January 6, 2023

New Paltz, Mohonk Mountain House in New York



Families looking for a vacation spot that offers old-fashioned charm, extraordinary service, and activities for kids, will find Mohonk Mountain House delivers on all points. The historic Victorian castle transcends the centuries meeting the varied needs of contemporary families. It is a naturally fun vacation place.

Resort:
Gracefully perched on a rocky bluff and surrounded by 2,200 thousands of acres of woodlands and fields, Mohonk is one of the unique natural wonders of the northeast. The white stone ridges shadow the deep blue waters and intriguing wildlife habitats. It is nature at its best; a peaceful a resort for all seasons. Centering the resort’s dramatic beauty is Lake Mohonk, a half-mile long, 60-foot deep mountain lake, perfect for a swim and ideal for embracing tranquility.
The resorts accommodations are in harmony with the surroundings. Quietly luxurious and welcoming, the ambiance of a slower paced time sets the stage for guests of all ages inviting serenity to prevail. Polished woodwork, inviting period furnishings, and cozy fireplaces await guests making it easy to feel at home. The sleeping arrangements, varied and elegant also include charming mountaintop cottages.

Activities:
The rich menu of vacation activities ensures that no one will be bored. At the top of the list is the impressive list of hiking venues available within the resort as well as the surrounding area. Guests may enjoy more than 85 miles of adventure, beginning with the well-marked trails that weave through the Mohonk woodlands and encompassing a few rock scrambles along the varied cliff pathways that frame the lake.

The organized programs for children relate directly to pre determined age groups and allow children to share time with age peers. The youngest tykes the enjoy art, sing-alongs, dramatic play, storytelling, “furry friend” hikes, and pony rides. Ages four to six have flexibility based on personal interests, the more active child may choose hiking and a frog hunt in the morning, while another child may pick swimming and arts and crafts. For ages seven to 12 activities include rock scrambling, tennis and golf clinics, orienteering, team building, and sports tournaments. For teens ages 12-18 mountain biking, day-long hikes, rock scrambles, golf and tennis clinics fill the days. Evening options include the Teen Lounge-- a special place where teens may listen to music, watch movies, play games and make new friends.

Each season Mohonk offers vacation packages created to meet the needs of busy families. The inviting mountain family escapes frequently include a free (or half price) stay for children ages 4 to 12; family activities and children’s programs; complimentary seasonal sport activities (tennis, midweek golf, boating, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snow-shoeing); three meals daily, plus afternoon tea and cookies.

Value Added:
Throughout the year Mohonk Mountain Place provides quests with interesting programs that add vacation value making each stay unique and memorable. For example: During Nature Week in June join John Serrao or Mohonk naturalist Ann Guenther and enjoy nature the old-fashioned way. Also in June guests will receive the benefits of music —from classical to contemporary, baroque to jazz, and opera to rock. Roger Thorpe, leader of the Sammy Kaye Orchestra and trumpeter extraordinaire, and Barbara Thorpe will conduct this week-long medley of musical days and nights. In August when the night sky is filled with patterns from the famous Perseid meteor showers, astronomer Bob Berman will lead guests on a meteor hunt. At the end of August families may enjoy still enjoy a breakfast cookout, garden and nature walks, lake swims, square-dancing, a History House tour, and events hosted by Smiley family members.
The resort is an ideal place for togethering with friends and family. They provide family reunion options that make the idea of getting together at the “lake in the sky,” easy and memorable. They offer hospitality with a soft touch, enabling family members to enjoy time together without worrying about the details. Bonus points: To assist in the planning and hosting, the resort provides a family reunion coordinator to do the details. Options include a private dining room or outdoor setting; social rooms for family private time; organized sport activities; a scavenger hunt or family camp fire.

Discovery:
Mohonk Spa and Fitness Center will open during the summer of 2005. Enjoy recreation and renewal of body, mind, and spirit in a beautiful, natural setting complimented by the new facility. Sensitively designed to blend with its surroundings, the new 30,000-square-foot wing is a three-story facility dedicated solely to comfort, contentment, relaxation and rejuvenation. The state-of the-art complex includes an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, motion room, for Pilates™, aerobics, yoga, qi gong, and meditation. In addition, the new full-service spa will feature signature Mohonk treatments. The mountaintop spa menu includes manicures, pedicures, facials and many massage selections.

Location: 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, 12561. 1(845) 255-1000 or 1-800-772-6646 or go to http://www.mohonk.com/

Editor’s Note: Remember Rip Van Winkle? This is the region that inspired the legends. The tales of Washington Irving reflect the mid-Hudson Valley, the sleepy home of Rip Van Winkle. Irving’s tales include localized German and Dutch lore and uniquely American tales and legends. His timeless stories create a sense of place. Stories like ‘‘Rip Van Winkle’’ and ‘‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’’ remain timeless signatures of the area.

In the Area: The entire Shawangunk region of the Hudson Valley has been named “one of Earth's ‘Last Great Places’” by the Nature Conservancy. The Shawangunk Ridge supports a multitude of forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and rare plant and animal species.