Experience the past in our circa 1842 Greek Revival home lovingly restored and filled with antiques and beautiful furnishings. All guest rooms feature a private bath and full entertainment system.

From the old-fashioned country breakfast to the top-notch service, you'll be glad you made The Brambles your home away from home.

Come join us in historic Potsdam, NY nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks in picturesque St. Lawrence County. Located downtown, the Inn is within walking distance to both Clarkson University and the State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam.

Formerly the home of Helen Hosmer and built by a judge of St. Lawrence County, The Brambles is now an elegant Bed and Breakfast catering to a wide variety of patrons:

• With 4 colleges in the immediate area The Brambles is an ideal stay for prospective students and their families as well as alum and visiting professors.
• Those traveling for business enjoy staying at The Brambles for its peaceful atmosphere and wireless internet access.
• There is a lot to do in the area and some need to stay more then a few nights. Long-term accommodations are also available.
• Situated amongst the foothills of the Adirondacks, The Brambles offers a retreat for vacationists and outdoor enthusiasts.
• History buffs will be interested in not only our circa 1842 Greek Revival home, but also the quaint Victorian village of Potsdam.

Rooms:

Featuring five colorful guestrooms, The Brambles Inn & Gardens provides guests with comfort and stylish design. All rooms include a private bath, alarm clock, Cable TV with DVD player, personal care products and wireless internet access.

Also available upon special request:

• Blow dryer, iron/ironing board, laundry/drycleaning service, massage therapist, floral arrangements, fruit/gift baskets.

History:

The Knowles:

The house now known as The Brambles was originally built in 1842 by Judge Henry Liberty Knowles. H. L. Knowles was a noted attorney and the Judge of St. Lawrence County for eight years. As one of the first settlers of Potsdam, Judge Knowles was a respected member of society known for his high Christian principles.

With his passing in 1892, Judge Knowles left behind a beautiful Greek Revival frame house. The transoms, pediments, pilasters, dentil frieze, heavy cornices, and ionic columns that adorn the house are all trademarks of this grand architectural style. Heralding the ancient temples of Greece, the Greek Revival style was popular between 1820 and 1850. Most public and private buildings built during this time contained Greek Revival elements as it was seen as a symbol of the new burgeoning democracy.

Helen M. Hosmer:

After the Knowles, the property passed into the hands of Helen M. Hosmer. She graduated from Potsdam Normal School in 1919, became an instructor at the Crane School of Music in 1922, and then was appointed Director of Crane in 1930. The Brambles was Helen Hosmers personal residence while she carried out her office of Director from 1930-1966.

As an accredited music educator, Helen Hosmer travelled extensively across the globe, often visiting such nations as Africa, Morocco, and Yugoslavia. Helen opened her home to music students and important foreign dignitaries alike. The famed French composer Nadia Boulanger worked with Helen at Crane and the Von Trapp family of The Sound of Music fame once stayed in the house as Helen's guests.

The Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at Crane is named in her honor.

Region:

A Victorian and sandstone setting is the backdrop for Potsdam's modern educational, cultural and scientific centers, medical and shopping facilities, a wide variety of restaurants, local airport and accommodations. Rich in heritage, the community is also on the cutting edge of technology.

For nearly two centuries as the county's "cultural and educational center," Potsdam is home to Clarkson University, the State University College at Potsdam and one of the state's finest public school systems.

Located in the foothills of the Adirondacks, Potsdam is an ideal starting point for ventures into the mountains as well as nearby cities such as Ottawa and Montreal, Canada.

While in the area there are many activities to enjoy. The following list is just a sampling:

• Skiing
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Biking
• Golfing
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Antiquing
• Shopping
• Kayaking
• Sightseeing
• Snowmobiling

Directions:

From Albany:

Take Interstate 87 north to exit 23 (Warrensburg). Take Route 9 north about three miles to the intersection with Route 28. Follow Route 28 to Indian Lake. Take Route 30 north to Tupper Lake. Pick up Route 3 west. Route 3 intersects with Route 56 north, which goes into Potsdam. Driving time from Albany: approximately four hours.

From Burlington:

Take Interstate 89 north to exit 21 (Swanton). Follow Route 78 west to Rouses Point (Route 78 merges with Route 2). Follow U.S. Route 11 south to Malone: turn left onto Route 30 south: take the first right (Route 11B south) to Potsdam. Driving time from Burlington: approximately three hours.

From Lake Placid:

Take Route 86 through Saranac Lake to Paul Smiths. Turn right on Route 30 north and drive approximately nine miles: turn left onto Route 458 west to Nicholville, turning left onto Route 11B south at the intersection. Travel approximately 15 miles to the village of Potsdam. Driving time from Lake Placid: approximately one and a half hours.

From Massena:

Take Route 37 to Route 56 south. Follow Route 56 to Potsdam. Driving time from Massena: 30 minutes.

From Montreal (Dorval Airport):

From the airport, take Route 20 west (ouest) which merges with Route 401 west (ouest) to Cornwall. Take exit 123 marked "Bridge to U.S.A.:" turn left at the top of the ramp and follow signs to the bridge: follow Route 37 south, take Route 56 south to Potsdam. There are major rental car services at the airport. Driving time from Montreal: approximately 2 hours.

From Ogdensburg:

Take Route 37 to Route 68 south. In Canton, pick up Route 11 north to Potsdam. Driving time from Ogdensburg: one hour.

From Ottawa:

From the airport, turn left onto the Hunt Club Road; follow it to Route 16, and then turn left and proceed south on Route 16 to right turn at traffic light (marked "to Route 416"). Go about one mile and take second right, down ramp and onto Route 416 south. Continue on Route 416 to the exit marked "Bridge to U.S.A." Cross bridge. Once across the border, turn right on Route 37 south and then left on Route 68 south. In Canton, pick up Route 11 north to Potsdam. Driving time from Ottawa: approximately one and a half hours.

From Syracuse:

Take Interstate 81 north to exit 48 (Route 342) north of Watertown. Route 342 east intersects with U.S. Route 11. Follow U.S. Route 11 north to Potsdam. Driving time from Syracuse: approximately 3 hours.