Getaway Guide: Mohonk Mountain House

As the Hudson Valley rises from its namesake river to the mountains, a castle appears out of the frequent morning mist. Mohonk Mountain House, a sprawling complex of connected buildings, is set among rising cliffs that tower over a shimmering lake. Now a premier resort, Mohonk Mountain sprang in stages from a 19th century country inn. The main buildings hold common rooms with broad verandas and dynamic vistas, a pair of first rate restaurants, a lounge with a throwback tavern vibe and a veranda bar where you can sip a cocktail while watching a spectacular sunset.

Activities range from hiking, fishing and water sports to simply enjoying the solitude of personal gazebos with views of the lake and mountain. There's golf, tennis, horseback riding, mountain biking and rock climbing, strolling through carefully tended gardens or just relaxing on verandas that hold as many as 600 rocking chairs. A full service spa relaxes both the mind and the muscles. If you're in the mood, yoga and meditation are other unique elements of the Mohonk experience. And the entire visit here is all-inclusive -- one price covers accommodations, meals, most sports and numerous passive activities. Special packages include the spa, too. Let's take a tour. – Jay Lloyd

ACCOMMODATIONS

A wide variety of rooms and suites reflect the period when each wing of this 145-year-old Victorian castle was designed and built. Accommodations have been modernized yet retain the country flavor and furnishings of their era. One thing you won't find in your room, the common rooms or even the bars, is television. It's available, but you but have to request one and have it brought to your room for a fee. The idea here is to get away from it all, and that means the daily intrusion of elements that can raise the stress levels. Besides, many of the rooms and suites have amazing vistas that take in the lake or nearby Catskill Mountains. Private verandas are pleasant nooks for enjoying the scenic beauty day or night. Rates vary, with many coming in between $700 and $800 a night per couple. That includes all meals and most activities and depends on accommodations and special package extras.

DINING

There are changing moods, styles and offerings between lunch and dinner. But when a hand carved buffet includes a tempting roast duckling, a hearty lamb roast, plus turkey and trimmings worthy of a Thanksgiving table, you're going to need one of those rocking chairs after lunch. Dinner is an elegant affair of leisurely dining from a menu that changes nightly and presents a variety of selections in the fin, fur and feather groupings (with vegetarian and gluten-free options). We made it a nightly routine to stop first at the Carriage Lounge for drinks and chatter before heading to the main dining room. Casual dress is fine for lunch, but men are asked to wear jackets for dinner. If you don't have one, there's a rack of house jackets to tuck into (though you'll look better in your own). Breakfast here features all the usual suspects with an emphasis on made-to-order omelets and unique waffles.

ACTIVITIES

HIKING AND WALKING

With 85 miles of trails, hiking and walking are popular along fence-lined cliffs or through the woods and around Lake Mohonk and an adjoining preserve. The trails represent a variety of skill levels that range from an easy stroll to an extreme challenge. Gazebos are situated throughout the trail system to provide rest stops with eye-filling views.

WATER SPORTS

The lakefront dock cradles an impressive fleet of small craft that are all part of the package. Grab some oars or paddles and cast off in a canoe, kayak, row boat, paddle boat or paddle board. If fishing is your game, the lake will yield an impressive array of bass, perch and other pan fish.

HORSEBACK RIDING

The stable near the main building is the starting place for a trail ride through woods and fields. The rides are guided and cover easy terrain. The stable provides the horse, a western saddle and all related gear. Carriage rides are also available. Just wear appropriate boots or shoes, as sneakers and flip-flops can be hazardous to toes when worn around horses.

GOLF

The nine-hole, 2,700-yard Mohonk Mountain Golf Course has been around for nearly 120 years and offers a variety of challenges, from sloping greens to tree-lined fairways. Green fees and carts are included in the rates for weekday overnight guests. There's a comparatively modest fee for weekend play.

TENNIS

The tennis complex features red clay and soft green courts. Instruction is available, and there are a variety of tennis programs available, including one for seniors.

Other activities include rock climbing, mountain biking, landscaped garden strolling and an afternoon tea.

NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST

F.D.R.'s home at Hyde Park, The Culinary Institute of America and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point are all within a reasonable distance.

GETTING THERE

From Philadelphia and suburbs: To avoid the New Jersey Turnpike, work your way to I-287 North and pick up the New York State Thruway (I-87 north) to Exit 18, New Paltz. After leaving the NYS Thruway at Exit 18, turn left at the traffic light onto Route 299/Main Street. Follow Main Street through New Paltz. Immediately after crossing the bridge over the Wallkill River, turn right (follow the "MOHONK" sign). After 1/4 of a mile, bear left at the fork and follow Mountain Rest Road and Mohonk signs to the Gatehouse. (NOTE: The Mohonk Gatehouse is located about six miles west of the Thruway Exit)