Saranac Lake, NY, the Adirondacks, Upstate New York

Picture the Adirondack Mountains, and vivid images come to mind: of majestic peaks and crystal clear lakes, fresh air, and outdoor activities to suit virtually every taste.the environment at its simple best. Located in the heart of upstate New York, Saranac Lake is a charming historic community of 5,500 souls surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondacks. It has always been an intriguing place, steeped in history as a health resort town. From the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries, Saranac Lake was the world’s foremost tuberculosis treatment center.

Rekindling links with its historic past, a group of local residents made up of yoga teachers, Reiki masters, physical therapists, as well as business owners and interested citizens, recently formed the Healing Arts Council of Saranac Lake, to promote natural health and healing.

“We have collaborated on weekend retreats for the past few years. One such retreat was Yoga and the Healing Spirit of the Adirondacks (for women) which featured a pontoon boat trip to the remote encampment described in the book “The Healing Woods,” which was written by Martha Rebentisch, a former Saranac Lake TB patient,” says Mary Bartel, instructor and owner of Inner Quest Yoga.

Through the efforts of its practitioners, Saranac Lake has regained much of its past allure. With tourism thriving (100,000 visitors annually), the area is enjoying a proud comeback as a center for wellness and is a must-see town when visiting the Adirondacks.