The historic Mohonk Mountain House, located in New Paltz, N.Y., has been a unique destination for generations. It was founded in 1869 by Albert Smiley with the purchase of 300-plus acres and a ten-room inn. Throughout its 150-plus years of operation, Mohonk has hosted an array of guests who have played important roles in American history, including five former Presidents of the United States: Rutherford B. Hayes, Chester Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and William Jefferson Clinton.
Just a two-hour drive from Bridgewater, Mohonk proved to be the perfect location for our family getaway. The resort has been recognized as one of the Top Family Resorts in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. Mohonk maintains its 19th-century charm while providing 21st-century amenities.
If you’re looking to unwind, the award-winning spa features a menu of nature-inspired treatments, an outdoor heated mineral pool, an indoor heated pool, a comprehensive fitness center and a yoga/motion studio.
We are the type of family who is more about filling our days with activities versus relaxing; this may be less by my personal choice and more due to the fact that I have four, active children who like to keep me moving. If you’re like us, Mohonk will not disappoint you. Every day you’re provided with a calendar of events to choose from.
While we visited late summer, there's no lack of winter activities to participate in as well, so don't feel like you have to wait for the weather to turn to enjoy Mohonk's splendor. Whether you seek the challenge of steep trails over boulders and cliffs or prefer a stroll along carriage roads, you’ll find your path. The views at Mohonk are simply breathtaking. I spent the majority of my trip marveling at the miraculous backdrops. Mohonk maintains over 85 miles of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and offers earth-friendly activities and programs that preserve the land and educate guests about the surrounding environment.
Mohonk also offers exquisite gardens, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, an ice-skating pavilion, horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage rides, and a glacial-formed lake that is ideal for boating, fishing and swimming. Our family particularly enjoyed the challenge of climbing the Labyrinth. This one-of-a kind trail is really a scramble through a myriad of huge rock piles as you squeeze your way up one final crevice to emerge near Sky Top.
A stay at Mohonk Mountain House includes three meals per day, Afternoon Tea & Cookies and most nonalcoholic beverages. The Main Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with a range of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, artfully prepared by Mohonk’s expert culinary team led by Executive Chef Jim Palmeri. The team is equipped to accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian and other dietary restrictions.
During the summer months, The Granary is another option. This was a fan favorite of our family. This outdoor barbeque includes ribs, hot dogs, burgers, barbecued chicken, veggie burgers, corn-on-the-cob, various sides and salads, fresh berries, pies and ice cream. On Saturday nights, they host a to-die-for Lobster Bake that is sure to be the culinary highlight of your trip.
Other food options include The Carriage Lounge—a cozy space to relax and enjoy light fare, such as sandwiches, salads and soups accompanied by beer, wine and hand-crafted cocktails—and Sunset Porch, where guests can enjoy their favorite beer, wine or cocktail on Mohonk’s signature rocking chairs overlooking the breathtaking view of the Catskill Mountains.
Overnight rates at Mohonk Mountain House include historic accommodations, three meals, afternoon tea and cookies, and many resort activities. For additional information, call 855.274.4020 or visit Mohonk.com.
SIDE BAR:
ACCOMODATIONS:
59 guest rooms and suites, five Scenic Cottages and Grove Lodge (includes six luxury guest rooms and a Great Room)
AMENITIES:
85 miles of hiking trails
Fitness center
9-hole Scottish-inspired golf course
Historic Barn Museum
Ice skating pavilion
Indoor swimming pool
Kid’s Club (During COVID-19, currently offering family activities instead of this traditional drop-off program)
Lake Mohonk, with access to swimming, boating and water sports
The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House
Tennis courts