The wilderness of the Adirondacks, and its potential for relaxation and recreation, have long been a draw for vacationers, as we see in this scene. But the rural towns of the Adirondacks have not always felt welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Guidebooks, including the Gayellow Pages and the Dameron Address Books, provided travelers with information on safe, welcoming spaces, including lodging, bars and restaurants, and bookstores. In the 1970s, bars and clubs such as Maxwell’s (ca. 1977–1979, Lake Placid), Frederick’s (ca. 1977–1979, Lake Placid), Arena (ca. 1972–1976, Lake Placid), and Mr. Chips (ca. 1976–1988, Lake George) were listed as welcoming spaces. In the 1980s, new bars and restaurants took hold, including Mud Puddles (ca. 1983–2010, Lake Placid), The Artist’s Café (ca. 1981–2001, Lake Placid), and Rumors (ca. 1988–1993, Lake George). Listings for lodging began to appear in the 1980s and 1990s as well, including The Wheel Inn (ca. 1980–1990, Tupper Lake) and King Hendrick Hotel (ca. 1988–present, Lake George). Today, I Love NY has an entire LGBTQ