Did you know there’s a timeless European castle only 100 miles outside of New York City? This charming and historic resort is located in upstate New York nestled in the Hudson Valley. Initiated in 1869, the Mohonk Mountain House was once a 10-room inn created by Albert Smiley. Travel + Leisure gives us the perfect insight. The resort continues under the operation of the Smiley family to this day. Enjoy a lakefront stay on Mohonk Lake, admire panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains, take a hike on one of many trails, or recharge in a world-class spa.
Mohonk Mountain House is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Celebrate by joining a special anniversary weekend, during which you will meet Smiley family members and learn more about the family’s history of the land. Try a sweet scoop of Mohonk Mountain Crunch ice cream, a special edition flavor created in collaboration with Jane’s Ice Cream. Looking for an interesting interactive experience? Celebrate the history and culture of the resort by downloading the Hidden Histories augmented reality app on any smartphone to make the artwork come to life throughout the hotel. Here’s a list of what to do to make your Mohonk trip the most memorable getaway yet:
Eat a Memorable Meal
An overnight stay at Mohonk Mountain House includes three daily meals. Guests can choose from a buffet with options that are sure to please any palate. For a more luxurious and crafted experience, waltz down to the resort’s new fine dining room, known as the Surrey, and be regaled by the four-course dinner. Dress up, sip sommelier-suggested wines, and feast on dishes like seared sea scallops or braised duck ravioli.
Take a Hike at Sunrise
Rise and shine early one morning to take a tranquil hike up to the Sky Top Tower. Made of stone, this tower can be found on the Sky Top Path, taking you up a hill, past cliffside lookouts and gazebos, until you reach the tower. Get even higher by ascending the tower itself, breathing the clean mountain air and taking in the sight of multiple states.
Hit the Spa
A sign of a good spa is the incorporation of a local element. At the Mohonk, this lavish local element can be found in the Shawangunk Grit Mineral Body Treatment. This is an 80 minute experience beginning with a soak in the tub, followed by a “Shawangunk Grit” exfoliation, and finished with a relaxing massage. The “Shawangunk Grit” is fine quartz quarried from the resort’s own cliffs. The spa also includes a fitness center, a eucalyptus steam room, an indoor heated pool, verandas, and a solarium.
Climb on the Rock Scramble
Not for the claustrophobic, the rock scramble is a trail that takes you above, below, and through rock formations of all shapes and sizes. Children and adults alike can be seen squeezing through an intricate series of rocks and boulders. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip!
Feel the Lake Breeze from a Boat
The calm waters of Mohonk Lake are perfect for an afternoon of row boating, paddle boating, canoeing, or kayaking. These options are all free to guests. Here’s a tip: for a full picture (or selfie) of the castle, take a boat out into the middle of the lake for a great shot.
Relax Fireside in Your Room
Most of the rooms at Mohonk include a fully working, wood-burning fireplace. Everything needed to kindle a flame is included in the room and ready to go, but if you are in need of assistance, simply call the front desk and they will dispatch someone to start the fire for you.
See the Grounds on Horseback
You can view the Mohonk Mountain Castle grounds from the back of an old-fashioned carriage pulled by a mule or atop a horse on a trail ride around the resort. Kids can ride a real life pony as part of the Mohonk Kids’ Club. Equestrian activities are not included with a standard overnight stay and must be reserved beforehand.
Show Off Your Moves
Live bands stop by the resort throughout the year. Grab a drink from the bar and choose your spot to listen and groove to the tunes. Similar to Olive Garden, everyone feels like family at Mohonk, so know someone may extend a hand and pull you to the dance floor. If dancing is not your forte, stay for the sports. In the winter, you can partake in outdoor winter activities like ice skating, curling, and cross-country skiing on over 30 miles of trails.
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