I KNOW THIS PLACE

THE LODGE AT MOUNTAIN LAKE

11 LAKESIDE DRIVE EAST, BELVIDERE, NJ 07823 908-750-4573 • WWW.LODGEATMOUNTAINLAKE.COM

All around the region, in the Skylands of New Jersey, there are little backroads that lead to small hamlets – hardly towns at all - that hide real jewels. Above the Great Meadows of New Jersey and just to the west of the Delaware River is a high mountain lake – respectively call Mountain Lake. And, this time, there is actually a lake.

We have had several friends rave about his place, so one nice spring afternoon we headed to the lower part of the Skylands. Just above Belvidere, on the ridge that lords over the valley that runs to the river, you will nd Mountain Lake and along with that, the Lodge at Mountain Lake. This is certainly not on the beaten path, but it is so worth seeking out. Owners Jeff and Laura McConnell have been

involved in the ner things for years. Jeff’s ability to create unique and exquisite designs comes from his passion for the art of construction. The location also hosts a general store to serve the community with groceries, freshly made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, along with the sale of alcohol package goods.

What we truly like about the Lodge at Mountain Lake is that you have to seek it out.

A true hidden gem.

The menu is easy and simple. The General Store adds a bit more oldstyle Jersey avor.

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner – depending on the time of day.

Breakfast has all the Jersey favorites – Taylor ham, bacon, sausage with eggs and cheese on your choice of bread, bagels and two specials – The Bukenmyer; a choice of meats, egg, and cheese with home fries or hash and The Beach Bar breakfast platter two eggs, meat, and potatoes.

For later in the day the General Store offers hot dogs, burgers (The Bait Burger is amazing), pizza, and calzones and you’ll also have a wide choice of sandwiches such as The Glaciers – turkey, Swiss, bacon, tomato, onion, herb aioli on a Ciabatta roll. Another favorite is the Casino – salami, capicola, Virginia ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, red wine vinegar on a 10-inch hero roll.

For those who like things greener – you can order The Bikini – a wrap with roasted green/ yellow squash, red peppers, red onion, spinach, fresh mozzarella, herb aioli on your choice of wrap. The Lilly Pad is a superb salad made up of mixed spring greens, shredded carrots. Cucumbers, grape tomatoes, feta cheese, toasted walnuts, cranberries served with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing on the side.

Taking a seat outside along the shore of the lake is a treat and, combined with the great 100-mile route we will give you, you will end up with a most excellent day on the bikes. We’ll start you off from Hermy’s BMW/ Triumph in Port Clinton, PA. Herm and staff run a top-notch shop, with some vintage stuff to pique your interest while perusing the new bikes, accessories and other offerings.

Along the way you will pass a very special place, certainly worth a stop. Columcille, a place for peaceful re ection, is lled with some amazing rock formations in the Megalith Park as well as the St. Columba Chapel, with a total of over 80 standing stones, with work still continuing. It is located on the Kitatinni Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. It is open daily from dawn to dusk, with suggested donations posted. ,

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