Local Flavor, Mountain Spirit

By Santana Vicencio-LaBarre • Photos Provided

Wilmington, NY is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and a North Country favorite. It is an area where nature and community intertwine and at its heart, where routes converge and adventures begin, lies Cadence Lodge at Whiteface.

This hidden gem, at Wilmington’s four corners, is nestled between Whiteface Mountain, an Adirondack skiing hotspot, and Adirondack Chocolates, a historical sweet spot. While these landmarks may define Wilmington, Cadence Lodge embodies its heart and spirit. Aptly named, the motor lodge has kept a steady pace, like a beating heart, since it was first opened in the 1950s. Rooted in history yet offering modern comforts, it’s a place for both tourists and locals to connect, enjoy the scenery, and relax.

The lodge’s story began in 1957 as Winklemann Motel, a roadside motor lodge designed for the increasing number of Adirondack vacationers. The following year, Whiteface Mountain opened, making the Winklemann a welcome haven for families, ski groups, and summer adventurers.

For decades, the Winklemann Motel, with its neon sign, classic rooms, and simple amenities, was a familiar and cherished sight, having become a tradition for many Adirondack visitors.

In 2000, new ownership rebranded it The Birch Tree Lodge, maintaining its original mission to welcome travelers exploring the Adirondacks year-round until it was time for the next chapter in the lodge’s story.

In 2015, Don Biggs and Michele “Shelley” Powers purchased the dated roadside establishment, envisioning its transformation into Cadence Lodge at Whiteface. At the time Biggs was a lawyer in private practice and Powers held a marketing and communications position with UVM Health. Neither gave up these careers when they took on ownership of the lodge. Instead pouring every “non-working” moment into working on the business. Often finding themselves cleaning rooms at the end of a long work day, but they were working toward the future.

From the start, the couple were certain that the lodge wouldn’t just be updated, it would be honored. Biggs and Powers meticulously restored its character, collaborating with the Wilmington Historical Society to unearth its past. “The historical society went above and beyond to help us find the perfect images to highlight the history of the lodge,” Powers remarked, “every photograph on it’s walls is a piece of Wilmington’s story, a reminder the lodge has always belonged to the community.”

Over the first five years of ownership, the couple had spent countless hours updating the lodge, blending modernization with its history. The lodge’s 15 guest rooms running along either side of the parking area are like arms welcoming you into the lodge’s embrace. Guests are likely to be greeted by Oscar, a tiger stray, that adopted the lodge as his home and is cared for by owners, staff and guests alike.

At its heart is the lodge’s outdoor pavilion and event space. Open for guests to use or to be rented by locals to host gatherings like small weddings, birthdays, and celebrations of life for up to 50 people. In a small town like Wilmington, this is important. “Community spaces matter, and the lodge has fallen into that role with ease,” commented Powers. “Whether it’s over a good meal, at an event or around the fire pit, we’re happy to be able to offer spaces for people to connect and celebrate.”.

By 2023, Biggs and Powers had taken the bold step of transforming the innkeeper’s cottage into a full-service restaurant, a risky but community-benefitting move. This meant that Biggs would be stepping away from law and into the kitchen. Allowing him to focus all his energy on the business and its growth.

With a diverse menu featuring Mediterranean and American inspired comfort foods and housemade desserts the space can seat up to 25 guests and is often lit with the warm glow of candle light. Tables are treated to fresh baked focaccia from the kitchen as they review the menu. Servers double as ambassadors sharing with guests things to do at the lodge and in the surrounding area.

Guests are not limited to the lodge’s restaurant though, all rooms have access to The Community Kitchen, something chain hotels don’t provide. The Community Kitchen offers the basic tools of meal preparation: stove, fridge, microwave, pots, pans, dishes and utensils. They even have a year round outdoor grilling area. This is great for the family packing lunches for a day hike, athletes in training to meal prep, or a group meal after a hike. This can be a huge savings to some but could be imperative to travelers with special dietary needs.

If all that didn’t make you think the couple covered all the bases, this will! The dog owners made sure Cadence Lodge is pet friendly as well. Guests may bring up to two dogs per room to join them for their stay. Making all family members feel at home.

For Biggs and Powers personally it was important to balance traditions with growth. Every November, the lodge closes for cleaning, repairs, and a family Thanksgiving. A gathering hosted by the couple for roughly 25 loved ones. “For us to be able to take some time and enjoy the beauty of the lodge surrounded by loved ones, enjoying this place we’ve built is priceless.” Powers shared. This new tradition, at their Adirondack oasis, perfectly captures the lodge’s cadence, reopening better than before.

After seven decades, the lodge, now run by Biggs and Powers, continues to evolve while honoring its history, community ties, and the Adirondack spirit. From its origins as the Winkelmann Motel to its present-day role, Cadence Lodge has been an Adirondack staple. Offering more than just lodging or a meal; it providing a connection to history, community, and the essence of Wilmington, while making every traveler feel like a local.

Cadence Lodge

5706 NY-86

Wilmington, NY 12997

Phone: (518) 534-2335

www.cadencelodge.com