inn is a great place to relax. The rooms are beautifully decorated, beds are amazingly comfortable!! We will definitely make this a yearly tradition.

My son and I were travelling to Johnstown for an event we were participating in. Normally we would have stayed in Johnstown, but it seemed that all of the rooms in all local hotels were booked. We started looking at other places close by. We happened upon the listing for The Balsam Inn. After reading some of the information we found online, we decided to give it a try.

Now, I have to say, if you are looking for a "Marriot/Hampton/Hilton" type of experience, this place isn't that. But what the Balsam Inn might lack in the "corporate image" department, it makes up for it ten-fold in environment, personnel and atmosphere. As you pull up, the building is very unassuming: it definitely has the look of a building that has been part of the community for a while. We arrived close to 8pm, after a long drive from Rochester, NY. We walk in and immediately, we were greeted as if we were long lost friends. The barkeeper notified the owner that we were here to check in, locals we didn't even know treated us like they had known us for years. Jenny, the owner, comes out from her other position as cook to welcome us and give us the tour of the place. Honestly, I felt like we had just pulled up to a friends house after travelling, with them waiting anxiously for us.

The accommodations are not traditional, I will let you know that now. But they are very comfortable. If you read the listing online, you are most likely to question the "communal bath". No, its not like a Roman bath house. I would compare the layout more to an old style boarding house or a bed and breakfast in an older community. The multiple bedrooms, which contain doubles, queens, kings and some twin beds, are all on the upper floor of the building, which has its own outside entry, as well as a back entry from the pub/inn area. The guests "share" the use of a full bathroom, with a tub/shower unit. It's obviously a "honor system" kind of thing, where you need to be aware of others staying that evening. Jenny is limiting the number of folks right now, but I am sure that will change. Like others have mentioned in their reviews, the rooms are very simple, just that....a bedroom. But the bedding is some of the most comfortable I've slept on.

Not only is Jenny the owner, the cook, the hostess, she is also the one who did most of the work to restore this building to its past grandeur. She told us of her life, how she got to where she is today and what it is like as a small business owner. Hearing how she bought the inn and started this whole journey during the heat of COVID is truly awe-inspiring. I have to tell you that I don't remember one time that she did not have a smile on her face. She truly wants to make sure that your experience at the Balsam Inn is the best it possibly can be.

Jenny mentioned that she has been serving food for about 6-8 months now and things are a little slow in taking hold. But I have to say that the offerings were awesome and definitely fitting of the atmosphere. Pulled pork, sausage, peppers and onions, a porkchop dinner...everything was flavorful and filling. They have a large selection of beverages to pick from. If you are a local or just passing through, stop and grab a bite...you won't be sorry.

My thanks to Jenny and everyone at The Balsam Inn and Cafe! If we find ourselves in the neighborhood again, we will DEFINITELY stop in!

The Balsam Inn & Cafe is truly an undiscovered treasure–- three amazing things about it are the beautiful and natural setting; the historic and well-restored inn itself; and the friendly and accommodating proprietress, Jenny. First, the setting–in the Adirondacks on the edge of the “Forever Wild,” (a designation, I learned from Jenny, which is an area of the Adirondacks under special protection to keep it natural) it is very quiet and stunningly beautiful. Just a couple hundred yards from the hotel is a great place to put in a kayak (borrowed from the inn) and paddle a few soul-restoring miles. Sitting behind the inn at night with a fire smoldering gives one the chance to enjoy the moon, dark forests, and the call of owls and frogs. The inn itself is historic, and well and comfortably appointed. To my midwestern sensibilities, it seemed very northeastern, like a page from an L.L. Bean catalog–but way more down to earth. Jenny is what makes this all happen–she is relentlessly cheerful, enthusiastic, and accommodating. What’s more, she strives to create community for her guests; I spent a pleasant hour shooting the breeze with her and another guest who had ridden a motorcycle down from Canada over an outstanding Vermont IPA she had. There was a nice bonfire going, and volleyball and other games were available for guests were they so inclined. I stayed here for a one night stop on the way to pick up my kid from college, but can’t wait to return to spend more time.

Love this spot. Cute unique rooms, fancy bar, chill hang out area filled w pine cones and artsy stuff. Great vibe and aesthetic. Tons of hikes and outdoorsy things to do nearby. Jenny’s awesome, she’ put a bunch of time and care into this place and done an amazing job. Looking forward to next time I have chance to visit.

We had a great time staying at the Balsam Inn! Jenny was super kind and helpful. She really went the extra mile to help us make the most of our Adirondacks vacation. Great location near Caroga lake. We definitely plan on staying here again next summer.

Jenny is the Innkeeper. She will go above and beyond to make your stay a great experience. The Inn is located in the gorgeous Adironack Mountains. The groomed trails are great for all seasons. Hiking, snowmobiles, snowshoeing, cross country skiing. She even has kayaks available for beautiful excursions. The rooms are very comfortable. Sure to have a comfortable nights sleep. You’ll hate to leave. It may become your yearly vacation. Highly recommend.

Jenny is a fantastic host, she goes above and beyond every time.

Late 1800's Saloon with 9 bedrooms upstairs.

Snomobile trail right off the back of the property that goes to 9 Corner Lake (and to Candida if u keep going).

Hip Camping spot.

Great 24 hour kayak rentals (think kayak camping)

We were able to tour the lovely rooms and see quaint bar and downstairs seating area. We're looking forward to staying at the Inn at our next visit. It's convenient to many trails and lakes and Southern Adirondack attractions. The Innkeeper is a super nice person and she really cares about her Inn and her guests.

Great little place in the Southern 'Dacks! Right on snowmobile trail, cross country skiing nearby and a short trip to Royal Mountain. Jen is the hostess with the mostess! Always cheerful. Hope you enjoy your stay as much as we do!

Spent the night there and had the pleasure of meeting the inn keeper and fellow hiker Jenny! Amazingly comfortable clean and Adirondack inspired place. A gem in the heart of the ADKs. Best night sleep in a long time.

I’ve stayed in three different rooms and all of them are equally appealing. The attention to the aesthetics gives a charm to each room in a different way. The comfort of all the beds give me a better nights sleep than at home! If your in the area I highly recommend you stay here, you will enjoy!

Awesome spot to stay . Jenny is a great host . Beds are comfortable. Everything is super clean . Great stocked bar and common area to hang out at

This place is 10 stars!!!! Everything from the latte, to the bedding, to the service!!!! FEELS LIKE HOME!!!!

Very cool vibe. Jenny is extremely welcoming and fun. This is quickly becoming our favorite stop on our way to Piseco.

My family absolutely loves this place! We had the opportunity to snowmobile to the Balsam Inn this season and had an amazing time. Thank you for awesome hospitality.

Such a cool place!! The rooms are so cozy and inviting. Great bartender!

Love the Balsam!!! The rooms are Beautiful and the bar is awesome! Thank you for the wonderful hospitality. 🥰

I had a great stay and it's a great atmosphere.