Life at BMC
“I quickly found myself being as productive as I’ve ever been. And it was the best kind of productivity, too: the relaxed, fulfilling kind—not the over-caffeinated, deadline-driven, better-get-this-done-quick kind. The idyllic setting, the stimulating conversation of interesting writers and artists (who shared ideas and techniques), and above all the extended time away from the pressures of ‘normal life’ proved remarkably conducive to good writing.”
A side view of the BMC Clubhouse.
Blue Mountain Center is located in a turn-of-the-century Adirondack lodge on a 1,600-acre estate. Life at BMC is centers around our guests’ work, rejuvenation, and our communal life. The atmosphere is informal, cooperative, and curious. Since 1982, guests have gathered here in northeastern New York to work, converse, and find rest in a peaceful, supportive community.
Community
Blue Mountain Center’s foremost concern is creating a community in which our guests can reconnect with their work and find rest in a dynamic, joyful, and safe community. Our community agreement is one way we set our expectations for our guests. We are committed to co-creating our residency program with guests and remaining open, adaptive, and responsive to our guests needs – whether that be an addition to the community agreement, an adjustment to dinner, or doing our best to respond to your access needs. Residents also have multiple opportunities to pitch in and help with the life of the center. We appreciate when residents assist our small, hard-working staff in the garden, kitchen, and around the grounds.
Lodgings
Each guest stays in a room in either the “Clubhouse”, a late 19th-century clubhouse built by Adirondack Great Camp architect William West Durant, or the “Grey Cottage”, once the summer home of Harold K. Hochschild, a historian and founder of the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake.
Writers stay in individual bedrooms that double as studios. Visual artists and composers work in studios a short walk from their bedrooms. Linens and laundry facilities are provided.
Meals
The food at BMC is simple, wholesome and often focused around seasonal ingredients. We gather together at the dining room table for dinner. Breakfast and lunch are served for an hour each, and guests are welcome to enjoy them any time during the hour. Snacks, cookies, and leftovers are available any time. Guests are invited to help with clean up, and occasionally other simple kitchen duties! Dietary restrictions are accommodated upon request.
Cell Phones & Internet
Cell phones are not allowed at Blue Mountain Center during our Residency Program. We have a phone booth with unlimited long distance calling and a small Internet center with one public computer and ethernet cables / adapters for getting personal laptops online.
There is no Wi-Fi at Blue Mountain Center. The phone booth and internet center are available 24 hours a day. Family members and loved ones may call our office phone (518-352-7391) at any time in the event of an emergency. Video calls can be made by request.
Outdoors & Recreation
Blue Mountain Center is located within the Adirondack Park, the largest state park in the continental United States. Residents have access to over twenty miles of beautiful hiking trails. Four canoes and a rowboat are available for guest use.
The amenities — tennis court, canoes, lakefront access, and hiking trails — together with the surrounding wilderness, promise even the most diligent worker diversion and relaxation.
Beyond Blue Mountain Center
Blue Mountain Center is located in Blue Mountain Lake, New York, a hamlet of fewer than 100 permanent residents. Carpools to the Adirondack Museum (10-minute drive), the Indian Lake Theater (20-minute drive), and other sites of interest are often organized by staff and residents. Recently, BMC has become more involved in our surrounding communities with our Hamilton Helps project.
